Monday, January 27, 2020
Gender Differences in the Workforce
Gender Differences in the Workforce The contention that womenââ¬â¢s roles in having a career results in the creation of a problem with regard to them achieving a balance between their work and lives finds its roots in the rights and equality issues women have faced throughout the ages. The subject is not a contemporary one, although this tends to be the common perception due to scant references to resources dating back centuries as a result of either suppression or the lack of relevant data in books. In fact, such information is available via research in many journals and letters. The sources of the conception that a womanââ¬â¢s career somehow takes second precedence to being a wife, mother or homemaker are founded in a number of myths, prejudicial thinking, misguided notions and historical contexts that have fostered them as second class citizens. A large percentage of feminists believe that the status of women being regarded as second-class citizens is a result of patriarchy being the foundation that modern society was built upon and that this fostered thinking, attitudes and conceptions that relegated them to secondary roles instead of being regarded as equals. The foregoing notion(s) shall be examined from a number of standpoints to clarify the unenlightened views held by some in this regard. The examination will not be conducted from a feminist point of view, nor shall it seek to explain prevailing views, it shall instead present the relevant facts which the conclusions shall be drawn from. The simple truth is that women have been balancing multiple roles through history and the insertion of the role of career can be equated to any number of functions that they have performed and accomplished. Chapter 1 ââ¬â Introduction 1.1 Background In order to set the context for the discussion regarding the contention that womenââ¬â¢s roles in having careers poses a problem in their achieving balance between work and life, the first salient fact that needs tube established is that women constitute 3,209,000,000 of the worldââ¬â¢s total population estimate of 6,477,450,857 (Population Reference Bureau, 2006). This means that the under utilization of women represents a 50% reduction in the number of available individuals that can make a contribution in professional terms. Chart 1 ââ¬â Education Variables ââ¬â Women (Population Reference Bureau, 2006) Demographic Variable Country Data Women All Ages, 2005 World 3,209,000,000 All Educational Variables Literacy Women as % of Literate Men, Ages 15-24, 2000-04 World 92 Secondary School Enrolment, Female, 2000-03 (as % of school-age enrolment) World 93 As the preceding chart indicates, the slight difference in overall literacy rates does not put women at a disadvantage in terms of educational qualifications, yet their unemployment rate remains considerably higher proportionally. As shown from the following chart, women comprise approximately 40% of todayââ¬â¢s work force yet their participation rates indicate bias (see Chart 3 ââ¬â Male and Female Labour Force Participation Rates and the Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males, 2003): Chart 2 ââ¬â Global Labour Market Indicators / 1993 and 2003 (International Labour Organization, 2004) Female Male Total 1993 2003 1993 2003 1993 2003 Labour force (millions) 1,006 1,208 1,507 1,769 2,513 2,978 Employment (millions) 948 1,130 1,425 1,661 2,373 2,792 Unemployment (millions) 58.2 77.8 82.3 108.1 140.5 185.9 Labour force participation rate (%) 53.5 53.9 80.5 79.4 67.0 66.6 Employment-to-population ratio (%) 50.4 50.5 76.1 74.5 63.3 62.5 Unemployment rate (%) 5.8 6.4 5.5 6.1 5.6 6.2 Chart 3 ââ¬â Male and Female Labour Force Participation Rates and the Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males, 2003 (International Labour Organization, 2004) Male LFPR Female LFPR Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males World 79.4 53.9 68 Middle East and North Africa 76.8 28.2 36 South Asia 81.1 37.4 44 Latin America and the Caribbean 80.5 49.2 64 Industrialized Economies 70.3 50.5 76 Transition Economies 65.7 53.1 91 South-East Asia 82.9 60.5 75 Sub-Saharan Africa 85.3 63.2 77 East Asia 85.1 73.1 83 When wages are factored into the preceding figures, the picture of bias with respect to employed women takes on additional meaning. Chart 4 ââ¬â Percentage Change in Real Wages/Earnings, Men and Women for Selected Occupations. (International Labour Organization, 2004) Accountant Computer First- Labourer Professional Welder (in banking) programmer Level in nurse in metal in education construction Manu- insurance teacher factoring F M F M F M F M F M F M Bahrain (1993-98) 16 1161 near near -7 131 36 24 1n.a.1 1n.a1 1n.a.1 1n.a1 Belarus (1996-2000) near near near near 100 35 307 323 near near near near Cyprus (1990-2001) near near 44 60 23 12 49 37 26 9 near near Finland (1990-1999) 67 96 44 66 -7 -4 1 8 -7 -6 -10 -1 Jordan (1988-1997) 29 20 -63 -51 25 13 near near -21 -17 near near Korea, Republic of (1990-2001) 91 46 94 73 29 60 115 37 71 229 46 49 Kyrgyzstan (1998-2001) 4 -26 near near -14 -39 4 20 -19 -32 near near Latvia (1997-2001) 39 31 561 142 82 45 36 18 60 33 1 26 Peru (1997-2001) 15 35 -13 -20 34 37 near near near near near near Poland (1998-2001) 28 31 103 70 53 53 13 20 26 29 45 25 Romania (1995-2001) 126 73 1 38 -7 -6 -19 -24 27 17 -22 -20 Singapore (1995-2000) -3 -24 24 43 near near 26 16 9 24 24 19 United Kingdom (1996-2001) 16 1 9 near near near near near near 10 12 near near United States (1990-2000) 9 12 15 6 4 14 near near -2 10 near near From the foregoing it appears that the problem with womenââ¬â¢s roles in having a career is the problem that is perceived by others rather than women themselves. The preceding statement is made as a result of the purely statistical information which clearly shows that women want to work and have the basic educational background(s), however wages are a reflection of a perceived difference even when gauged against the same profession. Therefore, there must be other forces, explanations, perceptions and aspects at work. In order to understand the environments outlined by the preceding, it will be necessary to delve into social, gender, historical, economic and other areas in order to develop an understanding of what is at work in even asking the question, as well as answering it. For if the preceding did not consist of underlying causes, then the need to examine the phenomenon would not exist. The foregoing brings us to areas of examination that at first glance might seem disconnected from the context, but in reality are revealing looks into legislative, sociological, cultural, historical and aspects that aid in providing not just facts, but insight as a result of reviewing them in combination as statistical data and appropriate legislation are a result of changing societal views. But legislation alone cannot cause individuals to evolve their views, and herein lies the problem as there are countless examples where the spirit of the law has been subjugated and artificial barriers created or utilized. The preceding are events, circumstances and outgrowths that are not the product of womenââ¬â¢s careers being the problem, these are other forces at work making it a problem. 1.2 Historical Perspectives Historically women have managed, just as males have, to multi task. The example of the working male who engages in sports, hunting, boating, wood working, and running multiple businesses does not raise the question as to whether they are neglecting or failing to provide their families with enough fathering time. This is a result of patriarchy which means in literal terms that males make the decisions as a result of them being the dominant aspect in political as well asocial affairs. But, more importantly males own and run the corporations by and large, as well as are dominant in political, military and other manifestations of power. Therefore, whether one elects to think of society at large being patriarchal, it in fact is. Hence, the preceding fosters underlying, hidden and historical perceptions regarding the roles of men and women as established centuries ago. Support for the preceding view can be traced back to Roman law during the period defined as Augustus to Justinian, as represented by27 B.C. to 527 A.D. A Roman woman was regarded as legally capable at the age of thirteen whereby she was permitted to draw up a will(Hacker, 2004). The foregoing however was bound by the condition that she could do so under supervision. Supervision was deemed to either bathe femaleââ¬â¢s father, male guardian of husband and their consent was essential in order for the will to be executed. The preceding stipulation of male consent remained as a condition over a Roman womanââ¬â¢s life regardless of her age. This condition was explained as being a result of their ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ unsteadiness of characterâ⬠, ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"the weakness of the sexâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"ignorance of legal mattersâ⬠(Hacker, 2004, p-3). Evidence of subjugation can also be found in Church history. Canon law states that a wife must be submissive to her husband and that she could not cut off her hair under penalty of excommunication (Hecker,2004, p-9). And in the case of Joan of Arc, it was her breaking of the law stating that a woman who wore menââ¬â¢s garments was accursed, that was one of the charges that resulted in her being burned at the stake(Hacker, 2004, p-9). Similar examples can also be found in British law where under older common law a husband had the authority to ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ correct and chastise his wifeâ⬠(Hacker, 2004, p-11). The preceding examples are a few of the historical foundations that patriarchy has been built upon and hence the underlying foundation from which the subject of womanââ¬â¢s career roles emanates. Chapter 2 ââ¬âSegregation in the Workplace 2.1 Segregation Segregation in the workplace constitutes a phenomenon that is linked to sex discrimination, the glass ceiling, patriarchy and unequal wages in that it reinforces stereotyped views, attitudes and traditions. Resin (1984) states that work related sex segregation can be characterized in the following manner, the first is through norms that separate sexes into separate spheres, such as the predominance of females in domestic work and males in construction, and via functional separation whereby males and females do different work in the same work setting. Segregation in the workplace is a further subtle reinforcement of inequality that slowly permeates the conscientiousness of both males and females into accepting this abnormality as being normal. A review of segregation in the workplace in terms of its manifestations shall be examined from a neutral stance in order to gauge perspectives from both sides of the equation. Such will be done from a factual information based perspective. The subject of segregation in the workplace with regard to women is also termed as the ââ¬ËGlass Ceilingââ¬â¢. This phrase was developed in the United States during the 1970ââ¬â¢s to describe artificial and invisible barriers that were and are created as a result of organizational and attitudinal prejudices that serve to prevent women from assuming top positions in the workplace (Wirth, 2001). As the most visible and publicized example of discrimination and the segregation of women in the work place, the exclusion of females from top positions within corporations is clearly evident by the fact that they hold just 2 to 3 percent of the top positions. Linda Wirth (2001) has stated that women have not reached top positions in major companies and that the foregoing has nothing to do with their lack of abilities. The International Labour Organization (Chart 5) indicates that around fifty percent (59%) of all women are positioned in occupations that cane be termed sex stereotyped. The preceding term is defined as meaning that approximately eighty present (89%) of the workers within these occupations are either males or females whereas management is primarily male dominated position. Chart 5 ââ¬â Womenââ¬â¢s Share of Administrative ââ¬â Managerial Positions and Their Share of Total Employment, 1994-1995 (Wirth, 2001, p 193) Country Administrative