Abstract This paper presents a literature review to evaluate how managers can increase the likelihood of individual development plans (IDP) attainment on the part of subordinates, in conjunction with looking at how to maximize the odds of high performance subordinates attaining IDP-based objectives. The paper explains that the accumulated research that is included in this review led to the development of a proposed IDP Attainment Model which seeks to create a high level of consistency and trust between managers and subordinates to ensure IDPs can be attained over time. This model is illustrated in this paper and demonstrates how how critical it is for any manager responsible for assisting their subordinates to be developmental in focus. The paper includes color graphs.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Correlating Manager's Emotional Intelligence (EI) to IDP Attainment
Transformational Leadership and its impact on IDP Attainment in Teams
Introducing the IDP Attainment Model
Conclusions
From the Paper "Transformational leadership theory does not isolate or otherwise place on specific leadership style in a vacuum or in some type of isolation. Rather, this leadership approach focuses on the implications of transformational strategies across the full gamut of leadership styles. Continuing on, this theory consolidates all leadership behaviors into one of three types, with the first being transformational. The second, more traditional type of leadership is transactional. Transactional leadership involves rewarding workers for good performance (and conversely punishing workers for poor performance) and includes the fundamental tenants of McGregor's theories of motivation and management."
Abstract This paper explains Hofstede's cultural dimension theory and describes the dimensions, which measure constructs of power distance, individualism, individualistic society, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. The paper points out that these cultural dimensions are a barometer of an organization's culture especially in multinational companies. The paper applies this theory to evaluating the marketing and management practices at Wal-Mart and Tesco.
Table of Contents;
Introduction
Shared Values Segmentation and Cultural Dimensions
Cultural Dimensions and Competitiveness
Pricing Strategies and Cultural Dimensions
Emergence of Cultural Intelligence and Trust as the Lasting Differentiator
Cultural Intelligence leading to Trust: The Foundation of Differentiation
Cultural Dimensions Leading to Values-Based Differentiation
Tesco's Retail Internationalization Process based on Cultural Intelligence
Quantifying Values as Differentiators: A Research Perspective
Attaining the role of Trusted Advisor in Served Markets
Conclusion
From the Paper "Overall, the research on organizational values suggests that a researcher must rely on the value expressions or enacted values of people and organizations. In essence, organizational values are reflected in organizational practices. Research in this area has been undertaken either through qualitative studies involving one or a few organizations or through quantitative, survey-based studies involving a larger number of organizations. In most cases, though, reviews have focused on content or text analysis to identify the espoused or desired values and on surveys to determine the enactment of those values."
Abstract This paper examines how trust is developed or formed, what results when trust is not formed and finally, what results when trust is violated. The paper looks at two types of trust, known as calculus-based trust and identification-based trust. The paper reviews several studies and concludes that trust, although it is intangible, is crucially important in relationships with any depth and commitment.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Discussion
Review of Previous Studies
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Some individuals trust very easily, and often far too easily which results in others taking advantage of their vulnerability while other individuals rarely trust others and only manage to extend trust after a firm foundation has been laid to base that trust upon. While violation of trust between casual relationships may not result in a complete breakdown of the relationship and it may be able to continue on some level the violation of trust between two individuals who are intimately close often results in a breakdown leaving a chasm far too wide to cross and at best takes much time, effort and willingness for trust to re-established and this may only result if the victim of the violation has the willingness to do so."
Abstract The paper reveals that in a basic sense, the culture wars of the 1990s consisted of perceived divisive debates in America over social issues such as abortion, affirmative action, homosexuality and school curricula. The general belief is that such heightened social conflicts erode the possibility of shared public values and open, democratic debate. This study, however, argues that the culture wars of the 1990s were largely overblown and did not speak to a pervasive schism in American culture. Several key studies conducted during the 1990s illustrate that while the perception of conflict was high, little historical and statistical evidence exists to corroborate that feeling.
From the Paper "Americans seem to have a perverse desire to frame everything in terms of conflict. At least in the last fifty years, there has been a growing rhetoric in the United States that characterizes everyday events and circumstances in terms of conflict. We declare war on drugs. We combat homelessness. We battle obesity. In some ways, it would seem that issues are not taken seriously unless they warrant the all-out rhetoric of war. Thus, it's not surprising to find that value differences over social and moral issues in American culture have been cast in the glare of battle. Lines have apparently been drawn in the U.S. as orthodox and progressive forces duke it out for bragging rights. From an historical perspective, though, the question emerges over whether or not these culture wars are real or artificial."
Abstract Is the current body of U.S. anti-trust law good public policy? This paper describes the roots and the current status of antitrust legislation in the U.S. with special mentioning of the Puerto Rican situation. It also covers the economic reasoning of antitrust in the light of per se unfair practices and business justification. Then, it moves on to give an overview of international antitrust regimes, namely EU, Germany, China and Brazil. It then discusses the call for loosening the law to create national champions that can compete on an international level.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
History of Antitrust Law
Public Policy Goals of Antitrust Legislation
Overview of The Economics of Antitrust
The Law: Per Se Deceptive and Unfair Business Practices and "Rule of Reason
Agencies
Consequences
International Perspective
Public Policy Discussion: The Need for National Champions?
