Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model

Ikea Company Culture: Comparison to Hofstedes Model INTRODUCTION Researchers have never been able to agree on a common definition of culture. Culture is something intangible, something abstract that is difficult to understand and identify exactly what it consists of. The cultural definitions that are focuses on two dimensions: culture systems of shared ideas, values, beliefs and meanings, that is, culture as cognitive systems, or culture as objects and events in a group, that is, culture as transmitted behaviour patterns (Bang, 1999). Culture is a collective phenomenon since it is shared by all people living in the same social environment. It is the collective mental programming which distinguishes the members of a group or category of people from one another. Furthermore, you can divide the cultures after various degrees of mental programming. National Culture is the mental programming at the national level, derived from ones country (Hofstede, 1991). Hofstedes theory:- In 1980, Hofstede conducted research internationally with the company IBM (through 64 countries) to highlight the role of cultural factors (Hofstede, 1991). These factors, called national dimensions, distinguish national cultures. His studies enabled him to distinguish the scales of values to classify, compare and group the countries according to their responses. These scales, which he named dimensions (4 for the first publication of his studies in 1980 and 5 for the edition of 2001) are as follows: Strong uncertainty avoidance / low uncertainty avoidance. Large Power Distance / Low Power Distance. Masculinity / Femininity. Individualism / Collectivism. Long-term Orientation and Orientation short term. The results of his investigations led him to establish indices for each dimension. Then he was able to place the surveyed countries (50 countries) based on their responses to a particular point of these indices. National dimensions of Hofstede are as follows: in terms of power distance (power distance): This concept refers to social inequality, including relations with authority. This can be defined as the degree of acceptance of those who hold less power in the institutions or organizations in a country where power is unevenly distributed. Individualism or collectivism (individualism): collectivism is the rule or not the collective interests over individual interests Masculinity (masculinity) in companies say male behaviours are clearly differentiated: the man must be strong, prevail and s of interest in material success, while the woman is supposed to be more modest, tender and concerned with the quality of life. Conversely, in societies so-called feminine roles between men and wom en become interchangeable. Tolerance for ambiguity (Uncertainty Avoidance): This is the level of acceptance of gray areas in society, relativism at the level of ideas. Temporal perspectives (long-term/short-term orientation): a country can be rated high on this criterion, which means a country with a high degree of long-term orientation corresponds to a culture that values strong perseverance and thrift. Conversely, a short-term orientation means being turned toward the past and present (Hofstede, 1991). These studies are recognized as classics for understanding cultural differences. According to Hodgetts and Luthans, they are a tool starting point to recognize cultural differences and give a direction to achieve business around the world in an efficient. Conversely, it should be noted that Hofstedes work has often been criticized. The main criticism is based on Hofstedes generalization. A countrys culture is a combination of its average citizens properties, or some sort of modal personality . It is a set of likely reactions of citizens with a common mental programming. The reactions leading to the results of Hofstedes study do not occur in the same persons, but only occur statistically more often in the same society (Hofstede, 1991). To confuse the individual level with community level is called the social science of the ecological mistake. It is based on confusion between personality and culture (Hofstede, 1991). These questionnaire data were made in the IBM study is collected from individuals, but for the study of cultures must be compared at the country level. This means that the average values calculated from the dimensions of the responses to each question for respondents from each country. Hofstede do not compare individuals, but what is called central tendency of responses from each country. There is hardly any individual who answer each question so that the average size for his or her group received. Average person from a country does not exist, only an average tendency to respond in a certain way for the whole group of respondents (Hofstede, 1991). This should be a warning not to use the land points that emerged from IBM examination to stereotype. Stereotyping occurs when assumptions about the collective properties of a group applied to an individual from the group (Hofstede, 1991). Another criticism is all about timing. Are Hofstedes research, commissioned by more than 30 years ago still relevant? Hofstede says that although the national characteristics of our modern times gives the impression of having that changed and we wear the same clothes all over the world, we see the same movies, eat the same food, consuming the same products, performing the same sport, so has our deep-seated values are not changed and will not do it for centuries, despite an increasingly globalized world (Hofstede, 1991). It should also be taken into consideration that the four dimensions was chosen precisely because they differ between countries. Hofstede mentions nothing that is unique to a particular culture, indeed in this respect should each country be free to establish their own unique cultural dimensions. Trompenaars Hampden theory:-Trompenaars is another Dutch business author who is considered an authority on international culture and its effect on organizational work. Quite like Hofstede, Trompenaars Hampden Turner divide the cultural differences across six specific dimensions: particularism universalism collectivism individualism overall vision vision for detail ascribed status status acquired exogenous motivation motivation endogenous synchronic time time sequence Particularism universalism The first dilemma raised by the authors is the dilemma between sameness and uniqueness. Universalist cultures, like the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Sweden, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, emphasizing the similarity impose common laws. Insisting on equality, they