Adverse Effects of Piracy essays

Adverse Effects of Piracy essays According to a 2000 study, the U.S. software industry lost more than $2.6 billion to software piracy in 2000. This loss has a significant impact on the U.S. economy. Furthermore, it has been estimated that software piracy cost the U.S. economy over 109,000 jobs, $5.6 billion in lost wages and more than $1.5 billion in tax revenue in the year 2000. Software piracy is not an issue to be taken lightly. The US government has noticed how big software piracy has gotten and has started to crack down on it. Software piracy needs to be stopped. If it is not, all computer users that legitimately purchase software will suffer. Software piracy is defined as the unauthorized duplication, distribution or use of computer software. This can range from making more copies of software than the license allows or installing software licensed for one computer onto multiple computers or a server. With new technologies today the ability to pirate software has become much easier. Many believe this not to be a problem; however, thousands of peoples lives are being affected by this everyday. Companies are losing millions of dollars and having to lay off employees. Copying cheats the publisher and everyone who uses the software. It makes software more costly and denies the publisher the sales it needs to improve software and finance new projects. Up until two to three years ago, software piracy was not a very big issue. Not to say that it was not happening, but it was not as wide spread as today. Since the beginning of the computer, people have been copying software and giving it to friends and family. Small, home based piracy has changed; it has developed into a high tech, low cost production. People used to have to buy the software in order to copy it; however, with a modem and a little bit of computer knowledge, any one can pirate software for free. Nothing has contributed more to the rise of s ...

Free Essays on A Supermarket In America

Allen Ginsberg’s â€Å"A Supermarket in America† In â€Å"A Supermarket in America† Allen Ginsberg, laments upon the decline of American in a hale of imagery, allusion, and voice that imparts upon the reader a deeper understand of the poem, than the impressions left by W.D. Snodgrass’s decomposition â€Å"A produce market in California† which fails to capture the underlining meaning and purpose of the original poem. The poem begins with the opening line, â€Å"What thoughts I have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (line 1-3), which sets the tone for the remainder of the poem, by immediately thrusting the reader into the imaginary world of the poets own mind, which is the landscape for this poem. This is accomplished by the Ginsberg telling in the first line his location, â€Å"walking down side streets† (line 1-2), and his state of mind, â€Å"self-conscious looking at the moon†(line 2), which implies a daydreaming state, which is verified by the poet speaking to Walt Whitman a long dead poet who was known as the American poet-laureate to of the 19th century. This is important because it tells the careful reader that the poem is a introspective look at poetry, and by invoking the â€Å"American poet† of the previous century, the reader can deduce that this poem will at least explain the poets own views on contemporary poetry. To cement, and reiterate to the reader that this poem is a vision Ginsberg sets it in a â€Å"neon fruit supermarket†(line 4-5), which can not exists in the real world, because fruit are not neon, nor are supermarkets made in the shape of fruit. He goes on in this line to reiterate to the reader that this will be a look at poetry, by â€Å"dreaming of your enumerations† which is a reference to Whitman’s Poetry. Enumerations is commonly defined as â€Å"to count off or name†(Merriam-Webster) but, Ginsberg uses a lesser know meaning that of â€Å"a detailed account, in which each thing is specially noticed†(Merriam-Webster), which is essent... Free Essays on A Supermarket In America Free Essays on A Supermarket In America Allen Ginsberg’s â€Å"A Supermarket in America† In â€Å"A Supermarket in America† Allen Ginsberg, laments upon the decline of American in a hale of imagery, allusion, and voice that imparts upon the reader a deeper understand of the poem, than the impressions left by W.D. Snodgrass’s decomposition â€Å"A produce market in California† which fails to capture the underlining meaning and purpose of the original poem. The poem begins with the opening line, â€Å"What thoughts I have†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (line 1-3), which sets the tone for the remainder of the poem, by immediately thrusting the reader into the imaginary world of the poets own mind, which is the landscape for this poem. This is accomplished by the Ginsberg telling in the first line his location, â€Å"walking down side streets† (line 1-2), and his state of mind, â€Å"self-conscious looking at the moon†(line 2), which implies a daydreaming state, which is verified by the poet speaking to Walt Whitman a long dead poet who was known as the American poet-laureate to of the 19th century. This is important because it tells the careful reader that the poem is a introspective look at poetry, and by invoking the â€Å"American poet† of the previous century, the reader can deduce that this poem will at least explain the poets own views on contemporary poetry. To cement, and reiterate to the reader that this poem is a vision Ginsberg sets it in a â€Å"neon fruit supermarket†(line 4-5), which can not exists in the real world, because fruit are not neon, nor are supermarkets made in the shape of fruit. He goes on in this line to reiterate to the reader that this will be a look at poetry, by â€Å"dreaming of your enumerations† which is a reference to Whitman’s Poetry. Enumerations is commonly defined as â€Å"to count off or name†(Merriam-Webster) but, Ginsberg uses a lesser know meaning that of â€Å"a detailed account, in which each thing is specially noticed†(Merriam-Webster), which is essent...

