Diversity and Cross Cultural Differences in Work places Essay

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Differences in Workplaces Introduction            Different people have different mental structures due to the diverse type of personality and cultural background. The study of psychology has enabled people to know about the mental functioning of others making it easier individuals and groups to understand one another. Since people must interact in the day-to-day activities, there is need to harmonize this differences and create an environment where every member feel a sense of belonging. Psychological counseling plays an important role in preparing individuals to be more appreciative the cultural and personality difference existing between people. Psychology counseling is a field of psychology focusing on the personal and interpersonal working and on the emotional, social and health related issues of individuals and groups of people. This paper addresses issues arising from interaction of people with differences culture and behaviors. It also focuses on criminal investigation process in the psychological perspect ive.            Key words: psychopathology, personality, behavioral therapy, individualistic, diversity Diversity and Cross-Cultural Differences in Workplaces            Every individual is characterized by a unique pattern of thoughts, behaviors and feeling that contribute to individual’s psychological structure. Despite the fact that each individual is unique in personality resulting in diversity in peoples’ way of lives, people have always found themselves in crowds- be it in schools, places of worship, or any other social, political or economic gathering. Leininger and McFarland (2006) writes that the need to coexist in harmony compels persons to sometimes subordinate individual goals so that they can accomplish the goals of a group. Those individuals who are not mentally ready to accept the cultural and personality diversity between different people often find it hard to coexist with others.            Psychopathology has enabled counseling psychologist to understand the various aspects of one’s mental structure including genetic and biological issues. Psychologists are able to identify people who undergo atypical or disordered development from those with normal or typical development. It is paramount for coworkers to be aware of their colleagues’ mental structure so as to engage in the right way with them. This is crucial for the creation and maintenance of a healthy and productive working environment that is composed of persons with diverse personalities. In such a set up where workplace colleagues have to cope with different personality traits, one may find it hard to maintain a stable mental behavior and physical emotions and may suffer from maladjustment in case one is in a new environment. Counseling psychologists help such persons to alleviate distress and improve their wellbeing (Woolfe & Dryden, 1996). They also provide patients with assess ment and treatment of psychological issues.            Through behavioral analysis, one is able to systematically analyze another person’s or one’s own behavior so as to know cause of certain behaviors and consequently improve social interaction. Bad behaviors can be corrected or good behaviors adopted or through behavioral therapy. This is a method that is used bypsychotherapists and psychiatrists to treat mood disorders an anxiety usually caused by variables such as; social phobia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. According to Lesilie (2008), behavioral treatment techniques include;Role playing, discussing about coping mechanisms, breathing and relaxation method, activities to promote focus, modifications to anger, pain or fear, social skills training, positive reinforcement.            These methods focus on individuals shaping their behavior to cope with the environment. When individuals with behavioral disorders try to change their behaviors to suit that required in the workplaces, they often find themselves struggling to relate with the others and this leads to seclusion and isolation. On the other hand behavioral therapy should focus aiding individuals acquire control over their own behavior and blending it with the requirements of the workplace. This is important because one manipulates the environmentand learns to control their own behavior without compromising their personality which is vital for maximum productivity. With one’s own personality, the reception of stimuli and the response is not affected and therefore there are no negative consequences influencing the next occasion in the brain (Lesilie, 2008).            Persons who find it hard to conform to workplace ethics due to cultural mismatches should set standards for assessing their own performance and progress in behavioral therapy. Techniques such as self-management, self-control and self-regulation are used to monitor one’s progress (Woolfe & Dryden, 1996). Behavioral modification procedures are not procedures to punish those people with different behaviors but they are techniques to eliminate non-conforming working behaviors and also facilitate cross-cultural understanding. The make the workplace to feel better and builds a sense of satisfactory. For psychologists to offer the relevant advice to a person suffering from mental disorder, they must first find out the patients’ personality and understand how they think, feel, relate, influence and get influenced by others.            