Hum 176 Wk 2 Media Convergence Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material Media Convergence Worksheet Write brief 250- to 300-word answers to each of the following: QuestionsAnswers What is meant by the term media convergence with regard to technology, and how has it affected everyday life? The term media convergence with regards to technology is defined as a process of combining together the telecommunications and computers and turning them into one electronic or digital form.The media convergence has affected our everyday life as we know it in many ways, you can now watch television shows, listen to music and shop online using your computer all without leaving the privacy of your home. Using the computer you can also communicate using the email, or chat option on the computer, eliminating the need to call from your phone. Facebook is another option that allows you to keep up with friends and family, while knowing where they are at all times.The internet is a multitasking piece of equipment that has replaced many forms of co mmunications. Hard back books have been replaced with e-books, which can be electronically downloaded from your computer. The way we watch television has also changed, there are so many things that we can do through the television. You can program your home lights and alarms from you cell phone through the television. You can also communicate through you television to others, replacing the need for a telephone.The television and the internet are just two examples of media convergence, that has changed the way we shop, communicate, listen to music, watch the news and educate ourselves, it can all be done using the computer and connecting to the internet. People actually live on the internet and are becoming less social, because there is no need to leave their home for anything. What is meant by the term media convergence with regard to business, and how has it affected everyday life?The term media convergence in regards to business is the combination of computing and information proc essing with telecommunication networks provided from magazines, music, and entertainment programs. This converging links computing, communications and content. An example would be content that has been changed through different forms of delivery, digital forms are transmitted through broadband or wireless for viewing on computer s or similar equipment, cell phones, personal digital assistants, to video recorders that connected to television (technology).Business industries (media, technology, and telecommunication) have combined and developed new ideas that can increase profit from the consumers’ growing need for â€Å"on demand content†. Many analysts view media convergence as ending of the old media and rise of the new media (industry). Some of the many changes that have affected our lives as a result of media convergences in the business industry are the way we view information, the way we do everyday tasks and our value system.As a result we now have PDA or persona l digital assistants this device is a portable electronic notebook/computer that store information, keeps notes, addresses, reminders, and has a calendar. It is a mini computer that allows you to everything that you can do with a computer using a stylus rather than the keyboard. It fits in your pocket or purse and people rely on this device in order to function in everyday life. The smartphone is also a device that people rely on and they could not perform simple duties without it.You can text, email, chat, shop, watch movies, play games, use face book and twitter all from the smart phone. This eliminates a one on one discussion with a friend or family member and takes away the personal touch of body language and having face to face conversation. What are some of the issues that result from dependency on modern media? Describe at least three issues. Some of the issues that result from dependency on modern media are the increase of becoming withdrawn from society, the loss of social skills and personal relationships with friends, family and other loved ones.Another issue that can arise as a result of dependency is the chance of becoming what is known as a â€Å"media junkie† where the modern media takes preference over anything else (losing touch with reality). The cell phone has taken away our ability to properly communicate with each other by using slang and abbreviations in place of proper English. People are becoming less active, less visible, and trusting with each other. Studies have shown that â€Å"gamers† or people who play games (game tournaments) over the internet for hours and hours without stopping are likely to lose social skills.People with addictions or dependency on modern media are similar to those of a drug addict. It has been shown to produce distress and isolation in many people who are deprived from these devices. I think that this a major concern for parents of students and this younger generation. Dependency on modern media has caused up to depend on smartphones to tell time rather than wearing a watch. We text each other to communicate rather than using the phone to talk, and as opposed to watching the new we go to face book for the latest information, replacing the family time together watching television.These are just a few examples of the issues that results from the dependency on modern media. How does media literacy help with responsible media consumption? Media literacy helps individuals develop an informed understanding the nature of mass media. This awareness will prepare you to make wiser decision concerning issues that are facing our society, results of dependency, promotion of unacceptable behavior and exploiting personal problems for profit and other serious problems that can arise as a result of media consumption.The amount of available information is overwhelming and media purposely promotes dangerous stunts, violence, even pornography. The media impacts our society through this inform ation and degrades our moral values, social values, and integrity. Media has shaped the way we live, think, communicate and our life styles. We have cars that can park themselves, we speed date, we date online, from relationships online, and the media has played a role in all of it. Media consumption is important to prevent us from falling into the snare of becoming isolated and less social.

Defining Beauty Through Lucy Grealy’s Autobiography of a Face

The Oxford Dictionary defines beauty as â€Å"a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form , that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight† (â€Å"beauty†). In â€Å"Autobiography of a Face,† Lucy Grealy expands this definition by exploring her own interpretation of beauty throughout the various stages of her life. As she examines life before her diagnosis, she mentions little about beauty as a factor in her development. She was a â€Å"tomboy par excellence†, more concerned with play than lusting after David Cassidy (15).While Grealy is subjected to extensive surgeries and chemotherapy she continues to be unconcerned with appearances, though she was â€Å"still keeping myself ignorant of the details of my appearance, of the specific logic of it †(104). She was aware of her looks from the taunts and teases of classmates, but remained intentionally unable to judge herself with the harsh eyes of post-pubescence. It wasn't until Grealy experienced her first Halloween that she realized just what an impact her association of beauty had on her.Under the concealment of her Eskimo costume, she realized â€Å"just how meek I'd become, how self-conscious I was about my face until now that it was obscured (120). † As time goes on, other people seem to compensate for Grealy's lack of concern with her odd appearance. Her mother purchases turtlenecks in an effort to alleviate attention from the scar. As puberty reached her peers, she accepted that she â€Å"would never have a boyfriend, that no one would ever be interested in me in that way (159). Grealy accepted ideal of beauty, throughout her adolescence, concerns only the opposite of what appearance she could hope to achieve. This is a feeling that can be echoed through the hallways of every high school across America, but strikes particular chord in Grealy's psyche. It is not until reaching college that she feels fully comfortable in her outward appearance . Sarah Lawrence was a campus where the students were wrapped up in asserting their own individuality and bizarre aesthetic, and Grealy thrived in this environment.Grealy's personal definition of beauty cemented itself in individuality, as she grew unconcerned with the frivolous nature of the physical aspect of it. She concludes this beautifully by writing that society â€Å"tells us again and again that we can most be ourselves by acting and looking like someone else, only to leave our original faces behind to turn into ghosts that will inevitably resent and haunt us. (222)† Word count: 414 Works Cited: Grealy, Lucy. Autobiography of a Face. New York: Perennial, 2003. Print. â€Å"Beauty. † Def. 1. Oxford Dictionary. 2012. Web.

Annie Dillard. Bio Essay

HEATHER PERPENTE (352)-438-8151 10060 SE 149TH LANE SUMMERFIELD FL, 34491 HEATHER. [email  protected] EDU APRIL 3, 2013 NATALIE PEETERSE SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY Annie Dillard started out her writing career misunderstood but admirable. Dillard became well known after her first published book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’ won the 1974 ‘Pulitzer Prize for General nonfiction at age 29. She received many complaints on her first novel such as, â€Å"not one genuine ecological concern is voiced in the entire book,† critics state. (Begiebing) Dillard’s eputation has exceeded what was once known as boring and unsatisfactory to one of admiration. In a review of ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ Hayden Carruth states, â€Å"In many respects to Annie Dillard’s book, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ is so ingratiating that even readers who find themselves in fundamental disagreement with it may take pleasure from it, a good deal of pl easure. † (Carruth) Indeed Carruth is correct. Dillard’s creativity with and in nature puts us in awe. Her writing is abhorrent and yet so beautiful. In 1971 Dillard stumbled upon an old writer’s nature book and thought, â€Å"I can do better than this. (Dillard) In 1968, Dillard spent a few years, following her graduation, by oil painting, writing, and keeping a journal. This journal is how many of her first poems and short stories were published In this journal, ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’ slowly started it’s well known novel. Dillard began her writing career as a young adult attending Hollins College (now Hollins University). Dillard studied literature and creative writing which motivated her to read classic novels as well as many books that humanity has promised themselves to read in the future, but never got around to it. After spending some time n college, Dillard married her writing teacher, the poet R. H. W. Dillard. In college, I learn ed how to learn from other people. As far as I was concerned, writing in college didn’t consist of what little Annie had to say, but what Wallace Stevens had to say. I didn’t come to college to think my own thoughts; I came to college to learn what had been thought. † (Dillard) Like many other creations in life, her writing began with a simple thought†¦ At the end of the island I noticed a small green frog. He was exactly half in and half out of the water, looking like a schematic diagram of an amphibian, and he didn’t jump.He didn’t jump; I crept closer. At last I knelt on the island’s winter killed grass, lost, dumbstruck, staring at the frog in the creek just four feet away. He was a very small frog with wide, dull eyes. And just as I looked at him, he slowly crumpled and began to sag. The spirit vanished from his eyes as if snuffed. His skin emptied and drooped; his very skull seemed to collapse and settle like a kicked tent. He was shrinking before my eyes like a deflating football. I watched the taut, glistening skin on his shoulders ruck, and rumple, and fall. Soon, part of his skin, formless s a pricked balloon, lay in floating folds like bright scum on top of the water; it was a monstrous and terrifying thing. I gaped bewildered, appalled. An oval shadow hung in the water behind the drained frog; then the shadow glided away. The frog skin bag started to sink. I had read about the giant water bug, but never seen one. â€Å"Giant water bug† is really the name of the creature, which is an enormous, heavy-bodied brown bug. It eats insects, tadpoles, fish, and frogs. Its grasping forelegs are mighty and hooked inward. It seizes a victim with these legs, hugs it tight, and paralyzes it with nzymes injected during a vicious bite. That one bite is the only bite it ever takes. Through the puncture shoot the poisons that dissolve the victim’s muscles and bones and organs – all but the skin †“ and through it the giant water bug sucks out the victim’s body, reduced to a juice. (Dillard) In the above quoted passage from ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ Dillard describes an event of nature that is both horrible and beautiful. Through each stage of a life, being human, animal, or insect, life has its beauty and value. We live and evolve and learn with every stage of our life. Does beauty lie in the eye of the observer? † (Krishnamurti) What an excellent question. Every individual has their own eye for beauty, but nature is the one beauty of the world that will never die. Dillard’s eye of beauty is unique. She discovers two ways in which to view nature: one of passionate and fixed attention to all things around her, and her second state is focused on an unaware state, where she connects, lives, and is the nature around her without regards to time in the present state. Dillard’s two states of ‘stalking’ and unawareness differ i n various ways, but llow her to connect with nature and her surroundings on a whole different level of understanding and appreciation. In ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek,’ Dillard relives multiple events in the past using both states (aware and unaware) to evaluate lessons she has learned and the closeness she experienced with nature. Dillard appears to be in confusion to which state of mind is most precious in the world, awareness or unaware. Dillard feels that the state of awareness is to be valued for it is a state of mind that does distinguish humanity from both, our creator (god) and our fellow animal friends.Without our ability to distinguish ourselves from other ‘creations,’ humanity would not easily learn and acquire information regarding the many creatures before us and nature itself, while being partially blind to our current surroundings as they stand before us. While at Tinker Creek, Dillard’s appreciation for plants and animals come by no surpr ise, but while she greatly admires the state of awareness, she has multiple interpretations of the state. Dillard implies that by being aware all the time may slow down, or deprive us from our experiences and living conditions in the here-and-now time frame.The state of awareness, or â€Å"innocence†, Dillard believes to be the ultimate state to view nature and the world in. By being in her â€Å"innocence† state, she becomes, (experiences first hand) all things surrounding her. She is able to â€Å"Live them as purely as we can, in the present. † BY the spirits â€Å"Unself-conscious state at any moment of pure devotion to any object. † (Dillard) When learning, experiencing, and connecting with nature, both states, â€Å"innocence† and â€Å"stalking† are necessary to Dillard. Dillard’s section including the frog that slowly has its insides liquefied then devoured, allows er to witness such creatures in their natural state while â₠¬Å"stalking† them. Dillard examines a Giant Water bug inject, liquefy, and devour its dinner; she watched the frogs spirit drift away from its eyes, and its skin sag, to be swept away by the ocean. Dillard evaluates the feelings of horror but beauty by this event which in return, helps her observe and learn from the events of nature while at Tinker Creek. From experiencing her â€Å"innocence† and â€Å"stalking† state, Dillard states, â€Å"I am prying into secrets again, and taking my chances. I might not see anything happen; I ight see nothing but light on the water. I walk home exhilarated or becalmed, but always changed, alive. † (Dillard) I believe that while Dillard visits Tinker Creek, she gives us a gift; the tool to observe nature, seeing and experiencing every event; a new view for appreciating nature in its beauty and horror. Through Dillard, and many other authors, we must find our own way to experience and learn from nature, whether that is t hrough reading such books as ‘Pilgrim at Tinker Creek’, or a nature hike of our own, if we choose to learn from nature. We can learn a great deal from nature writers ll over the world. Dillard views beauty in nature through horrible events by learning and experiencing thousands of things nature has to show and teach us. Dillard learns that while a picture of a darkened sky with remnants of clouds is a wonderful experience, nature, just like everything else beautiful in the world, has a horrible side that is seen when watching. â€Å"It’s the most beautiful day of the year. At four O’clock the eastern sky is a dead stratus black flecked with low white clouds. The sun in the west illuminates the ground, the mountains, nd especially the bare branches of trees, so that everywhere silver trees cut into the black sky like a photographers negative of a landscape. † (Dillard) WORK CITED: 1. Elliott, Sandra S. â€Å"Annie Dillard Biography. †Ã‚  Annie Dillard Biography. Rob Anderson, n. d. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://hubcap. clemson. edu/~sparks/dillard/bio. htm 2. Krishnamurti, J. â€Å"The Beauty of Death as Part of Life. †Ã‚  J. Krishnamurti Online. Krishnamurti Foundation, Sept. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2013. http://www. jkrishnamurti. org/krishnamurti-teachings/view-text. php? tid=1515&chid=1212

