Contributions to Misunderstanding Psychology Essay Example for Free

Contributions to Misunderstanding Psychology Essay Rose (1992) has accused psychology of â€Å"Engineering the Human Soul† (p. 351). This is a very odd statement for a sociologist to make because science, whether hard or social, by definition, requires conclusions to be based on use of the scientific method. Alas, the hypothesis that there is a human soul is one that that the scientific method cannot address because there is no way to provide empirical evidence that either confirms or disconfirms it. Indeed, even the phrenologists Gall and Spurzheim (discussed below), who mapped the brain into areas controlling all sorts of human attributes, found an area for â€Å"spirituality† (Myers, 2004), but not for the soul. Rose is, however, in the company of a medical internist with a Ph. D. from Yale in physical chemistry, i. e. , Collins (2007, as cited in Snyder, 2007), who has claimed there is evidence that â€Å"moral law is implanted in our brains by God† (p. 6). Nonetheless, despite psychology being unable to engineer an entity for which there is no scientific evidence, one purpose of this paper is to argue that Rose (1992), along with other critics of psychological research, has failed to recognize that the continued influence of the studies of individual differences beyond the early part of the last century, mainly the development of tests to measure intelligence, i. e. , IQ testing, has not been on psychology, but on education. Indeed, later psychological research on intelligence and cognitive development has been largely ignored in education (Perlmutter Burrell, 1999). There is no disagreement that IQ testing had and continues to have a negative influence on education, but this paper addresses the waning of the influences of IQ testing within psychology itself not long after the development of these tests. What is psychology? Rose (1992) defined psychology as the study of individual differences, based on a â€Å"paradigmatic technique of . . . the psychological ‘test’ . . . (pp. 358-359). The goal of psychology, according to Rose, is â€Å"the isolation, intensification, and inscription of human difference† (p. 359). This definition is not the same as the one used in most textbooks on introductory psychology, where the discipline is defined as â€Å"the science of behavior and mental processes† (Myers, 2004). While psychological questions have been of interest from the time of the ancient Greek philosophers, psychology as a science did not develop until the latter part of the 19th century (Myers, 2004). Psychologists eventually conducted research in areas that began in other disciplines – and also came to be blamed for the wretched excesses of still other disciplines, notably education. In the early 19th century, phrenologists Gall and Spurzheim mapped out brain areas supposedly controlling attributes from acquisitiveness to sublimity and measured people on these attributes by feeling bumps on their heads (Myers, 2004). Despite the embarrassment phrenology caused scientists, late in the 19th century French and German neurologists, notably Brocca and Wertheimer, provided evidence of left-hemisphere dominance in tasks involving language (Deutsch Springer, 1997). They used autopsy findings of those who suffered language deficits following strokes to areas in the left cerebral hemisphere (the dominant hemisphere for more than 90% and 70% of right- and left-handed people respectively). These findings were followed by further research on deficits in spatial abilities following strokes in the right cerebral (usually non-dominant) hemisphere (Deutsch Springer, 1997). In the next century, researchers studied the performance of those who underwent a surgical procedure where the connecting fibers (the corpus colossus) between the two hemispheres were severed to control the spread of severe seizures (Deutsch Springer, 1999). Later research, using equipment such as evoked potentials, was conducted using samples from the general population. The research provided evidence not that only one hemisphere was activated during performance of most tasks but evidence that one hemisphere was more activated than the other, for example, in language comprehension, the left hemisphere is more activated, but the right hemisphere also is activated in comprehending the emotional, metaphoric, and humorous content of language (Deutsch Springer, 1997). Individual differences also were rare, for example, listening to music results in greater activation in the right than left hemisphere, except there is the reverse pattern for trained musicians (Deutsch Springer, 1999). However, the history of research related to the cerebral hemispheres is an example of psychologists falsely being blamed for the nonsense propagated by those in education that there were left- and right-brained people – and teachers somehow were supposed to adjust their teaching for their right-brained students (Connell, 1990). In outlining the history of psychology, introductory textbooks place its beginnings in Wundt’s establishment of a laboratory in Vienna in 1879 for the purpose of applying the scientific method to the study of human mental processes: â€Å"On a December day in 1879 . . . Wundt was seeking to measure . . . the fastest and simplest mental processes. Thus began what many consider psychology’s first experiment† (Myers, 2004, p. 4). However, those in other disciplines, such as Rose (1992), seem to believe not only that psychology began – and ended with the early work of those studying individual differences, but also that research in psychology actually is used in education. Individual Differences One important difference between the early work of neurologists on the human cerebral hemispheres described above and early work on individual differences is that the former research was based on beginning with basic or shared mental processes. Put another way, the law of parsimony is that main effects are studied prior to interactions (Kirk, 1995). The early work on individual differences in intelligence began prior to research on basic cognitive processing. Galton’s definition of intelligence (White, 2006) was based on an assumption drawn from Darwin’s evolutionary theory of the survival of the fittest, both between- and within-species (1859, as cited in Myers, 2004). Between-species, humans clearly are advantaged with superior intellect. However, if human intelligence had been defined as those characteristics that increase the probability of an individual’s survival, predominant attributes would be those related to the attainment of economic and political power. From the beginnings of civilization, world history has been a struggle for power, with members of prevailing powerful groups inhumanely dominating members of less powerful groups (Braudel Mayne, 2003), a concept perhaps best expressed by John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever as â€Å"everybody always has to have somebody to dump on† (Wexler, 1977). Being powerful certainly does enhance one’s chances of survival, but how did anyone reach the conclusion that power was related to what we usually think of as intellect?