For applied social psychologists to attend to a patient they must try to adopt the personality of the patient so that they can employ the best techniques to treat a patient without affecting the patients personality. In this perspective the psychologist is able to develop development strategies that are aimed at improving the important aspects, programs and policies for the patient to have a positive recovery. Psychologists should aim at eliminating the negative attitude that a patient may have towards colleagues or the workplace. This is aimed at improving intercultural understanding and to offer a neutral platform where no culture is viewed as less or more important than the other. With cross-cultural understanding people will tend to be more committed to working together improving productivity.            Nevertheless, cultural competence is healthy for the growth of an organization that comprises of people from diverse cultures (Leininger & McFarland, 2006). This should not be overshadowed by the tendency to express cultural superiority over others but should demonstrate the ability to effectively engage in cross-cultural dialogues without intimidating or negating another person’s culture. This requires one to appreciate social psychology and be in a position to balance between positive and negative criticism on another person’s culture. Since not all people are equipped with the understanding of social psychology, training on cultural competence should be conducted to avoid such problem from arising. Some cultures are individualistic while others are communists and this play a big role in defining how coworkers exist. This necessitates the need for effective cross-cultural team-building and training.            As colleagues engage in affairs of the workplaces, each and every one of them is entitled to a certain opinion which one would like to support. If such a situation gets tense, certain body changes occur such as breathing rates and emotional changes if certain people are intimidating others for decisions to go their way. Such a phenomenon may result in one becoming uncontrollable or violent. Biological psychology is concerned with balancingwhat the mind is processing and the effects it has on the body. It analyses how ones behaviors and thoughts are affected by the brain and neurotransmitters. Various neurotransmitters have different effects on the body. For instance, neurotransmitter dopamine is responsible for movement and learning. Varying quantities of excess or too little of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the body results in disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease respectively. (Woolfe & Dryden, 1996).The comprehensive nature of bio-psy chology encompasses diversity and cross-cultural aspects of an organization. A bio-psychologist will reconcile individuals or groups of people that are not in agreement resulting in abnormal behaviors. When addressing such a conflict a bio-psychologist figures out in which area of bio-psychology the problem is. The following are the main areas of bio-psychology; sensation and perception, emotion, learning and memory, motivated behavior and control of movement (Woolfe & Dryden, 1996). Through these areas, bio-psychological problems and concerns are addressed.            Another area of psychology is the forensic psychology – an area that deals with the relationship between psychology and law. When a crime occurs, a criminal investigative process takes place in order to determine the offender, motive and to allow the right punishment if any to be given to the offender. The investigation involves investigative psychologist who explores the relationships between the offender and the nature of the crime that has been committed. The investigation process has the following major areas; investigating the crime, gathering evidence, use of technology, search and seizure, arresting and charging the offender who may also undergo detention and interrogation (Simon, 2012). Throughout this process forensic psychologists are involved as they help to establish a connection between an offender and the crimes committed. Essentially the forensic psychologist offers the following services during investigation process: evaluating the risks of r eoffending by the offender, child custody evaluation, recommending the length of the sentence to be handed to the offender, competence evaluation and testimony as an expert witness.            Simon (2012) says that throughout this period from crime commission to when the sentence is passed, a forensic psychologist will engage with the suspected offended in an attempt to get insight on the motive behind the offence. In some cases, the offender may be suffering from a mental disorder and it is the duty of the psychologist to psychological expertise to provide analysis and recommendations in the criminal case. In addition a psychiatrics’ examination is required to determine whether the offender/suspect suffers from a mental illness an opinion that is taken to be of very high value by the court since it might require the court to charge the offender as a mentally challenged person and this also influences the type of prison the offender is to serve the sentence. In conclusion psychological is an aspects great and delicate influence on the diversity and cross cultural differences existing in workplaces. Coworkers should work towards enhancing intercul tural understanding and acceptance. References Leininger, M.M. & McFarland, R.M. (2006). Culture Care Diversity and Universality: A Worldwide Nursing Theory. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett. Lesilie, C.J. (2008). Principles of Behavioral Analysis. Hove, UA: Psychology pr.Simon ,D. (2012). In Doubt. The Psychology of the Criminal Justice Process. Cambridge, CB: Havard University Press.Woolfe, A, & Dryden, W. (1996). Handbook of Counseling Psychology. Oxfordshire, OS: Carfax International Publishers. Source document