and Managerial Jobs (%) Total Employment (%) Australia 43 42 Austria 22 43 Chile 20 32 Costa Rica 23 30 Ecuador 28 38 Egypt 12 20 Finland 25 47 Israel 19 42 Japan 9 41 Malaysia 19 34 Mexico 20 32 Norway 32 46 Paraguay 23 41 Philippines 33 37 Sri Lanka 17 48 Switzerland 28 40 Turkey 10 30 United Kingdom 33 45 United States 43 46 Uruguay 28 41 Venezuela 23 33 The preceding is an example of how segregation in the workplace extends into wage inequality as well as job satisfaction in that there is a cap on the level of advancement which women can generally aspire to thus slowly dampening their drive and determination in the face of subtle hurdles. Given the predominance of male positioned managers, executives and directors only the most dedicated and brightest of females manage to reach top positions where they still remain underpaid and suffer forms of discrimination in a male dominated environment. The definitive example of work segregation is found in the manner in which men and women are paid for the same work. Chart 4, Percentage Change in Real Wages/Earnings, Men and Women for Selected Occupations, revealed that the fact there has been and is a percentage change in real wage earnings for men and women in selected occupations, means that there was wage disparity in the first place (International Labour Organization, 2004). The idea of traditional occupations represents one of the most pervasive forms of segregation in work whereby males are thought to be either innately qualified or predisposed to work in certain industries. An example of the preceding is demonstrated by the findings of the Equal Opportunities Commission in Scotland based upon research conducted by Caledonian University in Glasgow. Said study found that there are barriers to younger adults pursuing certain career choices and that these include the negative feedback and or attitudes of family, friends and more particularly employers (BBC News, 2005). Said study pointed to the fact that there were just forty-one female apprentices in the entire country that were actively engaged in pursuing a construction career., and only fifty in engineering (BBCNews, 2005). On the opposite side of the coin the same study revealed that just 15 males were pursuing careers as apprentices in childcare. The report concluded that the barriers concerning the recruitment of males for that occupation were the low pay and attitudes of end users regarding the suitability of males in such roles (BBC News, 2005). 2.2 Gender Segregation Gender segregation represents a real issue that is neither subtle nor hidden, yet defies the concept of discrimination in that it prevents females from assuming careers that tend to fall outside of what is either considered feminine or represent male dominated areas whereby their attempt at entry will be greeted with barriers. The conception that there are traditional roles for men and women is countermanded byte fact that fully one-third of Finnish and American entrepreneurs are women, as just one singular example (International Labour Office,2004). The concept of segregation in the workplace has many differing forms and varieties, but it is what it is, segregation. And that fosters the climate that continues the attitudinal as well as prejudicial underpinnings that contribute to the view of womanââ¬â¢s careers as being predisposed to a certain limited sphere as well as inequality. Pascale differences, the conception that certain careers are better suited to women, the disproportionate skew of males in managerial positions as well as the predominate concentrations of females in certain professions and industries reinforce this environment to the detriment of all. Chapter 3 Attitudes Toward Women at Work As pointed out in Chapter 3 ââ¬â Segregation in the Workplace, certain predefined ideas and conceptions provide the basis that fosters and continues the notion that varied occupations are better suited to women or men. This thinking helps to create an attitudinal atmosphere that reinforces itself in spite of there being proof to the contrary. Evening what we like to think of as our modern and progressive societies of the new millennium, much of the same limited and outdated thinking that existed prior to the 1940ââ¬â¢s is still with us, and in spite of all of the legislation, feminist movements and understanding of equal rights, progress in terms of changing or evolving peopleââ¬â¢s minds has been slowing coming. The aforementioned ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ atmosphere is a pervasive climate that permeates throughout the work environment. Its visual manifestations in terms of the male dominated professions and management positions are consistent reminders of the way things are, as well as the way things were. Thus, an examination of attitudes concerning women at work is linked to segregation in the workplace as well as other concepts as they are inexorably tied to one another. The most disturbing examples of attitudes with regard to women at work arise discrimination and sexual harassment, both outgrowths of segregation in the workplace. 3.1 Looking Under the Surface Oddly, the Allies would most likely not have won World War I without women. Not because they were nurses, functioned as telephone operators or were basically secretaries to generals and prime ministers, but because they welded tanks, made munitions, drove tractor-trailers, operated heavy machinery and performed all manner of traditionally male jobs (Wikipedia, 2005). With such a breakthrough in thinking as well as demonstration of female aptitude one would wonders to why the questions of discrimination, work place segregation and unequal pay scales are still with us, yet they are. Once again, the roots of such odd thinking can be traced back to patriarchy, which comes from ancient Greece whereby patria Thus the ramifications of continued second class citizenship with regard to participation in the work force must be explained by ingrained societal foundations, and this is the rationale for the examination of the word patriarchy. Given its foundation of ruler, archer, the platform for at least a partial explanation of the struggle women still face in the workplace seems to have a basis. The foregoing when combined with the ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ effect and unequal wage scales brings forth the fact that there is de facto sex discrimination, and these practices create the view that sees women as secondary, or less important workers and individuals. Article 20 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which was enacted in 2000, states that everyone is equal in terms of the law and Article 21 of that legislation states(Silver, 2003): ââ¬Å"Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibitedâ⬠The European Charter of Fundamental Rights goes on to add in Article23 that it is understood that it recognizes equality between men and women as being (Silver, 2003): ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ in all areas, including employment, work and pay, without preventing measures providing for specific advantages in favour of thunder-represented sexâ⬠The language as well as intent leaves no room for misinterpretation with regard to the stance of the European Union and thus the obligations of all member nations. The problem with the foregoing is that it had to be legislated rather than being a part of the social fabric. And, as it is with all regulations, laws and legislation, penalties form the basis for compliance where common sense and morality do not prevail. Once again, the ingrained thinking of centuries of cultural and traditional foundations of patriarchal societies is at work slowing the process. And while there has been and is progress in terms of the opportunities open to women, these areas pale in comparison to the overall number taken as a whole. The International Labour Organization (2003) found that while women represent forty present (40%) of the labour force, their proportion of managerial positions is fewer than twenty present (20%). Its studies also uncovered that the higher the management position, the less women are represented. The latest figures on top corporate positions found that women constituted just a 2 to 3 present representation (International Labour Organization, 2003, p-5). The preceding, while limited to managerial considerations, is clear indication of the prevailing attitude in the workplace regarding careers involving women. It points to the ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ effect and the fact that within the structures as well as processes of society and organizations that there is inherent discrimination that transcends legislation through the application of slow and frustrating practices. The correlation of attitudes in the workplace is best exemplified through what is and has transpired as a result of historical employment patterns. Developed economies such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland report that slightly over ten present (10%) and twelve present (12%), respectively, of executives in these countries were women as of 1999 (International Labour Organization, 2003, p-6). And while there have been increases in the level of managerial positions held by women, the overall percentage increase has been in the range of1 through 3 present. 3.2 Statistical Evidence Statistical evidence has been utilized to illustrate that the workplace attitudes concerning women has been and is slow to change. In the United Kingdom a survey conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission(2006) indicated that while females have been outperforming males in education and that they statistically outnumber males in institutions of higher learning, they represent just: nine present (9%) of the senior judiciary, ten present (10%) of senior police officers, and thirteen present (13%) of national newspaper editors The overall consensus reached by the survey is that there has been little progress or change since the Equal Opportunity Commission first published its findings in 2004. The lack of any meaningful progress in women achieving managerial positions has been utilized as a bell weather to gauge attitudes and indicates that social, cultural and economic variables, as well as wage scales, that are clear indicators with respect to the fact that the workplace attitudes concerning women still sees them in secondary rather than equal roles. Chapter 4 Legislation Concerning Gender and Employment The European Union passed the Equal Pay Act in 1970, which marked its first legislation on discrimination. Society was different in that period than it is now and in some ways it remains the same. The gender divide is still present and research has shown that there is little difference in a reduction of the wage gap. The fact that the European Union has been diligent in its understanding and approach to the facets of inequality, discrimination in all forms, equal pay, employment equality, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination means that there are other factors inhibiting the objective of attaining improvements in these areas. In order to understand what has transpired in terms of society and legislation, a comparative examination of the 30 year period that represents the enactment of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 and today shall attempt to identify the factors inhibiting progress in the achievement of the aims of legislation designed to eliminate the aforementioned inequities. 