Management and ecommerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management and ecommerce - Essay Example I want to assume the risks and opportunities of being an entrepreneur. According to Kuratko (153), entrepreneurs risk their effort, time, funds and reputation by taking up an opportunity to venture into a specific entrepreneurial course. However, it would be appreciated that the higher the risk, the higher the returns on investment as beneficiaries pay a premium price. Therefore, instead of being risk averse and continue making meagre or no returns on investment, I would rather take the entrepreneurial informed risks and opportunities availed and have a chance of reaping greater benefits in return. 3. Insurance can be a costly expense, especially for a company that isn’t profitable. Explain the different types of insurance that a small business can obtain, and identify which ones you think are crucial, which are not, and why. The Association of British Insurers documents various insurances for small businesses. General liability insurance protects the business from liability claims with regards to injuries, accidents, negligence claims, slander, libel and cost of a lawsuit defence among others. Property insurance cushions against losses from damage to business assets and stock through fire, burglary, theft and consequential causes. Thirdly, business interruption insurance protects against lost revenue when unexpected occurrences lead to the incapacitation of the business. Money insurance protects against losing money to fraudulent employees, theft while on transit and even fraudulent directors. Finally, worker’s compensation, mandatory in many states, protects the business in case of claims arising from injury to employees. Property insurance, worker’s compensation and general liability insurance are crucial. This is because property insurance protects the business from losing its foundation – stock and assets. Worker’s compensation and general liability

Ethical leadership Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethical leadership - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that ethical leadership is more respected and leaders who implement ethical practices in their actions are known to be established as role models by the followers. But this definition has certain constraints because it looks at leadership from a relativist point of view. Other scholars argue that ethical leadership is a theoretical concept that is difficult to be implemented in the practical world. Some authors also indicate that ethical leadership is much dependant on the individual leader and his social and cultural background. Brown, Mitchel, and Trevino conceptualizes ethical leadership as a part of their social learning theory. The social learning theory establishes that the ethical leaders can influence the employees to display ethical behavior by implementing ethical practices in their own activities. Ethical behavior of the leaders helps to establish the visible and powerful position for the leaders in the organization and helps them to get the attention and interest of the employees. An ethical leadership involves different formal and personal instances. Though there are different views regarding ethical leadership, the most common consensus goes to the fact that ethical leadership is critical in improving the effectiveness of organizations in the current business environment. Ethical leadership is emerging as an important concept in the retail industry. The ethical leadership practices in a leading multinational retailer, Tesco Plc. can be sued as a suitable example to demonstrate the importance of ethical leadership in the current business world. The former CEO of Tesco, Tarry Leahy focused on building the business based on morally right values so as to attract conscious and morally like-minded employees and customers. Tarry Leahy demonstrated ethical leadership in his tenure as the CEO of Tesco Plc.

To what extent do you agree that CCTV has had a positive effect on Essay

To what extent do you agree that CCTV has had a positive effect on society - Essay Example The first area under review is airport territory as, unfortunately, airports become one of the main targets for terrorists what requires increased attention of security. Human capacity is limited to keep in focus all the details, especially small ones, even if many people are employed. That is the main reason why Closed Circuit Television surveillance is needed. For instance, all the records can be saved and revised should the need arise for more clarification. Such a situation explains the necessity of CCTV implementation to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks and to assist better in questions of preventive measures. Due to this factor, it is possible to minimize the need of hiring a great number of people what is reflected on the economic performance in general. Additionally, with the help of CCTV it is easier to control the quality of pilots work that is the most essential in questions of passengers safety. Moreover, being under control, the level of responsibility is growing and makes people perform better with their obligations. Besides that, such surveillance helps to monitor the quality of services provided by the airport staff, like baggage maintenance and handling, for instance (Airport Security, 2009). To opposite to all those people who worry about their privacy, it should be mentioned that all the video observation is absolutely confidential and only a few people have access to those files what leaves no place for fears of the interference into anyones private life. The other area where CCTV cameras are useful is on the roads. The article (ZeeNews, 2014) has a negative feedback on the growing quantity of cameras and the accessibility to the recorded information. But, according to Surveillance Road Map, where the laws protecting Human Rights are described, it is stated that such an important question as privacy is regulated by the set of laws that carry penalties and punishment corresponding to the