Imagery in Dante’s Inferno

Robert Herrick, an English poet, once said, â€Å"Hell is no other but a soundlesse pit, where no one beame of comfort peeps in it. † Picture any type of Hell with relief, happiness, or even the smallest crack of a smile. There is no place. In fact, one can only think of the complete opposite, whether it is a Hell filled with neglect, pain, disgust, or a never-ending life of horror. This is the place created by Dante Alighieri; The Inferno is exactly the type of Hell where no person would want to be. Even those who acted upon the lightest of sins suffered greatly.While each realm contained a different sinner, the punishment that each were forced to face was cruel, repulsive, and sometimes rather disgusting. Through grieving tears without an exit, unbearably itchy scabs, and a putrid, slushy ground, Dante uses vivid imagery to describe the various realms of Hell. As Dante passes through each realm, he uses organic and visual imagery to describe the sinners’ lives in Hell . When people feel an immense amount of pain, physically or mentally, they usually cry.Those treacherous to their country could not bear to handle their grief. However, as freezing rain and wind whipped their faces, their tears froze in their eyes. Dante used organic imagery to give a clear impression of the suffering these sinners dealt with: â€Å"Their very weeping closes up their eyes; / and the grief that finds no outlet for its tears / turns inward to increase their agonies† (Alighieri XXXIII. 94-96). Dante made it apparent that the sinners’ actions made their bodies filled with grief, a feeling that is painful enough for anyone.However, as if mental pain is not enough, Dante assures the reader that the sinners’ grief was thrown directly back into their bodies since they could not cry. Because of this, the reader cannot picture the sinners’ pain, but actually feel what it would be like to be unable to release grief through tears. In the realm of the alchemists, Dante uses visual imagery to portray their horrific pain. Cursed with leprosy and irritating scabs, the alchemists constantly picked at themselves in hopes of relieving their bleeding, itchy skin. Dante gives a picture perfect example of their torment.It was said that, â€Å"And as they scrubbed and clawed themselves, their nails / drew down the scabs the way a knife scrapes bream / or some other fish with even larger scales† (Alighieri XXIX. 82-84). The impression that Dante gives forces the reader into picturing the sinners drag their dirty nails into their prickly, scabbed skin, so rapidly and intense, that he compares it to a knife grating the scales of a fish. Dante also uses visual imagery to describe the lives of the gluttons. Since the gluttons spent their lives consuming massive amounts of food and drink, they represented themselves as garbage.Therefore, they were treated as such in Hell. The reader is able to visualize the punishment of a glutton throug h Dante’s vivid expression: â€Å"Huge hailstones, dirty water, and black snow / pour from the dismal air to putrefy / the putrid slush that waits for them below† (Alighieri VI. 10-12). The reader can obviously picture the clean ground beneath all of the disgusting dirt, mold, mud, and rancid slush. Dante also puts the image of the rotting gluttons that lie under this filthy mess into the reader’s mind. Each realm contains something different, and Dante clearly proves to give the sense of a different image every time.While every person has a different depiction of Hell, Dante provides fascinating imagery of his portrayal, so the reader can truly experience the same sense as he did. It may seem shocking, but even Dante was surprised to see what he found in each realm. Imagery not only creates a picture, but it also tells a story. When Hell is involved, both are needed to understand the full effect. Through grief, scabs, and garbage, Dante takes the reader on a ho rrifying, yet interesting ride through Hell that no one would ever believe he or she could imagine.