The International Business Culture Business Essay

The International Business Culture Business Essay What is meant by the culture of a society, and why it is important for international managers to understand it. Do you notice cultural differences among your classmates. How do those differences affect the class environment or your group projects? Society mean by culture is a set of shared values, assumptions and beliefs that are learnt through membership in a group, and that influence the attitudes and behaviours of group members.   Culture is not innate it can be learned, and it may varies tremendously from society to society. We begin learning our culture from the moment were born, as the people who raise us encourage certain behaviours and teach their version of right and wrong. It is important for the international managers to understand it, to know how to respect towards one countrys culture. Once culture may not work well for the other country and can be interpreted as an insult. Thats why, it is really important to raise the awareness of cultural issues to the international managers to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Some cultures are difficult to observe and measure; basically managers should be keen and knowledgeable  about it. Managers must develop cultural sensitivity to anticipate and accommodate behavioural differences in various societies. As part of that sensitivity, they must avoid parochialism-an attitude that assumes ones own management techniques are best in any situation or location and that other people should follow ones patterns of behaviour. The managers should know how to adjust and able to cope up with in a diverse cultural differences. Managers can use research results and personal observations to develop a character sketch, or cultural profile, of a country. This profile can help managers anticipate how to motivate people and coordinate work processes in a particular international context. And some cultures may put more emphasis on universal commitments while others put more weight on loyalty to particular people or relationships. Dealing with national culture differences requires not only knowledge adequate behaviours but also more importantly, an understanding of deeper level assumptions and values that explain why certain behaviours are more appropriate than others.   Time effort, reputation and even contracts can be lost to an international manager because of cultural ignorance. Yes I notice cultural differences among my classmates. It can affect group projects and as well class environments. It can affect the group projects in a positive and negative way. Negative: In any group activities we were not being able to express and communicate well. Theres a language barrier that hinders once idea or we cannot easily express what we feel. Different accents, different words having different meanings and connotation that somehow misinterpret. Some of us feel there is a Social Groups and Social Alienation inside the classroom, as each of us has a different culture towards beliefs values and common interests. We dont share similarities; some of my classmates feel isolated from the others. That somehow these dissimilarities create tension in the classroom discouraging them to be more aware and be tolerant to others. Positive: We allow ourselves to accept and adopt a culture. We gain different ideas and nurture these differences that each one of us has. These things can help us in the near future in dealing with various people who have a different culture.   We became knowledgeable in diverse language and culture. We students faced in a diverse classroom and we learn different cultures constantly. We became curious and may ask questions to classmates and we are encouraged to learn another language and culture. Question 2 Critically assess the types of operational conflicts that could occur in an international context because of differences in attitudes towards time, change, material factors, and individualism. Give examples to specific countries. Owners of a company and managing foreign stakeholders who has cultural differences may create managerial challenges.   Companys employing/recruiting people from other culture may arise in operational conflicts because of their differences.   Below are the examples to specific countries where operational conflicts occur in an international context: Time Timeliness in Appointments In US and most of the first world countries really value the time. Scheduled appointments are often treated like a general guideline and to some countries it should be strictly abide by. Failure to come on time may lead to conflict and misunderstanding. Some cultures are more time conscious than others. Punctuality really matters for European countries, as time for them is wealth.   In addition, whether you are in France or in China, your business partners will appreciate your efforts to make good impression if you arrived on time. But failure to do so may feel unlikely not interested or unwell prepared to attend the occasion and business meeting. In New Zealand, they are strict in the number of hours you can work, as they dont want to stress and let the employee feel that they are overworked. They provide certain amount of working time. Filipinos has the manana habit or attitude, instead doing a project/task as early before the deadline comes, they prefer to do it the day before the deadline or in a rush. The habit of saying/doing there will still tomorrow to finish a task.   Change Western Culture considers change as a positive business opportunity. Innovation comes to different type of business in Westernise countries. Business landscape for them is rapidly evolving, changing and transforming which used as a strategy to survive in a never ending changing business trends. Change for them is a good thing as this start of a new business opportunity, start of wealth and new product to market.   Meanwhile, Muslim culture is passive to change due to effect on the gender role and religious practice. They see that a man reflects a dominance of tough, values such as achievement, assertiveness, competition and material success. Religion is something to do with faith that changes are not applicable. That it was written in a book a long time ago and should be abided. In the Philippines or any countries, which Muslim resides, men provide food and work for the family. Muslim wives have nothing to do with it, men are over powered and overwhelmed that results to a conflict.   As well failing to acknowledge the status of Muslim within a business/work or to greet them without respect can leave a bad impression. Material Factors US are considered as materialistic culture. They tend to spend lots of money and invest on material products that sometimes affects to a certain  business opportunities. They are overwhelmed with the money that they have earned and spend it. Lifestyle is very different.   On the other hand, Asian culture valued their natural resources (air, sea, land) sometimes it was misused that result to a conflict.  