welcome diversity without discrimination, supporting access to voting for all and making everyone, even the political leaders to the same rules. In these cultures, the practical application of scientific discovery promotes rapid technical progress and development of production and mass consumption (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Among individualistic cultures, there are particular to the side of France, Brazil, Poland, Mexico, China, Japan. Celebrating difference, these cultures energetic foster innovation, product development, sophisticated, refined, and customized. The situations are experienced in a non-industrial: they are personal, intimate and incomparable. However there may rise to xenophobic and discriminatory (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism individualism Competing values individualism / collectivism is the source of the action and be open about the competition (individualism) or on cooperation (collectivism). In individualistic cultures, like the United States, Great Britain, Australia, the predominance of individual freedom encourages people to take charge. Emerge out of the ordinary people who mobilize immense resources to realize their dreams and explore the unknown, standing out strongly and the community. However, when this is concentrated in the hands of a strong man and greedy, these companies begin exploiting the weak (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Collectivism is based on sharing. France, Singapore and Japan are cultures where it is believed to share the wealth of the surrounding world, so it forces companies to do the training of their employees, it supports long-term bank loans and are motivated by a desire to pass on to future generations a healthy environment. However overprotection may lead to attitudes of free riders and laziness for example, the social support system in U.K. which can easily be exploited by cons to gain financial support from the government. The individual, community member, is trapped in a generous system which requires him to share his wealth if necessary (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Overall vision vision for detail Cultures advocating a vision of the whole are rather sensitive to quality than quantity. South Korea, Japan, France, Venezuela, Mexico are examples of countries with this holistic representation. The benefits of this vision are clearly in the importance given to quality (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The vision of detail, the culture of precision, are for example the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and recently in Eastern Europe. These cultures analyze problems to find the defective component, and repairing it, arrive at a functioning level. Based on feedback, they increase the satisfaction of individuals constantly responding to specific requests of customers(Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Ascribed status status acquired Cultures are characterized by two basic approaches concerning the social position: the status and acquired the status assigned. Individuals with assigned status often have a strong awareness of their duties towards society, either in financial terms or in moral terms. Their status allows them to transcend the daily battles for them success is not worth any price. They often occupy important positions, some deserved, others falling into the hands of incompetents (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Exogenous motivation motivation endogenous Moral choices of an individual are often guided by virtue, which can sometimes be seen as quality inside sometimes outside the individual. Endogenous motivation often leads the individual to remain faithful to his convictions and his conscience, leaving him free to choose their goals and how to achieve them. People who belong to the British or American culture, feeling in control of their destinies, looking to move up the social order. The action is therefore a predominant value at the expense of others as the trigger for example. In this context, the heroes are often the figure of fantasy creatures or cruel (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). The advantage of cultures based on an exogenous motivation based on their contact with the living environment. Thus the Japanese and the Chinese are trying to imitate nature, while objects from manufacturer of dreams, seeking harmony. Instead of being depleted by opposing adversaries, they use their own energy to fight them (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Synchronic time time sequence The final dilemma raised by the authors is the approach time. While the time sequence is divided into seconds and minutes that follow, the time is synchronic repetitive or cyclical events and opportunities repeating. American and Scandinavian cultures, belonging to cultures that measure time in sequence, attach great importance to the time: every minute is important because time is money. Thus, these cultures give rise to many studies on the time and movements. Youth will take some highly valued in a race against time to try to escape death. The individual, trapped in the prison of his employment time, no longer able to enjoy the moment (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). Central to the vision of synchronic time is the idea of right time, which is causing such methods just-in-time (JIT). Death does not represent a threat, being followed by a new birth. Several activities can be conducted in parallel, which may lead to permanent distraction. The time is determined by the situation: instead of arriving on time, it is more important to arrive at the right time, which requires an adjustment to others and involves allow time for others (Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, 1997). IKEA COMPANY CULTURE COMPARISION TO HOFSTEDE MODEL Company Profile: IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, who gave his name to the company based on his initials, as well as from the first letters of Hemgà ¥rden Elmtaryd outside the parish Agunnaryd where he grew up in Smaland (Tore Kull, 1998). IKEA was originally a mail order company which after looking at the exhibited furniture could order them through a catalog. The catalog was to play a central role and came out for the first time in 1953 just in time for the first furniture exhibition opened (Tore Kull, 1998). The foundation had been created for IKEA concept, a catalog at the bottom to attract people to an exhibition, what is now the department store. The first store was built in Smà ¥land Älmhult 1958 and the second store was started up at Kings curve just outside