Market Oriented Development Strategy for Niger Delta

Market Oriented Development Strategy for Niger Delta ADOPT MARKET-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT. PURPOSE: To provide you with advice on policy strategy for market-oriented development for Niger Delta development and a recommended course of action. BACKGROUND: Conflicts in Niger Delta have generated domestic and international concerns. For more than 20 years, Niger Delta has experienced recurring conflicts often followed by violence which have been inspired, largely, by broad range of economic factors (for example, increased sense of marginalization, exploitation and injustice by the Niger Delta people, and increased poverty and inequality), political factors (for example, long-lasting corruption, mismanagement of allocated resources, and insensitivity of government to the needs and concerns of the Niger Delta people), environmental factors (for example, land degradation and other environmental disasters) and socio-cultural factors (for example, poor value orientation, particularly amongst the youth). Conflicts in Niger Delta have revealed a paradox in the economic development of the region. Niger Delta has remained the driving force of Nigerias oil and gas wealth, having the second highest recognized oil reserves in Africa and being the eight largest oil exporter in the world. Despite the abundance of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, in Niger Delta, and the huge amount of financial resource allocations from the federal government to, and financial investments by oil companies and donor agencies in, the region, Niger Delta has continued to produce disappointing economic development results. There has been a complete disconnection between the level of socio-economic developments in Niger Delta and the amount of financial resources that government, donor agencies, and oil companies operating in Niger Delta have invested in the region. These huge financial resources do not reflect in the living standards of the Niger Delta people; hence they have had insignificant impact on economic development in the region. The paradox in the economic development of Niger Delta has stimulated difficult development challenges, most especially as the conflicts between communities and oil companies, and government, as well as amongst communities, over resource allocations continue to manifest. Though the past governments have adopted many intervention programmes, through various government agencies, which have, indeed, helped to stabilize security situation in the region and created opportunity for economic development engagements, however, the fundamental causes of conflicts have not been tackled. The fundamental causes of conflicts reside in chronic poverty and inequality in Niger Delta. These are still largely deep-rooted in the regions checkered history of marginalization and deprivation, and are connected very much with the continuing forms of instability in the region. ISSUES: The key issue is the paradox in the economic development of Niger Delta. Development results in Niger Delta have been disappointing, despite the abundance of natural resources in the region, and huge amount of financial resources that government, oil companies and donor agencies have invested in the region (See Attachment A in the Appendix). Another issue is the continued difficult development challenges in Niger Delta, for example, administrative oversight, deteriorating socio-economic infrastructures, increasing poverty, inequality and unemployment, declining value orientation amongst young people, and long-lasting conflicts, despite governments interventions. These development challenges have continued to undermine intervention programmes by various government agencies. As a result, the fundamental causes of conflicts in Niger Delta have remained unsolved. These issues have revealed the imperative for a market-oriented economic development strategy. This is particularly important now that the security situation in the region has been stabilized to a large extent. The premise is that for the economic challenges in Niger Delta to be solved, development strategy needs to capture what the Niger Delta people perceive to be their interests, concerns and needs. The precept is that the federal government should focus on providing co-dependent elements of market-oriented development, for example, creating enabling environment for private sector participation in infrastructure development, while the private sector and donor agencies should assist the government in building the capacities of the Niger Delta people and strengthening the policymaking environment. ANALYSIS: Conflicts in Niger Delta have, historically, been framed on resource allocations. In all the conflicts, government has always been blamed for not returning to Niger Delta the proceeds that are derived from the sale of resources produced in the region. In recent years, as part of governments intervention programme to develop the region, government has set up agencies, for example, the Niger Delta Development Commission (in 2000), the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (in 2009), the Presidential Amnesty Programme (in 2009), and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Programme (in 2012). Through these agencies government has channelled funds for the development of the region. Available data shows that between 2010 and 2014, federal government has allocated about NGN7.4 trillion to Niger Delta. This amount came from different sources, for example, statutory oil revenue allocation, federal allocations to Niger Delta states, budgetary allocations to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Programme, and Ecological Fund, Pipeline Security Contracts for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, allocations from the Millennium Development Goals, financial contributions from international oil companies, and financial support from development donors (See Attachments A B). What these mean is that the fundamental problem with the development of Niger Delta is not lack of agencies to implement development plans, or allocation of funds to the region, but managing the funds allocated to the region. The processes for managing the funds allocated to Niger Delta have been deficient in transparency and accountability. The issues with the management of funds allocated to the region speak volumes about the poor governance structures and processes of various development plans. Findings from the reports published by the National Bureau of Statistics and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative between 2010 and 2013 have shown that there is presence of overlap and duplication of projects amongst agencies that are involved in Niger Delta development. The overlap and duplication are as a result of absence of a coherent development plan that is shared by the agencies. This has created inefficiency in project delivery, as resources are unevenly distributed. For example, while many projects are abandoned for lack of funds, other projects are duplicated. Other findings from studies done on states and local governments in the Niger Delta region have shown that there is lack of community engagement in the design and implementation of development programmes, as well as in budgeting processes for infrastructure projects. Many development projects do not include the preferences of the communities; hence the projects are often not tailored to the needs of the people. OPTIONS: There are three options to consider: Option A: Adopt a coherent market-oriented economic development strategy for Niger Delta development. Option B: Review the effectiveness of all the existing development plans that have been developed by various government agencies involved in Niger Delta development, and integrate the relevant initiatives into the strategy in option A. Option C: Recommend to Mr President to mandate all the relevant government agencies involved in Niger Delta development to collaborate and consolidate efforts towards developing the strategy in option A. RATIONALES: The current development plans for Niger Delta do not work for the vast majority of the poor people in the region because of the reasons (and more) stated in the analysis above. Therefore, the region needs a coherent market-oriented economic development strategy that will focus largely on tackling the fundamental issues poverty and inequality. Niger Delta development requires market-based systems that benefit the people, include the people in policy/decision making processes, have efficient governance structures and processes for managing funds allocated to the region, and can be sustained. The proposed strategy is not a new plan, rather an operational instrument, with a unified governance framework that is shared by all agencies involved in Niger Delta development, for implementing the existing development plans. To support Option A, the following cases are made: Case 1: Market systems must be beneficial to the poor: This makes the case that the market systems must be all-inclusive; well-organized; represent the interests of the poor; and sustainable in order to work for the poor. Case 2: Markets are integral part of peoples livelihood: The underlying principle here is that poor people rely largely on the market systems for their means of livelihood. Thus, peoples lives can be improved significantly through functional and sustainable market systems. Case 3: Social inclusion is essential for reducing poverty and closing inequality gap: This presents the case that the key to reducing poverty and closing inequality gap facing Niger Delta is enhancing the opportunities for people to participate in policy/decision making processes. Case 4: Access to the market systems: The guiding principle here is that access to the market systems creates an economic virtuous circle, where peoples standard of living is improved, productivity is enhanced, incomes are increased, food security is strengthened, and hunger and poverty are reduced. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The activities that will be carried out in respect of Options A and B will be funded from the budgetary allocations of the government agencies that will be involved in the processes. There is enough scope within their budgets to undertake the activities. Option C has no financial implications. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Honourable Minister is graciously invited to: Agree to adopt the strategy proposed in this brief to ensure consolidation of the gains from the stabilized security situation in, and development of, Niger Delta. Note that the proposed strategy is not a new plan, but an operational instrument, with a unified governance framework, for implementing the existing development plans. Agree to direct for a review of all the existing development plans developed for Niger Delta development. Agree to recommend to Mr President to direct all the relevant agencies involved in Niger Delta development to collaborate and consolidate efforts towards developing the proposed strategy.