Imagine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Imagine - Essay Example This empowers the patient as he or she can now have a greater latitude in taking care of himself or herself because preventing disease is more affordable than treatment. The latter often disenfranchises the have nots and makes health care unjust as social epidemiology suggests that the distribution of disease, impairment and general health care issues are more concentrated in the lower strata of society where people in lower classes have higher rates of mortality and disability. While we agree that this should not be the case, concrete action has to be made to make heath care equitable and universal. And central to this effort of making health care more equitable and universal are nurses whose roles became more demanding now as the new landscape demands more health at lesser cost. This does not mean that nurses should adopt a defeatist attitude and sulk in petty grievance that the nursing profession is already overworked with health care institutions swelling with patients while nurs e ratio are not commensurate. Nurse in fact has to adopt a proactive mindset, to assume greater responsibility in finding ways to provide health care with less. In the long run, these new developments could be good for the patients as it is targeted at preventive care than treatment. But for the time being, nurses have to assume the responsibility of health care backlog as health care becomes more universal. Given these new demands on the profession of nursing of doing more with less, the nurse should be given greater autonomy in the dispensation of his or her duty to optimize his or her capacity to provide care and not be bogged down by unwanted bureaucracy. Nurses should be trusted for their role to be expanded in patient care and to be given more independence in the day to day patient care because just like doctors, they too care for the patients and is bound by an ethical oath of which they have to follow. Just like doctors, nurses also adhere to strict professional code that in cludes beneficence which directs nurses not to inflict any harm to the patient and to be just in providing care based on the patient’s need and not on other consideration. The reiteration of this ethical guidelines of which every nurse is bound to adhere should rest the doubt of anyone who suspects that nurses cannot provide adequate patient care when given more autonomy. In practice, the opposite could be true that could nurses could be more effective both from clinical and personnel management perspective. . This is now necessary because nurses cannot just rely on how things were usually done considering that the present health care is less than the ideal which is now becoming typical in most health care institutions in America because of the lack of budget, qualified personnel, equipment and supplies. This is important to stress because most nursing students today will become nurses in the future and we have to realize now that we should not accept this less than ideal sit uation in nursing. Nurses should not give in to the problems of deteriorating nursing institutions which is now becoming prevalent and acceptable today. We have to be proactive as early as now while we are still learning the ropes of nursing because it will shape our attitude when we become

Corporate reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Corporate reporting - Essay Example It is also about the organization and the recognition of what the economy is now, and what the economy ought to be in the near future. Corporate governance explains the types of processes and the ways in which companies and businesses are controlled and directed. They also indicate the level in which the managerial status of company is and include the information containing the board and its composition, the development that it brings and the level of accountability that it holds. Lastly, it focuses on the type of relationship that the management has with its shareholder, seeing that they are actually the owners of the company. Narrative reporting talks about the non-financial kind of work and it relates to financial information. Such information is presented alongside financial information and this enables for there to be an expanded understanding of a company’s main information (Robins, 34, 2010).   Response to the questions posed by the Finance Minister; 1. In Breakavia, the best placed to help in support of the initial development of the regulation for corporate reporting are the upcoming companies and industries, such as those in the industrial sector and also those in the tourism industry. Corporate reporting brings about the much needed transparency that will bring development in the country. There are certain international practices that can be used as examples in this country. Some include those of the companies that are based in the U.K and the U.S. From these countries, there have been major developments and due to their corporate reporting techniques have been named the best suited companies to rise in ranks. Significant information relating to companies include the market position that it holds, the supplies and the suppliers that it deals with, the general private and public performance both in and out of office and also the company’s future prospects. The next type of reporting, corporate responsibility shows basic information tha t pertains to the way that companies behold its image with its clients, their dealers, the society and the area or environment around them. Such information helps them attract and retain more clients and shareholders while still managing to increase the level of trust that the shareholders have put in the company (Stittle, 56, 2003).   Financial information about companies like in the United States brings transparency and enables a company to be able to maintain its major and final outlook. Financial regulation by the government is a form of regulation that allows financial companies and institutions to be subject to checks and guidelines. They also subject to certain restrictions, which are aimed at bringing about foreclosure of financial system and thus, bring about the rise of integrity of a financial institution. The financial regulation procedures can either be handled by the government of the state, capital markets and also other third parties. As for the regulation by the g overnment, there are laws that govern such activity; for example is, The Companies Act containing company law. There are also other legislations and edicts that are involved in the financial regulation of a business by the state. Regulation by capital markets is whereby there is the establishment of stock exchange to stipulate measurement and also

Drug and Substance Abuse among Nursing Professionals Research Paper

Drug and Substance Abuse among Nursing Professionals - Research Paper Example The primary factor that influences high drug abuse recognition is the assumption that drug abusers are either economically depressed or ignorant about the dangers of drugs. Nurses and other health care professionals are taken by society as people who are financially well-up and able to manage stress and depression. The society seems to ignore the fact that no one is his or her own doctor. Even those who take care of the social and psychological needs of the society need social and psychological help. Contrary to the general societal misconception, the number of nurses abusing drugs and alcohol has increased over the years. Researchers have found a significant number of nurses who report the lack of moral support from the society as the major factor that influences them to take drugs. The society seems to be over-expectant on the role of nursing, forgetting that nurses are also human beings and can get depressed. At the same time, a nurse who is found taking drugs such as alcohol is seen as an irresponsible profession who needs to be fired for being a bad role model to the society. Nurses are expected to be morally upright all the time. The society does not expect them to take drugs and preach against them at the same time. Based on the misconception of the society towards nursing, many health care professionals are forced to take drugs while hiding. They develop the feeling that people will not trust their services if they see them taking alcohol, smoking, or taking any other type of drug that society deems immoral.

Service Recovery Effects on Customer Satisfaction Essay

Service Recovery Effects on Customer Satisfaction - Essay Example Further, the research results showed that their was a correlation between service recovery and customer loyalty. 1. Introduction The concept of service recovery is both a business function and a critical focus point from the marketing perspective. The hotel industry is majorly based on offering intangible services and this makes service recovery an important business strategy. Essentially, service recovery entails the measures that an organization puts in place to respond to failures in service delivery. The hotel industry is prone to several variables that make it necessary to put in place service recovery strategies. Therefore, the effect of service recovery on customer satisfaction and loyalty becomes an important topic of research. To gain insight into this topic, the researcher used questionnaires to collect data which was used to analyze the impact of service delivery on customer loyalty and satisfaction in the hotel industry. 1.1 Research Aim This report aims to examine the im pacts of service recovery on customer satisfaction and loyalty in the hotel industry. ... 2. Literature Review 2.1 Service Recovery According to Keith (2008), service recovery is the well thought out process solving the issues of aggrieved customer and returning the customer to a state of satisfaction with the product or company. Service delivery can also be thought of as the set of actions a firm takes as a response to poor service quality (Andreasson, 2000). Therefore, service recovery can be considered as the response of a firm to its clients after a product or service failure with the intention of appeasing the aggrieved client and maintain their business value. The ultimate goal of service recovery is to ensure that clients maintain their business relationships with the firm that caused them the initial problem. In every organization, things occur that may have undesired effect on the customer. Hence, a company needs to have systems in place to implement corrective measures whe n things go wrong. The ultimate test of a company’s commitment to quality service is how it handles issues concerning instances of provision of below per services (Craig. 1999). He further argues that organizations need to put in place effective recovery strategies to win back a customers trust after instances problems in service delivery. Service recovery strategies are necessary to ensure that the service failures do not fit into a pattern of failure which might have devastating effects on the business enterprise (Berry 1995). Some studies indicate that excellent initial service is much better than relying on service recovery. However, other studies point out that service recovery has a greater impact on the customer than even the initial service.