Cultural Quotient Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Cultural Quotient - Essay Example Moreover, the ultimate behavior that defines a fine line between the successful managers and the other managers is the Cultural Quotient also known as Cultural Intelligence Quotient. Like IQ and EQ, Cultural Quotient (CQ) is a set of expertise that has been proved to give the organizations a superior authority to survive in this competitive world. CQ could be defined as an individual’s capability to understand and function in an effective manner through the national and the organizational cultures (Livermore, 2010). Changes that occurred in the global business environment over last 20 years Everything in this world is changing, except for change itself. The rate at which the world has witnessed change over the past few decades is dramatic and amazing, both at the same time. The world has transformed into a global village in which everything is interrelated. Every walk of life has been influenced by these changes. The business world is mostly affected by change, in both positiv e and negative way. Factors that served as a catalyst for change are uncountable. They are numerous. However, two of the most important factors that initiated changes are globalization and technology. As Sultan and Chan (2000) have mentioned, over the last 20 years many of the changes in organization have been predominantly driven by two factors: globalization and technology. These two factors changed the entire course on how businesses operated. Globalization is somehow linked with demographic changes. These changes did affect the business world. Globalization and technology have made the customer more educated, more informed and more aware than ever before. Rapidly increasing urban societies are not only changing the whole coarse of societies, but the business within them as a whole. The increased interaction and interdependent relationship between the public sector and the private sector is also changing the whole nature of the businesses today. Technology means, innovation, new things, new designs, creativity - all these terms are synonyms for change. Businesses no longer rely on the trademark and classic products they started off with. They are continuously looking for new things that will help them to achieve competitive advantage. No longer experienced is preferred over youth. Now businesses seek fresh blood and fresh ideas. Hodgkinson (2007) holds the belief that all these changes have also altered the paradigm which businesses used to operate in. Advanced technology has brought information at the finger tips of everyone. May it be an employee or a consumer, everyone has access to information all the time. This information has served as a blessing as well as a curse for the businesses. More information means more variety and more choices. This has certainly brought a great threat to businesses who need to revise all their existing products, policies, practices according the non stopping trends of the world. The shifts of local workforce to the global w orkforce have also brought many challenges. The management practices have been altered. They are much more in consideration with the global culture than one particular culture. The world has now become a huge market where there are customers and stakeholders stretching from one corner of the world to the other. The cutthroat competition has pressured the business immensely. Business struggle is all the time to get a

Immigration as a political and social cleavage in France Essay

Immigration as a political and social cleavage in France - Essay Example For many years, France has been home to many immigrants. The immigrants came from all over the world. It is only until recently that most newcomers in France came from other European countries. Initially, the migratory stream in France mainly composed of African Arabs and more recently black Africans from French former colonies in West Africa and the Caribbean. There are also Turks, Lebanese, and Asian immigrants (Wade 47). More notably is a group of Muslim immigrants from former French colonies. The number of Muslim immigrants in France is high to the extent that France has Western Europe’s largest Islamic population. The influx of immigrants in France has resulted in the rise of a new conflict in the nation. The conflict has led to riots and changes in laws related to the French history, culture, religion and language. Many people in French believe that the influx of immigrants will erase the identity of France as a nation especially the influence of Muslims. Religious conflicts arise due to the high number of Muslim immigrants. The religious-related conflicts have resulted in riots in many urban centers in France and tensions in Paris, Roma and other places (Angelique 1). Most of the immigrants have different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. The high numbers of these immigrants in France threaten the native ethnic composition, culture and language of the French people. The entrance of new cultures and ethnicity has threatened the local culture. Consequently, the French immigration minister launched a great debate to determine the future of France at a time when France was experiencing a high nu mber of immigrants (Nicolas 1). However, there was opposition to these national debates on immigration. Cultural cohabitation from the immigrants has increased the tension as the nation is falling into a crisis of national identity. The effects of immigrants from North Africa has

