Responsibility: are we really responsible for our actions? Essay

Have you ever wondered if the decision that you have just made was the best possible decision for you to make? An agent’s relationship between responsibility and his decisions in life are affected by the alternative choices that were not taken as well as the choices that were made. Thomas Nagel believes that an agent’s autonomy is always being threatened by the possibility of a viewpoint that is more objective than his own. His view on responsibility is such that in order to place responsibility on an agent, sufficient reflection about alternative choices must be considered. On the other hand, Carl Ginet claims that free will cannot be caused (free will is not determined), but rather that the will is free. He claims that responsibility is a result of the agent’s inherent free will to choose and is event specific. Ginet feels that since we are free beings, we are responsible for every decision that we make, but not for the causes of our choices. This is contrary to Nagel’s stance of responsibility. He asserts that in order for an agent to be held responsible for his decisions, the agent must have sufficient knowledge of both subjective and objective viewpoints. Nagel believes that this requires a highly developed view of the self and is very difficult to achieve. Responsibility  for our actions seems to only stem from the choices that we make, but the decisions that we do not make also affect our degree of responsibility. Ginet feels that the only two propositions regarding free will are either that the will is caused or that the will is free. He argues that if the will is caused no agent can be held responsible for his decisions. One of Ginet’s arguments is that if the will is to be caused and a choice is presented to an agent that â€Å"no one can be intelligibly described as knowing what his decision will be before he makes it because the claim to possess such knowledge is implicitly inconsistent,† (Ginet 50). He claims that since agents cannot know what decision they are going to make before they make them, that the agent’s decisions are not caused. There is no point in deciding to take a course of action that is already known to the agent. A decision, in this case, would be useless because an agent cannot ‘decide’ on  an action if the agent already knows what he will do. As Ginet points out, â€Å"if [the agent] does already know what he will decide to do, then he cannot by the process of making up his mind persuade himself to anything that he does not already know,† (Ginet 52). If this is the case than an agent cannot be held responsible for his decisions because he could not possibly persuade himself to take a new course of action. On the other hand, if the will is to be free, placing responsibility for the decisions of an agent is valid. Ginet believes that with free will, a decision should be self-determining, â€Å"?a decision is a specific event which, like a flash or bang, can be identified independently of inquiry into its causes,† (Ginet 54). A decision  is to be judged simply as an event and not by the events that caused it. If the will is free, responsibility can be placed on an agent, while if the will is caused, responsibility is discounted. Autonomy and the tradeoff between the subjective and objective points of view are at the heart of an agent’s decision making, according to Nagel. He contends that there are levels of autonomy but no one can reach the highest level (perfect autonomy). Higher levels of autonomy are reached through self-actualization and reflection on oneself. An agent’s autonomy stems from the objective reflection of his viewpoint. However, Nagel believes that an agent can loose his autonomy and ultimately his free will by being overly reflective as is shown in this quote, â€Å"?so the problem of free will lies in the erosion of interpersonal attitudes and of the sense of autonomy,† (Nagel 112). Nagel’s problem with free will, in making decisions, comes from the desire to possess both the objective (observer) perspective and the subjective (actor) perspective at the same instant. The problem here, is that an agent cannot be both causing the action and, at the same moment, be a passive observer. Why would we want to have both a subjective and an objective viewpoint at the same instant? To possess both would mean that the agent has the knowledge of the external perspectives affecting the decisions as well as the internal desires and the ability to act on them. Because an agent views his choice subjectively, there may be alternative choices that  are not made aware to the agent and that may eventually prove to be the best course