Credit Cards - Phase 2 - ip Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Credit Cards - Phase 2 - ip - Essay Example While we know that you have now become a responsible adult, I would nevertheless, like to tell you something about the most crucial factor of one’s life. The management of money, especially the use of credit card is an important aspect of life and becomes all the more critical for the freshman because they not only need to know the advantages of the credit cards but also the pitfalls of its mismanagement. This is the one type of paper currency that gives you instant access to goods and services without actually having it in hard cash so it is easy to forget the value of money. Judicious use of money and credit cards shows responsible behavior and inculcates habits that would never let you fail in life. As you know, the credit cards have great advantages. One of the most important is that it helps you to meet emergency situations with ease and confidence. You do not have to carry large amount of cash while on traveling or shopping. They make it easy to buy goods and protect your purchases in case of theft or loss thus considerably increasing your purchasing power. Sometimes, credit card purchases may also give additional benefits of extra discounts. But the most important advantage of credit card is that they help you to establish credibility in the market which you would be a huge help when you require money for important matters of your life. Good credit card credibility is a great asset for securing loans from financial institutes, facilitates rental application and sometimes even jobs. You can acquire good credit history by making prompt payments of all your bills without resorting to part or installment based scheme of payment schedules. The biggest pitfall of credit cards is that it gives you indiscriminate power of spending and encourages people to spend money that one does not possess! This often leads to debts that keep accruing because as a

Defining the Good Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Defining the Good Life - Essay Example Wealth, health, a life without sorrow and pain are some of what seem to give people satisfaction, one that is said to be a good life. Perhaps it is. For the Greeks, a good life is one that shows happiness. It is then a matter of getting the most of what one has. For instance, a person who is lacking in wealth, according to the definition of the Greeks, can still have a good life depending on how he lives his life. That certain individual can either live in misery which is the extreme opposite of a good life or live so that he would make his life worthwhile and productive, a life that is flourishing. Human flourishing is a wonderful parallelism of the Greeks to a good life because it is perhaps the most accurate or closest accurate definition. Growing well is indeed one of the measures that show how a life is well-lived. It is not just a matter of living in luxury but it is also how a person lives to acquire a luxurious life, having the virtues a good life brings. This means that, in the case of wealthy people, they should not just enjoy what they have but strive to maintain and grow their wealth. However during the process, they should also maintain ethical attributes to keep them proud and satisfied with their achievements. When a person progresses or gains more wealth through illegal means or by using and abusing other people; that individual will definitely feel ashamed of himself. In fact, people who prosper in such a manner always live in fear of government authorities or their rivals and the people they have hurt. They may live in luxury, have money to burn but they do not have a good life because of the absence of the virtues they should possess. As the famous Socrates said, â€Å"The unexamined life is not worth living for† (facultyfiles.frostburg.edu). Indeed, when an individual does not examine himself, he tends to commit mistakes and repeats them time and again. Obviously, a life full of mistakes and without virtues is miserable and undesirabl e. It is not a good life. Being a philosopher, Socrates was actually pointing out to the critical examination of things, events and ideas, the contemplation, self-examination and open-minded wondering (facultyfiles.frostburg.edu) that lead to finding the reasons for everything. A good life is a life of reasonable reasons. Reasons abound but if they are well thought, they make sense and therefore show the energy put into it. However, when reasons are shallow, they often look and sound ridiculous, exposing the life of the person that is not worth living. In relation to the aforementioned discussion on having virtues, it is acquired by having a well-examined life. One who thinks about himself and knows his strengths and weaknesses would definitely be able to build up the strengths and work on his weaknesses in order for him to become a better person. For instance, when a person knows that he has talents in arts, he can do something to develop his gift and become skillful and successful regardless of his situations. A person who knows he is gifted but does nothing to improve it spends no time contemplating about what a privilege he has, has a life not worth living. Self-examination in itself is a virtue and indulging in it develops more virtues in an individual. For example, a man who examines himself develops honesty. It would be futile to examine one’s self and deny what he sees because this will cause a person to lose his virtues instead of gaining them. However, if a man scrutinizes himself and recognizes and accepts his weaknesses and faults, positive changes follow which is the development of more virtues that show what a real good life

Marketing coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Marketing - Coursework Example Agriculture and any other economic activity such as tourism cannot thrive in a society that does not have efficient water management strategies. Challenges related to water in Ethiopia have persisted for several decades now. Management of water resources is the only way to meet the growing needs for agricultural products soas to help reduce poverty and food insecurity. Further, water can be used as an important entry point to bring development in the social environment and economy thus leading to sustainable development (Gabre-Egziabher 2007, p.67). Ethiopia is also challenged with several civil wars. Ethnic communities have been fighting each other over the scarce resources in the country. The civil wars have also been linked to poor governance because there are numerous corruption scandals affecting the delivery of services to all ethnic communities. As a result, wars between communities have emerged. This level of insecurity cannot allow the smooth flow of tourists in the country (Kiros 2006, p.212). Due to mismanagement of water resources, Ethiopia has witnessed one of the worst droughts in the world. Human beings have died due to famine which prompted the international community to intervene and save the citizens from the great famine of Ethiopia that occured in 1986. Drought cannot allow any agricultural activity to take place, which is why food prices continue to be highin the country . According to the United Nations, Ethiopia is one of the countries that depend on relief food for its population’s survival (Brems & Beken 2008, p.129). Any investment in the tourism sector needs adequate infrastructure such as good road and railway systems. In Ethiopia, there are no adequate roads that can easen the movement of tourists from one region to another. The road networks as well as the rail systems are underdeveloped. The movement of tourists from one place to another cannot be easy in such a situation. In addition, there are no adequate airports that ca n provide air transport to various tourist attraction sites in the country (Asfaw 2006, p.48). In relation to security, Ethiopia does not have the right security personnel equipped with modern technology to identify terror threats. Terrorism continues to be one of the challenges affecting tourism. Without guaranteed security, there can never be any benefit arising out of the industry. In addition, the numerous ethnic conflicts are also not suitable for tourist visits to the attraction sites (Asfaw 2006, p.48). The weak and developing justice system does not provide procedural guarantees including legal aid, an appeal system, fair trial and equity before law. Despite these issues being given priority in the constitution, their implementation is still a challenge. The unreliable justice system is not friendly to potential investors in the country. Furthermore there is a severe shortage of trained legal staff meaning that potential investors and players in the tourism sector lack confi dence in the delivery of justice (Gabre-Egziabher 2007, p.67). Political repression is a major challenge to the citizens of Ethiopia. The ruling party EPRDF has continued to trample on the rights of the citizens. Opposition leaders are not given a chance to air their grievances concerning the illegal dealings and scandals in the government. The government has punitive legislative laws aimed at the press and the civil society. The main aim of the government is to affect the

Associated Memorial Health Center Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Associated Memorial Health Center - Assignment Example HR training and development responsibilities that address the problems in the case study include: AMHC HR should be involved in finding ways that will enable staff to enhance their career growth and development. Therefore, this HR responsibility will assist in solving the retention issues especially turnover rate in the organization. Most of the retention issue arises due to the high turnover rate of current staffs in the AMHC. There is also poor communication between staff and supervisors in the organization and late performance reviews and lack of promotional opportunities. These problems lead to high staff complaints. Therefore, AMHC should address the communication issues through proper training of both staff and supervisors. They need to be trained on the importance of the communication. HR managers should address the issues of performance reviews immediately. Staff needs to be trained to enhance opportunities of getting promoted in the organization. Proper training through leadership and management programs give staff opportunities of being promoted. HR should design training and development programs that change the behavior of staffs towards patients. Some of the issues that can be addressed include inattentiveness to patients by staff, rude behavior towards patients and patients waiting for long without getting any assistance. This behavior can be changed and the only way is to train the staff importance of providing clinical services efficiently.