Wind tunnel use Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Wind tunnel use - Research Paper Example An aerodynamic force is produced by any body which moves inside a fluid. The component of this force which is perpendicular to the direction of motion is called Lift.On the contrary, the force in the direction of motion is called the drag The Lift force is created according to the hydrostatical theorem of the Archimedes principle. According to this principle, the aircraft will be buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the air displaced by the aircraft. (Milne-Thomson, 1966) An aerofoil is a perfect example to discuss the creation of the lift and the reasons associated with it. An aerofoil is a non-symmetric object and therefore a non-symmetric flow field is created around that object. This non-symmetric flow field also causes an uneven pressure distribution which would not have happened in case of a symmetric object. In the case of the aero foil, the differences in the length of the upper and the lower surfaces and the shape causes the creation of a pressure gradient which resul ts in the creation of the lift force. Source: www.tpub.com The creation of the lift can further be explained using Bernoulli's equation. In a typical aerofoil, the length at the bottom is shorter than the length at the top. Therefore air at the bottom travels slowly to ensure constant displacements of top and bottom. Bernoulli's equation predicts that higher pressure will develop where velocity is slow and therefore the pressure at the bottom will be higher. Thus the upward force will be greater than the downward thrust resulting in the generation of an upward lift. (Munson, 2008) The horizontal component is labeled induced drag. b)Describe how atmospheric parameters ( temperature, pressure, density) affect the generation of lift and drag as an aircraft gains altitude.? The calculation of the lift has a simple formula which is Where  is the lift coefficient, L is the lift force,  is the fluid density, U is the relative speed between the object and the fluid and A is the cross-se ctional area (Munson, Young and Okiishi). This means that the lift coefficient determines the lift force and this coefficient is directly dependent upon the shape of the foil, the fluid properties and the roughness of the surface. Fluid properties include fluid density, viscosity and temperature which contribute to the lift force. The general equation for this is Where Re is the Reynolds Number, Fr is the Froude number, Ma is the Mach number, and  is a measure of surface roughness (Munson, Young and Okiishi) Thus when these external parameters change, the lift coefficient is affected directly which consequentially affects the lift force. Taking temperature to be the first variable, we know that temperature is inversely proportional to density. The aircraft, when it gains altitude, flies at lower temperatures and thus faces an increase in the density of the surrounding air. An increase in air density results in the increase in the weight of the displaced air and thus an increase in the lift force. A contradiction however is the mass of air which is higher near the surface of the earth due to gravity. Thus the density which is dependent upon mass decreases with increasing altitude, resulting in a lower lift force at higher altitudes. When it comes to pressure, it also decreases as the aircraft gains altitude. This is so because the density lowers and the direct effect of this is the reduction in the pressure gradient between opposite surfaces. Again this decrease causes a reduction in the amount of lift force produced. Research a) Describe how drag varies with airspeed and the generation of lift. Drag will always be present on a moving body, even though lift is not produced. What do we call this type of drag and how does shape affect it? As mentioned before, the drag force is the force acting parallel to the direction of motion or the line of symmetry of the object. It normally opposes motion and slows down objects. it is

Community college budget cut Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Community college budget cut - Research Paper Example Other than reducing student enrollment, some institutions have been forced to limit the number of programs they are offering due to the budget cuts. Laying-off of workers has been reported in some institutions because the institution can no longer sustain them. This phenomenon is evident in states that fund their institutions of higher learning. The paper will explore community college and state university budget cut, and how this political issue will affect the government and the people of the United States, now and in the future. In her article, â€Å"State Colleges Forced to Limit Programs,† Laurie Beth Harris asserts that the state colleges will be forced to limit their programs due to the budget cuts. The author begins by stating that the demand for jobs in the fields of health care and engineering has continued to expand. However, states such as Texas, Florida, and New York have abolished programs at the public universities in subjects like engineering and computer science. The elimination of these programs is attributed to the budget cuts. Apart from elimination of the entire programs, the schools have been incapable of expanding popular programs to meet the demand of the students. For instance, in Raleigh North Carolina, Wake Technical Community College has seen its enrolment expand by approximately 30% in the previous three years and at the same time getting budget cuts from the state of approximately 21% (Harris 1). The community college is popular for its nursing program, which is limited to 275 students; however, there are close to 1000 individuals waiting to be enrolled into the program. This has forced Wake Tech to develop a waiting list for the nursing program. While some students are waiting to be enrolled into the nursing program, others are positioned in a prenursing program. With the limited spots (275 individuals) for the nursing program, stakes