4.1 Equal Pay Act of 1970 (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2005) The Act makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate in the workplace between males and females with regard to their rate of payment when they are engaged in the same as well as similar work, work that is rated as being equivalent and or work that is of equal value. The key provision is that the Act refers to comparisons for the preceding between individuals of the opposite sex. When the Act was passed in 1970 the wage gap between males and females stood as thirty-seven present (37%) (Woman and Equality, 2006). By the time the Act became law in 1975 the wage gap had reduced to thirty present(30%), and presently it stands at seventeen present (17%) (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2005). The Act provides both men as well as women to equal payment in terms of the contract for employment and provides for coverage for piecework, quotas, bonuses, sick leave and holidays. Enhancements to the Act under European Law have extended the range of coverage to redundancy payments, concessions for travel, pensions handled by employers and to occupational benefits under pension plans administered by employers. The Equal Pay Act was the first as well as most important piece of legislation in that it immediately addressed the issue of compensation that covered every male and female within the jurisdiction of the European Union. And while being a landmark piece of legislation in terms of seeking to level the playing field for women, the Act also contains provisions that provide employers with a defence concerning pay differences. It states that employers do not have to pay the same wages as well as benefits for equal work if they can effectively prove that the difference on wages is a factor unrelated toe difference in sex. It also provides for the fact that differing geographic locations might serve as grounds, as well as specialized recruitment for particular positions and the requirement or need to retain workers that perform or occupy particular positions. 4.2 Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation (International Labour Organization, 2006) As referred to as ââ¬Ëgender equalityââ¬â¢ Directive 76/207, which was amended by Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 of the European Commission Treaty, it sets forth the foundations and regulations concerning equal treatment in terms of: 1. access to employment 2. self-employment and occupation, 3. working conditions, and 4. vocational training The framework that the Directive set down terms and conditions that identified discrimination on the basis of: religion or belief, and age or sexual orientation, with regard to employment as well as occupation, thus putting into effect in the European Union states principles of equal treatment as long as the preceding does is not as a result of discrimination based upon sex, which is legislated under the Sex Discrimination Act. And while this piece of legislation is not directly linked to considerations based upon sexual orientation, it does represent a broad context that broadens the scope of the European Unionââ¬â¢s legislative powers in these areas and as such constitutes a supporting role in the specific mandates that affect women. As covered under Chapter 3 -Attitudes Toward Women at Work, societal, traditions and cultural foundations help to shape individual as well as corporate thinking. As such the attack on prejudice needs to take a direct frontal approach as well as from angles to centralize and focus in on the problem or unequal treatment as a concept, condition and principle. Sex Discrimination Act, as amended, of 1976 (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The Act provides for the fact that individuals must have legal protection with regard to harassment and sexual harassment in employment as well as vocational training. The Act defines harassments: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ where unwanted conduct related to the sex of a person occurs with the purpose of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environmentâ⬠. (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) And in terms of the Act, sexual harassment is defined as: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ where any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature occursâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The preceding refers to when the foregoing violates the dignity of an individual when in particular such creates a hostile, degrading, offensive and or humiliating environment. In the United Kingdom the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is the singular statute dealing specifically with this subject. It makes it a criminal offence for someone to engage in or pursue a course of conduct, this includes speech, which amounts to the harassment of another individual. Under the UK Harassment Act, harassment is defined as: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another, and which he knows or ought to have known amounts to the harassment of anotherâ⬠(Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The laws of the European Union clearly set forth the conditions, circumstances and legal ramifications of equal pay, sex discrimination, harassment and gender equality in its position to create compliance with modern societal thinking and correctness. The heart of the principle is that a law is: 1. A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement or authority. 2. a. The body of rules and principles governing affairsâ⬠¦ b. The condition of social order and justice created by adherence to such a system â⬠¦ 4. A piece of enacted legislation â⬠(Houghton Mifflin, 2006) The preceding provides the explanation as to why such legislation is needed. And while there is great debate on the subject, the purpose of government is to protect individual rights and to preserve justice(Wikipedia, 2006). And as it is with any societal system, the prevailing view as well as wisdom changes as thinking evolves. The underlying foundations upon which western societies are primarily built upon are patriarchal and religious precepts. As discussed in Chapter 1ââ¬â Introduction, the rights of women were scant and subject to the subjugation of males under Roman law, the church and ancient as well as medieval laws. Since legislation for Equal Pay was only enacted in 1970in the European Union it seems to indicate that medieval principles were still at work in our modern age and apparently still at work in that equal pay, attitudes toward women at work and enacted legislation has made progress, but still represents a prime topic of discussion thirty years later. Chapter 5 The Differences Between Men and Women The biological and social constructions of men and women are known to have scientific basis with respect to differences. The notion that we are all created equal is a truth of the human experience, but within that equality, men and women differ in many aspects. The question in the context of women and their career roles with respect to a work and life balance is, does that difference equate some type of advantage, disadvantage or no applicable correlation with regard to that context? 5.1 The Perception of Differences A recent scientific discovery indicated that there are 789 different genes that separate men from women (BBC News, 2003), but the study could not detail what they do or the reasons as to what the differences that these genes might hold. And the foregoing represents the point. There are both differences as well as similarities between the sexes that are identified as a result of psychological differen Gender Differences in the Workforce Gender Differences in the Workforce The contention that womenââ¬â¢s roles in having a career results in the creation of a problem with regard to them achieving a balance between their work and lives finds its roots in the rights and equality issues women have faced throughout the ages. The subject is not a contemporary one, although this tends to be the common perception due to scant references to resources dating back centuries as a result of either suppression or the lack of relevant data in books. In fact, such information is available via research in many journals and letters. The sources of the conception that a womanââ¬â¢s career somehow takes second precedence to being a wife, mother or homemaker are founded in a number of myths, prejudicial thinking, misguided notions and historical contexts that have fostered them as second class citizens. A large percentage of feminists believe that the status of women being regarded as second-class citizens is a result of patriarchy being the foundation that modern society was built upon and that this fostered thinking, attitudes and conceptions that relegated them to secondary roles instead of being regarded as equals. The foregoing notion(s) shall be examined from a number of standpoints to clarify the unenlightened views held by some in this regard. The examination will not be conducted from a feminist point of view, nor shall it seek to explain prevailing views, it shall instead present the relevant facts which the conclusions shall be drawn from. The simple truth is that women have been balancing multiple roles through history and the insertion of the role of career can be equated to any number of functions that they have performed and accomplished. Chapter 1 ââ¬â Introduction 1.1 Background In order to set the context for the discussion regarding the contention that womenââ¬â¢s roles in having careers poses a problem in their achieving balance between work and life, the first salient fact that needs tube established is that women constitute 3,209,000,000 of the worldââ¬â¢s total population estimate of 6,477,450,857 (Population Reference Bureau, 2006). This means that the under utilization of women represents a 50% reduction in the number of available individuals that can make a contribution in professional terms. Chart 1 ââ¬â Education Variables ââ¬â Women (Population Reference Bureau, 2006) Demographic Variable Country Data Women All Ages, 2005 World 3,209,000,000 All Educational Variables Literacy Women as % of Literate Men, Ages 15-24, 2000-04 World 92 Secondary School Enrolment, Female, 2000-03 (as % of school-age enrolment) World 93 As the preceding chart indicates, the slight difference in overall literacy rates does not put women at a disadvantage in terms of educational qualifications, yet their unemployment rate remains considerably higher proportionally. As shown from the following chart, women comprise approximately 40% of todayââ¬â¢s work force yet their participation rates indicate bias (see Chart 3 ââ¬â Male and Female Labour Force Participation Rates and the Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males, 2003): Chart 2 ââ¬â Global Labour Market Indicators / 1993 and 2003 (International Labour Organization, 2004) Female Male Total 1993 2003 1993 2003 1993 2003 Labour force (millions) 1,006 1,208 1,507 1,769 2,513 2,978 Employment (millions) 948 1,130 1,425 1,661 2,373 2,792 Unemployment (millions) 58.2 77.8 82.3 108.1 140.5 185.9 Labour force participation rate (%) 53.5 53.9 80.5 79.4 67.0 66.6 Employment-to-population ratio (%) 50.4 50.5 76.1 74.5 63.3 62.5 Unemployment rate (%) 5.8 6.4 5.5 6.1 5.6 6.2 Chart 3 ââ¬â Male and Female Labour Force Participation Rates and the Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males, 2003 (International Labour Organization, 2004) Male LFPR Female LFPR Gender Gap in Economically Active Females per 100 Males World 79.4 53.9 68 Middle East and North Africa 76.8 28.2 36 South Asia 81.1 37.4 44 Latin America and the Caribbean 80.5 49.2 64 Industrialized Economies 70.3 50.5 76 Transition Economies 65.7 53.1 91 South-East Asia 82.9 60.5 75 Sub-Saharan Africa 85.3 63.2 77 East Asia 85.1 73.1 83 When wages are factored into the preceding figures, the picture of bias with respect to employed women takes on additional meaning. Chart 4 ââ¬â Percentage Change in Real Wages/Earnings, Men and Women for Selected Occupations. (International Labour Organization, 2004) Accountant Computer First- Labourer Professional Welder (in banking) programmer Level in nurse in metal in education construction Manu- insurance teacher factoring F M F M F M F M F M F M Bahrain (1993-98) 16 1161 near near -7 131 36 24 1n.a.1 1n.a1 1n.a.1 1n.a1 Belarus (1996-2000) near near near near 100 35 307 323 near near near near Cyprus (1990-2001) near near 44 60 23 12 49 37 26 9 near near Finland (1990-1999) 67 96 44 66 -7 -4 1 8 -7 -6 -10 -1 Jordan (1988-1997) 29 20 -63 -51 25 13 near near -21 -17 near near Korea, Republic of (1990-2001) 91 46 94 73 29 60 115 37 71 229 46 49 Kyrgyzstan (1998-2001) 4 -26 near near -14 -39 4 20 -19 -32 near near Latvia (1997-2001) 39 31 561 142 82 45 36 18 60 33 1 26 Peru (1997-2001) 15 35 -13 -20 34 37 near near near near near near Poland (1998-2001) 28 31 103 70 53 53 13 20 26 29 45 25 Romania (1995-2001) 126 73 1 38 -7 -6 -19 -24 27 17 -22 -20 Singapore (1995-2000) -3 -24 24 43 near near 26 16 9 24 24 19 United Kingdom (1996-2001) 16 1 9 near near near near near near 10 12 near near United States (1990-2000) 9 12 15 6 4 14 near near -2 10 near near From the foregoing it appears that the problem with womenââ¬â¢s roles in having a career is the problem that is perceived by others rather than women themselves. The preceding statement is made as a result of the purely statistical information which clearly shows that women want to work and have the basic educational background(s), however wages are a reflection of a perceived difference even when gauged against the same profession. Therefore, there must be other forces, explanations, perceptions and aspects at work. In order to understand the environments outlined by the preceding, it will be necessary to delve into social, gender, historical, economic and other areas in order to develop an understanding of what is at work in even asking the question, as well as answering it. For if the preceding did not consist of underlying causes, then the need to examine the phenomenon would not exist. The foregoing brings us to areas of examination that at first glance might seem disconnected from the context, but in reality are revealing looks into legislative, sociological, cultural, historical and aspects that aid in providing not just facts, but insight as a result of reviewing them in combination as statistical data and appropriate legislation are a result of changing societal views. But legislation alone cannot cause individuals to evolve their views, and herein lies the problem as there are countless examples where the spirit of the law has been subjugated and artificial barriers created or utilized. The preceding are events, circumstances and outgrowths that are not the product of womenââ¬â¢s careers being the problem, these are other forces at work making it a problem. 