They give value on natural environment and make new services or products with the natural sources they possess. Individualism Western Culture is highly individualistic like US, Sweden, UK and Germany. They are very confident, independent, have recognition of personal initiative and achievement. Conflicts that UK experience, that they maintain loose social structure, they cant control a person, they more likely to be aggressive and tend to have their own way. While Asian culture  promotes cooperation and teamwork that sometimes they are very dependent to one another. Relying to each other to finish a certain task or project. In the Philippines, conflicts arise when people tend to pass their work and rely to the help of their subordinates or co-workers that results to delayed of a certain task. Without knowing the operational conflicts in an international context may result in some costly blunders in business marketing and management, it also can affect seriously the success of international business negotiations. Question 3 A.) Jo Barnes and Monsieur Hulot are both managers of Port Philip Pharmaceuticals are based in two different countries. Jo Barnes is an Australian International manager who oversees the operation in France under the management if Monsieur Hulot, a French national. Describe and Compare how each of these managers deals separately with the management issue that is affecting the operation of  Port Philip Pharmaceuticals? Jo Barnes is an Austrailan International manager, shes educated, confident, independent woman. Jo Barnes belongs to a country of an individualistic culture,  culture that shows a relative preference for the individual in a contrast to the group. This social structure are characterised by independence, the importance of individuals rights and recognition of personal initiative and achievement. The first approach of Jo was very self-centred that it became obvious that any idea of her running the training programs in testing techniques and quality control was not likely to be well received.   Meanwhile, Monsieur Hulot is a French Manager, which has an element of specialisation, unity of command, and unity of direction, with a hierarchical line of authority, initiative, and esprit de corps. All of the characteristics describes a Collectivist culture, these culture clearly distinguish between in-groups and out groups and expected to subordinate their individual interests for the benefit of their in- groups.   Two countries with different culture, one has been overpowered by being independent and educated (Jo) and the other focused on the benefit of all his subordinates (M. Hulot). They were not able to deal immediately the issues but Jo Barnes was able to adjust to the French culture that makes M.   Hulot be proud of her. B.) One of the challenges of international business in different countries is the different forces of International environment that impacts the role of management of multinational organisations. Evaluate any of the international forces that have affected Port Philip Pharmaceuticals in their operation and its management in France? International force that affects  Port Philip Pharmaceuticals in their operation and its management in France are the following: P3 in France are members of a collectivist, in whom they clearly distinguish between in groups and out groups and are expected to subordinate their individual interests for the  benefit of their in-groups like family and organisation. And value the overall good of loyalty to the group. They became dependent on each other, and trust everyone in their respective work that sometimes not well, as they rely on each other. With a relatively high power distance (uneven distribution of power). Hand in hand with a focus on individual rights and personal achievement. They are concern about their status differences and show proper respect to their superiors. This status difference exist within P3 may be based on age, social class or family role. P3 employees had high opinion for themselves and have professional knowledge. Power distance exists based on education and wealth too. P3 also possess high uncertainty avoidance, they prefer structure and predictability that results in explicit rules of behaviours and strict laws. They do not want changes. Not risk takers. They limit themselves into new ideas or innovation.   Language barrier was also became an international force to P3s management and operation. One of the hindrances that they encounter dealing that not most of them cannot speak English. Translations as well can have different meanings or connotations.   C.) A multinational company like Port Philip Pharmaceuticals deals with many constituents. Evaluate the management approach of Jo Barnes in dealing her constituents in Philippines and France. Jos management approach in the Philippines just worked very well. Filipinos were known to be hospitable. She doesnt find any hard time in dealing with them. As Filipinos knows how to respect and deal with different kinds of people. Filipinos with a high degree of Power Distance tends to accept and give importance of a cultures position (Australia) along a certain cultural dimension. They know how to accept and adopt once culture. Jo was taken out for a dinner in a wonderful restaurant, every day and night she was entertained, wined and dined. While during working hours Filipinos had listened respectfully to Jos suggestions for improvements. On the other hand, when shes in France her situation was different from the Philippines. Her first approach just failed as she tends to be an individualistic (independent, self-centred, personal initiative and  achievement) person, she was informed that her qualifications to be inadequate. As a result of this approach, the French chemists had high opinions of themselves and their professional knowledge was not prepared. It became obvious that any idea of her running training programs in testing techniques and quality control was not likely to be well received. On the next day, Jo remembered how Filipinos treated her. Jo adopted a new strategy. She made a little speech thanking M. Hulot for his courtesy in inviting her to visit the company and congratulated everybody on its fine reputation, back home on Brisbane, for the high quality of its products and the creative innovations it had made to the pharmaceutical industry. And compliment how proud she is to have French Connection.   Jo Barnes, knew already to adjust and adapt to the French Culture (new sense of respect and able to know French commitment to their areas of specialization) She was able to cope up with them. She was able to put smiles on their faces and was able to start her training with everyones listening. She set aside first her educational background, her status in Australia and her personal achievement. Instead she extends her hand to help French P3. She was able to impress everyone. She showed that she was part of the group (Collectivist) person. They have one objective and goal as a group. Thats the time brainstorm arose, with everybody contributing ideas.  Everything just went well. A solution to the problem had been found and she was confident it would be implemented without a delay.   Question 4 Today, international business people must think globally about production and sales opportunities. Many global managers will eventually find themselves living and working in cultures altogether different from their own. Many entrepreneurs will find themselves booking flights to places they had never heard of. What do you think companies can do now to prepare their managers for these new markets? What can entrepreneurs and small business with limited resource do? In order for the companies prepare their manager for the upcoming new markets. They should act global and should practice globalism. Creating a closer ties or bond to other countries by way of exchange of goods and services. Through globalisation managers may increase their interdependency and may bridge between two countries. It can also innovate ideas and can easily be implemented.   