Feminist Therapy and Post-modern Approaches Essay Example for Free

Feminist Therapy and Post-modern Approaches Essay Feminist therapy (FT) arose in the 1960s as a result of women’s increasing awareness that discrimination resides in the way traditional psychology views female mental health. It was an attempt to enhance women’s autonomy and it was based on the integration of psychology and feminist theory. According to this theory, women form their identity through a perspective of constantly providing care for others at the expense of their own free will and initiative. This view represents the traditional gender role, which is not biologically determined but rather socially derived. FT emphasizes the principle of equality in all aspects’ of human experience. Its major tenet is that psychological difficulties arise from political and social causes, namely discriminative attitudes not only towards females but also towards ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual minorities (Landrine, 1995 Worell, 1997). FT attempts to provide care through a novel perspective which respects the patient’s wishes and needs instead of rigidly meeting societal expectations according to existing racial and sexist stereotypes. The client holds a central place in the treatment setting, and is encouraged to take initiative and guide the therapeutic process. The therapist is not viewed as an authority but as an equal partner, whose task is to educate and empower the patient. Therapists aim at demystifying the process of therapy in order to enhance clients’ sense of power and self-efficacy. In addition, they are particularly careful at avoiding power display in the therapy setting and may frequently use self-disclosure to restore equality and reciprocity in the therapeutic relationship (Worell, 1997). FT supports the idea that the client knows better than anyone what is best for him/her. Its main aim is to increase people’s awareness of internalized stereotypes and replace them with more realistic beliefs, to elaborate on issues of control and power and how they affect human experience and to enhance independent decision-making. Apart from gaining self-awareness and free choice, clients are also encouraged to actively participate in political and social groups, given that personal experiences are considered deeply political and personal evolution can arise only through social change (Landrine, 1995 Worell, 1997). The vast majority of feminist therapists and clients are women. However, it is a theory that hopes to address issues concerning both genders, ignoring any societal and cultural bias. The principles of FT are fruitfully applied in the field of physical and sexual abuse, eating disorders, body image distortions and issues of somatic health and reproduction. Commonly used techniques include gender-role analysis and intervention, power analysis and intervention, bibliotherapy, assertiveness training and self-disclosure (Landrine 1995, Worell, 1997). FT has provided new insights on managing mental health issues through a social and cultural perspective. It has fought prejudice in the practice of psychology, by adopting an egalitarian approach, regardless of gender, race, religious affiliation or sexual orientation and it has focused on the clients’ individual needs, strengths and wishes. The therapeutic context enhances collaboration and reciprocity and individuals are encouraged to become active members of their society in order to produce change. However, when placing too much value on cultural and social causes of mental disorders, there is the risk of ignoring the significance of personal factors and intrapsychic phenomena. When all psychological difficulties are considered to stem from the abuse of power and the effect of social prejudice and discrimination, then the individual fails to assume responsibility for his/her experience. In this way, true personal evolution may be sacrificed for the sake of social activism. In addition, the collaborative nature of the therapeutic process and the misuse of self-disclosure by feminist therapists may abolish professional and ethical boundaries and further damage the clients’ fragile psyche. Finally, this approach may prove extremely frustrating for people and cultures that place great emphasis on traditional societal roles. Post-modern Approaches Post-modern Approaches (PMA) evolved through the influence of post-modernism on the theory and practice of psychotherapy. Traditionally, philosophy and science have been dedicated to the conquest of the absolute truth. Post-modernism suggests that there is no such thing as objectivity and reality is constructed through language. In this view, mental illness is considered a social construct, originating from the dominating societal tendency to dichotomize and label all aspects of human experience (Boston, 2000). PMA, which include Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Social Constructionism, are client-centered. The therapist’s role is not to provide authority-driven solutions but to help the client develop a new communication and new interpretation of his/her experience. Contrary to traditional psychotherapeutic views, they do not focus on symptoms and their historical context but on