From the Paper "In a concentrated market, with only a few firms, the danger is that they may find it easier to lessen competition by colluding. For example, they may agree on the prices they will charge consumers. The collusion could be in (i) an explicit agreement, or in a more subtle form known as (ii) tacit coordination or coordinated interaction . Accordingly, some cases are easier than others. The courts decided many years ago that certain practices, such as price fixing, are so inherently harmful to consumers that a detailed examination is not necessary to determine whether they are reasonable. The law presumes that they are violations - so-called per se violations - and condemns them almost automatically. Other practices demand closer scrutiny based on principles that the courts and antitrust agencies have developed. These cases are examined under a "rule of reason" analysis."
Abstract This paper discusses the youth market and the youth culture as a separate entity within the overall demographic of the U.S. The paper pays particular attention to the integration of the music and clothing industry and who these industries have become associated in the minds of the youth as being consistent with their culture and self expression.
From the Paper " Youth Culture v. Youth Market The concept of youth culture as a separate entity within the broader demographic of the U.S. population is tenuous at best because it shifts constantly from one point to another. At times various groups co-opt what they perceive to be youth culture for their own unique and idiosyncratic purposes: "Through magazines, music, sit-com style videos, cartoons, and other media, Focus strives to construct an alternative Christian youth culture that mirrors secular culture's style and consumption habits" (Hendershot, 1995, para.5). Just as likely is the current trend in Hip-Hop to turn its primary audience; a grand collage of youth from across the various demographics making up the U.S. population, into one conceptual body comprising a unique youth culture all its own (Taylor & Taylor, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses the argument of Francis Fukuyama in his book 'Trust', in which he addresses many of the flaws he finds in the modern capitalist democracy and considers the need for a more ethical regime to determine behavior in both the political and economic realms. This is a very cogent analysis for a time beset by political scandals and ethical failures in business such as the Enron collapse or even the current concern about excessive profits on the part of oil companies.
From the Paper "Francis Fukuyama has written a number of books on economic and political issues. In his book Trust, Fukuyama addresses many of the flaws he finds in the modern capitalist democracy and considers the need for a more ethical regime to determine behavior in both the political and economic realms. This is a very cogent analysis for a time beset by political scandals and ethical failures in business, such as the Enron collapse or even the current concern about excessive profits on the part of oil companies. The subtitle of the book is "The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity," relating economic prosperity with social virtues and ethical behavior. He uses the word "trust" in its broadest sense as what people want in society, meaning they want to be able to trust their institutions, their leaders, and the businesses with which they deal. "
Abstract This is a series of three short papers, the first two of which are both on the same subject matter, "trust in personal and professional relationships." These two essays use two different rhetorical models for discussing the same subject. The third essay is a process analysis of the writing styles and following the instructions given in order to write the first two essays.
From the Paper "Can I trust you to take care of that order by tomorrow morning?" the boss asks the new night shift worker. "Sure thing!" Bobby says. As Mr. Smith and his beautiful secretary are preparing to go out of town on a business trip, Mrs. Smith asks, "Can I trust you?" Although the words are the same in both situations, the implications are vastly different. There are several classifications of trust that have major impacts on our lives, but most fall into one of three categories: professional, personal or relationship-based and financial, and within each of these categories the emotional implications of maintaining or losing trust vary widely."
Abstract The writer of this paper details the manner in which various values and cultural traditions can impact an individual's or group's beliefs, attitudes and actions with respect to their day-to-day existence. The writer contends and explains how cultural differences affect communication, interaction and actions amongst different people. In an environment where little cultural diversity exists, it is likely that cultural differences will have little or no impact on human relations. This paper also discusses the issue of cultural differences in the workplace. Cultural diversity can lead to conflict as well as collaboration within the workplace, depending on whether or not people are willing to embrace people that are culturally different. This paper examines the impact of cultural diversity in the classroom, where teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. This paper also explores the issue of students with varying cultural backgrounds that have different perceptions of learning and communicating and the manner in which their needs are met.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Analysis of Cultural Traditions and Human Relations
Conclusions
References
From the Paper "Cultural differences even impact students in the classroom. More and more teachers are being asked to become more culturally literate so that they can better address the needs of all their students, rather than the few who fall into one or two categories. Students with varying cultural backgrounds have different perceptions of learning and communicating, thus may have a difficult time achieving in a classroom that does not recognize their cultural differences and methods of learning. For students to be successful in a culturally diverse environment, teachers must work to improve communications and the methods they use to teach, to ensure that they are addressing the needs of a diverse population. To understand how cultural differences impact human relations one must also understand what culture is."
A review of the articles "Theories of Culture" by Roger M. Keesing and "Marking Boundaries - Culture as Category Work" - Qualitative Inquiry by Anne Ryen and David Silverman.