The Insanity Defense Essay Example for Free

The Insanity Defense Essay The Insanity Defense is perhaps one of the most controversial issues in the legal world. It has become a favorite topic of critics for so long since issues regarding insanity defenses hold to be very sensitive. This paper will specifically discuss how the insanity defense works, what its effects are and how and why it has become controversial to many people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before we delve deeper into the topic, let us first clearly define what an insanity defense is. Insanity defense typically â€Å"refers to a plea that defendants are not guilty because they lacked the mental capacity to realize that they committed a wrong or appreciate why it was wrong† (Martin, 1998). Today, most states define insanity as a â€Å"mental impairment that impedes a person’s ability to understand the wrongfulness of his or her act (the cognitive prong). A number of states also permit a defense when the disability impairs the person’s ability to control the act (the volitional prong)† (Slobagin, 1998).   However one defines the insanity defense, it has always remained controversial because it allows those who committed a heinous crime get away from criminal punishments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The defense of insanity is â€Å"based on the premise that those who are unable to control their actions or appreciate the criminality of their actions due to mental defect or illness should not be punished under criminal law† (Dreisbach, 2006). The insanity defense is a legal test of criminal responsibility and it does not follow that it conforms to the medical definition of mental illness. Though controversies have been thrown regarding the insanity defense, it is rarely used and rarely successful as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since the insanity defense is not intended to be a medical definition of a mental incapacity, loads of controversies and criticisms have arisen over the legal criteria that courts should apply in determining whether a person should be acquitted on the basis of insanity. In terms of legalities, it is believed that courts have a lot to work on to assure the credibility of an insanity defense.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But how did the insanity defense started? The guidelines for evaluating the criminal responsibility for defendants claiming to be insane were codified in the British courts in the case of Daniel M’Naughten in 1843. A 1995 Frontline Article goes back to how the M’Naughten rule started: â€Å"M’Naughten was a Scottish woodcutter who murdered the secretary to the prime minister, Sir Robert Peel, in a botched attempt to assassinate the prime minister himself. M’Naughten apparently believed that the prime minister was the architect of the myriad of personal and financial misfortunes that had befallen him. During his trial, nine witnesses testified to the fact that he was insane, and the jury acquitted him, finding him ‘not guilty by reason of insanity’†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The queen was never pleased with the outcome, thus she asked the House of Lords to review the verdict with a panel of judges. The judges eventually reversed the verdict of the jury, and the formulation that emerged from their review states that: â€Å"a defendant should not be held responsible for his actions if he could not tell that his actions were wrong at the time he committed them†. This became the basis of the law governing legal responsibility in cases of insanity in England. The American courts and legislatures embraced this rule for more than a hundred years with almost no modification, until the 20th century when much criticism was already thrown at the courts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   During the 1950’s, a growing dissatisfaction of the M’Naughten test emerged. It was not just criticized in the legal circle but in the psychiatric circle as well. According to one 1995 Frontline article issue, one of the major criticisms of the M’Naughten rule is that â€Å"in its focus on the cognitive ability to know right from wrong, it fails to take into consideration the issue of control†. Psychiatrists agreed that it is indeed possible to understand that one’s behavior is wrong, but still be unable to stop oneself. To address this, the M’Naughter test was modified by some states with an ‘irresistible impulse’ provision, which â€Å"absolves a defendant who can distinguish right and wrong but is nonetheless unable to stop himself from committing an act he knows to be wrong†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Supreme Court has taken extra precautions in the proceedings in this area, with its few relevant decisions only indirectly addressing the proper formulation of the test for insanity. â€Å"Further evidence that the Court may not find the insanity defense to be an essential aspect of criminal liability comes from its treatment of the burden of proof relating to the defense† (Slobogin, 1998). The state may require the defendant to prove insanity beyond a reasonable doubt. According to Slobogin, â€Å"the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every fact necessary to constitute proof of the crime with which the defendant is charged.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In as far as law is concerned, does insanity defense really have a legitimate role? Hooper and McLearen (2002) state that: â€Å"Outside of assisting in sentencing, there are two places for mental disease in the legal system. The first is a defendant’s ability to understand the trial process. People who do not understand the nature of the charges or the functioning of the legal system are considered unfit for trial. More germane to this article, if mental illness had a direct effect on a given criminal act, an individual can be found legally insane.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The concept of insanity has change over time but the basic notion of this is that there are individuals by virtue of mental conditions have no understanding or control with their unlawful behaviors. However, the presence of a mental illness will not necessarily predict a successful insanity finding.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Later on, the American Law Institute (ALI) promulgated a Model Penal Code that included a two-pronged provision for insanity. The ALI states that â€Å"an individual is not responsible for criminal conduct if, at the time of such conduct as a result of a mental disease of defect he lacks substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality (wrongfulness) of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law† (Hooper and McLearen, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The American Law Institute was a significant softening of the M’Naughten standard. Frontline explains that â€Å"instead of requiring a defendant to have no understanding whatsoever of the nature of his acts or the difference between right and wrong, the ALI standard requires merely the person lacks a ‘substantial capacity’ to understand the right from wrong†. The ALI generally expands the M’Naughten rule to include an ‘irresistible impulse’ component. The ALI standard also excludes defendants whose mental illness, defect or incapacity only manifest itself in criminal or antisocial conduct, thus addressing the conundrum of the serial killer whose only symptom of a mental illness is the killing of his victims.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A popular example of a case in insanity defense is when John Hinckley Jr. shot the then US President Ronald Reagan and other Presidential officers in 1981. Hinckley claimed that he was trying to impress the actress Jodie Foster, with whom he felt he was infatuated. He later described the incident in a letter to The New York Times as â€Å"the greatest love offering in the history of the world†¦ At one time Miss Foster was a star and I was the insignificant fan. Now everything is changed. I am Napoleon and she is Josephine. I am Romeo and she is Juliet.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A jury acquitted Hinckley of 13 assault, murder and weapon counts, finding him not guilty by reason of insanity. This triggered a public outcry against what many perceived to be a loophole in the justice system that allowed an obviously guilty man to escape punishment. Because of the acquittal, widespread calls for the abolishment, or at least the substantial revision of the insanity-plea laws ensued.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Due to the incessant public outrage, the members of the Congress then responded to this by introducing 26 separate pieces of legislation designed to abolish or modify the insanity defense. All the new proposals were aimed at creating a stricter federal standard that would avoid acquittals like that of Hinckley. The Hinckley verdict introduced ways to make it more difficult to sustain an insanity plea.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The insanity defense has always been a complex topic and a lot of academic and scholarly works have been devoted entirely to explain its nuances. Learnmore lays down some major points of interest: Despite popular perceptions to the contrary, defendants rarely enter pleas of â€Å"not guilty by reason of insanity†. On the few occasions that the defendant does raise it, judges and jurors rarely support it. Neither the legal system nor psychiatrists can agree on a single meaning of insanity in the criminal law context. Various definitions have been employed, making the insanity defense more controversial to people. Defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity are not automatically set free. They are usually confined to a mental institution, and not released until their sanity is established. These defendants can spend more time in a mental institution than they would have spent in prison had they been convicted. An insanity defense normally rests on the testimony of a psychiatrist, who testifies for the defendant after examining him and his past history, and the facts of the case. Courts appoint psychiatrists at government expense to assist poor defendants who cannot afford to hire their own psychiatrists. There is no wonder that the insanity defense has held a lot of controversies. With its very perplex nature, there are always rooms for loopholes. For instance, how can one actually measure the authenticity of the â€Å"guilty by reason of insanity† plea? If one pleads that he is insane at the time of trial, how can one be sure that his testimonies are plausible enough to free him from guilt or give a lighter verdict? Could an insanity defense be the perfect step to take to get away from a serious crime that has been committed? Why cannot we have a unified definition of insanity? Why do requirements vary in a number of states? These and a lot more questions with regard to insanity defense are still left unanswered. Currently, the requirements for insanity vary by state. The typical standards require that â€Å"a person be unable to differentiate between right and wrong at the time of the crime. The inability to appreciate the wrongfulness of conduct must be the direct result of a mental disease or defect† (Hooper and McLearen, 2002). This requirement actually leaves me to ponder on a certain things. If the person is legally insane at the time of the crime, how can the legal system be assured of a legally insane person’s testimonies if the person has a mental disease or defect? Can the legal system assure the people that the insanity defense was not widely misused? Due to the controversies being linked to insanity defense, there have been wide attempts to eliminate the loopholes of the system and thereby force mentally ill individuals into prison. â€Å"Some state decisions have noted that criminal intent is an absolute necessary part of any crime† (Hooper and McLearen, 2002). So it is just right that the laws should be more focused on the guilty mind. Under these laws, a person must, as a result of a mental illness, lack the ability to willingly or knowingly commit and act. This looks more at criminal intent rather than psychiatric diagnoses, therefore claiming an end to criminals getting off free. There have been states who have omitted the insanity defense entirely, instead allowing mental state to be raised only as a mitigating factor. But insanity defenses are not always successful. Only a handful of insanity defense cases have won acquittal. Though the percentage of winning an insanity defense is low, it is still likely to hold controversies. Critics have argued that â€Å"some defendants misuse it, effectively faking insanity to acquittals or less severe convictions† (Martin, 1998). Oftentimes, trials involving insanity defense get the most attention because the crimes involved in such cases are extremely bizarre. The standard for insanity defense gets periodic reviews especially after a verdict that the public finds shocking. Laws have been passed to have stricter standards for insanity defenses. â€Å"Instead of requiring prosecutors to prove a defendant’s sanity, defense attorneys now carry the burden of persuading a judge or a jury of the client’s insanity† (Martin, 1998). Martin further explains that some states have also adopted a tougher and stricter release system. Such changes in Connecticut doubled the average term acquitted defendants spend committed in institutions. This system unsurprisingly caused the number of insanity pleas to drop. With stricter standards and stricter release systems, insanity pleas have seriously dropped. Can this be considered a coincidence or a mere manifestation that previous insanity pleas were actually just faked? If because of stricter standards and tougher release systems a number of insanity pleas dropped, cannot all states impose similar standards and systems? If this will answer the endless controversies that are being associated with insanity defenses, then probably it is already high time that states take a look at their insanity defenses standards and make abrupt revisions. A person who has made criminal acts should not just easily escape by means of an insanity defense. The person just leaves room for the people to doubt the system and make outrageous cries to give enough justice to the victim of the so-called â€Å"insane† person. The insanity defense for me is just an available excuse for an accused person to be absolved from his or her criminal responsibility for his or her conduct. The rules for insanity defense had been made flexible depending on the weight of the situation and the reaction f the public. For an insanity defense to be made an excuse in having been committed a serious crime is a total ridicule for me. For if one lacks the capacity to know what is right from wrong, then how can a person actually know if he is actually insane? How can he be so sure that he was insane at the time that the crime was committed? Had there been any development in insanity defense law? The introduction of the â€Å"guilty but mentally ill† verdict in many states is considered the biggest development in the insanity defense law. Frontline explains that a defendant who receives a â€Å"guilty but mentally ill† verdict is still considered legally guilty of the crime in question, but since the defendant is mentally ill, the defendant is entitled to receive mental health treatment while institutionalized. If symptoms remit, however, the defendant is required to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a regular correctional facility, unlike a defendant who was acquitted by reason of insanity, who must be released if it is determined he is no longer dangerous to himself or others. In cases of an insanity defense, it is just right and proper that both the rights of the victim and the defendant who pleads to be insane must be protected. However one puts it, a crime has still been done regardless of one’s mental state. If indeed proven that the defendant is mentally defective or ill at the time of the crime, then proper steps must be taken into account. The verdict may be less severe that what a sane person might get, but proper medications for the defendant must be seriously followed before he gets more destructive to others and to himself. At this point, I am asking myself, why are there insanity pleas? Perhaps, it is the real situation. Perhaps the defendant is really not in a normal mental state at the time the crime happened. But how could the defendant actually defend himself given his mental incapacity to know what is right or wrong? And perhaps, just maybe, if there are no other good defenses to get a person out of a seriously committed crime, then insanity pleads might just be the solution. Perhaps it is making some sense. Insanity pleads have lowered down in number after stricter standards and systems. With both parties that should be considered for this law, emotions and judgmental instincts of people should not really get in the way. This is one serious problem that needs to be addressed and a procedural and logical system must take place to protect the rights of all parties involved. Progresses have been done and I certainly hope that there will come a time that the insanity defense would no longer hold controversies because justice has been served – both for the victim and the defendant. REFERENCES Dreisbach, Daniel L. Criminal Law. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2006 [DVD]. Redmond, WA:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Microsoft Corporation, 2005. Insanity as a criminal defense. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.theblanchlawfirm.com/NewsDetails-36/Insanity+as+a+Criminal+   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Defense.html?newsid=38 A crime of insanity. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pages/frontline/shows/crime/trial/history.html#mn Slobogin, C. (1998). Insanity defense. Thomson Gale. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.answers.com./topic/insanity-defense?cat=biz-fin Hooper, J., and McLearen, A. (2002, April). Does the insanity defense have a legitimate   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   role? [electronic version]. The Psychiatric times, 19 (4). Retrieved December 9, 2007,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://www.psychiatrictimes.cm/p020452.html Martin, J. (1998, February 2007). The insanity defense: a closer look [electronic version].   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washingto Post. Retrieved December 9, 2007 from http://www.washingtonpost.com/   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   wp-srv/local/longerm/aron/qa227.htm