the present and on clients’ strengths and wishes. Post-modern theories place great value on language as a way of creating reality and consequently as a tool to produce change (Boston, 2000 Walker, 2006). For example, in Solution-Focused Therapy, clients are encouraged to discuss goals for change and means by which this change can be achieved (Gingerich, 2000 Lethem, 2002). Likewise, in Narrative Therapy the explicit description of the presenting problem allows the client to see his/her difficulties as a matter of personal and societal interpretation, distinct from his self-identity, thus contributing to the formulation of a less dysfunctional narrative (Boston, 2000). Post-modern Therapy is based on the individual’s existing strengths and resources. It frequently uses the technique of exceptions by urging clients to contemplate on paradigms where their difficulties were not so prominent. In this way, it empowers clients and provides them with a glance to future change. Another common technique is coping questioning which reveals effective coping strategies already used by the client, when faced with his/her current problems. Problem-free discussion is also used to address non-problematic domains of the client’s experience and enhance his/her sense of self-efficacy and confidence (Gingerich, 2000 Lethem, 2002). PMA have been successfully used in eating disorders, substance abuse and relationships problems. Psychiatric patients, couples, youth and criminal offenders have benefit from their application. Their techniques, which focus on the person and not the diagnostic label, may enhance the therapeutic alliance and the development of empathy, both associated with better therapy outcomes (Lethem, 2002). Social Constructionism which suggests that mental illness is a social construct, a product of medical terminology, has contributed to fighting discrimination and stigma. However, it entails the risk of devaluating all achievements in the field of psychiatric research. In addition, the abolishment of the therapist’s authority may for some individuals produce a sense of insecurity and confusion. Finally, another major disadvantage is that the efficacy of Post-modern Therapy is hard to be scientifically evaluated. Both FT and PMA have challenged traditional views including the classical Christian axioms (Arlandson, 2010). Nevertheless, their emphasis on equality, empowerment hope and motivation for change, seems to be in agreement with the spirit of the Bible’s teachings. To my opinion, counsellors should take into consideration their clients’ needs, strengths and aspirations as both FT and PMA dictate. To be effective, the counselling process must focus on the present and the future instead of trying to unravel mysteries of the distal past. Although most clients come to therapy with certain difficulties, a significant therapeutic force regardless of the counsellor’s theoretical background is the development of an empathetic alliance which can provide a sense of self-efficacy to the client and hope for the future. References Landrine, H. (1995). Bringing cultural diversity to feminist psychology: Theory, research, and practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Worell, J. , Johnson, N. G. (Eds. ). (1997). Shaping the future of feminist psychology: Education, research, and practice. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Boston, P. (2000). Systemic family therapy and the influence of post-modernism. Advances in psychiatric treatment, 6, 450-457. Walker, M. T. (2006). The Social Construction of Mental Illness and its Implications for the Recovery Model. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 10 (1), 71-87 Lethem, J (2002). Brief Solution Focused Therapy. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 7(4), 189-192. Gingerich, W. J. Eisengart, S, (2000). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Review of the Outcome Research. Family Process, 39(4), 477-498. Arlandson, J. (2010). Postmodernism and the Bible: Introduction. The American Thinker, 2010.

Effective Communication Essay Example for Free

Effective Communication Essay For the past six weeks being back in the classroom has help me to shift my focus when it comes to communicating. There was a point and time when I felt like what I said and how I said it was the only thing that mattered. However, I have learned throughout this course that Communicating an authentic self requires consistency between your presentation of self and your self – concept. Our presentation of self depends on whom we are communicating with and is called facework (Dobkin (2006). Communication in a Changing World). In this essay, I am prepared to show evidence of how I have learned to communicate better as well as the things that I need to improve within my methods of communication. After reviewing my Personal Skills Inventory Chart, I am not where I want to be but I am better than what I use to be six weeks ago. These changes will not happen overnight but, I am bound to improve them prior to me advancing to my next level as a student of Walden University. My grandmothers always use to tell us that there are three sides to every story, your story, the other person story and then the truth. This old age