1.2 Historical Perspectives Historically women have managed, just as males have, to multi task. The example of the working male who engages in sports, hunting, boating, wood working, and running multiple businesses does not raise the question as to whether they are neglecting or failing to provide their families with enough fathering time. This is a result of patriarchy which means in literal terms that males make the decisions as a result of them being the dominant aspect in political as well asocial affairs. But, more importantly males own and run the corporations by and large, as well as are dominant in political, military and other manifestations of power. Therefore, whether one elects to think of society at large being patriarchal, it in fact is. Hence, the preceding fosters underlying, hidden and historical perceptions regarding the roles of men and women as established centuries ago. Support for the preceding view can be traced back to Roman law during the period defined as Augustus to Justinian, as represented by27 B.C. to 527 A.D. A Roman woman was regarded as legally capable at the age of thirteen whereby she was permitted to draw up a will(Hacker, 2004). The foregoing however was bound by the condition that she could do so under supervision. Supervision was deemed to either bathe femaleââ¬â¢s father, male guardian of husband and their consent was essential in order for the will to be executed. The preceding stipulation of male consent remained as a condition over a Roman womanââ¬â¢s life regardless of her age. This condition was explained as being a result of their ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ unsteadiness of characterâ⬠, ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"the weakness of the sexâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"ignorance of legal mattersâ⬠(Hacker, 2004, p-3). Evidence of subjugation can also be found in Church history. Canon law states that a wife must be submissive to her husband and that she could not cut off her hair under penalty of excommunication (Hecker,2004, p-9). And in the case of Joan of Arc, it was her breaking of the law stating that a woman who wore menââ¬â¢s garments was accursed, that was one of the charges that resulted in her being burned at the stake(Hacker, 2004, p-9). Similar examples can also be found in British law where under older common law a husband had the authority to ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ correct and chastise his wifeâ⬠(Hacker, 2004, p-11). The preceding examples are a few of the historical foundations that patriarchy has been built upon and hence the underlying foundation from which the subject of womanââ¬â¢s career roles emanates. Chapter 2 ââ¬âSegregation in the Workplace 2.1 Segregation Segregation in the workplace constitutes a phenomenon that is linked to sex discrimination, the glass ceiling, patriarchy and unequal wages in that it reinforces stereotyped views, attitudes and traditions. Resin (1984) states that work related sex segregation can be characterized in the following manner, the first is through norms that separate sexes into separate spheres, such as the predominance of females in domestic work and males in construction, and via functional separation whereby males and females do different work in the same work setting. Segregation in the workplace is a further subtle reinforcement of inequality that slowly permeates the conscientiousness of both males and females into accepting this abnormality as being normal. A review of segregation in the workplace in terms of its manifestations shall be examined from a neutral stance in order to gauge perspectives from both sides of the equation. Such will be done from a factual information based perspective. The subject of segregation in the workplace with regard to women is also termed as the ââ¬ËGlass Ceilingââ¬â¢. This phrase was developed in the United States during the 1970ââ¬â¢s to describe artificial and invisible barriers that were and are created as a result of organizational and attitudinal prejudices that serve to prevent women from assuming top positions in the workplace (Wirth, 2001). As the most visible and publicized example of discrimination and the segregation of women in the work place, the exclusion of females from top positions within corporations is clearly evident by the fact that they hold just 2 to 3 percent of the top positions. Linda Wirth (2001) has stated that women have not reached top positions in major companies and that the foregoing has nothing to do with their lack of abilities. The International Labour Organization (Chart 5) indicates that around fifty percent (59%) of all women are positioned in occupations that cane be termed sex stereotyped. The preceding term is defined as meaning that approximately eighty present (89%) of the workers within these occupations are either males or females whereas management is primarily male dominated position. Chart 5 ââ¬â Womenââ¬â¢s Share of Administrative ââ¬â Managerial Positions and Their Share of Total Employment, 1994-1995 (Wirth, 2001, p 193) Country Administrative and Managerial Jobs (%) Total Employment (%) Australia 43 42 Austria 22 43 Chile 20 32 Costa Rica 23 30 Ecuador 28 38 Egypt 12 20 Finland 25 47 Israel 19 42 Japan 9 41 Malaysia 19 34 Mexico 20 32 Norway 32 46 Paraguay 23 41 Philippines 33 37 Sri Lanka 17 48 Switzerland 28 40 Turkey 10 30 United Kingdom 33 45 United States 43 46 Uruguay 28 41 Venezuela 23 33 The preceding is an example of how segregation in the workplace extends into wage inequality as well as job satisfaction in that there is a cap on the level of advancement which women can generally aspire to thus slowly dampening their drive and determination in the face of subtle hurdles. Given the predominance of male positioned managers, executives and directors only the most dedicated and brightest of females manage to reach top positions where they still remain underpaid and suffer forms of discrimination in a male dominated environment. The definitive example of work segregation is found in the manner in which men and women are paid for the same work. Chart 4, Percentage Change in Real Wages/Earnings, Men and Women for Selected Occupations, revealed that the fact there has been and is a percentage change in real wage earnings for men and women in selected occupations, means that there was wage disparity in the first place (International Labour Organization, 2004). The idea of traditional occupations represents one of the most pervasive forms of segregation in work whereby males are thought to be either innately qualified or predisposed to work in certain industries. An example of the preceding is demonstrated by the findings of the Equal Opportunities Commission in Scotland based upon research conducted by Caledonian University in Glasgow. Said study found that there are barriers to younger adults pursuing certain career choices and that these include the negative feedback and or attitudes of family, friends and more particularly employers (BBC News, 2005). Said study pointed to the fact that there were just forty-one female apprentices in the entire country that were actively engaged in pursuing a construction career., and only fifty in engineering (BBCNews, 2005). On the opposite side of the coin the same study revealed that just 15 males were pursuing careers as apprentices in childcare. The report concluded that the barriers concerning the recruitment of males for that occupation were the low pay and attitudes of end users regarding the suitability of males in such roles (BBC News, 2005). 2.2 Gender Segregation Gender segregation represents a real issue that is neither subtle nor hidden, yet defies the concept of discrimination in that it prevents females from assuming careers that tend to fall outside of what is either considered feminine or represent male dominated areas whereby their attempt at entry will be greeted with barriers. The conception that there are traditional roles for men and women is countermanded byte fact that fully one-third of Finnish and American entrepreneurs are women, as just one singular example (International Labour Office,2004). The concept of segregation in the workplace has many differing forms and varieties, but it is what it is, segregation. And that fosters the climate that continues the attitudinal as well as prejudicial underpinnings that contribute to the view of womanââ¬â¢s careers as being predisposed to a certain limited sphere as well as inequality. Pascale differences, the conception that certain careers are better suited to women, the disproportionate skew of males in managerial positions as well as the predominate concentrations of females in certain professions and industries reinforce this environment to the detriment of all. Chapter 3 Attitudes Toward Women at Work As pointed out in Chapter 3 ââ¬â Segregation in the Workplace, certain predefined ideas and conceptions provide the basis that fosters and continues the notion that varied occupations are better suited to women or men. This thinking helps to create an attitudinal atmosphere that reinforces itself in spite of there being proof to the contrary. Evening what we like to think of as our modern and progressive societies of the new millennium, much of the same limited and outdated thinking that existed prior to the 1940ââ¬â¢s is still with us, and in spite of all of the legislation, feminist movements and understanding of equal rights, progress in terms of changing or evolving peopleââ¬â¢s minds has been slowing coming. The aforementioned ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ atmosphere is a pervasive climate that permeates throughout the work environment. Its visual manifestations in terms of the male dominated professions and management positions are consistent reminders of the way things are, as well as the way things were. Thus, an examination of attitudes concerning women at work is linked to segregation in the workplace as well as other concepts as they are inexorably tied to one another. The most disturbing examples of attitudes with regard to women at work arise discrimination and sexual harassment, both outgrowths of segregation in the workplace. 