of  action. An example of this particular case is as follows: a bank teller (who is relatively new to his position) is held up at gunpoint and ordered to give the robber the bank’s money. This bank teller mentally reviews his situation and finds that the best course of action is to hand over the money peacefully. While this is happening, the bank manager is also reviewing the situation and has decided that if he were in the teller’s situation that he would push the hidden button underneath the desk. This button would release a plate of bulletproof glass between the robber and the teller. Unfortunately, the teller is new to his position and does not have this objective knowledge. The question before us: is the teller responsible for the loss of the bank’s money? This question will be considered later. Subjective and objective viewpoints often coincide with autonomy and self-reflection. It is the choices from which we have to choose from, in any particular situation, that determine the degree of responsibility to which we attribute our actions. In order to answer the question stated in the preceding paragraph about the bank teller, one must choose to go along with Nagel’s or Ginet’s view on responsibility. If one holds to Ginet’s conviction that the will is free, then we are responsible for our decisions. However, judgment of the particular decision is limited to the decision being only a specific event and not of the preceding events. Judgment and responsibility in this case do not have anything to do with preceding causes in any way or the decisions that could have been made if the agent had a more objective viewpoint. In the case of the bank teller, his decision in giving the  robber the money and thereby choosing the safest and most peaceful solution was, indeed, the best decision he could have made. He is not held  accountable for the lost money. When Nagel’s outlook on responsibility is applied to assess this situation, we see that there was a better decision that could have been made. If the teller had the objective knowledge about the button under the desk that the manager had, he could have prevented the robber from stealing the bank’s money. However, if he only had this objectivity and not his subjectivity, he would not be in the position to produce the volition at all. The teller did not, in this case, choose the best decision, but at the same time is not fully responsible for the loss of the bank’s money. The teller is partly held accountable for the lost money because there was an alternative choice that would have made the overall outcome better off. Unfortunately for the teller, the knowledge of the hidden button was not made aware to him. This is why the teller is only partly responsible. Ginet asserts that responsibility is to be judged by the specific event while Nagel implies that there are different degrees of responsibility that vary with the amount of information that the agent has. Judgment on a decision can be assessed using Ginet’s ‘event specific’ outlook on responsibility or Nagel’s view that there are varying degrees of responsibility. Both of these methods rely on the agent’s knowledge of the particular situation to make the best decision, but only Nagel’s method of judging a decision incorporates objective knowledge that the agent may be partially (or not  at all) unaware of. Ginet’s stance on responsibility is that only the specific decision can be judged because the causes that led up to the decision are irrelevant when an agent finally comes to a conclusion when making a particular decision. Nagel states that in order to make the best decision possible, an agent must have both subjective and objective knowledge. In this case, responsibility is not only derived from the decision that is actually made, but is also derived from decisions that could have been made (even if the agent did not have enough knowledge to consider all his possibilities). Both methods of assessing responsibility are valid, but Nagel’s method may be considered ‘unfair’. The agent is being  held accountable for something that is out of his control (he does not have adequate knowledge). When we are faced with a decision, we must consider all that is before us in order to make the best possible choice. We will be held responsible for the decisions we make and for the decisions we did not make. Works Cited Ginet, Carl. â€Å"Can the Will be Caused?† Philosophical Review 71 (1962): 49-55. Reprinted in New Readings in Philosophical Analysis, ed. H. Feigl, W. Sellars and K. Lehrer (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1972). Nagel, Thomas. â€Å"The View from Nowhere.† Cambridge University Press. (1979). pp.110-137