theory still holds truth when communicating whether, it’s online or face-to-face. I have learned that in order for me to be effective in communicating that I have to be face-to-face with an individual so that the other person would be able to see and notice the sincerity that I pose within the conversation. While communicating face-to-face, I can feel assured that my point is being communicated with validity as well as the other person(s) can know that I have received their message as well. I have notice that when online I can hide my true feelings, emotions and persona. The hidden quadrant represents those things that you know about yourself but that others do not (Dobkin (2006). Communication in a Changing World) is what I find that I am able to hide behind when communication online. When communicating online whether if it is in an email or chat communication for me personally is rather difficult because there are time that the message you are typing could not be received in the manner that you intended to say it. I often communicate with my wife throughout the day via email and depending on the nature of the conversation she tries to read between the lines of the email to find my emotion in what I am saying. When she or other persons do this they tend to think that I feel a certain type of way about the conversation and most likely that is not the case. When communicating online I am also able to hide behind those emotions and not say what I really would like to say to the person. However, when communicating face-to-face that emotion cannot go unnoticed and the receiving party would have to respect your stance. As I plan to move ahead within my course of degree work, I am hoping to improve my writing skills. For some time I have always struggled with grammar and writing to be proficient and professional whether if it was an email or a paper due for class. While in seminary, we were taught to write our sermons as we would be speaking to someone so therefore you conversation style would not always match your grammar. To help me to improve in my writing I am going to continue using the tools provided for me as a student of Walden such as Grammarly. Grammarly (formerly Sentenceworks) is an automated grammar and writing revision tool for academic writing (Walden Writing Center. (2009). Scholarly writing). I have started to use this tool since week 3 of this course and I have found it to be a great help prior to submitting papers to be graded. There is another source that I would continue to use which is turnitin  . This tool has become a valuable tool for me because it assures that I am submitting my assignments to the highest degree of academic integrity that is expected of me as a student of Walden. Lastly, I would continue to employ the help of my wife who has looked over majority of my assignments to assure that I am writing with clarity and my grammar is in order. In the next term I have been enrolled in an English Composition course that I am certain is going to challenge not only my thinking but, my writing as well. I am looking forward to challenge as this is one of my main goals and focal point at this time. While Walden University offer persons like me who have a very busy personal, family and career life the opportunity to learn from home and at your time schedule it can still be a change. Therefore, going forward I plan to improve my Time Management Skills. Since this was my first time back in the classroom in 12 years, I found it hard in the beginning balance my job, family, church and other social outlets that I belong to while trying to complete assignments. My enrollment advisor was very effective in helping me manage getting assignments in on time. Going forward, I plan on working ahead, reading the material and having an understanding of the assignment prior to the due date. Now that my children are back in school that would help me out a lot as well because we can all sit down at a designated time to complete assignments instead of me trying to complete mine and entertain them while they were on summer break. In my household we have a standard of Academic Excellence that everyone who is in class is upheld to. So with this charge to my children I plan to lead by example which would help me to improve in the area of time management. Even though this course only lasted for six weeks, I am very grateful for the knowledge and information that I have learned about communication. I am now more aware of verbal and non-verbal communication and also how other people can perceive information just by â€Å"judging a book by its cover. † The challenge has presented itself in completing assignments on time while trying to manage other areas of life but for the most part I have adhered to those deadlines but look forward to improving in that area as well. Lastly, I am excited about using the tools and methods that are provided to me to help me along the way with my writing skills. I recall one the first couple days of class and looking at some other classmates discussions, at first I felt bad because I thought my writing was horrible but, then I realize I wasn’t alone. However, in due time I plan to be very proficient in my writing skills that I would only produce scholarly work.