3.1 Looking Under the Surface Oddly, the Allies would most likely not have won World War I without women. Not because they were nurses, functioned as telephone operators or were basically secretaries to generals and prime ministers, but because they welded tanks, made munitions, drove tractor-trailers, operated heavy machinery and performed all manner of traditionally male jobs (Wikipedia, 2005). With such a breakthrough in thinking as well as demonstration of female aptitude one would wonders to why the questions of discrimination, work place segregation and unequal pay scales are still with us, yet they are. Once again, the roots of such odd thinking can be traced back to patriarchy, which comes from ancient Greece whereby patria Thus the ramifications of continued second class citizenship with regard to participation in the work force must be explained by ingrained societal foundations, and this is the rationale for the examination of the word patriarchy. Given its foundation of ruler, archer, the platform for at least a partial explanation of the struggle women still face in the workplace seems to have a basis. The foregoing when combined with the ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ effect and unequal wage scales brings forth the fact that there is de facto sex discrimination, and these practices create the view that sees women as secondary, or less important workers and individuals. Article 20 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, which was enacted in 2000, states that everyone is equal in terms of the law and Article 21 of that legislation states(Silver, 2003): ââ¬Å"Any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibitedâ⬠The European Charter of Fundamental Rights goes on to add in Article23 that it is understood that it recognizes equality between men and women as being (Silver, 2003): ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ in all areas, including employment, work and pay, without preventing measures providing for specific advantages in favour of thunder-represented sexâ⬠The language as well as intent leaves no room for misinterpretation with regard to the stance of the European Union and thus the obligations of all member nations. The problem with the foregoing is that it had to be legislated rather than being a part of the social fabric. And, as it is with all regulations, laws and legislation, penalties form the basis for compliance where common sense and morality do not prevail. Once again, the ingrained thinking of centuries of cultural and traditional foundations of patriarchal societies is at work slowing the process. And while there has been and is progress in terms of the opportunities open to women, these areas pale in comparison to the overall number taken as a whole. The International Labour Organization (2003) found that while women represent forty present (40%) of the labour force, their proportion of managerial positions is fewer than twenty present (20%). Its studies also uncovered that the higher the management position, the less women are represented. The latest figures on top corporate positions found that women constituted just a 2 to 3 present representation (International Labour Organization, 2003, p-5). The preceding, while limited to managerial considerations, is clear indication of the prevailing attitude in the workplace regarding careers involving women. It points to the ââ¬Ëglass ceilingââ¬â¢ effect and the fact that within the structures as well as processes of society and organizations that there is inherent discrimination that transcends legislation through the application of slow and frustrating practices. The correlation of attitudes in the workplace is best exemplified through what is and has transpired as a result of historical employment patterns. Developed economies such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland report that slightly over ten present (10%) and twelve present (12%), respectively, of executives in these countries were women as of 1999 (International Labour Organization, 2003, p-6). And while there have been increases in the level of managerial positions held by women, the overall percentage increase has been in the range of1 through 3 present. 3.2 Statistical Evidence Statistical evidence has been utilized to illustrate that the workplace attitudes concerning women has been and is slow to change. In the United Kingdom a survey conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission(2006) indicated that while females have been outperforming males in education and that they statistically outnumber males in institutions of higher learning, they represent just: nine present (9%) of the senior judiciary, ten present (10%) of senior police officers, and thirteen present (13%) of national newspaper editors The overall consensus reached by the survey is that there has been little progress or change since the Equal Opportunity Commission first published its findings in 2004. The lack of any meaningful progress in women achieving managerial positions has been utilized as a bell weather to gauge attitudes and indicates that social, cultural and economic variables, as well as wage scales, that are clear indicators with respect to the fact that the workplace attitudes concerning women still sees them in secondary rather than equal roles. Chapter 4 Legislation Concerning Gender and Employment The European Union passed the Equal Pay Act in 1970, which marked its first legislation on discrimination. Society was different in that period than it is now and in some ways it remains the same. The gender divide is still present and research has shown that there is little difference in a reduction of the wage gap. The fact that the European Union has been diligent in its understanding and approach to the facets of inequality, discrimination in all forms, equal pay, employment equality, sexual harassment, and sex discrimination means that there are other factors inhibiting the objective of attaining improvements in these areas. In order to understand what has transpired in terms of society and legislation, a comparative examination of the 30 year period that represents the enactment of the Equal Pay Act of 1970 and today shall attempt to identify the factors inhibiting progress in the achievement of the aims of legislation designed to eliminate the aforementioned inequities. 4.1 Equal Pay Act of 1970 (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2005) The Act makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate in the workplace between males and females with regard to their rate of payment when they are engaged in the same as well as similar work, work that is rated as being equivalent and or work that is of equal value. The key provision is that the Act refers to comparisons for the preceding between individuals of the opposite sex. When the Act was passed in 1970 the wage gap between males and females stood as thirty-seven present (37%) (Woman and Equality, 2006). By the time the Act became law in 1975 the wage gap had reduced to thirty present(30%), and presently it stands at seventeen present (17%) (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2005). The Act provides both men as well as women to equal payment in terms of the contract for employment and provides for coverage for piecework, quotas, bonuses, sick leave and holidays. Enhancements to the Act under European Law have extended the range of coverage to redundancy payments, concessions for travel, pensions handled by employers and to occupational benefits under pension plans administered by employers. The Equal Pay Act was the first as well as most important piece of legislation in that it immediately addressed the issue of compensation that covered every male and female within the jurisdiction of the European Union. And while being a landmark piece of legislation in terms of seeking to level the playing field for women, the Act also contains provisions that provide employers with a defence concerning pay differences. It states that employers do not have to pay the same wages as well as benefits for equal work if they can effectively prove that the difference on wages is a factor unrelated toe difference in sex. It also provides for the fact that differing geographic locations might serve as grounds, as well as specialized recruitment for particular positions and the requirement or need to retain workers that perform or occupy particular positions. 4.2 Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation (International Labour Organization, 2006) As referred to as ââ¬Ëgender equalityââ¬â¢ Directive 76/207, which was amended by Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 of the European Commission Treaty, it sets forth the foundations and regulations concerning equal treatment in terms of: 1. access to employment 2. self-employment and occupation, 3. working conditions, and 4. vocational training The framework that the Directive set down terms and conditions that identified discrimination on the basis of: religion or belief, and age or sexual orientation, with regard to employment as well as occupation, thus putting into effect in the European Union states principles of equal treatment as long as the preceding does is not as a result of discrimination based upon sex, which is legislated under the Sex Discrimination Act. And while this piece of legislation is not directly linked to considerations based upon sexual orientation, it does represent a broad context that broadens the scope of the European Unionââ¬â¢s legislative powers in these areas and as such constitutes a supporting role in the specific mandates that affect women. As covered under Chapter 3 -Attitudes Toward Women at Work, societal, traditions and cultural foundations help to shape individual as well as corporate thinking. As such the attack on prejudice needs to take a direct frontal approach as well as from angles to centralize and focus in on the problem or unequal treatment as a concept, condition and principle. Sex Discrimination Act, as amended, of 1976 (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The Act provides for the fact that individuals must have legal protection with regard to harassment and sexual harassment in employment as well as vocational training. The Act defines harassments: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ where unwanted conduct related to the sex of a person occurs with the purpose of violating the dignity of a person and of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environmentâ⬠. (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) And in terms of the Act, sexual harassment is defined as: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ where any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature occursâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ (Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The preceding refers to when the foregoing violates the dignity of an individual when in particular such creates a hostile, degrading, offensive and or humiliating environment. In the United Kingdom the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is the singular statute dealing specifically with this subject. It makes it a criminal offence for someone to engage in or pursue a course of conduct, this includes speech, which amounts to the harassment of another individual. Under the UK Harassment Act, harassment is defined as: ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ a course of conduct which amounts to harassment of another, and which he knows or ought to have known amounts to the harassment of anotherâ⬠(Equal Opportunity Commission, 2002) The laws of the European Union clearly set forth the conditions, circumstances and legal ramifications of equal pay, sex discrimination, harassment and gender equality in its position to create compliance with modern societal thinking and correctness. The heart of the principle is that a law is: 1. A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement or authority. 2. a. The body of rules and principles governing affairsâ⬠¦ b. The condition of social order and justice created by adherence to such a system â⬠¦ 4. A piece of enacted legislation â⬠(Houghton Mifflin, 2006) The preceding provides the explanation as to why such legislation is needed. And while there is great debate on the subject, the purpose of government is to protect individual rights and to preserve justice(Wikipedia, 2006). And as it is with any societal system, the prevailing view as well as wisdom changes as thinking evolves. The underlying foundations upon which western societies are primarily built upon are patriarchal and religious precepts. As discussed in Chapter 1ââ¬â Introduction, the rights of women were scant and subject to the subjugation of males under Roman law, the church and ancient as well as medieval laws. Since legislation for Equal Pay was only enacted in 1970in the European Union it seems to indicate that medieval principles were still at work in our modern age and apparently still at work in that equal pay, attitudes toward women at work and enacted legislation has made progress, but still represents a prime topic of discussion thirty years later. Chapter 5 The Differences Between Men and Women The biological and social constructions of men and women are known to have scientific basis with respect to differences. The notion that we are all created equal is a truth of the human experience, but within that equality, men and women differ in many aspects. The question in the context of women and their career roles with respect to a work and life balance is, does that difference equate some type of advantage, disadvantage or no applicable correlation with regard to that context? 5.1 The Perception of Differences A recent scientific discovery indicated that there are 789 different genes that separate men from women (BBC News, 2003), but the study could not detail what they do or the reasons as to what the differences that these genes might hold. And the foregoing represents the point. There are both differences as well as similarities between the sexes that are identified as a result of psychological differen