Abstract This paper discusses articles by Roger M. Keesing and Anne Ryen and David Silverman on what culture is, and how we study it, and see what is different in one culture, as opposed to a different culture, or in a small aspect of culture. The paper explains that Keesing seems to be more inclined to see culture in dynamic ways, as always changing or developing, or that has to do with thinking processes, where Ryen and Silverman discuss culture in more material terms that can affect how people of different cultures understand each other. The paper also discusses how Keesing looks at cultures as structural systems so that the scholar will look at how a culture or a structure began and how it continues to influence human life. The writer believes that Ryen and Silverman seem more tied up in how an outsider looks at a culture, the dynamics of importance of what go on between human beings, as individuals, as opposed to the cultural system that Keesing tried to understand. The writer concludes that both articles manage to get across the care that must be taken when researching cultures that are not one's own, but the writer feels that Keesing's work is still not out-dated.
Outline:
Introduction
Theories of Culture The Human Factor
Last Remarks
From the Paper "A culture may adapt because new technology or kinds of organization have come along, or it may change so that a people survive, as in cultures that begin to conserve something so that they can survive in their environment. A desert people, for instance, may show a culture that is protective of water, does not waste water, or whose art shows themes of happiness as the coming of the rain, or safely getting to a place where water is available. Keesing then begins to look at ideational theories of culture that have to do with cognitive systems and how people decide what is special, appealing or what must be done, as all can influence culture. (1974:77f)."
Abstract The writer of this paper critically analyzes the ways in which De Munch and Korotayev start out by explaining that it is difficult to research across cultures because of "cross-cultural pollenization" that is, one culture tends to absorb some traits of the other. They point out that without adequate controls, the research can give both false confirmations of the hypothesis as well as false negatives. This paper is a negative critique of Cultural Units in Cross-Cultural Research.
From the Paper "The first group might look culturally diverse at first: 4 Spanish; 4 Iraqi; 1 Russian; 1 Estonian; 1 Javanese; 1 Ganda; one Greek; one Maronite-Lebanese. However, this group had significant cultural similarities, which the authors of course knew because they contrived the group. Some of the clerics were Catholic and therefore celibate. Others were Moslem and allowed more than one wife. It is hard to imagine how this example sheds any light on either cross-cultural studies or statistical and research methods."
Abstract As America becomes increasingly more diverse, the society will be presented with the challenge of understanding our cultural differences. This paper develops and designs a learning project that compares cultural differences of two ethnic/cultural groups. For the purposes of this project the writer compares the differences between Asian and Western cultures. The project is based on the cultural impact of performance in work force, production, sales, customer services, etc. Before one can create a learning project, one must first understand the cultural backgrounds of both groups.
From the Paper "Westerners tend to perform differently in the workforce than Asian workers. Westerners tend to be motivated by promotions and monetary incentives while Asian workers tend to want what is best for the entire company and their coworkers. In addition, jobs in the western workforce have higher turnover rates than those in the Asian workforce because Asian workers tend to stay with one company for a lifetime."
This paper discusses trans-cultural marriages, which defy ancient taboos by forming intimate relationships with partners from other cultural, religious and racial backgrounds.
Abstract This paper explains that trans-cultural couples not only face the challenges of all marriages but also have the added burden of their distinct backgrounds. The author stresses that the most important issue in trans-cultural marriages is to face the issues and not avoid them for the sake of buying peace with your selves and your families. The paper relates that cultural differences often remain invisible until they have been violated; therefore, one important task for couples from mixed backgrounds is to define, understand, learn and deal with their different culture codes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Typical Situations
Some Basic Rules about Mixed Relationships
1. Face the Issues
2. Clarify Your Different Cultural Codes
3. Sort-Out Confusion about Your Own Identity
4. Understanding the Zones
Three Cultural Dimensions
1. Time
2. Cohesiveness of the Family
3. Emotional Expressiveness
Conclusion
Determination and Endurance Pay Off
From the Paper "The reason why people in mixed relationships might sidestep such issues might be very similar to why all couples might avoid facing potential problems. First of all such unions are romantic relationships. Such romanticism can distract people from focusing on the ordinary problems that are part of everyday life. Most couples do not want to spoil a newfound love by talking about the potential for future problems. Furthermore, there is an added sense of romanticism for culturally mixed couples especially if there is disapproval from the couples' families. Cut off from their loved ones, the couple is pushed into each other's arms, and joins in their animosity for their respective families and in doing so may fail to experience normal uncertainty about their new relationship."
Abstract The paper explains how every organization has its culture and like any other culture, the organizational culture is composed of group interactions within a structured framework. The paper discusses how an organizational culture possesses similar features to any other culture owning folklore heroes, communications network and rites and rituals. The paper notes that like any other culture, an organizational culture must be carefully maintained in order to prevent it from breaking down.
Abstract The paper explains that cultural competence refers to being trained to work in any cross cultural therapeutic environment. The paper relates that every encounter is cross cultural because therapists and patients have differing reference groups. Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence involve the acquisition of both generic and specific cultural knowledge and skills. The paper stresses that unless the mental health psychiatric nurse takes the cultural influences on a patient into account, the goals and process for that patient will not be appropriate.
From the Paper "Cultural competence is associated with four areas: awareness, knowledge, relationships and skills. In order to work with people from diverse cultures who have a mental health disability, the nurse must have cultural competence."