How To Overcome Cross Cultural Communication Barriers English Language Essay

How To Overcome Cross Cultural Communication Barriers English Language Essay Which aspects of the local culture would you wish to observe and understand in order to avoid problems of cross-cultural communication? Culture means the customary beliefs, social norms, values, material traits, and behavior patterns transmitted from generation to generation that distinguish groups of people. Cultural background affects how individuals communicate and how they interpret messages received from others. Corporate Culture: Five generally recognized core cultural dimensions are ethnicity, race, gender, age physical disability. In addition to these core cultural dimensions for individuals, organizations such as corporations have behavioral expectations, values, and patterns of operation that are referred to as organizational or corporate culture. Large corporations such as Microsoft seek personnel diversity that represents the multicultural environment in which the organization operates. The Standards of Conduct for Microsoft states the belief that retaining and fully engaging diverse talents leads to enhanced innovation in products and services. Cross-Cultural Communication The ability to successfully foster, improve form relationships with the members of different cultures is known as cross-cultural communication.. It is based on other cultures manners, values, decision-making practices, social structure perceptions, and the way of communication of group members in person, verbal or non verbal, or in writing. 1. For understanding to take place, both people must have some form of knowledge or awareness regarding the norms or customs that exist in each others culture. 2. It is essential that people understand the potential problems of cross-cultural communication, and make a conscious effort to overcome these problems and important to assume that ones efforts will not always be successful, and adjust ones behavior appropriately. 3. For example, one should always assume that there is a significant possibility that cultural differences are causing communication problems, and be willing to be patient and forgiving, rather than hostile and aggressive, if problems develop. One should respond slowly and carefully in cross-cultural exchanges, not jumping to the conclusion that you know what is being thought and said. 4. If words are used differently between languages or cultural groups, however, even active listening can overlook misunderstandings. Active listening can sometimes be used to check this out-by repeating what one thinks he or she heard, one can confirm that one understands the communication accurately. 5. Intermediaries are helpful in translating both the substance and the manner of what is said. The impact different cultures have on peoples behavior, emotions and thought processes are the focus of cross-cultural psychology. The norms and values within a culture go a long way toward shaping a persons psychological make-up and how she interacts with her environment. 6. Cross-cultural research examines how different cultures compare in terms of human behavior. The purpose of this research is to address the growing conflicts and global concerns that arise as a result of cultural differences. Impact of Cross-Cultural Differences on Employees behavior: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Individual behavior in organizational setting varies across cultures. The behavior patterns are likely to be widespread and pervasive within an organization. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Culture itself is an important variable for this variation. There are also other factors like differing standards of living and varied geographical conditions which cause variations in behavior. However, culture is a significant factor. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Although behavior within organizational setting remains quite diverse across cultures, organizations themselves appear to be increasingly similar. Hence, managerial practices at a general level may be alike, but the people who work with in organizations differ markedly. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The same manager behaves differently in different cultural settings. A manager may adopt one set of behaviors when working in one culture, but may change those behaviors when moved into a different culture. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cultural diversity can be an important source of energy in enhancing organizational effectiveness. More and more organizations are realizing the virtues of cultural diversity, but surprisingly, little do they know how to manage it. Issues in Cross-Cultural Communication: 1. Language: When people do business, they need to be speaking the same language. Even if two folks are not naturals of a certain language, there must exist a certain consistency in the verbiage in order to avoid some potentially catastrophic circumstances. 2. Workplace: More and more managers are seeing problems within their own workplace because of a lack of understanding of other cultures. It simply involves two people of a different ethnic background who do not understand the other culture well enough to effectively communicate with each other. 3. Lack of communication: This most often occurs when managers and upper level management do not feel the need to communicate with their workers because they do not know how. 4. Use of jargons: workers do not mean to harm anyone when they choose hurtful words, but the damage can often times be irreparable. In this case, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Barriers of Communication: A number of communication barriers exist when we are interacting with people from different cultures. These are: (a) Discrimination Harassment: 1. Discrimination is showing favoritism toward or prejudicial rejection of people because of differences. 2. Business communication between the sexes calls for a clear understanding of remarks and actions that could be construed as sexual harassment. 3. Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature or with sexual overtones. It may occur for men as well as women. 4. A victim of continued offensive behavior should report the harassment to the proper person in the organization. b) Lack of knowledge understanding of cultures: An understanding of cultures means being aware that individuals within each culture have similarities and differences. It means responding to people as individuals while recognizing that cultural backgrounds and experiences influence behavior and communication. c) Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism: 1. Cultural relativism compares the values and behavior of different cultures and usually means judging them against standards of right and wrong. This approach to other cultures becomes a barrier when you assume that cultural beliefs, values and behaviors are wrong if they differ from those of your culture. 