Stockholm. This newly opened department store was a success, self-service was IKEAs sales model and so it has remained. Rational tag-self-storage, efficient and number of checkout counters and a lower pro portion of sales orders gave great impetus to the profitability and turnover. (Tore Kull, 1998) Today, IKEA has 202 stores in 32 countries with more than 127,000 employees worldwide. As of 2009, IKEA had net revenues of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 23.1 billion and net income of à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬2.5 billion. IKEAs Cultural Analysis: IKEA is known the world over, not least for its strong corporate culture. It has its roots in Smà ¥land and in the Swedish culture and is characterized by a number of values. In IKEA we talk about organizational culture as something unique. The so-called Ikea spirit as the founder of IKEA, Ingvar Kamprad is humility before the task and cost-consciousness, should permeate the entire company. As a bearer of culture to management to maintain and disseminate the IKEA cultures values, which is essential for the company and its cultures survival. The maintenance of an organizational culture based on co-workers. In order to attract new employees, retain and develop existing staff have the organization and culture is constantly evolving. According to Salzer (1994), it is a problem for IKEA to maintain the organizational culture and achieve what you stand for in the organization of an international expansion. The IKEA culture is an informal type of culture that is based on a few core values. The values that best describes the IKEA culture is simplicity, cost-consciousness and humility. Their culture may be built around the values but the key is that the words are dressed in action. To IKEA, they mean nothing unless they are translated into action, as a manager you preserve the culture by being a good role model and act in accordance with company values. The values conveyed through symbols. Example of the small power distance related to IKEA, the way in which IKEA managers hands-on participation in daily work. For example, go down to the warehouse and help when something goes wrong, this would be unthinkable for a for a manager in a high power distance index. IKEAs managers are of different nationalities around the world and use different, individual leadership styles, which is not necessarily resemble a Scandinavian leadership model. The key, again, is that it has ikea in the bottom and that ones actions and leadership are based on IKEAs values. The importance of managers working in accordance with the culture illustrates that for IKEA culture takes precedence over the short-term profitability. Based on Hofstedes (1991) dimensions can be IKEAs organizational culture described by a small power distance. IKEA has a relatively flat organization where hierarchy is barely noticeable, the authority comes from knowledge and personality and not from the title and status (Nygaard Bengtsson, 2002). Salzer (1994) argues that the informal clothing style that prevails at IKEA is another example of this low power distance. Managers and employees operate at the same level, eat together and park in the same place (Salzer, 1994). IKEA managers way of hands-on participation in daily work illustrates the low power distance that exists at the company. Contributing down on the floor if something goes wrong is natural for managers at IKEA, it would however be unthinkable for say a director of an Indian or Chinese or French company. At IKEA, establishing a strong group cohesion with its employees is stressed on from the induction itself which is generally applicable in collectivist societies (Hofstede, 1991). At IKEA the attitude is to say we rather than I. I believe this is a clear proof that the IKEA culture is collectivist. IKEA culture is described, however as a feminine culture. What should characterize the relationship between manager and employee is an open, honest dialogue. Cooperation between colleagues to work well. Managers in feminine cultures are more intuitive than the firm (Hofstede, 1991) which fits well into IKEA, which is, as mentioned earlier, applying the decentralized decision-making. IKEA is characterized by low uncertainty avoidance, which is mainly manifested in the decentralized decision-making. Employees at IKEA are encouraged to make their own decisions, they are given freedom with responsibility and is expected to take initiative. (Internal IKEA materials, 1999) CONCLUSION IKEA HOFSTEDE ANALYSIS Small power distance Collectivism Femininity Low uncertainty avoidance IKEAs universal values

Old Man And The Sea :: essays research papers

In the book, The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway tells a story of an old fisherman. The old man, named Santiago, had gone for eighty-four days without catching a fish. Santiago feels that the following day would be a good day because eighty-five is his lucky number. The following day he gets up before dawn and sets out for a day of fishing. He had set one bait at forty fathoms, the second at seventy-five fathoms, and the third and forth were at one hundred and one hundred and twenty-five fathoms. While Santiago is fishing he sees a bird trying to get a flying fish that was being chased by tuna. The old man tries to put his boat over the school of tuna in hope of getting a catch. Suddenly something hooked itself on the bait that was set at one hundred and twenty-five fathoms. The old man had caught a huge marlin that was now pulling him out to sea. The fish continued to pull the old man out to sea for about 3 days. The old man survived by putting one of his other lines out so th at he could catch fish and eat them in order to keep his strength. On the third day he finally caught the fish. He had pulled the fish in slowly and then threw his harpoon at the fish's heart killing it instantly. The old man tied the fish to the side of his skiff and began to sail home. As he was sailing a shark took a large bite out of the fish he had caught. The old man harpooned the shark in his brain, and as the shark rolled off of the fish it took the old man's harpoon with it. The old man knew that there would be other sharks that would follow the scent of the fish's blood. He tied his knife to the butt of one of his oars. Two more sharks came and the old man killed them both. The second shark broke the blade as it rolled off the fish. Desperate, the old man waited for the other sharks. All he had left was a club, and he was going to use it. More sharks came, but this time in a pack. The old man desperately fought off the shark with his club, but the club was grabbed from his hands.