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Just War Theory as Applied to Operation Just Cause Essay -- American F
Since its inception as a country in 1776 the United States has carried a tainted record in conducting just operations involving regime changes to achieve the goal of timely creating a minimally just political community. For example, on one hand the U.S. has been a part of one of the most just, successful, and commendable regime changes in history when they helped defeat and reconstruct Japan and Germany after World War II. On the other hand the U.S. has been a part of one of the worst and unjust operations conducted in history involving Cuba and the Bay of Pigs invasion. Between these two extremes there are many other operations which focused on the goal to change a regime where their rightness has been called into question based on one or more aspects of the just war theory. Just war theory is explained best by author, Brian Orend, and states that, ââ¬Å"sometimes, it is at least morally permissible for a political community to go to war and features a goal to restrain both the in cidence and destructiveness of warâ⬠(Orend, 31). One of these operations where the rightness of the invasion was called into question is Operation Just Cause. Operation Just Cause was the invasion of Panama by the United States in December of 1989. The operation was spearheaded by President George H. W. Bush and its goal was to replace the current leader of Panama, General Noriega, with the rightfully elected new leader, Guillermo Endara. Manuel Noriega had close ties with the United States throughout the years by serving as an informant and asset to the U.S. against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His efforts included sabotaging the Soviet supported governments in both El Salvador and Nicaragua, which helped reduce Soviet control in Central America (... ... to war under jus ad bellum, the question must be answered as to whether the United States followed the principles of jus in bello, which is adhering to the right conduct in the midst of battle (Orend, 105). Jus in bello is divided into two types of rulesââ¬âinternal and external, and the responsibility of following these rules rests in the hands of a stateââ¬â¢s armed forces, rather than its political leaders. Internal rules concern how a state during war should treat its own citizens, while external rules concern how a state should conduct itself in the midst of war regarding the enemy state and its civilians (Orend, 106). In assessing if the U.S. followed the principles of jus in bello, a focus will be placed on the external rules rather than the internal rules because the invasion was not a serious war and was ultimately limited to one day that was limited to Panama.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Teamwork: Communication and Group
Communication is essential throughout our daily life, both in our personal life and professional life. Communication skills are vital when we are working towards a common goal as a part of a team (Kearney-Nunnery, 2008). By observing and evaluating yourself when in interaction with others, we can learn how to communicate effectively. Group work demonstrates our capacity to communicate effectively, share and reflect on our opinions, gain trust for group members, and resolve conflicts. A team can be defined as ââ¬Å"a group of individuals who work together to produce products or deliver services for which they are mutually accountable (Tyrer, 2004). Teamwork is described as ââ¬Å"a dynamic process involving two or more [health professionals] with complimentary backgrounds and skills, sharing common [health] goals (â⬠¦ ). This is accomplished through interdependent collaboration, open communication and shared decision-making (Ream & Xyrichis, 2007). â⬠ââ¬Å"Effective collab oration can lead to effective teamwork (Canadian Health Services Research Foundation). â⬠One of the most commonly used methods to assess our performance is through writing a reflective evaluation. In this assignment, I have been asked to reflect on my communication patterns and experiences whilst working within a group. This semester we were asked to work in small groups of 4 ââ¬â 5 students to prepare a 20 minute information session on the ââ¬Ëcompletion of documentationââ¬â¢, and perform a presentation in front of the class. In this assignment I will demonstrate my understanding of group dynamics and communication skills, reflect on my experience during the group activity, and briefly explain how the member contributions were divided up for the group presentation. Team members are described as ââ¬Å"having complementary skills, being committed to a common purpose and holding themselves accountable for their performance (Tyrer, 2004). â⬠These descriptions make it clear that teams are about working together as a group, and each member of the team has a purpose within the group, in working towards a common goal. Team members share goals and are mutually held accountable for meeting them (Canadian Health Services Research Foundation). â⬠To be effective, team members must be flexible and tolerant. For successful teamwork, there must be open and effective communication between all of the team members. Open communication means that all members of the team have their chance to share ideas without being criticized. Establishing such communication between all members is vital for productivity and achievement of goals. ââ¬Å"If effective, the team is more likely to utilize the full range of diverse knowledge and skills available (Tyrer, 2004). â⬠Because the team is held collectively accountable, integrating with one another is expected and included in the responsibilities of each member. Unequal levels of participation between the members of the team may inhibit the smooth running of a team (Caldwell et al). Group working allows people's individual skills and knowledge to merge, which compensates in areas where individual members are lacking. ââ¬Å"It has been argued that teamwork offers greater adaptability and creativity than any one individual can offer, while promoting job satisfaction and staff retention. (Ream & Xyrichis, 2007)â⬠Many variables affect teamwork and team performance on group assignments; including the individual characteristics and personalities the students, the mode of delivery, and understanding of what teamwork involves. During the group work activity I learned how to work with different personalities. Everyone approached the topic differently. I think each group member brought a unique perspective to the group, which helped to create ideas and allowed the group to discuss each angle with each other. Although our group did not have a clear leader chosen at the start of our group work, I believe Rebecca held many of the essential qualities of a group leader. ââ¬Å"The leader has the responsibility to develop team processes (for example, clarity of roles and support for the team) and create favourable performance conditions for the team (Canadian Health Services Research Foundation). Our group decided to divide the topic of ââ¬Ëcompletion of documentationââ¬â¢ up into categories with subheadings (e. g. reasons for documentation, history of documentation, forms of documentation, errors in documentation, etc. ); each group member was then responsible for writing a paragraph on one bullet point, ensuring we distributed the work fairly among the group. However, we did all of the b rainstorming as a group and used group meetings to create outlines for the designated points each person was to follow. Once a draft was written, each group member edited it and gave comments, but final adjustments were left to the writerââ¬â¢s discretion. This was to ensure that our categories flowed nicely. We then met as a group and collectively created a PowerPoint presentation with the information we had gathered, instead of having one person doing the majority of the work. In between group meetings, we kept each other updated on our progress via emails. This allowed us to exchange information and share resources. We used email to keep in touch with team members as an easy way to get a hold of other members of the team in the fastest way possible. I found this effective as we were able to maintain contact during our busy weeks. Although I thought communicating via email was appropriate due to the colliding schedules of the group members, more direct observation of the team at work together as a group would be helpful in my assessment of the effectiveness of teamwork behaviours, and the writing of this paper. More frequent team meetings dedicated to the group presentation may have resulted in better communication, which could have allowed for better transfer of knowledge and therefore may have increased our team performance during the presentation. During group meetings, all members participated actively, trying to express their point of view. I think everyone had equal opportunity to voice their opinions and incorporate their ideas into the presentation. I thought working in a group setting was really valuable, which enabled us to expand our communication skills, and become more aware of our behaviour in group situations. In summary, Teamwork is the interaction or relationship of two or more people, who work interdependently towards a common goal. Team-based methods of working have many advantages. Team working has been viewed as a valuable way of improving performance, and quality of working life in a health care setting. Teamwork will accomplish a task more effectively and efficiently than an individual effort. Working in a team requires effective communication. For teamwork to be successful, it is important that every member of the team has patience or tolerance for the opinions of the rest of the team members. When members respect each otherââ¬â¢s opinions, there will not only be an increase in productivity, but in teamwork itself. The development of an effective team requires a positive attitude and commitment toward teamwork, along with an understanding of what teamwork involves. REFERENCES Caldwell, K. , Atwal, A. , Copp, G. , Brett-Richards, M. , & Coleman, K. (2006). Preparing for practice: how well are practitioners prepared for teamwork. British Journal of Nursing, (15) 22, 1250-1254 Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. (June 2006). Teamwork in healthcare: Promoting effective teamwork in healthcare in Canada. Policy synthesis and recommendation. Retrieved October 13, 2010 From: Http://www. Chsrf. Ca/Research_Themes/Pdf/TeamworkSynthesisReport_ E. Pdf Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2008). Advancing your Career: Concepts of Professional Nursing (4th ed). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Tyrer, J. (2004). What lessons can we learn from effective teamwork? Nursing & Residential Care. 6 (2), 86-88 Xyrichis, A. & Ream, E. (2007). Teamwork: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing: Theoretical paper. 61, 232ââ¬â241.