Pendahuluan Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang

Pendahuluan Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang 1.0 Pendahuluan *Pendahuluan {Englsh Translation Preliminary} similar to Pengenalan {Englsh Translation: Introduction} Read this essay in English here > Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara yang terdiri daripada lebih 200 kumpulan etnik. Antaranya ialah Melayu, Cina, India, Kadazan-Dusun, Iban dan lain-lain. Dengan penduduk yang pelbagai budaya ini, perpaduan etnik atau sebaliknya sentiasa menjadi agenda dalam pengurusan masyarakat dan pemerintahan negara ini. Oleh kerana wujudnya kepelbagaian budaya, agama dan bahasa dalam kalangan rakyat di negara ini, maka timbulah pelbagai masalah yang melibatkan hubungan etnik. Boleh dikatakan bahawa perkauman akan sentiasa menjadi batas pemisah antara rakyat pelbagai kaum. Keadaan ini seterusnya boleh melahirkan ketegangan dan konflik antara kaum dan seterusnya boleh menyebabkan berlakunya pertumpahan darah. Berdasarkan kepada peristiwa 13 Mei, beberapa perkara penting yang perlu dipandang serius dalam membina nagara bangsa yang bersatu padu. Dalam hal ini, ternyata faktor hubungan etnik yang harmonis menjadi anak kunci bagi keseimbangan antara kekukuhan ekonomi dan kestabilan politik. Hubungan etnik yang mantap sangat perlu dalam kalangan rakyat sesebuah negara yg mempunyai kepelbagaian dari segi agama, bahasa, budaya dan etnik. Rakyat Malaysiayang terdiri daripada pelbagai kaum dan agama perlu menganggap diri mereka sebagai bangsa Malaysia yang berfikir dan bertindak ke arah mencapai satu matlamat. Sejajar dengan ini, perpaduan yang sedia terjalin antara kaum di negara ini perlu diperkukuhkan lagi bagi mewujudkan suasana negara yang lebih aman, maju, selamat dan makmur. 2.0 Cabaran hubungan etnik 2.1 Cabaran hubungan etnik dari aspek ekonomi Salah satu cabaran hubungan etnik dalam aspek ekonomi ialah pemisahan fizikal. Pemisahan fizikal ini wujud kesan daripada dasar ‘pecah dan perintah yang diamalkan oleh penjajah British pada masa dahulu. Pemisahan fizikal ini menyebabkan menyebabkan sesuatu golongan etnik itu tidak mengenal atau berpeluang untuk berinteraksi dengan lebih kerap kerana tinggal di wilayah yang berbeza. Hal ini merenggangkan perhubungan perhubungan dan interaksi serta memperkuatkan lagi perasaan kekitaan dan etnosentrisme dalam kalangan anggota setiap etnik. Keadaan ini seterusnya akan menimbulkan prasangka, stereotaip dan mengekalkan kejahilan dalam kalangan ahli sesuatu golongan etnik terhadap golongan etnik yang lain. Setiap golongan etnik mempunyai sistem pendidikan yang tersendiri dan masih menggunakan sukatan pelajaran yang diamalkan di negara asal mereka. Pelajar Melayu belajar di sekolah Melayudan menggunakan bahasa Melayu. Orang India pula bersekolah di sekolah Tamil dan menggunakan bahasa Tamil. Manakala bagi pelajar Cina, mereka bersekolah di sekolah Cina dan menggunakan bahasa Mandarin. Keadaan ini menyebabkan interaksi sesama mereka hanya berkisar dalam kalangan etnik yang sama. Selain itu, kontrak sosial juga juga kerap dibangkitkan oleh sesetengah pihak. Kontrak sosial merupakan persetujuan yang dicapai semasa kemerdekaan dalam merangka perlembagaan. Antara isu yang sering ditimbulkan ialah kedudukan istimewa orang Melayu, kedudukan agama Islam, bahasa Melayu, dan sebagainya. Sebarang isu atau kontrak sosial yang dibangkitkan boleh membawa kepada kerenggangan hubungn etnik di Malaysia. 2.2 Cabaran hubungan etnik dari aspek ekonomi Dalam sektor ekonomi, terdapat jurang yang luas dari segi penguasaan ekonomi. Kebanyakan orang Melayu menguasai sektor pertanian yang agak mundur. Orang Cina umumnya menguasai sektor yang lebih maju seperti perniagaan dan perdagangan. Manakala orang India pula menguasai sektor ekonomi yang berasaskan ladang. Kesannya, wujud jurang pendapatan yang berbeza antara etnik. Dasar British yang meletakan kaum berdasarkan kepada pekerjaan menyebabkan etnik tertentu mendominasi dalam satu-satu bidang pekerjaan. Orang Melayu kebanyakannya terlibat dalam sektor pertanian, nelayan dan berkhidmat sebagai penjawat awam. Kebanyakan orang Cina pula terlibat dalam sektor perniagaan dan perlombongan. Manakala sebahagian besar orang India pula merupakan buruh di estet. Perbezaan ini telah menimbulkan rasa tidak puas hati dalam kalangan etnik tertentu. Secara tidak langsung, perkara ini memperkukuhkan lgi semangat perkauman. 2.3 Cabaran hubungan etnik dari aspek politik Di negara ini terdapat pelbagai parti politik yang berasaskan kumpulan etnik dan setiap parti politik akan memperjuangkan kepentingan kumpulan etnik yang diwakilinya. Politok perkauman ini boleh menimbulkan perasaan tidak senang hati dan mengukuhkan semangat perkauman jika penyuaraan kepentingan etnik tertentu dibuat tanpa mengambil kira kepentingan semua pihak. Jika isu perkauman seperti bahasa, kebudayaan, pendidikan, agama, kerakyatan dan ekonomi dibangkitkan, maka tindakan ini tidak akan menyumbang kea rah masyarakat yang bersatu padu. 2.4 Cabaran nilai antara etnik Malaysia merupakan negara yang terdiri daripada masyarakat majmuk. Oleh itu, terdapat pelbagai perbezaan dari segi agama, bahasa dan kebudayaan dalam masyarakat di Malaysia. Setiap kumpulan etnik mempertahankan kebudayaan dan adat resam mereka, mengutamakan etnik mereka dan mungkin juga menganggap kebudayaan mereka sahaja yang terbaik. Hal ini menyebabkan anggota etnik lebih mengutamakan anggota daripada etnik yang sama dalam memilih sahabat, mendapatkan pekerjaan dan natijah akhirnya akan mewujudkan polarisasi antara etnik. Selain daripada itu kewujudan akhbar yang pelbagai bahasa dengan mengutamakan kelompok etnik mereka akan memperkukuhkan lagi perasaan kumpulan etnik masing-masing. Cabaran dari segi kepentingan nilai ini akan mewujudkan masalah yang lebih besar jika fahaman etnosentrisme itu dijadikan pegangan dalam masyarakat. 2.5 Cabaran globalisasi Globalisasi merujuk kepada dunia tanpa sempadan dimana perhubungan menjadi semakin pintas dan cepat. Kita boleh mengetahui keadaan dunia luar dengan pantas dan cepat dan segala maklumat boleh disalurkan tanpa ada sekatan. Globalisasi membawa masuk pengaruh dari Barat dari segi ideology, budaya hedonism dan nilai negatif, ekonomi bebas, sains dan teknologi yang memusnahkan dan system politik yang dianggap terbaik bagi semua manusia. Melalui globalisasi, kuasa Barat mengeksport segala macam keburukan yang merosakkan negara dan alam sekitar, budaya hiburan dan pengeksplotasian sumber manusia dan bahan mentah. Gejala ini mengakibatkan lenyapnya nilai luhar dan pemikiran Barat diterima secara ke dalam masyarakat. Kejayaan mereka ini dibantu oleh masyarakat tempatan yang menganggap segala yang datang dari barat adalah baik dan moden. Keadaan ini akan memberi kesan kepada hubungan etnik, intergrasi, perpaduan, mudah terjadinya konflik dan lebih parah lagi mengundang rusuhan kaum. Secara tidak langsung, keadaan ini akan memburukan lagi hubungan etnik di Malaysia. 3.0 Peranan kerajaan dalam meningkatkan hubungan etnik 3.1 Penubuhan Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional Peristiwa rusuhan kaum pada 13 Mei 1969 telah membuka mata pelbagai pihak tentang pentingnya usaha-usaha yang lebih serius diberikan tumpuan dalam mengurus perbezaan serta sensitiviti yang terdapat dalam sesebuah masyarakat majmuk seperti Malaysia. Berikutan peristiwa tersebut, Majlis Gerakan Negara (MAGERAN) telah ditubuhkan. Pada 1 Julai 1969, Jabatan Perpaduan Negara di bawah perintah MAGERAN telah diwujudkan bagi menanggani isu-isu berhubung pembinaan semula perpaduan masyarakat di negara kita pada waktu itu (Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional,2006). Selepas pembubaran MAGERAN, Majlis Penasihat Perpaduan Negara telah ditubuhkan iaitu pada 23 Februari 1971. tanggungjawab bagi memupuk dan memelihara perpaduan antara kaum di negara ini terus diletakkan di bawah tanggungjawab Jabatan Perpaduan Negara. Antara 1990-2004, Jabatan Perpaduan Negara telah diletakkan semula di bawah Jabatan Perdana Menteri dengan nama Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (JPNIN). Bermula daripada kemerdekaan sehingga kini, kerajaan telah merangka dan memberi penekanan kepada beberapa dasar dalam bidang sosioekonomi yang menjurus kepada perpaduan dan keharmonian masyarakat pelbagai kaum serta integrasi nasional. Dasar-dasar yang dimaksudkan termasuklah Dasar Pendidikan Kebangsaan, Dasar Kebudayaan Kebangsaan dan Dasar Ekonomi Baru. Dasar-dasar tersebut telah diperkukuh lagi dengan memperkenal Rukun Negara sebagai ideologi kebangsaan. Bagi mengurangkan tindak tanduk politik yang boleh memecahbelahkan rakyat, usaha telah diambil untuk membentuk Barisan Nasional. Sebagai tindakan susulan dalam memperlengkap dan memperkukuh usaha pembentukan bangsa Malaysia., beberapa dasar lain telah dibentuk. Antaranya ialah Dasar Pembangunan Negara, Dasar Wawasan Negara dan Dasar sosial Negara. Pendirian kerajaan telah menegaskan lagi dalam pernyataan Wawasan 2020. JPNIN melalui Pelan Tindakan Perpaduan dan Integrasi Nasional 2005-2010, telah merancang pelbagai usaha untuk memupuk dan mempertingkatkan perpaduan dan integrasi nasional iaitu: 1. Strategi Politik: Persefahaman 2. Strategi Ekonomi 3. Strategi Pendidikan 4. Strategi Penggunaan Bahasa Kebangsaan 5. Strategi Agama 6. Strategi Kebudayaan 7. Strategi Integrasi Wilayah 8. Stategi Keselamatan 9. Strategi Pembangunan Kawasan 10. Strategi Penggunaan Tenaga Manusia 11. Strategi Media Massa 12. Strategi Kesukanan 13. Strategi Pemasyarakatan Perpaduan 14. Strategi Pertubuhan Sukarela 15. Strategi Penyelidikan dan Penerbitan Bahan Bacaan 16. Strategi Pemantauan Isu-isu Semasa dan Konflik 17. Strategi Penubuhan Panel Penasihat Perpaduan Negara (PANEL) dan Jawatankuasa Penasihat Perpaduan Peringkat Negeri (JKPPN) 18. Strategi Program dan Aktiviti Perpaduan 19. Strategi-strategi lain: -Mewujudkan latihan dalam bidang komunikasi antara budaya -Mewujudkan pengauditan dasar-dasar kerajaan -Menghasilkan satu etika mengenai hak dan tanggungjawab kemanusiaan untuk rakyat Malaysia -Penerbitan bahan bacaan secara meluas mengenai kaum-kaum di Malaysia. 