Autism And Savant Syndrome Essay -- Biology Essays Research Papers

Autism And Savant Syndrome A little boy quietly sits in front of a piano, with his fingers poised over the bright white keys. His teacher, seated beside him on the bench, plays a complicated series of chords, filling the air with a beautiful melody. After a single hearing, the boy begins to play, perfectly reproducing the song he has just heard. As the last notes fade away, the boy sits still for a moment and then begins to rock gently back and forth, only stopping once the music begins again.... A genius. A prodigy. One might label this child as such after witnessing this type of performance, were it not for the little nuances of the situation: the rocking, the cold, unemotional expression on the boy's face, and his lack of response to the voices around him. Instead, this boy is diagnosed with Savant Syndrome, a disorder in which individuals with neurological developmental delays in socialization and communication (3) possess "astonishing islands of brilliance that stand in stark, markedly incongruous contrast to the over-all handicap" (6). From absolute pitch and chess playing skill to the card-counting talent popularized by Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, savants may be developmentally delayed, but certainly posses a genius of sorts that is almost unmatchable. In this respect, I am fascinated by the biological and societal origins and significance of the existence of individuals with an IQ well below average who are capable of performing tasks about which some geniuses could o nly dream. The implications of these individuals are huge in terms of genetics, the nature of intelligence and the varying processes of thought present within humanity. I find that it is the presence of a "weakness" such as autism and its development... ...avant. WWW Sources 1)The Neurobiology of Infantile Autism http://www.mhsource.com/narsad/autism.jhtml?_requestid=60911 2)Autism Fact Sheet http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm 3)Pervasive Developmental Disorder http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pdd/pdd.htm 4)Autism and the Cerebellum http://www.autism.org/cerebel.html 5)Autism and the Limbic System http://www.autism.org/cerebel.html 6)The Savant Syndrome:Islands of Genius http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant/default.cfm 7)Autistic Savant http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant/default.cfm 8)Tune in, turn off http://www.newscientist.com/ns/19991009/tuneinturn.html 9)The Savant in All of Us http://www.saveachild.com/netnews/feb00resr.htm#Savant 10)Phenomenal Talent-The Autistic Kind http://www.nexus.edu.au/teachstud/gat/hendric1.htm

Benefits and Risks of Antibiotics Essay -- Antibiotics Pills Essays

Benefits and Risks of Antibiotics Introduction There are many issues that producers face in their practices today. One of these issues concerns the widely accepted use of antibiotics in livestock feeds. There are benefits and risks associated with this use. These issues impact not only the animal industry; the repercussions are seen on a much larger scale in the general public. This paper will give an overview of both the pros and cons of this issue. Background Antibiotics have been approved for use in livestock feed for over 30 years. This includes a variety of different antibiotics that are added to the feed at sub-therapeutic levels. There are strict guidelines that limit the amount of antibiotic to no more that 200 grams per ton of feed. Each antibiotic also has a minimum and/or maximum amount set. Antibiotics are widely used in all areas of the animal industry. They are most prevalent in swine, poultry and beef rations. PRO Antibiotics are invaluable to the producer. There have been numerous studies that show growth promotion and increased feed efficiency (a.k.a.: nutrient conversion) are achieved by using antibiotics in the feed. All industries can benefit from antibiotic use. For example, 100% of poultry producers add antibiotics to their rations for increased feed efficiency in growers and increased egg production in layer hens. Feedlot cattle are fed antibiotics to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses - a major money loss at slaughter. There are many who argue that the practice of including antibiotics in feed leads to drug resistant bacteria. The research done on this topic is inconclusive. Some producers are trying to get around this problem. These producers implement a gradient-feeding regime... ...uperbugs on the hoof? Science. 2000 May 5:288(5467):792-4 Hayes, D. J., H. H. Jensen, L. Backstrom, J. Fabiosa. Economic Impact of a Ban on the Use of Over-the-Counter Antibiotics in Swine Rations. 