The company must start to train their managers by involving themselves in the movements of ideas, information images and people. Company should provide remuneration and rewards. Provides health and safety insurance. Treating employees as assets of the company. International managers should pay attention to trends in the global industry. Able to predict globally hot topics, products and services that the new market will be interested. Managers should develop niche expertise; their skills, knowledge and abilities should be nurtured and embraced through training. The international business environment influences how firms conduct their operations in both indirect and direct ways. Managers of globalization are causing the flows of trade, investment, and capital to grow and  become more entwined-often causing firms to search simultaneously for production bases and new markets.   Companies today must keep their finger on the pulse of the international business environment to see how it may affect their business activities Each national business environment is composed of unique cultural, political, legal, and economic characteristics that define business activity within that nations borders. This set of national characteristics can differ greatly from country to country. But, as nations open up and embrace globalization, their business environments are being transformed. Globalization can cause powerful synergies and enormous tensions to arise within and across various elements of a society. Company managers must be attentive to such degrees, adapting their products and practices as needed. International firm management is vastly different from managing a purely domestic business. Companies must abide by the rules in every market in which they choose to operate. Therefore, the context of international business management is defined by the characteristics of national business environments. Because of widely dispersed production and marketing activities today, firms commonly interact with people in distant locations within the international business environment. Finally, managers and their firms are compelled to be knowledgeable about the nations in which they operate because of the integrating power of globalization. Businesses should try to anticipate events and forces that can affect their operations by closely monitoring globalization, national business environments, and the international business environment Know how to market. The concept of personal branding that suggests individuals should think of them as a brand and market their skills.  For the entrepreneurs and small business with limited resources can do is to expand their business with new target market and customers that are not too costly. They would be able to identify their local and global potential markets. Able to determine their needs and desires. Not only discover the prospects want, but why and how they want it. It is crucial, but they should meet their wants and needs. International trade specialists can help small businesses locate and use federal, state, local, and private-sector programs. They are also an excellent source of market research, trade leads, financing, and trade events. The Trade and Development Agency also helps small and medium-sized firms obtain financing for international projects. Even if you have small business yet you think BIG that would be their competitive advantage. Making sure that their business takes the maximum advantage of those areas represent their strengths of small companies. Create a constant improvement and listen to the customers. Market driven. Listen. Act. Respond to customers needs. Maximise employee productivity. Question 5 What are the claims of those who say globalisation eliminates jobs, lower wages, and exploits workers? Some societies find globalisation as a dominating concept. That it may affect their lifestyle. A country has a complex cultural conditions such as they see exploiting people on the ground of race, gender or class, people will really try to get rid such society or country. People in a certain country feel they are being over powered with foreign workers. Just like in the views of developing countries, globalisation increase phobia of inequality. It eliminates jobs from local nationality; they somehow prioritise foreign workers because they were paid at a lower wages or labour fee. Or they have lots of job opportunities but then the wages were too low, claims are they see the potential of the foreign worker or a country that offers a cheap labour. Conflicts arise and instability.   A country can outsource cheap labour and sell it on their country in a higher price. Local manufacturers feel that they are dominated by imported products. Lots of subcontracting that reduces job opportunities.   Competition became higher and risky for local workers and labourers as international dominate their working environment.   They criticize the practice of sending good-paying manufacturing jobs abroad to developing countries where wages are a fraction of the cost for international firms. It is argued that a label reading Made in China translates to Not Made Here. Although critics admit that importing products from China (or another low-wage nation) lowers consumer prices for televisions, sporting goods, and so on, they say this is little consolation for workers who lose their jobs. When a manufacturing job is lost in a wealthy nation, the new job (assuming new work is found) pays less than the previous one. Some evidence does suggest that a displaced manufacturing worker, especially an older one, receives lower pay in a subsequent job. Those opposed to globalization say this decreases employee loyalty, employee morale, and job security. They say this causes people to fear globalization and any additional lowering of trade barriers. Because of these claims above mentioned, it may cause  issues like chauvinism, fundamentalism, and religion, ethnic and racial hatred in controversy. Question 6 A.) One strategy Yahoo! Could use to deal with the Chinese government is to allow its local joint venture partner, Beijing Founder Electronics, to deal with the government. What are the benefits and risks of doing so? The benefits of Beijing Founder Electronics (joint venture partner of Yahoo!) in dealing with Chinese government, it can produce mutual gains and clear distinction of operational freedom. It is legalise and recognised by the authority. The process of hiring and remuneration will be authenticated. There will be a secure patent and copyright protection supported by the government.   The risks/influences that the government implies to Beijing Founder Electronics: There will be levels of taxation and restrictions on profit repatriation. Have controls on risks limits and observance of professional standards. Some rules to be followed and should abide. There will be labour union rules to obey. Foreign firms should regulate it.   In such way there will be benefits and risks to consider in a local joint venture of two organizations. There might be an effect and impact but still its necessarily to address it in a legal way. B.) How does a strategic alliance differ from a joint venture? Explain the pluses and minuses of such alliances? Strategic alliance (called in a government perspective) is a form of collaboration between two or more companies that can take on many forms such as: Technology transfer, Purchasing and distribution agreements, Marketing and promotional collaboration and Joint product development While Joint Venture (called in a business man perspective) involves a potentially long term of investment of funds, facilities and resources by two or more companies to a combined venture which benefits all companies. All involved will have an equity stake in the new venture. It may be formed to: Run production facilities in another country, establish a marketing distribution presence, use complementary technologies held by each participant and Joint venture can also be used to get around country trade barriers.   