Under the Bridge Song Analysis

15 April 2010 Essay 2: Poetry â€Å"Under The Bridge† Under the bridge is a song by Red Hot Chili Peppers, written by vocalist Anthony Kiedis. Keidis reference to â€Å"bridge†Kiedis use of imagery in the lyrics to this song communicate a dark time in his life but also as a listener we can relate with a difficult time in our own life. The symbolism used by Kiedis in reference to his feeling of solitude and long battle with drug addiction. Rhyme and rhythm are two of the main features in this song.The rhythm affects the whole mood, tone and meaning of the song. The melancholy can be felt in the first stanza, â€Å"Lonely as I am together we cry. † Kiedis has chosen different methods to give the song specific sounds that affect the pace and structure of the rhythm. The speed of the song begins quite slow not too intense but slowly the tempo picks up as he describes, â€Å"I don’t ever wanna feel like I did that day. † The feelings of loss bring him to depression and remind him of his struggles with drug abuse.The reference in the third stanza â€Å"take me to the place I love take me all that way† can suggests that Kiedis is taken back to the feeling of being high on drugs. Metaphorically he is attempting to overcome drug addiction but can’t help loving the feeling he gets when he is high. â€Å"The loneliness that I was feeling triggered memories of my time with Ione and how I'd had this beautiful angel of a girl who was willing to give me all of her love, and instead of embracing that, I was downtown with gangsters shooting speedballs under a bridge. (Kiedis 204) Kiedis memory of such a time stimulated his response of loneliness as he is doing so in song to his listeners. Drawing back from the people he was once so close with gave him an overwhelming feeling of loneliness and solitude, as he described, â€Å"Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner sometimes I feel like my only friend like my only friend is the city I live in the city of Angels† (Peppers) The descriptions of the city being his only stronghold during this difficult ime are realized in his city of Los Angeles which he feels would never leave him alone as some of his relationships at that time. The city is stable, and he is able to depend on her being there to support him. He refers to the city as his â€Å"companion†, and he does not have to hide from her because she already knows his deepest secrets but has yet to abandon him. It's interesting to see the different interpretations to this song, but I do believe Kiedis was clearly recounting his drug addiction in a very personal yet abstract manner.Revealing the solitude one has to endure when they find themselves in such a state. My understanding of the song shows the contemplation, withdrawal, and the acceptance of taking a dark path in life. Literature can be subtle or obvious, used carefully or carelessly. The repetition of the third stanza signifies mea ning and creates a strong sonic effect to the listener. Kiedis use of this can be found in the chorus, â€Å"I don't ever wanna feel like I did that day take me to the place I love take me all the way. (Peppers) The text states, â€Å"We all hear sounds differently depending on the meaning and context. † (Beiderwell 522) The feeling this song gives me may be totally different that it may give someone who has experienced an addiction or feeling of despair. In general, the lyrics deals with particular things in concrete language, since our emotions most readily respond to his emotion and expressions. From Kiedis particular situation, the listener may then generalize by implication from the particular. â€Å"She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy and I never worry now that is a lie. (Peppers) The use of personification occurs here when he describes inanimate objects as human that is, giving them human attributes, powers, or feelings. He is not literally speaking of a p erson but showing his connection with the city he loves so much, as the only person he feels loved by. Images suggest meanings beyond the mere identity of the specific object. (Purdue) Poetry â€Å"plays† with meaning when it identifies resemblances or makes comparisons between things, such as the Los Angeles being his only friend.In the last stanza, â€Å"Under the bridge downtown is where I drew some blood under the bridge I could not get enough under the bridge forgot about my love under the bridge I gave my life away† (Peppers) Kiedis is recounting a low point in his life where he feels he surrendered his life to this addiction to drugs. This use of imagery is most valuable as a mode of perception that assists the listener to see around and to see the often conflicting interpretations that come from our examination of life.In other words his message is most certainly concrete and particular it's implied by the images of him under this bridge drawing blood which is what heroin addicts do. Works Cited Beiderwell, Bruce and Jeffrey M. Wheeler. â€Å"The Literary Experience. † Beiderwell, Bruce and Jeffrey M. Wheeler. The Literary Experience. Boston: Thomson Higher Education, 2008. 217-229. Kiedis, Anthony. Scar Tissue. New York: Hyperion, 2004. Peppers, Red Hot Chili. â€Å"Under The Bridge. † Blood Sugar Sex Magik. cond. Anthony Keidis. By Anthony Keidis. Los Angeles, 1992. Purdue, Owl. Owl Purdue. 21 April 2010. 07 April 2010 .

Sociology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Sociology - Essay Example ucture to its formation and progress as a function of social units, customs, interactions, and general stimuli within the society built around to affect that behavior (Farlex). Besides proposition of acknowledged theories which most hard sciences carry out through an inductive process, social science has made it a point to be founded on a deductive methodology, taking the matter of fact that by real experience, social relation would not set itself alone in an individual, as distinctly impacting oneself apart from external communication or influence by others. It has then become a requirement in its meaning that a social relationship should validate its existence in a situation where there flows substantial interaction between two individuals at least. Social institution, on the other hand, establishes and enhances such interaction by getting individuals in a framework that makes them meet, know each other increasingly, and eventually share a common ground from which to form a culture. As normally encountered on a longer term, this culture or way of life becomes one’s source of paradigm and core values to be used in response to how its continuous reality shapes the human being who is self-aware of the necessity to either maintain or modify his social attributes whenever it suits him. The mutual aims and interests of humans who socialize with each other on a regular basis among different institutions under diverse culture, further fit into a sum known as society. It is perhaps in deeply ascertaining what the society ought to be made of in view of idealism that had made the typical concept of classifying individuals into ranks based on the results of their talents effected through constant socialization which later establishes for them an economy and status they can be identified with. Economic discussions are however rather more specialized to go with social factors and must be treated in separate detail beside the points brought up in sociological studies. In