1999. Staff Report 99SR90 Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Hoogkamp-Korstanje, JA. 1999. Ned Tijdschr. Geneeskd. (translation). PubMed abstract Houndt, T., H. Ochman. Long-Term Shifts in Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Enteric Bacteria. Appl.Environ. Microbiol. Dec 2000 V.66:5406 Jurgens, Marshall. 1997. Animal Feeding and Nutrition, 8th Edition. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co. Kamphues, J. 1999. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wonchensch. (translation). PubMed abstract. Tollefson, L., M. A. Miller, Antibiotic use in Food Animals: Controlling the Human Health Impact. J. AOAC Int. 2000 March/April; 83(2):245-254 Benefits and Risks of Antibiotics Essay -- Antibiotics Pills Essays Benefits and Risks of Antibiotics Introduction There are many issues that producers face in their practices today. One of these issues concerns the widely accepted use of antibiotics in livestock feeds. There are benefits and risks associated with this use. These issues impact not only the animal industry; the repercussions are seen on a much larger scale in the general public. This paper will give an overview of both the pros and cons of this issue. Background Antibiotics have been approved for use in livestock feed for over 30 years. This includes a variety of different antibiotics that are added to the feed at sub-therapeutic levels. There are strict guidelines that limit the amount of antibiotic to no more that 200 grams per ton of feed. Each antibiotic also has a minimum and/or maximum amount set. Antibiotics are widely used in all areas of the animal industry. They are most prevalent in swine, poultry and beef rations. PRO Antibiotics are invaluable to the producer. There have been numerous studies that show growth promotion and increased feed efficiency (a.k.a.: nutrient conversion) are achieved by using antibiotics in the feed. All industries can benefit from antibiotic use. For example, 100% of poultry producers add antibiotics to their rations for increased feed efficiency in growers and increased egg production in layer hens. Feedlot cattle are fed antibiotics to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses - a major money loss at slaughter. There are many who argue that the practice of including antibiotics in feed leads to drug resistant bacteria. The research done on this topic is inconclusive. Some producers are trying to get around this problem. These producers implement a gradient-feeding regime... ...uperbugs on the hoof? Science. 2000 May 5:288(5467):792-4 Hayes, D. J., H. H. Jensen, L. Backstrom, J. Fabiosa. Economic Impact of a Ban on the Use of Over-the-Counter Antibiotics in Swine Rations. 1999. Staff Report 99SR90 Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Hoogkamp-Korstanje, JA. 1999. Ned Tijdschr. Geneeskd. (translation). PubMed abstract Houndt, T., H. Ochman. Long-Term Shifts in Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Enteric Bacteria. Appl.Environ. Microbiol. Dec 2000 V.66:5406 Jurgens, Marshall. 1997. Animal Feeding and Nutrition, 8th Edition. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Pub. Co. Kamphues, J. 1999. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wonchensch. (translation). PubMed abstract. Tollefson, L., M. A. Miller, Antibiotic use in Food Animals: Controlling the Human Health Impact. J. AOAC Int. 2000 March/April; 83(2):245-254

the cultural affects of national geographic Essay examples -- essays r

Thailand is a country enveloped in much mystery and cultural tradition. This fact is reflected very clearly in a series of pictures taken from the article, â€Å"The Many Faces of Thailand† in the February 1996 issue of the National Geographic magazine, titled, â€Å"Into the Heart of Glaciers† I will attempt to analyze the way in which the pictures portray the richness of Thailand’s culture and people and prove this statement about the National Geographic’s photography, â€Å"They originated in a search for ways of teaching about the third world that did not objectify and were not paternalistic but that fostered both a sense of how lives around the globe are interconnected and a capacity for empathetic understanding.† (Collins, Lutz 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A good portion of its text and photographs is devoted to images of the peoples and cultures of the third world.