Maurice Sendak :: essays research papers fc

	Maurice Sendak may be the best-known children's author / illustrator in the world today. His artwork has become somewhat of an American icon; some even became the basis of an advertising campaign for Bell Atlantic. This extremely gifted genius was actually cultivating within Sendak since his childhood, and many different memories from his youth influenced the masterpieces he has created. 	Born in Brooklyn on June 10th (coincidently, my birthday) 1928, Sendak has illustrated over 70 books and written at least 15 himself. He has also derived animated films for many of his stories, as well as stage productions of Where The Wild Things Are and Really Rosie. Currently, he illustrates the animated series Little Bear on Nickelodeon. Sendak grew up a sickly child who was not allowed to go outside often. Therefore, being the youngest child in a family of three, he was left alone with his imagination. He enjoyed drawing and reading from an early age, but was often dissatisfied with the children books that were available to him. He attempted to read what he called "real books" even when he was a young child; he felt it was an embarrassment even to enter the childrens' section of the library. Sendak writes the type of books he wished he had as a child; entertaining stories which are not limited by any effort to make things so simple for children that they become mundane. 	Sendak's greatest influence as a writer was his father. Phillip Sendak was a wonderfully creative storyteller who amazed Maurice and his brother and sister. "He didn't edit," remarks Maurice in an interview with Marion Long. "It's funny, because that's what I'm accused of now: being a storyteller who tells children inappropriate things." Sendak strongly believes that children are curious by nature, and so he must write stories which beckon the child to keep turning the pages. The best stories for children tell children exactly what they want to hear, with all the details. This is Sendak's goal in his stories. 	An absolutely amazing artist without any formal training, Sendak feels that his adoration for Mickey Mouse has influenced many of his illustrations. Sendak was calls Mickey Mouse one of the most dominant figures of his childhood. This "early best friend" influenced characters in his work, and many of the protagonists in the books he has written have first names beginning with the letter "M." He used Max for Where the Wild Things Are, Martin in Very Far Away, and Mickey's own name for In the Night Kitchen.