Advantages or Pluses of these alliances: Forming a business relationship with a partner, or partners, may provide you with a number of advantages. You may be able to access technologies or patented processes owned by the other partner. You may be able to access their distribution network. Enable firms to share costs and risks of the research and development of new products and process. International alliances serve to avoid import barriers (Free flow of goods). Licensing requirements and other protection legislation. Disadvantage or Minuses of these alliances: Global alliances are usually slow in the making, but in a highly competitive they present a faster and less risky route of globalisation. It is not easy to negotiate and finalise an argument, but if both parties have approved the agreement everything will be fast. Problems and challenges that alliance may encounter:   Shared ownership (risks of shared assets), differences in national cultures (cultural differences; national and organisational culture), difficulties with integration of different structure and systems, distribution of power (may dominate one partner when it comes to process/ideas/outcome), competition within partners, conflicts between relative centres of decision and control. Disclose confidentiality of information, usage of patented technology or intellectual property rights, difficulty on collaborative efforts that lead to mistrust and secrecy. All the advantages and disadvantages mentioned above are inevitable in having alliances. Alliances may work and may not work well. So alliances, should consider their strengths and weaknesses. Ideal partnership takes advantage in their both core competencies that will strengthen weaker areas of a company business.   Question 7 A.) Evaluate the management strategy used by Brandon in order to finalise the deal of the Yokohama parts with Mr. Kumatsu and how it led to success or failure of the deal? The management strategy used by Brandon to finalise the deal of the Yokohama parts with newly appointed Japanese executive, Mr. Kumatsu was based on direct coordination which decision making is based on the merits of the individual situation. It should not treated that way as Japanese have a high uncertainty avoidance which pertains to dislike of any changes (resistance to change) and want the process in a prefer structure and predictable as Japanese company always look for a long-term goal. It also give least common approach that gives more pressure to Yokohama parts and able not to coordinate well. From the above mentioned strategy Brandon used, it led him to be unsuccessful with the deal. The complexity and interdependence of both parties decrease the needs to think parallel and drawn up to a contract. B.) Design an effective management strategy for Brandon to successfully achieve a good international dealing with their companys suppliers in Japan. For Brandon to successfully achieve a good intetrnational dealing with their company suppliers in Japan, the effective management strategy should be managing resistance to change. This strategy will change raises anxiety over fear of the following: Economic loss, basically Japanese company look after their economic status if the deal/opportunity is worthy to grab and if it will be beneficial to the company as well to the country. Inconvenience, they want to reduce the cause of trouble or problem. They more likely want to have an easy access. They want to be more convenient and efficiency. Uncertainty, basically Brandon must prove that theres no doubt in their business negotiations and be certain enough. Break in status-quo, Brandon must prove that it will be a breaking through deal, that he will have no fear in making it through a good negotiation and provide a quality service for Mr. Kumatsu. In using the above management strategy, it would be a successful deal as it leverages distinctive mix of orientations and strategies. It is global technological competence with unique product development. It also focuses on quality and leveraging of foreign distributor competencies. Brandon should also adapt to the demands of its new environment and culture as it remains the most effective way of maintaining a lasting competitive advantage. http://www.prenhall.com/behindthebook/0131746170/pdf/Deresky_CH03.pdf http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/09/19/3-things-to-do-now-to-prepare-for-the-new-job-market http://catalogue.pearsoned.co.uk/assets/hip/gb/hip_gb_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0273752634.pdf International Strategic Management (Strategic Formulation and Implementation) Hodgetts, Luthans and Doh, International Management: Culture, Strategy and Behaviour, 6th Edition (New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2006)

The Principles And Misconceptions In Effective Interpersonal Communications Psychology Essay

The Principles And Misconceptions In Effective Interpersonal Communications Psychology Essay Good interpersonal skills, with the aid of communication skills and emotional intelligence, are a weapon that can work for or against the future of newly married couples. Learning ones behavior depends, solely, on the level of interaction between the parties, guided by principles of communication. The latter influences the unfolding of future events basing on perceived trust. In the modern society, family unions, especially marriages, are facing turbulence times in spite of professional counselors. The result is that a high proportion of these unions usually end up in divorce, justifying the rising number of single parent families globally. The cause of such a trend, to an extent, is poor communication skills in relationships and misconceptions that arise thereafter. Therefore, lack of clear knowledge of the guiding principles of interpersonal relationships is the leading cause of instability in many unions. To begin with, there is not one known way to remedy social conflicts arising from interpersonal relationships. Experts in marital and family matters (guiding and counseling professionals and psychotherapists) have, for a long time, proposed application of an amalgam of various measures to salvage breaking marriages. Among them, are as described below: The principles and misconceptions in effective interpersonal communications Interpersonal relationships established basing on openness and honesty are hinged on clarity of interpersonal communications. When one of the couples feels withdrawn from the conversation, then the signal sent is very clear, implying that the quality of communication is deteriorating gradually. Hence, in the near future decision making becomes one persons responsibility. Therefore, conflicts emerge and its devastative effects become imminent or disastrous (LeBaron, 2008). Consequently, as put forward by Pierce, in his book Training in Interpersonal Communication Skills with the Partners of Deteriorated Marriages, respect is the, fundamental, core value of any successful interpersonal relationships. The most critical part of it is that couples should first understand and agree with the fact that respect is mutually earned, but not commanded. As a result, couples will appreciate themselves, of who they really are, in terms of personality and capabilities. Subsequently, couples should not confuse respect for fear. This is because fear brings inferiority complex to the afflicted party. The above highlighted points are of equal importance to avoiding of unnecessary interruption to the other party through understanding their mood, attitude, and behavior. Unnecessary interferences take many forms depending on the couples likes and dislikes. For example, couples should learn and practice listening and speaking skills. This enables a smooth flow of conversation, which put understanding to the optimum. Therefore, chances of misunderstanding are low, as the union survives through future probable conflicts (Pierce, 2001). Define