† (Collins, Lutz 1) This quote taken out of, Reading National Geographic, is proven very true by my use of this article about Thailand. National Geographic magazine has always tried to create interest in third world countries through its photographic spreads and â€Å"draw people into contact with a much wider set of cultural ideas† (Collins, Lutz 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first photograph found in this series is one of a Buddhist ceremony. It includes much artistry and focus and teaches the reader many things about Thailand’s culture. The first thing that I noticed about the picture was that it is dominated by males. There are no females in this photograph and the ages of the males vary greatly showing a male dominance being present in the cultural hierarchy. The photo is very dark, causing the reader to focus on the subjects rather than the background. Jodi Cobb, the photographer, portrays the harmony and continuity which is traditionally the spirit found amongst the Thai people by showing the men donning monks’ robes and holding candles, incense and lotus blossoms. Capturing a photograph of a cultural ceremony is very effective in educating an audience about a country. An omniscient, unbiased stance is being achieved by the photographer in this shot because there is no indication of good or bad throughout this p hotograph, it is simply the reflection of a ceremony in order to more appreciate Thai culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The magazine attempts to articulate a national vision, ... ...eaders to see and understand the respect that Thai people have for animals and nature.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout this collection of photographs many different things have been learned about Thailand. Even without reading the article, I have seen a lot of cultural differences between America and Thailand and even between the Thai people themselves. â€Å"Some readings reinforce American illusions of cultural superiority and paternalism, while others entail an engagement with the subject photographed, identification across cultural boundaries, the awakening of a curiosity that may be politically invigorating.† (Collins, Lutz 11) In this issue of National Geographic the article, â€Å"The Many Faces of Thailand†, really did show the many faces of this country. Each photograph of the collection portrayed a different piece of Thailand’s cultural puzzle and than fit together to illustrate the harmony, celebration, vivaciousness and even depression of the nation’s people. Bibliography Collins, Jane L. and Lutz, Catherine A. Reading National Geographic. University of Chicago Press: Chicago, 1993. National Geographic Volume 189 No. 2, â€Å"Into the Heart of Glaciers† February 1996

Resume Example Essay

Objective: To obtain a challenging post at your reputable organization that will utilize both my educational background and professional experience to contribute to the organization’s noble and humanitarian goals and simultaneously provide excellent opportunities for career development and personal growth. An aspiring team worker, hard working and dedicated professional who wants to meet the challenges posed in the industry and to contribute towards the growth of the organization along with self-motivation. Work Experience: Export documentation (CMA CGM Shipping India Pvt Ltd, Chennai) (Apr 2012 to May 2013) – Functional Tasks * Prioritize keying of the Shipping Instructions based on ACI / AMS and Vessel Closure deadlines. * Ensure all Customer Requirements are followed as per Reference Guide / SOPs * Escalate any concerns and job-specific queries through the team Supervisor. * Only genuine queries are raised to the Area offices and simultaneously and moved to the pending folder. * Check the draft bill against the Shipping Instruction and make necessary corrections. * Ensure Accuracy and Turn time of bill is maintained as per standard * Achievement of targets based on set standards. – Reporting & Reviews * Record the daily productivity / count in Internal CMA CGM application. * Ensure daily count tallies with the weekly figure. * Ensure he/she is aware of his/her errors and takes constructive effort to reduce them. Quality Analyst (Source HOV, Chennai) (Aug 2011 to Mar 2012) * Functional task of preparing reports to the companies throughout of process, it involves their individual productivity, project standardization, TAT, SLA. Over all 18 projects had concentrated and prepared reports for company owned Citrix software and MS Excel. The reports are in Paratoo chart, Pie chart and mainly using MIS (Management Information System) Concepts to implement the quality analyzing structure Hands on experience in Workflow design and deployment. Additional Qualification: * English Typewriting Junior Grade. * Pursed CCNA, RHCE, CWNA training course in ICA computer education, Coimbatore. Educational Qualifications: * Master of Computer Applications (MCA) with an aggregate of 76% from Coimbatore Institute of Management and Technology, (Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore) in the year of 2008-2011. * Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) with an aggregate of 73% from SVN College, (Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai) in the year of 2005-2008. * Higher secondary education with an aggregate of 60% from M.N.U.J. N Hr. Sec. School, Madurai. * Secondary education with an aggregate of 64% from M.N.U.J.N Hr. Sec. School, Madurai. STRENGTH * Works well among team. * Positive Attitude. * Free to learn, quick learner.