2. Ethnocentrism is the inherent belief that your own cultural tradition and values are correct and superior. People around the world are ethnocentric to a degree. Beliefs, values, and behaviors that differ from those of your culture may seem peculiar, strange and even wrong. d) Language: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An increase in multicultural interactions presents language challenges. When organizations communicate with the large number of people who speak the languages other than English misunderstandings may occur. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Non verbal language influences the receivers understanding and acceptance of a spoken message. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ If the message receiver perceives a difference between the senders verbal and nonverbal messages, he or she is more likely to believe the non-verbal than the verbal communication. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ In multicultural business communication, non verbal signs vary as much as spoken languages do. Nonverbal greetings vary from a bow to a handshake or from a hug to an upward flick of the eyebrows. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Not understanding cultural differences in nonverbal messages causes communication problems. How to overcome Cross-Cultural Communication barriers? 1. Introducing employees who will be working together in a non-threatening environment enables a good working relationship long term. Learning about another cultures language, rules and norms for acceptable behavior helps prepare your employees to deal with situations as they arise. 2. Conducting activities to demonstrate how dependent we are on language. 3. Provide workshops, tips and techniques for communicating effectively in cross-cultural work environments. 4. Coach employees to mediate conflicts related to cultural misunderstandings. Provide opportunities for employees to respond to situations from viewpoints different than their own. Multicultural Communication Guidelines: (a) Understand your own culture: Improve communication with others by increasing awareness of your own culture and its influences on your beliefs, values, and behavior patterns. Recognize that your cultural background and experiences shape how you think, what you value, and how you communicate. (b) Identify and adapt to language differences: If you are communicating with persons from another culture, learn how that cultures verbal and nonverbal languages differ from your own. Observe and learn the meaning of nonverbal communication signal such as facial expressions, social distance for conversing, and hand gestures. Avoid nonverbal signals that may be offensive. (c) Keep an open mind and respect diversity: Learn about other cultures, beliefs, and customs without judging them by your own cultural identity and unexamined biases. This is not to suggest that you change your beliefs or disrespects your own culture, but rather that you recognize that cultural values affect beliefs and behaviors and that understanding how others interpret verbal and nonverbal language helps your communication receive the intended response. High Context vs. Low Context Cultures: S.No. High Context Low Context Indirect communication patterns Direct and specific communication 2. Fewer words, more nonverbal clues High value on words rather than shared background. 3. Simple, ambiguous messages Structured messages with technical details. 4. Highly verbal people perceived as unattractive; smiling associate with nervousness. Informal, smile frequently, and frequent use of hand gestures and facial expressions 5. Reliance on long term relationships and underlying messages. Transitory personal relationships; shared background not assumed for meanings. 6. Long term view of time. Short term view of time. 7. Appointments considered flexible, on time may be within a half hour , week, or month Emphasis on appointments, management of schedules, and punctuality. 8. Vague, non confrontational language preferences Focus on getting a job done, succeeding, and profitability 9. Honor and face more important than business; defer to power and position Transitory personal relationships; ideas and people assumed as equals. Strategies for Effective Communication: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuQKF8lZfBNthoB1APi30XXqaOXA0uGktFUVy1f4sKgvz7HhcewA Aspects of Japanese Culture Communication Relationships: 1. On the basis of personal relationships, Japanese prefer to do business. 2. Greetings or seasonal cards maintain good relationships. 3. The person should be good correspondent to maintain communication relationship with the Japanese. 4. Being recommended by someone who already know the Japanese company also have good relationships would create a good impression. Business Negotiation: 1. Person must be vigilant at observing Japaneses non-verbal communication as they have crucial time saying no. 2. Japanese are non confrontational. 3. Japanese prefer broad agreements. 4. Never raise your voice or loose temper during negotiations. 5. Be patient as Japanese remain silent for long time. 6. A gesture of goodwill using Japanese lawyer. Meeting Etiquette: 1. Wait to be introduced. 2. Formal greetings ritualized. 3. Impolite to introduce yourself. 4. Show correct amount of respect. 5. Traditional form of greeting bow. Understanding Foreign Ways: 1. They dont expect foreigners to speak or read in Japanese language. 2. As long as respect is shown, mistakes are allowed. 3. They are ready to help always but often feel embarrassed due to lack of knowledge of English. Non-Verbal communication of Japanese: 1. Frowning is considered as a sign of disagreement when someone is speaking. 2. An impassive expression is maintained by Japanese while speaking. 3. Japanese rely on tone of voice, posture facial expression to tell them what someone feels. 4. Staring at another persons eyes is considered disrespectful. 5. Scratching the eyebrow, inhaling through clenched teeth, scratching back of the head tilting the head are some expressions to watch out. Dining Etiquette: 1.Remove shoes put on slippers before entering. 2. For dinner, arrive on time. 3. Dress formally until youve not been told that the occasion is casual. 4. Put on the toilet slippers before going to the toilet then remove it when youre finished. Dress Etiquette: 1. Men should wear conservative, dark colored suits. 2. Business attire is conservative. 3. Women should dress conservatively. Business Meeting Etiquettes: 1. Rather than sending fax, letter or email, its better to telephone for an appointment. 2. Appointments should be made in advance for several weeks. 3. Arrive on time for meetings. Be punctual. 4. Japanese may take several weeks to be comfortable with you. Be patient and calm. 5. To prove trustworthiness ability, respond quickly. 6. Present the senior most member of the company with a gift , at the end of the meeting. 7. Never refuse a respect by Japanese, as they believe in Long-term relationships. 8. A small amount of business may be awarded as a trial tto know if you meet your commitments. 9. The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door, with the rest of the people in descending rank until the most junior person is seated closest to the door. 10. Being a group society is ready for a group meeting, even if you are expecting to meet only one person. 11. Always provide a package of literature about your company including articles and client testimonials . . .