BUSMOD 1 - SLP Globalization and Global Strategic Planning Essay

BUSMOD 1 - SLP Globalization and Global Strategic Planning - Essay Example From the Interbrand’s best global brand 2011, Coca Cola has been selected as the world’s most valuable brand. This paper will analyze the Coca Cola Company in the context of globalization and global strategic planning. Globalization and International Operations of Coke Cola Globalization refers to the process through which national economies and cultures are integrated into an international economy so as to enhance international trade, direct foreign investment, migration, and technology sharing. As Mishkin (2008) opines, globalization greatly contributes to effective and rapid circulation of ideas, languages, and cultural ideologies (p.134). With intent to enhance foreign investment and cross-border trade for international business expansion, nations have liberalized cross border trade regulations. Hence, the emergence of globalization brought significant changes in Coke Cola’s international operations and strategic planning as the company had obtained free acce ss to global economies. This process allowed the company to enter highly developing market segments like India, which is currently one of the potential markets of the firm. The Coca Cola gives increased emphasis on human resources management because effective employee participation is essential for the company to ensure global integration of its business operations (The Coca-Cola Company). Nowadays, the company is introducing diverse product lines (for instance, 7.5 ounce mini can) to its markets in order to effectively defend stiff market competition. Recently, the company has formulated a series of corporate and social responsibility programs so as to promote a sustainable growth (Coca Cola Sabco). Marketing Entry Strategy of Coca Cola According to Arnold (2003), while analyzing overseas operations of the Coke, it is obvious that the company practices a global localization or glocalization strategy when considering entry into a foreign market. The localization strategy involves tw o distinct techniques. Under the first method, a multinational corporation adapts its marketing mix in a way that suites its product lines with the foreign market conditions where it entered. In contrast, the second approach involves the development of new-market specific sources. Although the second method is most direct and easy to implement, it involves higher costs and is a slower approach than adaptation. It seems that the Coke practices the both product adaptation and specification approaches. For instance, the company adopted the adaptation strategy while it entered India whereas the Coke dealt with a number of locally oriented brands as part of its market entry in Japan. Similarly, the organization extensively makes use of media as part of product positioning and territory expansion. It is clear that globalization enhanced the development of telecommunications media and which in turn fastened the spread of global mass culture. The higher development of global media as a resu lt of globalization has greatly assisted the Coke to promote its products across regions where it recently entered. In Indian market operation, the Coke Cola has hired several famous film stars like Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi to endorse its products as part of its

The realists vs. formalists approach to filming Essay

The realists vs. formalists approach to filming - Essay Example Supporters of the realist film theory such as Kracauer, S have been very detrimental to the thrilling form of entertainment utterly diluting its aesthetic qualities as far as its artistic composition is concerned. Those supporting the earlier film theories over the contemporary ones argue that the early theorists were very much concerned with proving cinemas artistic potentialities while the later theorists, who are less defensive and less elitist, take film status for granted. This paper will present a comparison between the modern and the ancient films with a favour on the modern films over the earlier ones. Kracauer argues that the contemporary films do not have the same taste as the former ones. To him this has been brought about by the conditions in which the contemporary films are shot, that is, the use of the cameras in shooting films and the variations in the film stock that have actually affected the way films look . In turn, these animations associated with new films eventu ally affect the film viewers’ ability to come into proper terms with the reality displayed in the film â€Å"edifying pieces of art should insist on the value of illusion as a more or less necessary pathway to truth. The Romantics sought to overcome the dichotomy between appearance and reality with a symbol whose appearance takes on a mysterious depth, a schoner Schein or ‘beautiful semblance’† (Kracauer 97). The reality that is supposed to form the major display in films therefore is being eroded over time due to the introduction of the modern changes that to him are a deviation from the original intention of the film industry. Kracauer further blames all this on the use of the digital technology when he argues that â€Å"technological applications such as computer enhancement, imaging, and editing that has actually diminished the reality in the real film plays† (Kracauer 103). On the other hand, other emerging scholars have argued in support of th e contemporary filming for instance, it is true when Andrew insists that early films are not uniform as ideological variations and national characterization formed the major themes in these films with the attention being focused on the spectator. In support for the modern times films, it is very important to note the two salient features that are common in the modern films and which were lacking in the earlier ones. These are the sound system and the technological advances that have enabled performers to camouflage easily into reality. The first movies that were made by the Edison Company actually had no sounds as well as very poor quality pictures. For this, most of the early films focused on the basic things such as crowds making noise, babies crying among others. It is very true that the sound accompaniment in a movie helps in keeping the viewer glued in the actions being performed in the movie. Thus, the sound combination associated with modern filming in a way gives the movie a third dimension such that the viewer is able to relate easily the events taking place in the film with the wordings. Sometimes, the music played in the movie helps in revealing the occurrences in the following scene hence keeping the viewer informed in prior. This always motivates the viewer by capturing his or her attention and therefore enhancing their concentration. Films are meant to function in such a way that they keep the audience completely engrossed in the performance that is certainly achieved by the modern films. Besides the above song enhancements, songs played in a film acts as a parallel form of entertainment for the viewer. At some point, the viewers are swallowed up in the film that they find themselves