How Infidelity Affects the Marriage and Family? Essay

A liaison, sexual or in any aspect, outside of a marital relationship is an immoral effort and excuse to improve something. Others may say that not all people, who are having or had an extra-marital affair, are regarded as bad and despiteful. These people are generally and oftentimes are in pain, bewildered and lonesome. However, for those who were betrayed, these reasons do not justify nor make one’s infidelity acceptable. One’s involvement to other than his or her partner has a lasting painful and devastating effect not only on the marriage of a couple but more on their children. Fidelity among the parents is the most treasured component of a marriage. It can be regarded as a strong foundation of the entire family. When infidelity sets in, the strong union of the couple is shattered, leaving traces of dishonesty, guilt, and anger. Aside from the betrayed spouse, the children who are not involved in the problem between the couple that caused the break-up are the ones who suffer from the effects more. Infidelity is caused by complicated and different reasons. Extra-marital affairs can happen in both happy and disturbed marriages. Regardless of the cause, what the family evidently needs to be overcome is the manners in which infidelity severely affects the couple’s marriage and the family in general. Characteristics of Infidelity According to Marriage and Family Encyclopedia, infidelity is characterized by a â€Å"breach of trust† which is a reflection of one’s adulterous and cheating of ethical and emotional responsibilities to his or her spouse. Infidelity normally and oftentimes connotes a person’s intimate or sexual relationship to another individual other than his or her partner (Treas). Aside from an immoral sexual relationship, infidelity also comes in other forms. For instance, despite the lack of physical contact, women generally consider a deep emotional liaison as another form of a treacherous extramarital relation (Treas). These characteristics present infidelity as any emotion or conduct that go against or not in accordance with what one expects from his or her spouse and what makes the relationship exclusive (Treas). Infidelity is a worldwide issue, with some countries going beyond their boundaries to address its causes and effects. Aside from the ways in which infidelity affects the marriage and the family, its related topic such as an open marriage that is practiced in liberal countries also has an impact to the overall understanding of such unfaithful relationship. The books of Blumstein and Schwartz, as well as that of Greeley, states that the practice of open marriage in the United States which allows and opens an opportunity for a married person to commit extramarital sex is the only exclusion. Although the two books report that some Americans apparently tolerate open marriage, majority of American couples still regard sexual fidelity as an ultimately significant aspect of their marriage and the one which hold their family together (Blumstein & Schwartz; Greeley). This high consideration to fidelity is supported by an article which states that almost one hundred percent of American couples look for â€Å"sexual exclusivity† from their partners (Treas & Giesen 48). The Effects of Discovered Infidelity An article written by Shirley Glass which appeared on the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy site states that it is usual for the couple, either the one who committed infidelity or the one who was betrayed, to be depressed. Glass further stated that such feeling of demoralization includes suicide tendencies and anxiety. She added that an intense perception of loss follows the discovery of infidelity. According to Glass, the responses of the cheated partner correspond to the indications of â€Å"post-traumatic stress† experienced by the victims of harmful or even fatal situations. At the onset of the disclosure of the unfaithful relationship, the usual effects are â€Å"loss of innocence and shattered assumptions. † Included in such premises are the obsessive contemplation of the details of the infidelity, nonstop observation of other aggravating symptoms of cheating, recurring and invasive images of the betrayal, and an increased biological arousal due to a sexual effort to win back the partner (Glass). Those who have exerted much trust and the least suspecting are the most badly affected and hurt. The philandering partner, on the other hand, is worried that his or her infidelity will result in a lasting punishment and further suffering. This is because the dreams he or she associated with the extramarital relationship were wasted (Glass). Ways in Which Infidelity Affects The Marriage Infidelity affects not only the marriage but the divorce proceedings that happen afterwards (Treas). Prior to the passing of â€Å"no-fault divorce laws in the 1970s,† a cheating spouse is expected not to be granted with custody rights over his or her children, endure disadvantages in the separation of conjugal properties as well as in payments of support (Treas). In eliminating adultery as grounds for divorce, the â€Å"no-fault laws† likewise remove extra-marital sex as a vindication for preferring one’s welfare over the other partner (Treas). Aside from affecting the marriage, infidelity or other related laws in the United States would forbid a philandering spouse from casting a vote, engaging in alcohol-related works, exercising law, legally adopting a child and living with the previous partner (Treas). It was unfortunate that adultery laws are almost never implemented, despite the fact that a lot of states have silently revoked such outdated legislative acts (Treas). Unrepealed laws then only function mostly for symbolic intentions, representing the state’s adherence for traditional ethical and family living (Treas). Laumann, and his colleagues, on the other hand, stated that the issue of how sexual infidelity impacts the marriage necessitates further