emotional intelligence and its role in effective interpersonal relationships Emotional intelligence has various versions of definitions. This concept as defined by Salovey and Meayer, (1990) could imply the understanding of ones feelings and applying the same in logical thinking. It also encompasses the ability to understand other peoples emotional link to the same issue in comparison to your view. The key issues highlighted in this definition forms the basis of understanding and improving interpersonal communication and interpersonal relationships. For example, a couple should know their emotions and motivate each other to change for their better lives. Management of individual emotions and that of others improves ones skills in handling conflicts in relationships especially marital unions, which in most cases have strong attachment. Other scholars like Marques, (2007) further attached the meanings of these emotions in the process of solving interpersonal problem among relationships. According to John Cox, (2011), emotional intelligence has tremendous results when applied effectively. In support of that, Cox outlined the various roles of emotional intelligence, whose impacts resulted to great benefit to couples who adopted his proposal. For example, one of the crucial roles of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. This enhances ones ability to recognize their emotions, enabling them to understand its effects on them and other people. As a couple, you will accurately evaluate yourselves in terms of strength and weakness and in turn learn to adopt each other, therefore building self-confidence and trust amongst yourself. Another role of emotional intelligence is that of self-management. This skill helps couples to adapt to their new environment, enabling them to develop proactive measures to unknown situation. Motivation that comes along with self-management compels one to perform even better. The trustworthy of couples improves as each party can link emotional consistency to behavior, a reason justifying their integrity. Therefore, all events culminate to couples becoming optimistic of spending a lifetime together. Social awareness is another component of emotional intelligence whose contribution is equally important as those discussed above. Social awareness enhances empathy, which is, understanding and developing concern to other peoples welfare. As couples with a view to live happily with true love, parties in the union must feel empathized with, especially when they are down emotionally. Couples will learn to be service- oriented because of being socially aware of what they are required to do. R elationships management forms the last component of the roles played by emotional intelligence in personal development. Emotional intelligence helps one to inspire and guide other peoples behavior as a role model. This is through challenging others to improve on their performance and realize their full potential, also initiating change management attitude. Learning other peoples reactions, especially that of your spouse enhances amicable conflict resolution strategies among the couples. This is because negotiation skills will improve their interpersonal communication. Identify the barriers to effective interpersonal interactions.   Interpersonal interaction requires both attentive listening and audibility in speaking. Human beings usually feel appreciated when given the attention they deserve or talked to humbly with respect. Couples should learn to speak and listen to each other at a time. Clashing of conversations is usually perceived to have emanated from competition for attention between the couples, which in most cases develops to a quarrel a misunderstanding. Some of the barriers to listening as put forth by Beebe et al. 2000 are as follows: Having a critical attitude towards the speaker, couples should be cautious while approaching each other with a preset mind or attitude because it develops into a habit with time. External distraction can cause loss of concentration to a conversation, either temporarily or permanently. Conversing in an environment with high-pitched noise automatically distorts the intended information and as a result, misunderstanding could lead to unnecessary conflicts. Distorted focus- diverted attention, which is, trying to focus on listening to the speaker and at the same time attending to other matters. When being talked to by your partner, your listening time is highly valuable because it determines the result of the conversation or subsequent responses and reactions. Barriers to effective speaking include but not limited to the following: Ambiguity- a conversation, which lacks clarity tends to obscure the message relayed. The use of abstracts, jargons, and unaccepted informal dialects, in most cases leads to misunderstanding. Prejudging attitude- rushing to making conclusions usually result in facts conflicting. Couples should try as much as possible to; at all times have a full appraisal of each others view before making binding decisions. Stereotype and generalization- alluding to stereotypes usually blocks the flow of information. Thus, to avoid being looked upon as narrow-minded by your partner, for quoting common and meaningless statements, couples should quit such behaviors. To conclude on this issue of barriers to effective communication, several strategies to support listening and speaking skills are as follows: For example, direct your focus on your partner during conversation, pay attention, and concentrate on the speaker. At the same time, be empathic with your partner to show that actually you are actively participating in the conversation. Barriers to effective speaking could reduce if the speaker focuses on the issue at hand rather than the person to avoid being emotional. Also, enhance genuineness throughout the talk to show credibility (Beebe et al. 2000). 4). Evaluate appropriate levels of self-disclosure in relationships Self-disclosure is a situation whereby an individual decides, voluntarily, to share information regarding their private or personal lives, which the other party would not have known. Disclosure happens when relationships that people form has grown strong and mutual trust usually exist between the persons. According to West Turner, (2006), disclosure heightens the level of intimacy in the relationship. That is, the strength of bond between the couples usually improves and withstands the test of time from marital forces. Couples should learn to trust each other with their properties, and most importantly information pertaining to their lives. This is because disclosure of one party influences the other party to try to justify their part, a situation West Turner referred to as dyadic effect. That is, the compelling tendency of a persons disclosure influencing the other party to also expose some information they once regarded as private or a secret. Couples should adopt such a style be cause they will live free of past haunting guilt and they will understand each others behavior comprehensively. Though self-disclosure has its own benefits in marriages or unions of any kind, it is prudent to know the limits of disclosure to avoid hurting the other party. Therefore, there are some guidelines purposely for limiting partners from disgracing with their personal information. These principles limits when and to whom to share your personal data. They include: Self-disclosure should be confined between two intimate people. It is relieving experience where a couple feels light-hearted, free from inner invisible burdens. The same could take place in group therapy settings and public counseling lectures. Self-exposure is reciprocal, that is, for it to be successful, it has to be two way (dialogue). The other will also