DNA Testing in the Criminal Justice System Term Paper

DNA Testing in the Criminal Justice System - Term Paper Example Nevertheless, the history of the criminal justice system in the country has proven that evidences based on the DNA remains the most potent tool for convicting criminals and even exonerating persons not guilty of crimes. This paper aims to explain in brief the value of this type of concrete evidence in the investigation and prosecution of suspected criminals. Some prominent cases in criminal justice history are mentioned in order to establish its point. Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a genetic construction of the material, which exists in all cells of living organisms. It is the basic building block of a person's genetic structure. A person's DNA is unique. Wherever it is taken from, whether from a person's hair, bones, skin cells or blood, the DNA is the same. It can also be taken from forms of excretion from the human body such perspiration, urine, saliva, semen, and feces (DNA Initiative). Due to the uniqueness of DNA for every individual, identification has been its most major use. Many times, taking samples of human skin, bones, or hair from an unrecognizable dead body can lead into its identification if the person already has a DNA record prior to his death. For decades already, it has also been used as evidence in crimes, which can be used to identify a victim or point out the suspect. In fact, this has been considered as the most convincing piece of evidence that could be used in prosecuting and convicting a criminal. DNA is a type of physical evidence accepted by the courts. (National Institute of Justice, US DOJ) This is, particularly a biological evidence, which is tangible enough to implicate person to a crime. Forensics, the scientific tests or techniques used in a criminal investigation, have made DNA sampling the most important part of any scene of the crime investigations. Crime scene investigators have been equipped with knowledge, skills, and the most high technological instruments to handle DNA evidences. This task involves identifying, collecting and examining DNA samples from a crime scene. This also includes analyzing it in an appropriately equipped laboratory. Ultimately, this also leads to presenting such evidences in court. (DNA Initiative) The contribution of DNA evidences in solving crimes is already a fact all police investigators have considered. In fact, even much older cases that were believed unsolvable can be concluded with the culprits discovered if there are evidences from which DNA can be extracted for analysis. Anthropologists and biologists, in studying and identifying specimen hundreds of years old, have used this method. Therefore, it is not impossible to do the same with crimes that may have been committed decades ago. The common perception is that evidences containing DNA samples cannot be easily tampered with. What it is needed for a breakthrough in a crime scene investigation is that such physical evidences are found such as a strand of hair, a used drinking cup, or drop of blood. This is the reason why police investigators have become strict in maintaining the integrity of a crime scene by ensuring that no unauthorized intrusion is made. The skills involved are too much for an ordinary police officer, which means that only those who have the training and the

Methods of Enquiry - Research Proposal - International Ethics

Methods of Enquiry - - International Ethics Conflicts - Research Proposal Example The research can be conducted in a mixed method approach by conducting survey over the employees and their responses helps to determine the organization’s work ethics. The employees are expected to respond on a rating of five points regarding their views about the performance of the organization. The literature review suggests the views of various researches regarding the ethical conflict management. An organization faces a number of challenges and conflicts and it is very important to resolve these conflicts otherwise the company would have to run at a loss and the ultimate option that the company would have is to shut down. Thus it is expected that the organization hires efficient managers who are capable of resolving the conflicts and maintain the company’s reputation in the market. As a result of Globalisation, several countries vary in various aspects. For example, the countries have diverse cultural, economical, social, ethical and linguistic backgrounds that can lead to ethical conflicts among the multinational companies (Hamilton, Knouse and Hill, 2009). Diversity in culture among various employees of different companies can result in conflicts regarding their views that can prove to be risky for the company’s reputation in the market. Cross cultural variations dealing with behaviour, norms, values, etiquette of various employees and workforce may have a huge impact on the company’s growth prospect (Patel, Harrison and McKinnon, 2002). The behavioural ethics determines the company’s management styles and the work culture. In order to achieve success and maintain corporate image, the company should follow its business ethics. It provides various guidelines for maintaining an ethical relationship with other organizations (Patel, Harrison and McKinnon, 2002; Voigt, 2009). The conflicts that may arise are the clashes in business and among the employees who try to dominate within the organization (Reidenberg, 2000). An unethical behaviour