Martian Rocks :: essays research papers fc

H. G. Wells wrote in his book, "War of the Worlds", about Martian invasion toward earth. He mentioned, "No one would have believed, in the last years of the nineteenth century that this world was being watched keenly and closely by intelligences greater than man's and yet as mortal as his own; that as men busied themselves about their various concerns they were scrutinized and studied, perhaps almost as narrowly as man with a microscope might scrutinize the transient creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water." Since then it has now been about 100 years Wells based his well-known story of human's first contact with extraterrestrial life. Now, in the 20th century scientists are starting to believe what was once a fictional story by writers now actually could be real, becoming the stuff of science. In 1994 scientists discovered fragments of meteorites which may in fact prove that signs of early life existed on Mars. Many of these meteorites are found in the Antarctica, extremely cold weathers aid in preserving and fossilizing the fallen meteorites for millions of years. In order for scientists to conclude that the meteorites are from Mars and contain signs of fossilized life or traces of it they must provide sufficient evidence to support their theory. Today, a meteorite from Mars is being closely scrutinized by earthly intelligences. The famous meteorite to bare significant signs of life is the Allan Hills 84001 (ALH84001), classified as one of the meteorites thought to come from Mars. Due to the atmospheric data taken by the Viking Lander spacecraft sent to Mars in the 1970s. The data make it possible to know that gases trapped inside the rock is identical to the Martian atmosphere. "It is one of only 12 meteorites identified so far that match the unique Martian chemistry measured by the Viking spacecraft that landed on Mars in 1976" Scientist believed that the ALH84001 blasted off from the surface of Mars about 16 million years ago by a comet or asteroid. The rock orbited in the solar system for a few million years and finally reached Earth about 13, 000 years ago. Investigation into the ALH84001 and the possibilities for containing remains of ancient Martian life was assigned to a team of NASA scientists. Dr. David McKay, Dr. Everett Gibson and Kathie Thomas-Kerpta of Lockhead Martin co-led the team with assistance from a Stanford team led by Professor of Chemistry Dr.