Gender Inequality Essay

In the 21st century women are more educated and powerful than they have ever been. They are integrated into every work sector, from labour intensive jobs, middle class jobs up to the highest professional engineering, medical, legal and political positions. However, there still remain high gender inequalities within the workplace, which will be covered in this report through several articles and studies in respects to top management positions and payments imbalance. As gender inequality is not a specific event rather a continuously forming process from the beginning of the humanity until present day, and beyond that. To understand the current state of affairs we have to firstly talk about the processes which have occurred during the past. Historic context: Several studies talk about the division of labour between men and women already in the prehistory. All the evidence shows that from the very beginning, women had the simpler and easier jobs, which was manifested in fruits, eggs and berry gathering, while men had the more dangerous and intensive duties such as hunting and fishing. The subordinate role of women had already appeared in that time. According to anthropologists, the nomadic lifestyle continues as hordes’ communities, women had the role of carrying the pickings, while men were waiting for any attacks from outside the community. As women were not able to protect themselves while carrying the foods, men became the protectors of the community. Although there were some warrior women, who were called â€Å"amazons†, they still are physically weaker. As race preservation is a function of women, when they became pregnant they were not able to support both the community and their duties together, within the hordes eyes, they were considered of no significant importance and the infants and young children worsened this situation. They had to be supported (fed, protected) which slowed down the community, but in the same time until a certain age the horde had no important role for them. However the prehistoric humans had no knowledge about the biology of insemination, therefore they considered the pregnancy as a magical wonder. This is evidenced by the first artworks, for example the female statues which they highlighted the body parts referring to fertility, of which the best known is the Venus of Willendorf. Nevertheless after time they have realised that, the participation of men is also necessary to fertilization and women lost the surrounding admiration, therefore they became even more subordinated. Later in history, several communities with the emergence of the ancient slavery society and monogamy had become widespread. All the men could have only one wife yet posses several bond slaves. Women could have sexual relationship, only with their husbands. If they breached this rule it had serious consequences. Men regarded not only their slave women as their property, but also the female members of the family, over whom men controlled absolute power. In the early feudalism era, the Church had said women cannot be equal to men, as God created Adam first from his own image and only after this created Eve from the ‘rest of the materials’. Women have been created for men, and not inversely. Further more women have to consider their husbands as God. In the middle Ages children had been socially educated to respect their fathers more than their mothers. The male children, from a certain age received adult rights, to treat their mothers and sisters in the same manner as their fathers. They thought women had to been given constraints and rules, as Eve was who anathematized the humanity, so women had to be chastised for it. Men had to penalize women as a duty, even if it was associated with pain. The only rule which was accepted was that the woman could not die. In the 17th century in America, woman took taking care of their families an important responsibility. Women and men were working together on their agricultural lands. While they catered their families, they also worked on markets, where they could sell the remaining crops or some weaved clothes, thus they earned some respect. Women and men have shared not only the jobs, but also the wages. In the 18th century, as the economy has shifted from the agriculture to the industrial economy the world of home and work had got totally separated. Women were forced back to their homes and lost all their social respect. With the occurrence of industrialization, the role of women focused on the duties around the house, or they became industrial workers, for much smaller salary though, as women were treated as inferiority. The most terrible situation was in the lead industry. They have not used protective equipment; therefore lead poisoning was a very frequent workers disease. Women were afflicted by death, poisoning, paralysis; their children were still-born many times. At the beginning of the 19th century women were ignominiously exploited. Their wages were not enough even for their basic needs. A survey in 1889-93 shows that in France a workwoman received half of that wage, what a workman received for the same work hours. In 1918 women’s salary is half of the men’s in America. The women’s wages rose between 1911 and 1945, although they were less than men’s wages. At the beginning of capitalism, new work opportunities appeared. Women occupied the agriculture, the