The Benefits of Greater Direct NGO Participation in International Law Assignment

The Benefits of Greater Direct NGO Participation in International Law Formulation - Assignment Example This postulation continues that many issues such as energy and climate do not only affect people locally, but are yet to be tackled at the federal level of governance also. This has left states with no recourse to leading the way towards inventing innovative policies. In this case, it is the federal government that will catch up with the progress that these states have made. California’s tailpipe emission serves as an apt exemplification of this battle for primacy. Unlike other states, California has an autonomous air regulatory agency, the 1967 California Air Resource Board (CARB). Recently, the federal government updated its CAFÉ standards as a way of harmonizing its environmental operations with CARB. States are using CARB as an example that validates the feasibility of supremacy of states (Baker, 2010). Another political reason being advanced is that states are autonomous and as such; when it comes to serious matters, states should act decisively in areas that house th eir interests. This is especially the case after it has been established that the federal government has failed to act in favor of a state’s interests. ... One of the benefits is that when a country such as the US acts by proxies like NGOs, the laws being vouched for can be easily accepted. This is in total contrast to direct participation by powerful countries such as the US. The veracity behind this development above is seen in the fact that America’s direct participation in formulation, interpretation and enforcement of international law is always perceived as being geared towards sociopolitical and economic hegemony. The case is not any different in the event that the US attempts to achieve these ends through the United Nations (UN) since America is known to contribute over 75% of the UN budget, and thereby having an inordinate sway therein. The same case will apply to international organizations such as the Breton Wood Institutions; World Bank and the IMF. The international community sees these two institutions as America’s conduit for extending its political and economic hegemony. Conversely, by using NGOs to marshal support for the formulation, interpretation and enforcement of certain laws, the US will realize greater efficiency. This is because, NGOs are better placed to demand accountability from state and non-state actors, since NGOs: liaise with the government; fund the government; and create employment opportunities. Because of this close acquaintance with the locals, NGOs can also participate not only in the formulation, interpretation and enforcement of a given law, but also in the domestication of the same. This scenario is aptly exemplified in America’s noble quest to have other countries pass terrorism laws, or the Antiterrorism Bill. According to Gordenker and Weiss (1995), the only tradeoffs that will emanate from involvement through the NGOs

Correctional Theory in General & Nontraditional Onces Research Paper

Correctional Theory in General & Nontraditional Onces - Research Paper Example Nontraditional strategies like Electronic Home Monitoring and Day reporting have garnered prevalence in the judicial system. They are aimed at reducing the judicial expenditure and enhancing rehabilitation into the community. Analysis of recidivism and educational and vocational results illustrates the effectiveness of these strategies compared to traditional correction strategies. Introduction Criminal offenders are members of the societal system who needs protection and care from the very society that they threaten. For this reason, correction facilities such prisons and juvenile correction centers have been established to help in changing the offenders from their criminal ways into responsible and productive members of the society. Correction of offenders is essential to ensure that they refrain from their criminal endeavors and also to enhance a safer community where no one is threatened by their presence. Sociologists and criminology scholars have advanced various theories, both traditional and non-traditional to explain the evolution and importance of correction systems. Each of these theories has been advanced to support various goals and objectives of the correction process. The goals include advancing the principle of cost effectiveness and reducing rates of recidivism. Prevalent Competing Theories of Correction Rehabilitative strategy is one of the prevalent theories of correction. Rehabilitation is aimed at making the community a better place to live by changing the mindset of the offender and eliminating the factors that make an offender engage in crime. It is also aimed at reintegrating the offenders back into the community rather than eliminating them and excluding them due to their acts. Rehabilitative strategy is all round as it not only changes the individual, but also changes the society from which the individual lives. It is a strategy aimed at completely eradicating the proponents of criminal behavior (Cullen and Gendreau, 2000). Boot camp ( Shock incarceration) strategy as the name suggests is a correction strategy that resembles martial indispensable training. This correction program entails manual labor, emphasizes on forceful physical bustle, and any activity that was aimed at reducng free time that the inmates might have. This strategy also implies strict rules as pertains to the appearance and the conduct of the inmates. Intense verbal techniques are also utilized by the correctional officers, aimed at constructive changes by shuttering the in mates resistance (Parent, 2003). Difference in the Goals of these Correction Strategies Goals of rehabilitative strategy Firstly, it attributed breaking of the law to social and psychological factors that led the individual to breaking the law and these factors needed to be dealt with in a personalized approach. Secondly, it aimed at changing the factors that led each offender to committing crime. In addition, the rehabilitative program was aimed at individualizing the corre ction of each offender on a case after case basis. Consequently, this correctional approach aimed at incorporating discretion in the imposition of sanctions to offenders (Cullen and Gendreau, 2000). Goals of boot camps (shock incarceration) strategy Boot camps as strategies of correction had three main goals. To begin with, they were aimed at reducing operational cost. Consequently, they were aimed at reducing prison populations. They were also aimed at reducing recidivism (Parent,