Globalization and Regional Institutions Essay examples -- international

In the field of human rights, the issues surrounding globalization are widely debated. Some argue that globalization is a scourge that destroys the unique and multifaceted cultures of the world; while others argue that it spreads universal ideals, such as the concept of human rights. Regional organizations fit into the idea of globalization by creating unifying ties between nations; sharing values, trade, and promoting a strengthened identity. The two most well-known and influential regional organizations are the European Union (EU), and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While these two are the largest, they inspired many smaller organizations; a process which has increased the liberalization of international trade (Ardalan, 2). Regional organizations are distinct from the ideas of a supranational government or the formation of a nation-state, although common policies may be implemented through the enforcement of treaties; each state ultimately maintains governmental control (Ardalan, 5). Regional organizations, refers to organizations that extend across regional areas, they often have strong ties to political and economic areas, and can influence the member states within their boundaries. Globalization denotes both a process and an outcome, created by the sharing of values and technological advances shared internationally. Relationships between member-states are enhanced, such as by the advent of a common currency, such as 18 states of the European Union that use the Euro (European Commission). Values are spread throughout regional organizations, once again we can look to the European Union, to see how socialized schooling once found in some member countries was dissolved to conform to the desired standard, ... ...peace operations. Global Governance, 19(3), 377+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA341129378&v=2. 1&u=wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=7ba9d7d00b335ed7392305169958 593b Legler, T. F. (2012). The shifting sands of regional governance: the case of Inter-American democracy promotion. Politics & Policy, 40(5), 848+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA309727752&v=2.1&u= wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=820ae530c5fee2f671440f99e21dbb46 Nagheli, S., Nagheli, E., & Sadeghi, B. (2013). The impact of foreign direct investment and regional integration on poverty reduction case study: D8 countries. Advances in Environmental Biology, 1412+. Retrieved from: http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA347003716&v=2.1&u= wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=c7dfc8771eaf17febe13d068035b0240 Globalization and Regional Institutions Essay examples -- international In the field of human rights, the issues surrounding globalization are widely debated. Some argue that globalization is a scourge that destroys the unique and multifaceted cultures of the world; while others argue that it spreads universal ideals, such as the concept of human rights. Regional organizations fit into the idea of globalization by creating unifying ties between nations; sharing values, trade, and promoting a strengthened identity. The two most well-known and influential regional organizations are the European Union (EU), and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While these two are the largest, they inspired many smaller organizations; a process which has increased the liberalization of international trade (Ardalan, 2). Regional organizations are distinct from the ideas of a supranational government or the formation of a nation-state, although common policies may be implemented through the enforcement of treaties; each state ultimately maintains governmental control (Ardalan, 5). Regional organizations, refers to organizations that extend across regional areas, they often have strong ties to political and economic areas, and can influence the member states within their boundaries. Globalization denotes both a process and an outcome, created by the sharing of values and technological advances shared internationally. Relationships between member-states are enhanced, such as by the advent of a common currency, such as 18 states of the European Union that use the Euro (European Commission). Values are spread throughout regional organizations, once again we can look to the European Union, to see how socialized schooling once found in some member countries was dissolved to conform to the desired standard, ... ...peace operations. Global Governance, 19(3), 377+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA341129378&v=2. 1&u=wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=7ba9d7d00b335ed7392305169958 593b Legler, T. F. (2012). The shifting sands of regional governance: the case of Inter-American democracy promotion. Politics & Policy, 40(5), 848+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA309727752&v=2.1&u= wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=820ae530c5fee2f671440f99e21dbb46 Nagheli, S., Nagheli, E., & Sadeghi, B. (2013). The impact of foreign direct investment and regional integration on poverty reduction case study: D8 countries. Advances in Environmental Biology, 1412+. Retrieved from: http://go.galegroup.com.libproxy.wlu.ca/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA347003716&v=2.1&u= wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=c7dfc8771eaf17febe13d068035b0240

Al- Aqsa Mosque Essay -- essays research papers