Friday, January 3, 2020
Business Level Strategy For A Competitive Advantage Essay
Business level strategy A business level strategy involves searching for a competitive advantage. It also involves doing research on how it positions in the marketplace to gain competitive advantage and various positioning strategies used in the industry setting. Essentially, this approach involves the individuals the company decides to serve in line with their needs and desires. The business level strategy also entails how the company decides to satisfy the needs of the customers. According to Porter Michael, two competitive dimensions are the important keys to the business level strategy. The first dimension is the primary source of a companyââ¬â¢s competitive advantage. The aspect involves whether a company is trying to gain an edge on the rivals by keeping the prices down or offering a unique item in the market. The dimension is the scope of the firmââ¬â¢s operations. This aspect entails whether the company tries to target the general customer or it aims at attracting only a segment of the consumers. There are various business level strategies, which emerge from the decisions including differentiation, value innovation, and cost leadership. It is in rare cases that a firm offers to lower the cost of its goods and services and maintain the quality as desired by the customers. It is evident that the companies practicing this strategy are following best price strategy. The competitive strategy of Nordstrom is differentiation through product, continuous improvement, superiorShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Michael Porter s Value Chain Essay1740 Words à |à 7 Pagesan d four support activities that help the business to gain its competitive advantage. The primary activities are composed by ââ¬Å"Inbound Logisticsâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Operationsâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Outbound Logisticsâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Marketing Salesâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Serviceâ⬠, while the support activities are: ââ¬Å"Firm Infrastructureâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Human Resource Managementâ⬠, ââ¬Å"Technology Developmentâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Procurementâ⬠. This theory was published for the first time in 1985 inside one of the Porterââ¬â¢s greatest work: ââ¬Å"Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior PerformanceRead MoreStrategic Management Important Questions1648 Words à |à 7 Pages1. Define Business Level Strategy integrated and coordinated set of commitments and actions the firm uses to aim a competitive advantage by exploiting core competencies in specific product markets. indicates the choiced the firm has made about how it intends to compete in individual product markets is the core strategy - the strategy that the firm forms to describe how it intends to compete in the product market customers are the foundation of successful business level strategies and should neverRead MoreInternal Environmental Scan/950 Words à |à 4 Pagesthe capstone strategic audit: Identified the organization for your report Interviewed key mid-level and senior level managers Created a market position analysis Conducted an external environmental scan in preparation of your final report and presentation Prepared a preliminary strategic audit In this module you will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the internal environment at your business unit or organization you are working with for this project, also known as an organizational assessmentRead MoreMgc1 Study Guide 21064 Words à |à 5 Pagesbegins with a situation analysis of the external and internal forces affecting the organization.à à This examination helps identify and diagnose issues and problems and may bring to the surface alternative goals and plans for the firm.à à Next, the advantages and disadvantages of these goals and plans should be evaluated against one another.à à Once a set of goals and a plan have been selected, implementation involves communicating the plan to employees, allocating resources, and making certain that otherRead MoreThe Case Of Federal Express Essay1483 Words à |à 6 PagesExamining the Case of Federal Express One of the major segments of the wider postal and cargo industries is the small package express delivery sector or industry, which is an increasingly complex and competitive sector. The complexity and competitiveness of this industry requires the use of combating and strategic approach to enhance the profitability of the small package express delivery industry. The contemporary express delivery industry in America originated from Fred Smithââ¬â¢s vision for theRead MoreStrategic Management : Strategic Leadership1516 Words à |à 7 Pagesdecisions on behalf of the firm (Ireland et al, 2005). A clear distinguishment needs to take made. Strategy is sets of actions that are needed to be performed in order for change to occur that will lead to competitive advantage. Implementation is the transformation of the strategy into practice. Finally strategic leadership is the individual(s) that will take the lead and spearhead the strategies and supervise itââ¬â¢s implementation until delivered. Most of the time the strategic leader of the firmRead MoreOperational Strategies That Management May Use to Respond to Influences on Operations 1168 Words à |à 5 Pagesoperations process is one of the key business functions and is a crucial component to business success. Like every business, Qantas is affected by many internal and external influences requiring it to have effective strategies to respond to these influences. Businesses that are able to adopt and utilise effective operational strategies are able to quickly adapt and either reduce or take advantage of these influences that impact the business. The effectiveness of these strategies can measured by Qantasââ¬â¢ performanceRead Moreââ¬Å"Critically Assess the View That Human Resource Management Practices Should Be Designed to Fit the Business Strategies and ObjectivesÃ¢â¬ Ã¢â¬Æ'1310 Words à |à 6 Pagespractices should be designed to fit the business strategies and objectivesÃ¢â¬ Ã¢â¬Æ' Dynamism is increasingly becoming a feature of the business environment, so what can businesses do to attain and sustain a competitive advantage? They need to set out clear goals and objectives and then ensure that all internal processes and activities are designed in a manner to attain these goals and objectives. Furthermore, some of these practices should be linked directly to their strategies. One such is Human resource managementRead MoreStrategic Management in Project Management722 Words à |à 3 Pagesdefinite, final objectives representing specified values to be used in the satisfaction of some service or need. The reason why companies undertake projects is because they come up with strategic intent, achieve better results and increase its competitive advantage. Project Success In the past projects success was measured using the ââ¬Å"triple constraintâ⬠, delivering the project on time, within budget and to specification. Contemporary management of projects has shifted to being measured strategicallyRead MoreHow And Who Makes Strategy At The Corporate Level1631 Words à |à 7 PagesQuestions on Chapter 9 1. How and who makes strategy at the corporate level? How companies with multi business Model formulate their strategies and what they target in their strategies. Corporate level includes chief executive officer (CEO) board of directors, corporate staff whose responsibility to supervise the strategic development and to make sure that business strategies are followed correctly with maximizing profitability and sustain competitive advantage. Strategic managers decide in which businesses
Thursday, December 26, 2019
The Music Of Charley Patton - 938 Words
John Faheyââ¬â¢s 1966 masters thesis A textual and musicological analysis of the repertoire of Charley Patton has the distinction of being the first book-length analysis of the music of Charley Patton. Faheyââ¬â¢s text focused primarily on assembling the historical facts of Pattonââ¬â¢s life, while the analytical portions ââ¬âwritten with the aid of Dr. David Morton, UCLA ââ¬â-focused on systematizing Pattonââ¬â¢s repertoire based on modal constructs present in his vocal melodies. Faheyââ¬â¢s biographical information focused on characterizing Patton as an entertainer; However, the analytical portion omits significant lines of inquiry that result in an incomplete picture of Pattonââ¬â¢s repertoire. Fahey notes the utilitarian function of Pattonââ¬â¢s music, but does not detail musical examples of this utility, especially in relation to the guitar. That is the purpose of this document. The music of Charley Patton reflects the utilitarian function of it with in his life: music functioned as his main source of income. Patton was an entertainer; as such, he needed a vast amount of material to fill time in the venues he performed in. Consequently, his surviving recorded repertoire makes extensive use of formulas in the guitar accompaniment and vocal melodies. The use of formula is so frequent in Pattonââ¬â¢s music that, instead of culling material from contemporary musicians (an accepted practice among blues musicians) he preferred to borrow from his own repertoire. Moreover, the formulas present in the guitarShow MoreRelatedMississippi History and the Delta Blues Essay686 Words à |à 3 Pagesstyle music originated in Mississippi and gravitated outward from there. .Mississippi history and Blues history are intertwined. Delta Blues is a blues style that originated in the Mississippi Delta and influenced many musicians. Another musical art form, Jazz may be considered an offspring from the Blues and also started in the South. There are many Blues musicians and singers that come from Mississippi or have become linked to Mississippi for various reasons. Bessie Smith, Charley Patton, MuddyRead MoreThe Music Style Of The Blues1129 Words à |à 5 PagesThe music style known as the Blues emerged in the American South during the 1890s. It drew on a mix of many African-American music styles with others. Some of the styles it drew upon include African-American spirituals, traditional songs, European hymns, folk ballads, work songs and hollers, and contemporary dance music. By the 1910s, the time period when the first recorded blues were published as sheet music, the blues had taken the form that is recognized today; the 12 bar blues form.(Shmoop) Read MoreEssay about Genre History: Blues680 Words à |à 3 PagesGenre History: Blues The musical genre of blues is one that has continued to be a prolific style of music for many years. The blues began as working songs and field hollers sung by African American slave communities, beginning in the late 1800ââ¬â¢s to early 1900ââ¬â¢s. The blues genre has since become a major influence on other developing genres. Most modern genres can be traced back to the genre, originating in the deep south of the United States. The musical style of blues is very distinct, and isRead MoreThe Origins Of Rock And Roll1090 Words à |à 5 Pagesorigins of the genre of Rock and Roll. The origin, even though many historians have attempted to determine exactly where it came from, is still unknown. Rock and Roll is a blend of Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Hillbilly, Rhythm and Blues and many more types of music. Throughout this essay I will try and determine if the statement first mentioned is an accurate statement, and why or why not? I am going to start off by talking about some of the genres Rock and Roll originated from. First I will talk about BluesRead MoreAnalyzing Blues Music1765 Words à |à 7 Pagesthemselves on the piano. Eventually blues (or blues-based music) was played by string bands, jazz bands, rock bands and even orchestras. The pioneering African-American blues composer and musicologist W.C. Handy (author of St. Louis Blues) recalled hearing a solitary singer playing the guitar at a railroad station in Tutwiler, MS, in 1903, while singing Yellow Dog Blues, which Handy who had never known of the blues before called the weirdest music I had ever heard. Handy noted that the singer repeatedRead More Ragtime Essay examples850 Words à |à 4 PagesLouisiana at this time there was music everywhere. Ragtime bands and marching bands were joining together. Mexican bands were also and influence especially in the way the trumpets and horns were played. All this