industry, the trading, the banks, the insurance companies, the offices and the freelance positions. This process accelerated the unemployment during the 1st and 2nd world war, worldwide. Emancipation in the UK: The sequences of events are roughly the same in many western countries. In some enlightened states (e. g. New-Zealand, Australia, Finland and Norway) women received franchises before the 1st world war. In other countries, struggles have started, but nowhere were as dramatic as in England. In 1903 Emmeline Pankhurst got to the edge of the movement fighting for women’s right to vote. These suffrages interrupted political meetings, chained themselves to fences and were sent to prison as they were not willing to pay any financial penalty. When the 1st world war broke out, most of the suffrages suspended the fights, and the women who filled in the jobs (instead of the fighting men) coped successfully. This allowed women voting rights from the government, by destroying the stigma surrounding women’s inequality instead of facing the movement again. After the war the US and several European countries undertook similar reforms. Another movement inspired from the UK was created called â€Å"Woman’s Lib for life† created in the US back in 1960s which spread through Europe. This ideology was called â€Å"feminism†. Feminism talks about gender equality, but also about sexual abuse, rape and abortion. Feminists succeeded to reach equal opportunities in political, legal, demographical, educational and employment rights. Nevertheless the practical applications of the laws often meet difficulties, even if their enforcements create special executive and examiner bodies. In many parts of the world, women’s most elementary rights are still missing, in many societies they cannot even choose their spouse. In present days, in the most enlightened countries such as the UK, the distance between females and males in employment decreased significantly, but still women face forms of discrimination. Present: In our days, more and more women take part in higher education. After graduation they try to find a job, build their career what they have to interrupt as their biological clocks are ticking and near their career plans they don’t want to give up building a family. During their pregnancy normally they become less capable to cater their work in full-time. After their pregnancy they have the right to take a maternity leave with the thought of they can return to their job without any discrimination. However, this is not so simple. In the 21st century as in most of the tolerant countries, as in the UK the unequal and inequitable treatment of employees on the basis of gender i. e. sex discrimination in workplace is illegal. If it can be proved by the employee, the employer could probably face a serious penalty. Discrimination can be classified in two ways. One of them is based on suffered disadvantage e. g. nequal payment, discrimination because of pregnancy or maternity leave, inequality in the scale of employment and different treatment and progress opportunities within workplace. Direct and indirect discrimination: The other classification group divides discrimination according to insulted party as an individual (direct), or a specific target group (indirect). Direct discrimination is â€Å"where an employee or prospective employee is less favourably treated because of their race, sex, marital status (including civil partnerships), religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity† (CompactLaw, 1996-2013). As it revealed from the most recent article from the Guardian about sexual discrimination â€Å"women are suffering escalating levels of illegal discrimination at work when they get pregnant, and are often made redundant while they are on maternity leave, according to a new poll. The figures show one in seven of the women surveyed had lost their job while on maternity leave; 40% said their jobs had changed by the time they returned, with half reporting a cut in hours or demotion. More than a tenth had been replaced in their jobs by the person who had covered their maternity leave† (Tracey McVeigh, 2013). Indirect discrimination is often less obvious. Sometimes, a policy, rule or practice seems fair because it applies to everyone equally, but a closer look shows that some people are being treated unfairly. This is because some people or groups of people are unable or less able to comply with the rule or are disadvantaged because of it. If this policy or practice is ‘not r easonable’, it may be indirect discrimination† (Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland 2007) One of the most famous indirect cases associated with one of the largest companies in the US being the Wal-Mart Stores. Wal-Mart had a case which started in 2000, when Betty Dukes, a Wal-Mart worker from California, claimed sex discrimination because of gender discrimination in pay and promotion policies and practices. During the negotiations almost 2000 women joined Betty, representing about 1. 5M women. On 20th of June, 2011, the Supreme Court finally closed the negotiations in Wal-Mart’s favour, as the unequal treatment was not clearly proved. On the other side employers and managers have to be very guarded and deliberate to avoid discrimination and promote equality. There are several details which have to be kept in the front view of management.