The Noble Sanctuary is a significant site with a sacred mosque and a sacred shrine within its walls, held in Jerusalem, for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. The Noble Sanctuary, which includes the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents the sacrifices and hardships many people have faced throughout the decades that formed our world in to what it is today. The Jews and the Christians have a special place in their heart for The Noble Sanctuary, but the magnitude and relevance of this place is greatest with the Muslims. It relates to their great last prophet Muhammad, who they believe, was sent from God and established Islam. Al-Aqsa Mosque, the sacred mosque within the Noble Sanctuary, accommodates the Dome of the Rock in commemorating Muhammad and Muhammad’s Night Journey into Heaven. The shrine itself was not a religious place of worship; the Dome of the Rock was solely a shrine. Al-Aqsa Mosque was built to fulfill the religious needs of Muslims. It was b uilt, spatially, near the sanctuary’s closest wall to Mecca, to pay respect to the â€Å"holy city†, where so Muhammad first started preaching and where so much history occurred, contributing heavily to Islamic religion of today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Al-Aqsa Mosque would not have been built if it were not for the building of the Dome of the Rock. The Dome of the Rock was begun in the heart of Jerusalem around 684 C.E and was finally completed in 691 C.E during the Umayyad Dynasty. The ninth Caliph, Abd al-Malik, a successor of the great prophet Muhammad, built the sanctuary to remember the Prophet, who 1 established the Islamic religion.# The Dome of the Rock is the focal point of the Noble Sanctuary. It is an octagonal shaped building with a large dome that rests atop the structure. Spatially, it lies in the very center of the Noble Sanctuary. The Dome is decorated with colorful mosaics that depict the events that occurred in the sixth and seventh centuries before the Dome was created. The inside is a sight of beauty; the beauty that some say only God can show Muslims. It has pillars, arches, and columns that go around the outside of the golden dome. The windows are of stained glass that glistens when the sun shines through them and they project exquisiteness on those pillars, arches, and columns. The Dome also contains Arabic calligraphy all around the inside of the Dome, with re... ... example of destroying a building and an entire group retaliating for the hurt and destruction is September 11th when the Taliban took it upon themselves to suicide bomb the World Trade Centers. All of America was devastated and most Americans wanted to get revenge. The Taliban knew they would upset us by doing that. The Americans found it cruel, and the Taliban succeeded in making Americans mad. Sacred places are held very closely to the heart of those that they are sacred to.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place that exemplifies what a Muslim could and should be like. With all the history and fighting in Jerusalem, the Muslims needed a place that glorified their religion, and that is what the Al-Aqsa Mosque does. You can pay your respects to Muhammad at the Dome of the Rock shrine, but you cannot cleanse yourself and pray to Allah there. The Al-Aqsa Mosque teaches you about the history of Islam, the practices, Muhammad and his struggles, 7 and pays respect to Mecca. Values, virtues, and continued ummah were learned and practiced through the Al-Aqsa Mosque, allowing the Islamic religion to flourish into one of the largest practicing religions of today.

Managing Teams

The behavioral psychology of a modern man is that only as the individual joins with his fellows in groups and organizations can he hope to control the political, economic, and social forces that threaten his individual freedom (Hersey, 1996, p. 359). One of the realities of organizational behavior is that we have to work in and with problem-solving groups in order to accomplish our aspirations.   No matter how much individual value is emphasized, almost all of the goals can only be achieved in a group. It is therefore important to apply behavioral science principals and concepts to managing teams more effectively. Creating and managing teams in the workplace can lead to effective outcomes. Teams (formal work groups) are increasingly viewed as productivity engines and just like engines, they require constant care and maintenance (Dumaine, 1994 pp. 86-92). Organizations that are willing to invest in matching the right type of team to the right situation are getting very high returns on their investments.   Success in managing teams depends upon clear and decisive executive management, vision, training as well as involvement of cross-functional group of employees (Hersey, 1996, p. 360). According to Brian Dumaine, there are five types of teams: Problem-Solving Teams: Identify and attack a problem and then disband. Management Teams: Coordinate work from different departments and functions. Work Teams: These are self-managed teams doing daily work. Virtual Teams: They accelerate and use high technology communications to exchange ideas and roles. Quality Circles Groups: They consist of workers and supervisors who meet periodically to address problems. Managing a Productive Team Success in creating a productive team also depends upon the way the teams are put together and how they draw on their experiences. It also depends on how the team is designed. Teams that learned new procedures quickly share three essential characters. They were designed for learning; their leaders framed challenges in such a way that team members were highly motivated to learn; and the leaders' behavior created an environment of psychological safety that fostered communication and innovation. Another critical aspect of team designing was the extent to which substitution is permitted. For that leaders need to develop conditions for team members such as establishing open communication and developing trust a sense of camaraderie. Executive management team can also dilute the complexity of surrounding strategic issues by giving more sophisticated analyses and comprehensive solutions as well as establishing an appropriate atmosphere for the team because perceptions become reality, understand and manage them; investigate the gaps between perceptions and reality; and act decisively to correct gross misperceptions. As Douglas K. Smith suggests, â€Å"in the end, the wisdom of teams is within the team itself. It is not in creating the high performance organization, managing transformational change, enforcing corporate performance ethics, or inspiring new dimensions of leadership. It is in a small group of people so committed to something larger than them that they will not be denied† (Ward, 2007, pp. 85-90). It is important to develop teams of people (human resource) to fulfill goals and objectives according to a company's entrepreneurial vision. The internal environment of any organization would favor and encourage corporate team building policies, a complete corporate culture and values to achieve organizational goals and vision. References Creating and Managing Teams from organizationaldynamics.com http://sloanreview.mit.edu/x/48313 John R. Katzenbach and Douglas K. Smith, The Wisdom of Teams.