merging of different band sounds was important in the creation of jazz. Eventually the instruments used in marching bands crossed over into jazz instruments. The drums and clarinet filled in for the marching band instruments. New Orleans was such a melting pot for music and culture but it was alsoRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1074 Words à |à 5 Pagesaudience. Some of the changes include the music score, and Jay Gatsbyââ¬â¢s ending, and the character Nick Carrawayââ¬â¢s situation. Along with the differences, there are still major scenes that are almost literally theme same as the novel such as the throwing of the shirts scene and the eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg. It is the combination of the two aspects that develop and enhance the film and novel relationship. The first difference between the novel and the film is the music score. Though the novel does not haveRead MoreBlues and Jazz Influence Paper1698 Words à |à 7 Pages The Influence of 1920 Blues and Jazz on Modern Music Mark Carter The Influence of 1920 Blues and Jazz on Modern Music This paper is will try to show how the music that started with singing of old songs by the slaves to influences the music that the world listens to today. Shaping the music of Rock and Roll, Country and Western, and Easy Listening that influences every aspect of societyââ¬â¢s everyday life are Blues and Jazz. In an interview many years ago on television, heard by thisRead MoreRock N Roll At The Appearance Of Elvis1954 Words à |à 8 Pagesideas subjected to individual talents, shared commonalities, and in the worst cases our humanistic atrocities in the treatment of each other. Somehow it was all of these elements in combination and at the opportune that created not just a new genre of music but a historical backdrop for both political and social change in America and the world. A removal of any one element from rock n roll s historical past whether its diversity, economic, or civil structures could call into question its existence orRead MoreNo Robert Johnson, N o Rock And Roll1999 Words à |à 8 PagesNo Robert Johnson, No Rock and Roll In about 1903 the blues were slowly becoming popular in Texas. Blues music came from African American slaves who were trying to escape from slavery (PBS). The music originally came from the Mississippi River. The south was home to many blues-man who helped make the blues become more popular. Today the blues music differs from the music back in the 1800 s, there are many different types of blues today (ââ¬Å"A Brief History of the Bluesâ⬠). The tunes of Robert Johnson
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Political Science The Ultimate Power of Shaping Scenarios
The ultimate power of shaping scenarios, appointing new leadership and building the state lies within public. The conventional way of achieving it is to take part in the electoral process. However, after a government is appointed, there still remains a need for highlighting the nations concern by bringing forward their opinions using a proper platform. Like many other countries, people in United States have a right to join different organizations and social groups in order to safeguard their interests, promote social activity and to contribute in societal development through social movement. These social groups provide an opportunity for the people to raise their voices for good and influence the government decisions. Without it, there will always remain a risk of having a weak democracy, which can turn into aristocracy anytime. Interest groups can be of many types. There can be economic interest groups, business groups, labor groups, professional associations, wildlife protection groups and so forth. All of which, influence the decision making process of the controlling government body present in their regions. In United States, people oppose the corporatist groups and tend to follow the pluralist approach. Pluralist groups are more competitive; believe in free market and professionalism. Most of the people working for a group are achievers in their life. In pluralist groups, unlike the corporatists, a bottom up approach is followed for decision making. These groups areShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Non State Armed Actors1205 Words à |à 5 Pagesarmed actors competing for economic, social, and political power within the instability created by our presence as a foreign intervention force. The influential role of non-state armed actors was evident to me while in Kosovo. However, experiences in Iraq and Afghan istan crystallized my desire to explore the broader political and social ramifications of these groups. As I thought and read about the impact of their behavior on the evolution of political institutions, I noted developments that led meRead MoreConvergence vs. Divergence1104 Words à |à 4 PagesCrossvergence is the blending of cultures. It appears that this phenomena can occur at various levels. Local societies and larger, more collective societies both can experience crossvergence as breathing mechanism that allows for the flow of ideas, art and science. Understanding crossvergence and its relationship to culture can help shed new understanding to the complicated and continually mixing of peoples that seems to occur more frequently and more significantly in todays present state of human life. Read MoreGlobalisation of Higher Education4579 Words à |à 19 PagesGlobalization has a multi- dimensional impact on the system of education. It promotes new tools and techniques in this area like E- Learning, flexible learning, distance education programs and overseas training. The globalization of education is shaping young children of a country into ââ¬Ëglobal citizens with a broad range of skills and knowledge to apply to a competitive information based society. Globalization also facilitates international collaboration and cross- cultural exchange. GlobalizationRead MoreAnnotated Bibliography Of The New Historicism2440 Words à |à 10 Pagesimportant theories of literary criticism. It is different from the old historicism. New historicism stressed that the implementation of a comprehensive reading of texts from political power, ideology, cultural hegemony perspectives, formalism. Its research focuses on literature and life, literature and history, literature and power discourse. The New historicism breaks the kind of wordplay deconstruction strategy, making the recovery of historical consciousness becomes an important methodological principlesRead MoreEssay about Recognizing and Shaping Opportunities19389 Words à |à 78 Pagesop yo Lynda M. Applegate, Series Editor rP os t Entrepreneurship + I N TE R A C TI VE I L LU S TR AT I O N S No tC Recognizing and Shaping Opportunities LYNDA M. APPLEGATE HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL Do CAROLE CARLSON 8056 | Published: September 1, 2014 This document is authorized for educator review use only by Vikas Gupta, at Institute of Management Technology - Ghaziabad (IMT) until December 2014. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. Permissions@hbsp.harvard.edu or 617.783Read MoreInstitution as the Fundamental Cause of Long Tern Growth39832 Words à |à 160 Pagesfirst document the empirical importance of institutions by focusing on two quasi-natural experiments in history, the division of Korea into two parts with very different economic institutions and the colonization of much of the world by European powers starting in the fifteenth century. We then develop the basic outline of a framework for thinking about why economic institutions differ across countries. Economic institutions determine the incentives of and the constraints on economic actors, andRead MoreProfessional Ethics10396 Words à |à 42 Pagesthink of business as an integral part of the dynamic, progressive society they advocate. In the West, the rise of a culture hospitable to business has unleashed incalculable productive energies. Business professionals have taken the products of science and revolutionized the fields of agriculture, transportation, and medicine. Business professionals have taken the products of art and dramatically increased our access to them. We have more food, we are more mobile, we have more health care, weRead MoreTheories of Organizational Behavior10512 Words à |à 43 Pagesthe state, who can argue that they are also free from the pervasive effects of language, culture and science? These are matters into which we find ourselves ââ¬Ëthrownââ¬â¢, long before we wake up to their organizing effects. If, indeed, we ever do wake up. For if the intricate relations between language and thought came to be examined late in the 19th century, questions about the intercession between science and culture began to be asked only with the rise of the sociology of knowledge in the 20th centuryRead MoreNationalism and Transnationalism in the Context of the European Union28567 Words à |à 115 Pagessometimes not very well informed and confused about that course of action.[9] It could be said that the European unification can be perceived as purely political will, in conjunction with the rule: ââ¬Å"Think and act in terms of interest defined as powerâ⬠[10] to quo te Hans J. Morgenthau. The European Union working as one organism will definitely accumulate more power then single European states. Therefore, the enquiry, which would lead the survey of that paper contains the question whether the EuropeanRead MoreA Analysis of Rational Decision Making Model9334 Words à |à 38 Pagesthe success of Pepsi-cola in gaining market share while coca-cola lost it helped convince Goizueta that change was needed. Whether a decision is programmed or none programmed and regardless of managersââ¬â¢ choice of the classical, administrative, or political model of decision making, a decision making process typically has five steps: that are summarized as follow: 1) Identify the problem or opportunity 2) Develop alternative 3) Evaluate alternative 4) Choose and implement the best alternative 5) Evaluate
Monday, December 9, 2019
Planning for People Walmart
Question: Describe about the structure of labour market as seen in Walmart? Answer: Introduction The assignment shows the structure of labour market as seen in Walmart. It displays the difference between the external and internal market arrangements (Abha., Vijai. Prakash., 2010). The internal market is characterized by a firm or a part of the firm. Entry into this part of the market is restricted to particular occupation or profession. The value of labor and its allocation is from entry prospect is governed by some laws which distinguishes the internal labour market from the external ('Human Resource Management', 2014). Having given the basic distinction, the internal labor market focuses on the white-collar jobs and the external labor market focuses on the blue collar jobs. The following diagram shows the four-quadrant model: Diagram 1 Elaboration of Four-quadrant Model The four quadrant model focuses on four aspects of the labor market (Lazear Oyer, 2003). Taking Walmart as an example the following can be well put in the four quadrants: Quadrant 1: The first quadrant shows the primary work force of the organization. This consists of the President, Vice-President, and CEO of the Walmart. These are the people who are the most important in the organization. They are the decision-makers of the company having high responsibility. Quadrant 2: This quadrant shows the primary external people who are important to the company, like, stakeholders such as customers, government, creditors, employees who has interest towards Walmart. Quadrant 3: This quadrant shows those sector of people who are not directly linked with the company unlike quadrant 1. These are the ones who has very low span of responsibility such as vendors. They do not have firm specific skills but they have the skill to work any lower level job. Quadrant 4: This quadrant shows the secondary internal people who are adaptable to firm specific skills like store manager, assistant store manager, floor manager, office assistant. They have a little low extent of responsibility but their skills are firm oriented. References Abha., Vijai., Prakash.,. (2010). Manpower planning and development. Jaipur: ABD Publishers. Human Resource Management. (2014). Human Resource Management, 53(6), no-no. doi:10.1002/hrm.21696 Lazear, E., Oyer, P. (2003). Internal and external labor markets. Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research.
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