feel the urge to disclose their hidden secrets, because their counterparts disclosed. If a breakdown of reciprocity occurs, then trust between the couples is shaken. Disclosure has to occur in a certain context of time, not anytime. The duration of the relationship matters a lot on the type of information to disclose and that to retain. The case of newly married couples is challenging, the level of information disclosure should be progressive, just as the relationship grows. Couples should know that definitions of certain statements changes with time. Therefore, the meaning of information disclosed now can imply something different in the future. For example, a historic statement can be associated to one of the couples behavior in future, in case they behave in manner likely to be that which they expounded. Have reasons for self-disclosure. Release of information should not be too voluntarily without justification of a phenomenon. A couple wanting to experience catharsis have a different perception to self-disclosure from those wanting to know themselves better. Maintaining existing relationship and initiating one, requires some degree of understanding between these partners. Therefore, they have to expose part of their identity to the other partner for the growth and development of their relationship apart from themselves being healthy and free of stress (West, 2006). Some people have had reasons not to disclose their information whatsoever. According to West Turner, (2006), couples should consider the effect of their disclosure prior to disclosing their data. Majority of the people will fail to release their data because of the following reasons: evading hurting or rejection, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and be conservative with their personality, which reduces potential stress of whether the other party accepted the information with sincerity. However, in the process of disclosing information regarding their past life, the key principles of disclosure should be observed. For example, when couples choose to disclose their information to each other, honesty and consistency should be explicit. The relevance of the content of the information should remain straightforward; otherwise, one of the parties might be worsening the situation. 5). Describe strategies for managing interpersonal conflicts Conflicts are inevitable in marital lives or unions. Conflicts usually occur when there is interdependence between people, when couples are aware that they have different goals in life or perceive the other arty as a hindrance to self-actualization. Another principle in understanding marital conflicts is by accepting the positive and negative effects of the conflict resolution process. In spite of conflicts seen as an indicator of turmoil in unions, majority shows the relationship is worthy (Michelle, 2008). The sources of conflicts usually occur in a sequential style and they include competition for anything, losers denying the credibility of the conflict resolution processes and declare their dissatisfaction. Furthermore, avoiding conflicts and accommodating defeats implies sacrificing their personal needs for the sake of peace. Therefore, it is high time for couples to adopt conflicts management techniques, which resembles the steps as outlined by Michelle, (2008): Conflicts management begins with conflict definition. The conflict description should encompass content and relationship issues. Storing of grievances and retrieving during arbitration endangers the relationships future. Hence, the specific problem should be identified and relevant measures developed to solve the problem. The next step is to examine possible solution through an open conversation. Involve each party of the union equally in problem solving and identification of solutions. Each party should consider the costs and benefits of their proposal. The third step in conflict resolution after identifying the solution is to test its practicability. This will give room for early improvement on the chosen remedy before its full implementation. The fourth step is to evaluate the solution to identify its effects, in terms of mutual peace among the parties and their degree of satisfaction. In case the solution proposed is not favorable to both parties, revision or harmonization is necessary for its acceptance. In conclusion, my recommendations to most newly married couples are to improve on their emotional intelligence regardless of their status. This as explained earlier in the text helps in understanding our emotions in relation to other peoples emotions. Therefore, managing stress, conflicts, and misconceptions that see day-old unions break, are avoidable. Knowledge of interpersonal communication barriers helps individuals to know when and how to express their feelings in a certain way, depending on the circumstance. Understanding such concepts will reduce the escalating number of single families globally, also couples will experience happy marital lives rather than enduring their marital lives. Yours faithfully, Name

Aphra Behns Poem To the Fair Clarinda Essay -- Aphra Behn Fair Clarin

Aphra Behn's Poem "To the Fair Clarinda" In her poem â€Å"To the fair Clarinda,† Aphra Behn writes of a companionship between the speaker and Clarinda. This paper will attempt to prove that Clarinda is a hermaphrodite instead of a woman as is popularly believed, thus completely changing the meaning of the poem. In the first few lines, the speaker decides to call Clarinda â€Å"Lovely Charming Youth† (4) instead of â€Å"Fair lovely Maid† (1). The speaker says that the name will â€Å"lessen my constraint† (6). This could refer to the sexual feelings that are holding her back because of the womanly part of Clarinda. â€Å"And without Blushes I the Youth persue† (7) tells how the speaker is not embarrassed to desire Clarinda now that she is referred to as a Youth. Farther into the first stanza, the speaker talks about how the love between her and Clarinda is not wrong because Clarinda is perceived by the rest of the world to be only a woman, and two women in a friendly, romantic relationship was perfectly normal at this time. The speaker says that Clarinda was born as a hermaph...

Leadership And Management Essay -- essays research papers

Lead and Manage People Leadership is the key dynamic force that motivates and co ordinates an organization to accomplish its objectives. A leader creates a vision for the others and then directs them towards achieving that vision. To be a leader you must have followers who have confidence in you and who give you their support and commitment to a goal. My Leadership Role I have been employed at Harley Nursing Home since September 1997 every Sundays. My initial position at Harley was as a kitchenhand. Within this position I was introduced to the organization, it’s staff and the rules of being employed at Harley. As a kitchenhand I had to follow the cook’s leadership orders in the preparation and washing of dishes for 32 meals. After two years, the cook was transferred to one of the owner’s other nursing homes. I was then the privilege of this leadership role as a cook. Not only did I learn more about the preparation and cooking of 32 breakfasts, lunches and dinners but also be able to inspire, influence and motivate the other staff members in achieving the same goal: To feed the 32 residents of the Nursing Home. Within this leadership role I was able to develop my self confidence, communication skills, and problem solving tactics. Corazon Aquino Two and a half yrs after her husband’s assassination in August 1983, Corazon Aquino became the leader of the Philippines. As a president of the Republic of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, she led the country during it’s diffi...