3.2 Memperkasakan sekolah wawasan Sistem pendidikan pebagai aliran menyebabkan tidak ada acuan khusus yang boleh digunakan untuk membentuk masyarakat yang bersatu padu . sistem pendidikan pelbagai aliran yang wujud sekarang telah mengakibatkan ibu bapa pelajar memilih aliran mengikut kaum masing-masing. Usaha memupuk perpaduan haruslah dimulakan sejak awal lagi dengan mambabitkan murid sekolah rendah dalam acuan yang sama. Dengan itu, sekolah kebangsaan perlu diperkasakan bagi menerapkan semangat perpaduan dalam kalangan pelajar pelbagai etnik. Justeru, para pelajar dapat dilatih hidup saling bekerjasama dan mempunyai semangat patriotisme serta berakomodatif yang tinggi. Maka, usaha-usaha perlu diambil untuk memperkasakan sekolah kebangsaan dalam sistem pendidikan negara bagi meletakkan landasan yang lebih kukuh ke arah menyatupadukan rakyat berbilang kaum di negara ini tanpa mengetepikan sekolah rendah jenis kebangsaan yang telah dipersetujui oleh semua golongan etnik di bawah kontrak sosial. Setiap ibu bapa diberi kebebasan menghantar anak mereka ke sekolah kebangsaan. Jika mereka memilih sekolah jenis kebangsaan Cina atau Tamil, maka tidak ada sesiapa yang boleh menghalang mereka. Namun begitu, sekolah kebangsaan merupakan institusi pendidikan utama bagi anak-anak Malaysia untuk memenuhi aspirasi dan memiliki jati diri nasional. Sekolah Kebangsaan bukan sahaja berkemampuan untuk mendidik pelajar tetapi membantu menanam nilai-nilai perpaduan dalam kalangan pelajar yang terdiri daripada palbagai kaum. Sekolah kebangsaan merupakan aliran utama pendidikan untuk semua warganegara Malaysia tanpa mengira kaum. Bagi memupuk semangat perpaduan dan keyakinan terhadap sistem sekolah satu aliran, sekolah kebangsaan perlu dijadikan lebih menarik untuk menarik minat orang bukan Melayu. Dalam Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan, bagi menjadikan sekolah kebangsaan sebagai sekolah pilihan, kualiti pengajaran di sekolah kebangsaan akan diperingkatkan dengan 100 peratus guru di sekolah menengah dan 25 peratus guru di sekolah rendah akan mempunyai kelayakan ijazah pertama menjelang tahun 2010. Semangat perpaduan dalam kalangan pelajar bukan sahaja perlu dipupuk oleh pihak sekolah tetapi juga institusi pendidikan tinggi. Antara langkah yang boleh dijalankan adalah seperti berikut, iaitu: 1. Tidak mengetepikan proses penguasaan bahasa ibunda masing-masing dengan memperkenalkan pengajaran bahasa Mandarin dan Tamil. 2. Memberi kesedaran kepada pelajar tentang kepentingan interaksi antara golongan etnik. 3. Mengadakan lebih banyak aktiviti antara golongan etnik 4. Mengadakan program interaksi antara sekolah dan memasukkan unsur-unsur interaksi etnik dalam kurikulum serta meningkatkan kemahiran berinteraksi dengan golongan etnik lain. 3.3 Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) yang mula dilaksanakan pada tahun 2004 merupakan khusus latihan wajib selama tiga bulan secara berkhemah dan berasrama bagi remaja lepasan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. PLKN dilaksanakan berteraskan Rukun Negara dan mempunyai kurikulum multidisiplin yang merangkumi empat modul iaitu modul fizikal (merangkumi antara lain aktiviti kawad, merempuh halangan, merentas desa dan kembara hutan); modul kenegaraan (pengetahuan tentang pembinaan Negara atau nation-building); Modul Pembinaan Karakter (penerokaan diri sendiri dan hubungan interpersonal) dan Modul Khidmat Komuniti (merangkumi antara lain aktiviti gotong- royong seperti membersihkan, mengindahkan dan menceriakan kawasan sekitar). PLKN tidak bersifat kerahan tenaga atau mengikut trend yang diamalkan oleh negara lain. Seperti yang dinyatakan oleh Jabatan Latihan Khidmat Negara, PLKN bertujuan untuk meningkatkan semangat patriotisme dalam kalangan generasi muda , memupuk perpaduan kaum serta integrasi nasional, membentuk perwatakan positif menerusi nilai-nilai murni, menyemarakkan semangat kesukarelaan, dan melahirkan generasi muda yang lebih cergas, cerdas dan penuh keyakinan. PLKN sememangnya menyumbang terhadap usaha memupuk perpaduan kaum, terutamanya dalam kalangan golongan remaja kerana semua aktiviti yang dijalankan menekankan semangat muhibah dan saling bertolak ansur antara peserta tidak mengira kaum atau agama. Modul kenegaraan dapat menyemai semangat cinta akan tanah air di samping membolehkan para peserta mempelajari adat dan budaya pelbagai kaum. Apabila wujudnya rasa cintakan negara dalam diri peserta, perpaduan kaum dan integrasi nasional serta saling kerjasama antara kaum di Malaysia dapat diwujudkan kerana masing-masing mempunyai satu matlamat, iaitu untuk melihat Malaysia sebagai negara yang aman dan harmonis. Hal ini akhirnya dapat melahirkan remaja yang sanggup berkorban demi perpaduan bangsa. 4.0 Peranan masyarakat dalam konteks hubungan etnik 4.1 Rukun Tetangga Skim Rukun Tetangga telah diperkenalkan pada tahun 1975 berikutan dengan kuat kuasanya Peraturan-Peraturan Perlu (Rukun Tetangga 1975). Pada peringkat awal, Rukun Tetanggga membolehkan rakyat mengawal keselamatan di kawasan kediaman masing-masing. Dengan tumpuan diberi kepada tugas rondaan yang diwajibkan kepada masyarakat setempat yang berumur antara 18 hingga 55 tahun. Mulai 1 Januari 1983 kerajaan telah memperkenalkan satu pembaharuan dengan memberi penekanan pada konsep kejiranan yang bertujuan untuk memupuk serta mengukuhkan lagi semangat kejiranan dalam kalangan masyarakat setempat. Berikutan dengan ini, Peraturan Perlu (Rukun Tetangga) 1975 telah dipinda bagi tujuan tersebut. Dalam tahun 2000, pendekatan Rukun Tetangga telah dipinda sekali lagi dengan memberi mandat yang lebih luas iaitu pembangunan masyarakat secara menyeluruh ke arah mewujudkan perpaduan nasional. Visi Rukun Tetangga ialah membantu dalam pembentukan satu bangsa Malaysia yang bersatu padu dalam konteks pencapaian Wawasan 2020. Manakala misinya ialah memupuk kesefahaman dan bertolak ansur ke arah pembangunan bangsa Malaysia yang bersatu padu serta beridentiti sendiri dan motonya pula ialah Bersatu Terus Maju. Objektif Rukun Tetangga, iaitu memelihara, meningkat dan mengukuhkan perpaduan rakyat dan integrasi nasional selaras dengan dasar-dasar pembangunan negara berlandaskan Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan Rukun Negara. Bagi memastikan matlamat Rukun Tetangga tercapai, beberapa aktiviti dilakukan oleh komuniti Rukun Tetangga yang boleh dikategorikan kepada beberapa bentuk aktiviti seperti berikut: sosial: amalan kunjung-mengunjung semasa musim perayaan seperti Hari Raya, Tahun Baru Cina, Deepavali, Krismas, Hari Gawai, Pesta Keamatan, dan Hari Keluarga. Pendidikan- pendidikan tidak formal, kolokium jiran wanita, kursus motivasi, kursus kepimpinan, tuisyen, ceramah-ceramah dalam pelbagai bidang. Sukan- sukan neka, larian, permainan bola sepak, bola baling, bola jaring, sukan air, sukan tradisional, sukan rakyat dan lain-lain. Rekreasi- tai chi, ekspedisi mendaki bukit, kembara dan mountaineering, khemah kerja dan lain-lain. Kesihatan dan alam sekitar-ceramah kesihatan berkaitan antidadah, AIDS, kanser, kempen kebersihan, anti nyamuk dan menjaga harta awam. Kesenian dan kebudayaan- kelas-kelas seni tari, kraf tangan, permainan tradisional, kelas gamelan, kompang, tarian tradisional, tarian singa, pertunjukan pentas dan lain-lain. Ekonomi- aktiviti tanaman secara hidroponik, ternak ikan air tawar dan membuat air lada Skim Rukun Tetangga diperkenalkan pada tahun 1975 sebagai satu langkah membolehkan rakyat sendiri mengawal dan menjaga keselamatan kawasan kediaman mereka. Skim ini kemudiannya diperbaharui dengan menekankan konsep kejiranan dengan falsafah bahawa kesejahteraan kawasan sejiran akan menjamin kesejahteraan negara. Pada masa kini peranan Skim Rukun Tetangga diperluas lagi dengan pendekatan pembangunan komuniti bagi memastikan perpaduan dan keharmonian hubungan dalam masyarakat akan terus berkekalan dan berterusan. Sehingga Mei 2006 sebanyak 3228 kawasan Rukun Tetangga telah ditubuhkan di seluruh negara. Jawatankuasa Rukun Tetangga ini telah menganjurkan pelbagai aktiviti dalam komuniti mereka. Dari bulan Januari hingga Mei 2006, Jawatankuasa Rukun Tetangga di seluruh negara telah melaksanakan sebanyak 36029 aktiviti. Aktiviti ini bertujuan untuk membolehkan penduduk setempat berkenalan, bantu-membantu dalam menghadapi masalah bersama, berinteraksi dan merapatkan hubungan pada peringkat akar umbi antara pemimpin dengan rakyat dan antara rakyat pelbagai keturunan, adat dan budaya (Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional). 