Stewards, Mediators, and Catalysts Toward a Model of Collaborative Leadership

Stewards, Mediators, and Catalysts Toward a Model of Collaborative Leadership The success or breakdown of collaborative governance mainly depends on leadership. Collaborative leaders usually play an encouraging and facilitative role in the organization that enables the stakeholders to effectively work together as a group.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Stewards, Mediators, and Catalysts: Toward a Model of Collaborative Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Collaborative leaders have a distinctive quality which is to facilitate not to direct. They must formulate a condition that hold up the stakeholders contributions towards collaborative process and create effective transactions between them. There are three types of facilitative leadership and they include: steward leadership, mediator leadership and catalyst leadership. A steward leader normally facilitates the process of collaboration by protecting the veracity of collaborative process. On the other hand, a leader who assist s in nurturing and arbitrating relationships involving stakeholders is known as mediator. Lastly, a catalyst leader helps the stakeholders to recognize and identify their value-creating prospects. Facilitative leadership requires leaders to take part in these three roles. They should however ensure that their relative eminence of these three roles greatly depend on collaborative goals, antecedent condition and system context. There are also two special facilitative leadership styles and they include: organic leadership who has the potential to draw social capital in an extensive was since they belong to stakeholder community and there is professional facilitator who belongs to outside community but is autonomous of stakeholders (Ansell Gash 2008, p. 552) These two leadership styles have special weaknesses and strengths. They can both act as honest brokers, however professional facilitator usually find it easier to establish neutrality but have harder time persuading and motivating stakeholders to formulate effective contributions.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Organic leaders have the potential to mobilize and cajole but usually do not have the power to convince their stakeholders. Professional facilitators however do have the power to convince their stakeholders and maintain their integrity. Despite the fact that organic leaders can convene collaborative forums, they are usually the major object of distrust when collaboration unfolds. This is the time when professional facilitators will facilitate meditation process effectively. Collaborative Governance Leaders are important since they efficiently collaborate towards creative problem-solving, service delivery and consensus. They however need to perform within the limits enforced by voluntary action and shared power (Vangen Huxham 2003, p. 22). Powerful catalytic leadership is al ways required from organic leaders who aim at collaborative governance for creative problem-solving. Perspectives on Organizational Change: Systems and Complexity Theories The ability for change management and survival in organization is increasingly becoming paramount in an environment where there is high competition and market globalization exists. Organizations are therefore forced to acquire competitive advantage by having the potential survive and manage change. The process of organizational change can be successful if examined through complexity and systems theories which have the potential to equip leaders in various organizations with understanding and knowledge on how they can adapt and respond to demands and uncertainties of change in the global market (Amagoh 2008). Complexity and systems theories are useful in different areas in an organization and they include: in organizational design, corporate strategy, organizational intelligence and in knowledge management (Amagoh 2008, p. 542).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Stewards, Mediators, and Catalysts: Toward a Model of Collaborative Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Changes in any organizations are usually interconnected to various complex effects and causes. Complexity and systems theories can offer the managers with avenues of how they can address complex dilemmas in the organization and how they can learn to appreciate them too (McElroy 2000, p. 201). Many attempts have been made to apply Organizational change theories since 20th century. The initial effort that was made involved system theory models which were majorly concerned with constancy and equilibrium and how they could be upheld through negative response control. The business is being scrutinized as corporate environment through the systems theory. Stakeholder’s relations are what comprise of organization environment. However, organizational en vironment is increasing in complexity such that the system concepts are no longer sufficient to handle the complex phenomena (Amagoh 2008). This is the reason why complexity theory emerged which was meant to handle complex issues such as non-equilibrium, instability, entropy and surfacing of new structures and patterns in the organization (Amagoh 2008). Based on complexity theories views, systems are evolving; they can organize themselves to formulate a new thing.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The most common trends in contemporary organizations are usually towards pervasive and continuous change and interdependence increase. They do also close parallels between public and private sectors where similar environmental tests are experienced. Public and private organizations are therefore forced to face tumultuous environments which are characterized by many uncertainties caused by dramatic changes brought by economical, technological and political factors. A more complete and vibrant change management analysis has been formulated to help in comprehending management process better. This is why, complexity and system theories were integrated to help understand the fluid process disruptiveness of organizational change (Amagoh 2008). Client Empowerment and Quality Assurance In United Kingdom, quality of work offered by social care services is usually measured in terms of Best Value reports or Quality Indicators. It is however generally concerned about regular performance measure ment. User satisfaction survey is usually required. However this methodology does not normally give the user the chance to respond in holistic manner concerning the services offered. This means that