Global Issues in Design and Visuality in the 21st Century Cultural Essay

Global Issues in Design and Visuality in the 21st Century Cultural Analysis of the street - Essay Example The shape, dimension and structure of a civilization can vary. A educational collection can be a extensively scattered small figure of people, who shares a ordinary put of norms and values, or it be able to be a nation - smooth our world can be looked upon because a customer ambitious, capitalist civilization. Broken down, culture cannot live on it's own. It relies on the communication flanked by a dispatcher and a handset. It is in this interaction - the indoctrination and decode of a exacting communication, followed by the formation of meaning that civilization comes into existents; continually changing as it emerge and disappear into realism. The meaning creation can take put as it has done from the dawn of man type, from side to side conversation, playing, dancing etc. But as time has distorted, the ways that we interrelate with every other has changed the length of its side. From the industrialisation and onwards, novel technologies have open a new era of person interaction, allowing one-to-many message, defined as mass-communication. Mass message is generally the procedure of a expert communicator sending a communication reproduced from side to side electric or automatic equipment to a varied and anonyms audience. Newspapers, radio, television, cinema and the Internet are all instances of mass communiqu. Us as active participants in civilization, are daily bare to the various mail makes by mass communicators, and are continually in process of creating sense and defining civilization. The specific instance of popular civilization that I will analyse is music television (MTV). I will analyse it in conditions of; - Its place on the worldwide educational marked, - Its influence on the connotation creation of its audience - Its structure and place inside its surrounding civilization and surrounded by society. MTV is a cultural occurrence in our cotemporary civilization, living and mouthful of air through its spectators and their awareness and identity. It is a suitable subject of learn since of its widespread fame and its self-imposed educational aesthetics. What extra to speak than MTV is MTV. MTV, make and accumulation consumerism On August 1. 1981, MTV was launched for the primary time into educational awareness. Immortalizing itself the original VJ (Video jockey) kicked off with the language "ladies and gentlemen, rock 'n' roll," appropriate follow by "the Buggles" "Video killed the radio star" The first melody video network was born and complete it clear that music, or at smallest quantity the marketing of music, would turn out to be a visual medium, and the melody manufacturing hasn't been the similar since. When looking at MTV today it is firm to imagine that this enormous help figure, on one occasion was on the tilt of continued existence. The astronomical enlargement of wealth and

HR Strategy of Brunazzi Sports Systems Research Paper

HR Strategy of Brunazzi Sports Systems - Research Paper Example Brunazzi Sports Systems, as core brand of Bendicco, aims to expand their manufacturing and engineering excellence worldwide by opening new development centers and manufacturing facilities abroad. The suggested location for this new venture in China. As China is a constantly growing economy, with labor cost less than other countries, therefore, setting up plants in China would help the organization reduce cost from various aspects. Furthermore, it would also allow Brunazzi Sports System to gain a competitive edge in the market of high-performance exhaust systems because, at present, a number of international organizations are looking to set up their business operations in China. In order to fulfill the expansion plans, adequate strategic resourcing, reward management strategies, performance management subfield and training, and development strategies need to be devised for the next five years. Therefore, due to the dynamic nature of the work environment and market Brunazzi Sports Syst ems to strategically resource its employees so that it not only proves to be cost-effective but also bring success to the organization. Furthermore, a proper reward management system known as the total reward will be devised in which the employees will be given compensations and benefits for the services they render to the organization. The total reward system would include both financial and non-financial rewards that would not only benefit the employees but it would also build a healthier psychological contract and a more appealing Brunazzi brand. Another significant aspect of the strategic human resource plan is the performance management of the employees. This will include the appraisal of the employee's overall performance in accordance with the organization’s performance  standards. Any discrepancies between both will result in the issue being properly addressed.