4.2 Rumah Terbuka Rumah terbuka akan diadakan oleh setiap rakyat Malaysia apabila tiba musim perayaan. Setiap golongan etnik di Malaysia akan sering kunjung-mengunjungi ke rumah jiran tetangga walaupun berlainan etnik. Sebagai contoh, semasa perayaan Hari Raya Aidilfitri, etnik Cina, India, Kadazan, Iban dan pelbagai lagi akan mengunjungi ke rumah orang Melayu dan begitulah sebaliknya bagi etnik lain. Etnik Cina misalnya akan berusaha menyediakan makanan yang halal kepada etnik Melayu apabila menjemput etnik Melayu datang ke rumah sewaktu Tahun Baru Cina. Hal ini menunjukan etnik Cina begitu mengambil berat dan memahami budaya etnik Melayu. Begitu juga dengan etnik Melayu tidak akan menyajikan daging lembu kepada etnik India apabila mereka datang ke rumah semasa Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Pertimbangan ini memperlihatkan keharmonian hubungan etnik sentiasa terjalin kukuh dalam kalangan rakyat dan memahami dan menghormati budaya masing-masing. Amalan ini membuktikan integrasi sosial dalam kalangan masyarakat begitu tinggi walaupun berlainan agama, bangsa dan kebudayaan. 4.3 Penerimaan Budaya Dewasa ini, masyarakat bukan Melayu di Malaysia mula menerima budaya orang Melayu dari segi pakaian dan makanan. Misalnya, orang bukan Melayu segak menggayakan baju kurung dan baju Melayu terutamanya pada hari Jumaat dan fenomena ini sesuatu yang biasa bagi pelajar bukan Melayu. Bagi orang Melayu pula, mereka mula menerima masakan orang Cina dan India serta pemberian duit raya telah menggunakan sampul atau angpau yang terkenal dalam kalangan orang Cina. Dewasa ini juga telah kelihatan di taman-taman perumahan, terdapatnya penempatan yang sama untuk semua etnik yang pastinya keadaan ini akan menggalakkan lagi hubungan etnik dalam kalangan rakyat melalui aktiviti setempat. 4.4 Program di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi (IPT) Bahagian hal ehwal pelajar melalui persatuan-persatuan dan kelab-kelab hendaklah sentiasa menggalakkan aktiviti dan program yang menjurus kepada perpaduan kaum dalam kalangan mahasiswa. Sebagai contoh, melalui aktiviti Pesta Tanglung, yang bukan sahaja melibatkan mahasiswa Cina dan India, tetapi turut juga disertai oleh mahasiswa Melayu. Menyentuh kepimpinan pelajar, ternyata tidak didominasikan oleh sesuatu kaum sahaja, tetapi turut sama dianggotai oleh pelbagai kaum seperti dalam Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP). Kandungan kursus di semua institusi pendidikan harus menitikberatkan aspek-aspek pendidikan yang harmonis dalam sesebuah masyarakat pelbagai kaum. Nilai-nilai rohani dan budaya bersama perlu diberikan keutamaan dalam subjek Kenegaraan, Tamadun Islam dan Asia serta Hubungan Etnik. Maka, adalah penting kurikulum yang ada menguatkan peribadi moral dan sahsiah para pelajar. Hal ini kerana keperibadian yang tinggi menjadi asas kepada segala nilai rohani dan budaya yang akan menyatupadukan generasi muda. Saranan diwujudkan kelab perpaduan atau Kelab Rukun Negara di setiap IPT merupakan satu langkah yang amat baik kerana saranan ini merupakan usaha bagi menyemai kesedaran terhadap kepentingan perpaduan kaum. Justeru, bahagian hal ehwal pelajar sewajarnya menggalakkan para mahasiswa menganggotai kelab perpaduan atau Kelab Rukun Negara dengan memberi beberapa keistimewaan seperti pengecualian kredit dan sebagainya. Pihak university juga perlulah memberi sokongan terhadap aktiviti yang dijalankan baik dari segi material mahupun khidmat nasihat. Aktiviti kokurikulum merupakan bidang pembelajaran yang menekankan pemupukan dan perkembangan diri individu melalui psikomotor, kognitif dan efektif. Justeru, aktiviti kokurikulum yang dilaksanakan seperti program sukan, kelab, persatuan, pameran, ceramah dan pelbagai lagi haruslah dipergiat dan dipertingkat lagi dalam kalangan mahasiswa pelbagai kaum. Di luar sistem akademik, para pelajar harus dilibatkan dalam aktiviti pelbagai kaum seperti keluarga angkat, persatuan dan badan beruniform. Hal ini akan memberi pengalaman yang sangat berharga dalam memahami bagaimana kehidupan rakyat Malaysia. Manakala aktiviti perpaduan dan khidmat masyarakat mempunyai peranan yang penting dalam menggalakan penyertaan dan pengalaman bersama antara kaum. Oleh itu, galakan kepada aktiviti seperti ini perlu diberikan dengan kerjasama rapat pihak kerajaan dan sektor swasta. Para pelajar juga perlu ditugaskan dalam projek-projek perkhidmatan masyarakat seperti operasi khidmat masyarakat, mahasiswa balik kampung dan sebagainya. Para pensyarah juga perlu diterap dan didedahkan dengan sikap perpaduan antara kaum yang positif. Para pensyarah mestilah diberi pendedahan kepada kursus seperti sosiologi perhubungan kaum atau hubungan etnik untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai yang penting dalam kalangan pelajar bagi memupuk keharmonian kaum. Sesungguhnya para pensyarah mempunyai peranan yang besar sebagai agen penyebar perpaduan dan keharmonian dalam negara pelbagai kaum ini. Mereka merupakan agen integrasi dan perpaduan yang memainkan peranan penting dalam menggalakkan lebih banyak interaksi melalui tugasan dan projek akademik. 5.0 Peranan NGO dalam Konteks Hubungan Etnik Walaupun terdapat pertubuhan yang berasaskan golongan etnik, namun terdapat pertubuhan induk pada peringkat kebangsaan yang menaungi pertubuhan berasaskan etnik seperti Pertubuhan Belia Malaysia, Dewan Perniagaan dan Perusahaan Malaysia dan pelbagai lagi. Hal ini sudah tentulah dapat mempercepat lagi proses hubungan etnik melalui peranan yang dimainkan oleh NGO. Menyentuh aspek kepimpinan pula sama ada pada peringkat negara atau persatuan, barisan kepimpinan disertai oleh pemimpin pelbagai kaum. Sebagai contoh, kepimpinan Majlis Belia Malaysia disertai oleh semua golongan etnik yang ada di Malaysia. Walaupun terdapat pembahagian pertubuhan mengikut kaum seperti Pergerakan Belia 4B, Persatuan Belia Tamil, Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia, Dewan Perniagaan Cina Malaysia dan Dewan Perniagaan India Malaysia, namun ini sewajarnya digunakan oleh NGO ini untuk mewujudkan pelbagai dialog dan seminar dalam usaha memahami permasalahan yang wujud dan dicari jalan penyelesaiannya. Contohnya, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) sentiasa mengadakan seminar bagi menjelaskan kepentingan hubungan etnik dalam konteks Malaysia. Untuk itu, peranan pihak swasta dan kerajaan amat diperlukan dalam menyumbangkan dana bagi meningkatkan penyelidikan dan pembangunan bagi menghasilkan inovasi dan seterusnya memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi negara. Dana-dana sedia ada seperti Intensive Research Priority Areas (IRPA) dan geran daripada pihak swasta dan pertubuhan institusi tertentu seperti Koridor Raya Multimedia (MSC), Akademi Sains Negara dan pelbagai lagi merupakan penjana kepada pembangunan ekonomi negara. Disebabkan sains dan teknologi ini begitu memainkan peranan penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi negara, maka aspek ini amat penting dalam meningkat hubungan etnik rakyat Malaysia. Hal ini kerana apabila pembangunan ekonomi negara itu berkembang pesat di samping kestabilan politik, akan mampu menarik lebih ramai pelabur sama ada dari dalam atau luar negara untuk memacu pertumbuhan ekonomi negara. Hal ini seterusnya memberi peluang pekerjaan kepada segenap lapisan masyarakat tanpa mengira golongan etnik. Kesannya, taraf hidup rakyat akan meningkat, jurang ekonomi negara dapat diseimbangkan dan ini mampu mewujudkan keharmonian dalam masyarakat Malaysia. 6.0 Kesimpulan Hubungan etnik merupakan perkara yang sangat penting bagi masyarakat Malaysia yang bersifat majmuk. Hubungan etnik ini akan melahirkan masyarakat Malaysia yang harmonis, saling bekerjasama dan bersefahaman dan sentiasa menghayati perjanjian sosial yang telah dipersetujui sejak awal kemerdekaan lagi. Usaha-usaha perlu diambil secara berterusan bagi memastikan hubungn etnik di Malaysia sentiasa berada dalam keadaan yang baik. Usaha-usaha ini adalah melibatkan peranan kerajaan, masyarakat dan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan. Apa yang penting dalam memastikan hubungan etnik sentiasa dalam keadaan baik, segala usaha ini perlu disahut oleh setiap lapisan masyarakat. Kepelbagaian budaya dalam negara Malaysia seharusnya tidak menimbulkan masalah perkauman. Setiap kaum ataupun etnik perlu tahu dan memainkn peranan mereka dalam memastikan konflik perkauman seperti peristiwa 13 Mei berulang semula. Perpaduan kaum ini amatlah penting bagi menyumbang ke arah menjadikan Malaysia sebuah negara maju menjelang 2020. Sehubungan dengan ini, perpaduan yang sedia terjalin antara kaum di negara ini perlu diperkukuhkan lagi bagi mewujudkan suasana negara yang lebih aman, maju, selamat dan makmur. Oleh itu, segala kerjasama semua pihak seperti kerajaan, masyarakat dan pertubuhan badan bukan kerajaan amatlah diperlukan untuk meningkatkan hubungan etnik di nagara Malaysia. Bibliografi Ishak Saat (2001). Malaysia 1945-2000. Utusan Publication Distributors Sdn. Bhd: Kuala Lumpur Shamsul Amri Baharuddin (2007). Modul Hubungan Etnik. Shah Alam: Universiti Teknologi Mara. http://agy7500.blogspot.com/2009/08/siri-225-pelbagai-soalan.html (function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "https://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })()