Cunduct a survey criticle analyzing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cunduct a survey criticle analyzing - Essay Example The paper goes systematically. In the first half of the paper, it provides a brief account of the approach to be taken while conducting this research. This is followed by a step-by-step guide through the entire process of data collection, data analyzing and reporting. It is not a manual on how to conduct a research. It is not even intended that way. It is rather a way to enlighten the novice researcher of the pitfalls associated with research and common mistakes encountered. It tells him, how he must avoid those mistakes if the work is to be deemed authentic and valid. Survey research asks of the same practices and methods as those undertaken in other approaches for research. The journal editors and the research community at large will evaluate a research report with the same level of intensity as that of any other research report. This does not imply that the survey research is difficult or complex, but the point being that the researchers need to be aware of the steps that should be taken in a survey research and they should be thoughtful, in their planning, execution and reporting of the project. More than anything else, survey research should not be considered as a quick, easy and dirty option. It should be worked over very cautiously. If haphazard work is done on it then, it won’t be able to add sufficient and desired value to education. The article elaborates on the development of the Team Diagnostic survey (TDS). It is an instrument which is used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of work teams and for research on team behavior and performance. The TDS revolves primarily around research and theory on the conditions set to foster and build team effectiveness. It gives an insight into how well a team is structured, supported and what is it’s leadership like. It reflects on how the processes members engage in while working, the impact of their reactions to the team at large and to the work . On the psychometric properties level, TDS

Entrepreneurial characteristics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Entrepreneurial characteristics - Essay Example Risk taking Risk taking is defined as a factor thing or element which exposes a person to a certain danger or which has negative impact on the person. Risk taking in business entails venturing into an idea or activity that might have negative impact on entrepreneur yet the same idea can bring positive outcome to the entrepreneur. Successful entrepreneurs need to have the ability to take risks in order to gain maximum benefits in case the idea succeeds. In many condition, opportunities are full of uncertainties as there are no ways to confirm if the move will be beneficial or not. As a result, many entrepreneurs are unable to venture in such ideas an aspect that makes them lose the ability to succeed. This enables an entrepreneur with this characteristic to fully own the idea and reap its benefits without intense competition (Gerber, 2009). If the idea succeeds, other business people utilize the idea but the entrepreneur who invented it will have created customer trust and barriers fo r the competitors to make use of the idea. This helps him in succeeding in the markets through gaining the largest market share and creating loyalty of the target customers towards the idea or product. One of the entrepreneurs who had taken risks in venturing in business is Michelle Moan. Despite her age she took a risk of investing in making bras that were more comfortable. As a result of going against all odds, she became successful and established MJM international which is one of the leading businesses in the world. The success of Moan was as a result of risk taking in an area that looked unpromising for many entrepreneurs. In 2000 she was awarded a world business achiever award which is a prestigious award given to entrepreneurs who has shown outstanding performance and innovation. This puts a challenge to entrepreneurs to be innovative and create ideas out of a challenge that they might be experiencing or a challenge facing the society. For a successful entrepreneur, an idea d espite how challenging it looks must be analyzed to look at its potential. Response to change Response to change is the act of reacting as a result of a certain change that has occurred in the sector, government or country at large. The world has become dynamic with many changes being experienced each day. For an entrepreneur to be successful he must monitor these changes as they might create an opportunity. New government policies are some of the changes that might create an opportunity for an entrepreneur. When an opportunity unveils an entrepreneur must be quick to respond to it through investing. This provides the entrepreneur with the opportunity to retrieve maximum benefits from the opportunity (Gerber, 2009). Response to change in case of an opportunity is determined by the flexibility of an entrepreneur. A flexible entrepreneur is one who is ready to shift from one way of doing things to another in order to fit in the new procedures that might be of great benefit. The best s trategy for an entrepreneur to become flexible is through setting aside capital that could be used to invest in a new opportunity. Such an act creates a difference between successful entrepreneurs and those who are not successful. In an example, changes in technological levels in the world created an opportunity for Steve Jobs to start Apple Inc which deal with various electronics such as iPod, iTunes, Mac laptops, desktop etc. His reaction was first despite the risks that faced investing in a sector that recorded major failures from previous