research. However, experts on marriage counseling have attested that sexual infidelity definitely rocks a couple’s marriage (Laumann, et al. ). In their book, Laumann and his associates also identified another manner, aside from divorce, in which infidelity affects the marriage. This is the existence of domestic violence which was also already identified as an effect of sexual enviousness (Laumann, et al. ). Lawson corroborated the above destabilizing theory or effect of infidelity to marriage. According to Lawson, infidelity contradicts the couple’s intimacy, weakens the perceptions of shared â€Å"ownership† between a husband and wife, and cuts short commonality that exists when one’s spouse is the only one giving a treasured intimate or â€Å"sexual service. † Sexual infidelity also deviates â€Å"time, energy, and money† outside of the marital union. This is evident when a betraying partner allots or spends more of his or her quality time, physical energy, and cash with a person other than the legal partner. Lawson also said that women’s extramarital relationships are likely inclined to result into divorce or new marriage. This is because of women’s nature of involving of too much emotion into a relationship (Lawson). Ways in Which Infidelity Affects The Children Aside from the emotional and psychological trauma, the infidelity of the parents creates confusion among children, similar to the effects experienced by the betrayed parent that the children feel. An online article by Dianna J. Gould-Saltman stated that in the event the extramarital relationship eventually resulted into the separation of a couple, it becomes an issue if the presence of the new partner will be considered in limiting custody or visitation right over the children. Confusion among the children is evident when the new partner of their father or mother starts to live in the house and the new couple can eventually and freely exercise their sexual activities even when the children are around. This scenario causes children to ask if sex outside of marriage is alright. However, it was stressed that the law states that â€Å"the court must make custody orders consistent with the best interests of the children. † The said article added that unless there is opposing evidence, it is expected that the children of the separated couple still require constant contact with both the father and the mother regardless of whoever committed the infidelity (Gould-Saltman). Infidelity Affects Both the Marriage of the Couple and their Children The same Gould-Saltman article identified three combined issues resulting from infidelity that affect both the marriage of the couple and their children. First is misappropriation which is manifested when the philandering partner takes away or deviates the money supposedly intended for the needs of his or her family. A married person is obligated to manage his or her marital assets, such as the monthly employment income, for the purpose of addressing the needs and promoting the welfare of his or her family. Gould-Saltman said that â€Å"spending community money on a girlfriend or boyfriend, especially expensive gifts, paying for rent or mortgage, or vacations can be deemed a misappropriation. † In view of this the betrayed spouse and the children are authorized to refund â€Å"one half of the funds spent, possibly with interest, from the date of the misappropriation† (Gould-Saltman). Misappropriation, however, is different to another effect which is â€Å"supported spouse. † In the latter, the spouse who was left behind in favor of a new partner will be burdened with proof in getting support from his or her spouse. This takes place when the spouse already â€Å"cohabits† with his or her new partner who now receives the financial support. In doing so, the child support may also somehow be affected because the income is now shared with the new partner. However, this situation can be resolved through legal arrangements. The last effect, which is the possibility of acquiring sexually transmitted disease, is solely experienced by the betrayed spouse. With this impact, the offended spouse, who was transmitted with the disease resulting from the philandering of his or her spouse, is considered a battered spouse and entitled for monetary damages (Gould-Saltman). Conclusion Infidelity is a sensitive issue which does not only affect the legal union of a couple but also leaves the entire family devastated. It is perceived as a one-sided option wherein only the betraying spouse benefits while the offended spouse and their children suffer. The ways in which infidelity affects the spouse and the children cause them to endure suffering in terms of emotional, psychological, and financial aspects which are unfairly happening to them. Such unfaithful conduct unjustly favors the philandering spouse and steps on the rights and protecting the feelings of the betrayed spouse and children. This is because while the philandering spouse is enjoying his or her sexual trysts with the new partner, a husband or wife and the children are left tormented with the pains of infidelity. Works Cited Blumstein, Philip and Pepper Schwartz. American Couples: Money, Work, Sex. New York: Morrow, 1983. Glass, Shirley P. â€Å"AAMFT Consumer Update: Infidelity. † American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. 2002. 14 April 2008 . Greeley, Andrew M. Faithful Attraction: Discovering Intimacy, Love, and Fidelity in American Marriage. New York: TOR Books, 1991. Gould-Saltman, Diana J. Adultery: Does It Make Any Difference? Divorce Wizards. 1998. 14 April 2008 . Treas, Judith. â€Å"Infidelity-What Are The Consequences? † Marriage and Family Encyclopedia. 14 April 2008 . Laumann, Edward. O, et al. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1994. Lawson, Annette. Adultery: The Analysis of Love and Betrayal. New York: Basic Books, 1988. Treas, Judith and Deirdre Giesen. â€Å"Sexual Infidelity Among Married and Cohabiting Americans. † Journal of Marriage and the Family 62 (2000):48–60.