the clients are not empowered when it comes to measuring quality creating a big dilemma on the issue. Anything that is not measured in relation to quality enhancement, client empowerment and quality assurance is normally defined as an outcome, a process or an intervention (Dowling 2008, p. 215). After conducting a study on career and user experience in United Kingdom and Eastern Europe, it was found that client empowerment process is crucial to the future quality enhancement and quality direction of policies in the country. Over 500 individuals gave out their experience of how they are being treated in public. The old, young, children, parents and disabled people were involved in the study. It was found that the welfare users were least empowered in the group in all the countries studied . When it came to gender, class, age, disability, ethnicity, material resource and education, they found that these people were excluded by the society but professionals involved with them together with the staff members are under paid and their status is also too low. The quality of service offered by social services is considered based on how quality is measured, how social service users and careers can contribute to quality service, how the quality of service offered can be improved such that innovative, ongoing and participative quality measurements are developed in social care organizations through career and user partnerships with the staff and managers of social care. There will be different meaning for user and career groups if client empowerment is different and the quality of services offered is different in developed nations. There can be an improvement in quality measurement if the user and the career organizations are in a position to provide evidence on their own thoug hts and perspectives alongside managers, work partners and social care workers. If user and career involvement and evidence are valued and lastly if they resource welfare services in such a way that partnership working can be offered and quality can be measured (Pfeffer Coote 1991, p. 120). Mini-Literature Review This mini-literature review is to find out the difference that exists between the three articles, to find out the questions which the three articles are trying to answer and how they answer the research questions. Lastly, possible research questions concerning the topics of the three articles are formulated which are to be studied. The difference between the three articles discussed above concerns the topics discussed. The first article talks about how the success or breakdown of collaborative governance mainly depends on leadership and facilitated by three facilitative leadership styles known as: steward leadership, mediator leadership and catalyst leadership. The second article talks about how the process of organizational change can be successful if examined through complexity and systems theories. Lastly, the third article talks about client empowerment and quality assurance. The question that the first article (Stewards, Mediators, and Catalysts: Toward a Model of Collaborative Leadership) is trying to answer is why leadership is an important variable when explaining failure or success of collaborative governance. This is because the success or breakdown of collaborative governance mainly depends on leadership. Collaborative leaders usually play an encouraging and facilitative role in the organization that enables the stakeholders to effectively work together as a group. Collaborative leaders’ role is to facilitate not to direct and contributes towards collaborative process and create effective transactions between stakeholders. On the other hand, the second article (Perspectives on Organizational Change: Systems and Complexity Theories) is trying to answer how organizational change theories of complexity and systems can be used to describe complex, unpredictable, chaotic and dynamic organizational transformation processes. Complexity and systems theories have the potential to endow leaders in various institutions with indulgent and facts on how they can acclimatize and react to stipulations and qualms of change in the global market. The third and the last article (Client Empowerment and Quality Assurance) mainly answers how the quality of social care can be considered based on how quality is measured, how social service careers and users take part in quality service and lastly how to improve service quality to develop quality measurement of social care organizations to increase on innovation. There can be an improvement in quality measurement if the user and the career organizations are in a position to provide evidence on their own thoughts and perspectives alongside managers, work partners and social care workers . If user and career involvement and evidence are valued and lastly if they resource welfare services in such a way that partnership working can be offered and quality can be measured. Lastly, possible research questions concerning the topics of the three articles are: whether client empowerment and quality assurance exists in the world if they are not allowed to give out their thoughts? Why are people still being judged based on their ethnicity, age, class and gender? Secondly, with the coming of new technologies that are being developed every single day, change is paramount and it is something that cannot be avoided; will new organizational theories be developed to manage the complexities that will come with new technologies? Lastly, is collaborative governance success or failure only depends on leadership only? Are there any other factors that affect its performance? List of References Amagoh, F 2008, ‘Perspectives on Organizational Change: Systems and Complexity Theoriesâ €™, The Public Sector Innovation Journal, Vol. 13 no. 3, pp. 530-551. Ansell, C Gash, A 2008, ‘Collaborative Governance in Theory and Practice’, Journal of Public Administration Theory and Practice, vol. 18 no. 4, pp. 543-71. Dowling, M 2008, ‘Client Empowerment and Quality Assurance’, The Public Sector Innovation Journal, vol. 13 no.1, pp. 210-220. McElroy, M 2000, ‘Integrating complexity theory, knowledge management and Organization learning’, Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 4 no. 3, pp. 195-208. Pfeffer, N Coote, A 1991, Is Quality Good for You? New York: Institute for Public Policy Research. Vangen, S, Huxham, C 2003, ‘ Nurturing Collaborative Relations: Building Trust in Interorganizational Communication’, The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, vol. 39 no. 1, pp. 5-31.

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