The application of Strategic Change Management in Toyota

The application of Strategic Change Management in Toyota This report deeply discusses the application of the Strategic Change Management in worlds fifth biggest company, Toyota Motor Corporation which is founded by Kiichiro Toyoda in 1937. As an organization which has significant changes through last years, The Toyota Motor Corporation will be a good example. As the worlds largest automobile manufacture, The Toyota aims continue the 21st century with stable long-term growth whereas determine for harmony with society, People and the environment. According to the Vision of the Toyota, Good corporate citizen, they focus on constantly winning the trust and respect of the international community. The Toyota Motor Corporation always adopt with business environment for the purpose of long term growth. The Toyota Motor Corporation implemented The Toyota Way 2001 in April 2001 by expressing values and guidelines that should be embraced by all employees in the Toyota. There are four components in The Toyota Way 2001 As a root for Management Decisions, think long-term. Problem-solving process Develop employees for Adding value to Toyota Recognize the solving root problems constantly initiatives organizational learning The Toyota Motor Corporation Makes decisions gently by consensus, Consider entire options thoroughly and implement its decisions rapidly with the changing environment. The Toyota Motor Corporation is now expanded in different countries and worldwide market and it has grown-up as a large multinational corporation from wherever it started. In 2008 it displaced General Motor and became the largest automobile manufacturer. The Toyota Motor Corporation acquired 51% ownership of Daihatsu, 16.7% ownership of Fuji Heavy Industries and acquired 5.9% of Isuzu Motors Ltd in 2006. The Toyota Motor Corporation is planning to introduce Isuzu diesel technology for the products of Toyota. The Toyota introduced new technologies comprising hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles which are one of the first mass-production and it is sold 2 million in global by 2010. The Toyota accepted The Global Vision 2020, that is established the Guiding Principles at Toyota in 2007. It has drafted management plan from medium to long term and how work Toyota in order to achieve its goal. Likewise, The Toyota always is making decisions and implements changes in terms of achieving goals with changing environment. In this report, first discuss the background to the change affecting Toyota Motor Corporation. In here, try to identify a range of models in Change Management, Factors to change and value of intervention techniques. At the next step, recognise the issues in strategic changes. Then identify the key stakeholders in Toyota, develop systems for understating them and analyse the benefits and drawbacks of these systems. After that explain how the organization can develop strategy for a change with its key stakeholders and for managing resistance to change. Finally, plan to implement a model in order to achieve its goals and discuss how to measure the improvements. TASK 01: BACK GROUND TO THE STRATEGIC CHANGE IN THE ORGANIZATION In terms of achievement of the Global Vision 2020 the Toyota has to change their system according to the plan that they have drafted. Models In Change Management First of all, The Toyota should be explored that the models in change Management which they can follow. Here, we can discuss, Freeze Phases (Developed by Kurt Lewin 1975) Concept of Force Field (By Kurt Lewin) Transition Modal ( by Beckhard 1969) Change through the learning of organization ( By Peter Senge 1992) Change by entrepreneurship ( By Rosabeth Moss Kanter) Freeze Phases (Developed by Kurtt Lewin 1975) This is one of the most useful models we can use for successful change. This is proposed by Kurt Lewin (1975). He discussed the model of change in three steps or three stages as given below. Unfreezing Finding alterations or reductions for change that most employees can understand and accept those factors easily. Changing developing patterns of their behaviours in new attitudes, feedback on new information and new change. Refreezing Supporting devices to make sure the patterns of the new behaviour is maintained. At the stage of Unfreezing, the managers use the threat of competitors from external environment to make sure that employees are jolted out of satisfaction with current situation. At the stage of changing, develop or change the new attitude, behaviour and feedback on new information and implementation of change. At the refreezing, the managers have danger in generating a new system. Concept of Force Field (By Kurt Lewin) This concept also created by Kurt Lewin (1975). When there is a change required by driving forces or restrictive forces motivate to maintain the current situation, this concept of Force Field can apply. Change is possible by identifying driving forces and utilising them while minimising restrictive forces. Organizational Goals and objectives, problems and need Driving Forces Restrictive Forces (Forces Favoured on change) (Forces restricted on change) Current Situation Change through the learning of organization (By Peter Senge 1992) He explained this model by five core competencies involve in creating learning organization. Create a shared vision to make sure that employees are focused on Personal mastery learning by persons who are frequently finding out how creates more of what matter to them. Working with people to overcome their challenge such as unconscious assumptions and to appreciate. Learning about team. The learning organization is required individuals to gather together and work as a team. The systems focus on importance of consideration on interrelationships and networks rather than distribute the problems in to parts and performing with alone. Intensification of factors that driving to change External Triggers to Change Because of the external development the change is necessary. The Toyota should be come to terms with number of external factors including global market share, environmental issues, and changes in demographically and awareness of health. Eventually, these factors will cause to triggers to change. It is very clear that the external triggers are occurred by the direct action (Task Environment) and indirect action (General Environment) of the organization. These changes in both two environments have to be monitored and reacted according to them. When considering the general environment of the Toyota Motor Corporation, those triggers can be discussed under PESTLE. Political effects of new government. As an example, in 2010 the US government required from The Toyota Motor Corporation a penalty of US$16.375 million for its delayed response to the notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Changes in economy such as global competition, fluctuation of exchange rates, activity level of macro economy. As an example, in 2008 The Toyota Motor Corporation had to face the global financial crisis of 2008 and it was in a loss after 70 years. Changes of social or demographic such as education level and changes of expectation or values. Because of the succession of Toyota Team Europe in 1997, The Toyota Motor Corporation decided to implement the TMME, Toyota Motor Europe Marketing Engineering. After two years, The Toyota could create the customer base in the United Kingdom, since the Toyotas cars were very popular among the British people. Changes in Technology such as innovations and developments in product and production process. The Toyota Sienna, popular minivan is programmed to join the hybrid line-up by 2010, and it plans to suggest its entire line-up of cars, SUVs, and trucks with a Hybrid Synergy Drive option by 2030. By 2012 also Toyota hopes to issue an electric version of the RAV4. Implications of the legal environment like government policies. Tariff on Imports introduced by government As an example, in 2010 the US government required from The Toyota Motor Corporation a penalty of US$16.375 million for its delayed response to the notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Environmental implications by legislation The Toyota Motor Corporation is a leader in manufacturing vehicle environment friendly technologies. In 2005, Toyota implemented Fourth Environmental Action Plan. The Task Environment discuses about all stakeholders, those who can effect to the Toyota and who can effected by the Toyota as well. The economist Michael Porter introduced this context and it has five dimensions. Power of Buyer: Develop the new market and search for a new customer base for the products of Toyota. Because of the succession of Toyota Team Europe in 1997, The Toyota Motor Corporation decided to implement the TMME, Toyota Motor Europe Marketing Engineering. After two years, The Toyota could create the customer base in the United Kingdom Power of Suppliers: Seek the new bases of raw materials to make sure that they can supply continuously and stability of the prices of materials. Threatens from its substitute: Develop the awareness of the customers about benefits from the products not reached through substitutions. Entry barriers to the Market: It is good to make the advantages from economies of scale in production which cost savings can be delivered to the customer The degree in rivalry of inter-firm: Put effort on making agreement with the competitors to level of advertising. Internal Triggers to Change The internal triggers will occur as the result of: A new head in the organization When performing external organization by benchmarking exercises Dissatisfaction of the management with the current situation Conflict of the management and employees The system approach highlighting the necessities of interrelationship within subsystem in the Toyota Motor Corporation, such as, Responsibilities that everybody has Technology that they using Employees of the organization Structure of the organization Management of the organization After summarising all the factors which driving to change the organization I can suggest the Concept of Force Field (By Kurt Lewin) is the best model for managing the change in The Toyota Motor Corporation. The Force Field Analysis is really important to identify all the forces which favourable on change and on the other hand it identify forces which are against to the change. In addition to that it helps us to consider the importance of these factors and to make the decision whether the implementation of the plan for change is worth. When we made the decision to carry out the plan, the Force Field Analysis is supported to recognise the changes that we have to make to improve it. TASK 02: UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE ISSUES IN STRATECIG CHANGE According to the explanation of Richard Daft (1998) there are some key parameters that would be observed for the purpose of succession of change in the organization. Needs and Ideas for the change If there is not a perceived need for the change, ideas not considered seriously. When managers identified the gap between predicted performance and the actuals performance, the perceived need arise. Success of change would be difficult whereas the organisational culture is very strong or interest is obliged by internal stability. Ability to adopt When the decision makers of the organization decided to go ahead with the suggested Idea, Adoption will occur. The top managers and employees of the organisation should be agreed to support for the change. Sometimes the decision might be required by signing a legal document by the directors in occasions such as acquisition of ownership in another company. For any small changes, the formal approval of the middle management is enough. Available resources Resources requires at the time of scheming, planning, and implementing of the change and reinforcing change as well. Most of the innovations are going over the budgeted funds and requires special funds. Implementation When the organisation decided to make a plan to utilise new ideas, techniques or a system, the implementation will occur. This would be happened to a system that already exists such as, approval system for capital spending, budgeting process for departments or divisions. The organization should be acquired the equipment and materials and the employees should be trained to use their ideas. Managerial Barriers to the Change The Managers can generate barriers for the benefits of change. The management can generate mistakes by ignoring their objectives, availability of materials or resources and the alternatives they able to undertake. There are several factors to describe by Daft and they are discussing as a framework for this issue. Extreme focus on costs The management always possess by mind-set that the most importance thing is cost and they forget to appreciate that the cost is not the most important thing for the change, as an example when we suppose to change employee motivation or customer satisfaction at higher level. Unless the forthcoming yields are considerable, when performance of an idea that cost more than existing applies, is unlikely to be accepted. Failures in highlighting benefits Both negative and positive responses will be produced by any kind of changes. The managers should be perceived more positive aspects than the negative aspects of the change and education would be helpful for the manager to achieve this. Lack of corporation and coordination ability Because of the lack of coordination to the implementation of the change, organizational conflict and fragmentation will be resulted. In addition to that, the old and new systems might not be compatible. Sometimes, the progress at the operational level may be seriously slow and the performance of the new system is not known. This type of problem will arise in projects that re-engineering the business process since, failure to assume properly that how thing are going on currently. Uncertainty avoidance The managers fear uncertainty related to the change at the single level. To avoid this situation communication should be strong horizontally. Then the team may know how process is going on and they can understand the how the change will impact on their duties. Fears on Loss- Fear of loss are related to uncertainty of avoidance. Managers may feel fear not only about their status and authority but also about their jobs. TASK 03: IDENTIFY THE RESPONSES TO CHANGE BY THE STAKEHOLDERS AND OVERCOMING THE RESISTANCE FOR CHANGE The all activities of The Toyota Motor Corporation are directly associated with its key holders such as shareholders, customers, employees, competitors and etc. So, it is really important to concentrate about stakeholders responses on change. The organizational goals and The Global Vision 2020 of Toyota is affected by performance and work return and the responses by its stake holders. Therefore it is very essential to create a positive image of the strategic change for both Toyota and its stakeholders. The stakeholders of the Toyota highly concentrate on benefits that they could have through the strategic change. The shareholders of Toyota Motor Corporation are seeking higher return for their investments, the employees are expecting salary increment and as well as good working environment in their working places and customers are expecting batter value for their investments on Toyota Vehicles due to the strategic change in Toyota Motor Corporation. Consequently if there is any failure on strategic Change in Toyota it will badly effect on response of stakeholders. Therefore the responses of the stakeholders to change are really important to make decision on Strategic Change. Because the strategic change, can be accepted or rejected by the stakeholders. How Attitudes of stakeholders will effect on Strategic Change Resistance on change can be forecast if the change is inevitable. As the responsible persons in the organization, top management of Toyota Motor Corporation should be focus on how and why resistance to change grows within the organization. Torrington and Weightman (1994) distinguish the different types of change experience. Imposition, Commenced by The Toyota from on High Adaptation, make changes in behaviors or attitudes of stakeholders Growth, favorable responses for opportunities Creativity, when stakeholders are initiator and they in control The imposition complies with resistance, adaptation complies with uncertainty, growth complies with delight and creativity complies with excitement. Therefore the management of the Toyota need be strong with skills to, Overcome the resistance or find other alternatives for change methods. Win the uncertainty Encourage the stakeholders and subordinates to get favorable response. There are some spectrum conceivable reactions to the objective of the change programme. Enthusiastic Corporation, acceptance or corporation under pressure from the management. Inactive Resignation Loss of interest, Least Contribution, Indifference Inactive Resistance non-learning behavior, regressive behavior Active Resistance working to rule, least work, protest, sabotages, obligating errors, Organizational change always encounter certain resistance may be simple. The change can be threatened by resistance but it is not amazement. Reasons for the resistance can be summarized as follows, Poor understanding about nature of the strategic change and what are the reason for that strategic change Believes of stakeholders: they think that their personal goals and interest would be threatened due to strategic change. Contradictory assessment on costs and advantages of the strategic change for the Toyota Motor Corporation. Lack of confidence about initializing the change and their intentions These clarifications for the resistance can be explained by concentrating on strategic change at individual level and then small group in the organization. Resistance by employees of working groups or informal group is possible to pose more troubles for the Management of the organization. Overcome the resistance to change Because of the poor understanding and the poor communication, resistance may be occurred. Though, if there are any serious matters for the resistance, a complex approach would be required. The management of the organization should be able to adopt with flexible approach to manage the strategic change and identify the main contingent issues in every situation. The managers should be able to identify the different types of resistance. Ignoring : I dont have enough information to make decision Delay for the judgment : I can wait and see how it going on for the decision Self-justifying Stances: Ooh Other solutions are better than me. this will not work Scarcity: I cant allow this to proceed. It is very costly Worry: I am sure. I cant work on this new system Disaffection: this is separate from my duty and from my division Experienced refusal: We tried on this before and it was failed Loss of Authority: It has to give up control Avoidance: I am not interest to computers Resistance may be meeting with face to face conflict. Normally it will indicate that the objectives of the organization had not been explained properly. It is better to listen the complaints, let the annoyance surface and finally makes calm behavior in all circumstances of conflict. Six Methods to overcome the resistance Develop the Education and Communication Improve the involvement and participating Providing supports and Facilitation Make better negotiation and agreement Improve cooperation and Manipulation Explicit and implicit coercion (Kotter and Schlesinger -1979) When we try to implement last two methods will raise legal and ethical problems. And also cause to make the situation worse. These methods are not mutually exclusive but managers make the decision in effective way by combining them. TASK 04 IDENTIFYING APPROPRIATE MODELS FOR THE STRATEGIC CHANGE AND MEASURING THE EXPECTATION OF STRATEGIC CHANGE The implementation of strategic can be valued, to make sure the ongoing change. For the implementation of strategic change we can establish monitoring and review techniques. The strategic change would be able to implement within the Toyotas stakeholders for the purpose of achieving Global Vision 2020. When we implement the strategic plan to the organization we have to implement it step by step. We can suggest a change process as follow: Recognize the problems in the Toyota Motor Corporation Observe the reasons for those problems and analyze the solutions to overcome them Select and plan alternative solution Implement the planned solutions Communicate the learning process and allow organization to deal with ongoing change (Senior and Fleming 2006) The managers can state the strategic change plan by allocating employees into separate teams and instructing them. Therefore each team automatically will used to implement the strategic plan easily. Making teams within the organization is very essential to evaluate strategic changes. The outcomes should be able to monitor and evaluate the performance of team workers for the successful implementation. The management can introduce incentive scheme for the best team for the purpose of motivation through success in strategic management by monitoring and evaluating the each team. According to my point of view, I can suggest the Concept of Force Field (By Kurt Lewin) is the best model for managing the change in The Toyota Motor Corporation. The Force Field Analysis is really important to identify all the forces which favourable on change and on the other hand it identify forces which are against to the change. In addition to that it helps us to consider the importance of these factors and to make the decision whether the implementation of the plan for change is worth. As an example, when The Toyota Motor Corporation target to issue an electric version of the RAV4 by 2012. Target to issue an electric version of the RAV4 by 2012 Driving Forces Restrictive Forces Customer wants new product Loss of staff overtime Improve speed of production Cost Raise volume output Staff afraid to new technology Control rising maintenance Cost Environmental impact (Forces Favoured on change) (Forces restricted on change) Current Situation We can use action plan to review the process of implementation. In addition realize the present position in the organization after the strategic change. By using action plan we can recognize the time frame and difference between expected level and actual level of the strategic change in the organization. By recording, keeping, monitoring and evaluating the changes we can make sure the on-going change in organization. We can check whether expected performance have achieved by stakeholders through the strategic management by measuring actual performance. CONCLUSION This report deeply discussed the application of the Strategic Change Management in worlds fifth biggest company, Toyota Motor Corporation. According to the Vision of the Toyota, Good corporate citizen, they focus on constantly winning the trust and respect of the international community. The Toyota Motor Corporation always adopt with business environment for the purpose of long term growth. In terms of achievement of the Global Vision 2020 the Toyota has to change their system according to the plan that they have drafted. Because of the external development the change is necessary. The Toyota should be come to terms with number of external factors including global market share, environmental issues, and changes in demographically and awareness of health. Eventually, these factors will cause to triggers to change. The all activities of The Toyota Motor Corporation are directly associated with its key holders such as shareholders, customers, employees, competitors and etc. So, it is really important to concentrate about stakeholders responses on change. The organizational goals and The Global Vision 2020 of Toyota is affected by performance and work return and the responses by its stake holders. Therefore it is very essential to create a positive image of the strategic change for both Toyota and its stakeholders.