Repaying Kindness Essay

There is a saying that goes like this-‘Be kind to unkind people – they need it the most’. I for one believed it to be utter nonsense.for me it was ‘one for one’s self’. Ever since is remember i was passed from one foster home to another,never really belonging anywhere†¦nothing was black or white in my life. every thing was decorated in different shades of grey. As soon as I was old enough I packed everything and rushed out to face the world on my own.but something good came out from my earlier misery. The little ten year old I’m proud to call my sister. For me she was everthing. All the work I did,all the trouble I went through was for her. Never taking help from others because I alone wanted to be everything she needed. But when she got diagnosed with cancer ,I knew I would not be enough.but I was still too proud to cry out for help. I’ve already learned that crying out for help goes unanswered. But by some miracle ,this time a kindness from god ,without me even asking ,was granted in the form of a man; my employee. Mr. Ilhum ,my employer was a jolly fat man with a beer belly. Although he was almost fifty,his only child was an eight year old boy. His wife died at childbirth.it was really a sad case .from what I heard,they had been trying for a child for over 8 years.one week after Susane , my sister was diagnosed, he quite accidently found out the doctor’s report . to say he was shocked would be quite an inderstatement.from then on he took over and had susane admitted .money was of no concern to him. When I once asked why he was doing it he said,every one deservers to live their life .according to him he wasn’t doing as any us favours but he was doing something any m,an would do. Yeah right. I am pretty sure there is no one else as crazy as him. Still I wasn’t about to question his sanity,after all , he was saving my sister. Due to susane’s cancer being caught at an early stage, the treatments were able to make her better and in no time,he was back to her old life. Every thing was fine again,but at the back of my mind,the question always remained; how do I ever repay such a kindness?After about a month or so the answer soon came to me when I saw the fire dancing around his house. I was working in the outside garage when I heard shouts .but was got to me the most was the cry of a child. It was filled wit such terror that it send shivers down my spine.forgetting all about my work I rushed towards the  house, I was consumed with horror. What a sight! The two storey white house was no longer a happy picture,but a flaming ball of fire. What was worse was that all the people standing around and trying to put off the fire could see the little boy crying hysterically from the second window,but no one went to help him. Forget about repaying any kindness,all that was going throughmy mind was his crying face. After that everything was hazy due to the huge amount of adreline rushing throught me.but I do remember seeing the relief on the child’s face when I scooped him in my arms. As soon as I got out, the firemen rushed at me wit wet blankets and put me in a stretcher. Mr.Ilhum was standing next to my,with his hands on another stretcher ,tears running freely from his eyes. It was then that I registered that the little boy was his. As the morphine started working it was hard to stay awake,but I do remember the words â€Å" that was one heck of a way to repay a kindness,now I owe you one.†

God is responsible for everything that happens

God is responsible for everything that happens in the universe – Discuss The idea of God being responsible for everything within the universe is disputed both within religion itself and outside of religion. The Bible assures that God has onmiqualities, which suggest that nothing happens outside of Gods control. But it also states that some things happen which are not part of God's will. If God is responsible, then why do we pray if God is in control of future events or have free will? In order to disagree with this statement, it could then God must be responsible or evil.However for many Christians, this is not the case, as God is not capable of evil. In the Bible, God is considered to be eternally or perfectly good and the source of all goodness. Because of this, God is neither capable of bad or tempted by evil. Due to God being omnibenevolent and perfectly good, God cannot be responsible for any bad which happens. Many would argue that if God is omnibenevolent, he wouldn't c ause pain or suffering, because an all loving God, to cause such evil contradicts the benevolent quality of God.However, it is often said that God causes suffering, such as the death of a loved one, in order to teach humanity a lesson. In this case it might be to make the deceased's family and friend value life and encourages us to live life to its full and not take living a happy and healthy life for granted. By causing evils such as natural disasters, God could be seen to be teaching humans to care for the vulnerable. Pain and suffering makes for better people, which could be seen as God's intention. Suggesting that God is responsible for everything hich happens, even evil, as the negatives only highlight the positives.Another argument against this statement is free will, given to man by God. It's impossible for God to be responsible for everything that humans do, if they employ free will. Free will implies that people make their own decisions, as to how to act. Therefore making t hemselves responsible for their own actions, instead of God. This however only makes God not responsible for humanitys actions and not animals, as they have not been given the freedom of choice, as they don't have the ability to reason.The creation stories in Genesis could be used in order to suggest that God is responsible for all that happens. This is because God is the ultimate creator. He is described as having created every aspect of the universe, including the land and sea. With regard to humans, in Genesis 2, God bring Adam into existence by breathing into his nostrils â€Å"breathed the breath of life into his nostrils†. By depicting God as the creator of the universe and everything in it, he is therefore responsible for everything in it.Just a tailor would be responsible for anything which might happen to the suit he made, with regards to its design, God is responsible for what happens to humanity and the universe as the creator. Against the idea of God been the crea tor of everything is that there are several things in the Bible, which have seemingly not been created. For example the darkness, which was chaos before the beginning of time. So to presume that God created everything, could be viewed as somewhat contradictory.The Devil is nother example ot something in the Bible which was not created. Theretore, it did not create everything, God cannot be responsible for everything that happens. In conclusion, for many Christians, it is reassuring to know that everything which has happened, has happened in God's will. And that therefore there's a reason for both good and bad to occur. But for others in disagreement, the argument of pain and suffering is one of the strongest in suggesting that God is not responsible for all that happens.