Evidence-based practice in nursing Research Paper

Evidence-based practice in nursing - Research Paper Example The motivators for evidence-based practice in nursing, also called evidence-based nursing (EBN), come from political, professional and societal factors (McSherry et al., 2006 cited in Scott & McSherry, 2009, p.1085). This paper explores the pros and cons of evidence-based practice in nursing. It analyzes the concepts of clinical expertise, patient preferences, and caring in the context of evidence-based nursing. It also examines the impact of these practices on the art of nursing as a practice. Pros and Cons of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Evidence-based practices, when applied to nursing, can enhance patient outcomes by improving clinical decisions (Scott & McSherry, 2009, p.1087). Evidence-based practice is a combination of patient values and clinical conditions with the best research evidence in clinical decision making (Brown et al., 2010, p.1945). Patient preferences are also used in making decisions. The processes of evidence-based practices concern practical steps that m aximize the best evidence. Evidence-based practice starts with asking an answerable question in a specific clinical situation, collecting the best relevant evidence, critically evaluating the evidence, and using the evidence in consideration of patient preferences in clinical decision-making (Brown et al., 2010, p.1945). The systematic approach in finding and evaluating the best evidence is critical to producing quality patient results (Scott & McSherry, 2009, p.1087)... its framework (when and if it is defined and mandated by organizations) and actual implementation (Rolfe, Segrott, & Jordan, 2008; Scott & McSherry, 2009). McKenna (2010) argued that evidence-based practices create confusion, because of the delimiting definition of evidence. Rolfe, Segrott, and Jordan (2008) studied nurses’ understanding and interpretation of evidence-based practice (EBP). Findings showed that tensions and contradictions in nurses’ understanding of evidence-based practice were prevalent. National and local guidelines, nurses’ own experiences and patients’ preferences continue to dominate the practice of nursing for their sampling. Brown et al. (2010) noted from their studies that personal and management barriers hinder the implementation of evidence-based practices. Evidence-based practice in nursing reduces the importance of soft approaches to nursing practice (McKenna, 2010). Paley (2006) examined the well-known concepts of expertise and clinical judgment, which evidence-based practice tend to undermine. For him, evidence-based practice should not overlook the value and role of clinical judgment in making quality patient decisions. He stressed: â€Å"†¦clinical expertise is interpreted as that which is required in order to integrate the research evidence with professional experience, context, circumstances, patient preferences, various holistic considerations, and so on†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p.87). Kitson (1997) suggested that evidence-based practices cannot be simply transferred directly to individual components of health care (i.e. nursing and midwifery) and merely translating evidence-based management as evidence-based practices in nursing may be inaccurate without changing some elements that underlie the conceptual framework of evidence-based practices

Howard Zinn Essay Example for Free

Howard Zinn Essay Howard Zinn was born on December 7 19922 in Brooklyn New York. Zinn was raised in a working-class family in Brooklyn, and flew bombing missions for the United States in World War 2, which experience he uses to shape his opposition to war. Howard Zinn is one of the most respected historians, the author of various books and plays, and a passionate activist for radical change. A clear statement of his nature is his autobiography You Cant Be Neutral on a Moving Train. He is perhaps best known for A Peoples History of the United Sates, which presents American history through the eyes of those outside of the political and economic establishment, like the Native Americans, slaves, women, blacks, etc. In his essay Violence and Human Nature Howard Zinn points that; even if humans are capable of violent behavior, it is social conditions that harness that cruelty. He warns us to steer clear of the widespread notion that humans are biologically predisposed to violence and warfare. Mr. Zinn starts off by using an arsenal of famous thinkers, pointing out their pessimistic views and believes on human behavior. Views based on no concrete evidence that we humans are born with this trait called violence. Zinn starts off using Machiavellis positive view in the The Prince that humans tend to be bad. Zinn add great minds such as Einstein and Freud and their correspondence to illustrate their own views on the subject, and their conclusions that humans are violent by nature. Other scholars are also thrown in to support this traditional view of human nature being evil. The writer goes on with the idea that scientific evidence doesnt proves it, and that is the notion that humans are in nature prone to violence. Howard picks on some scientific fields to show as that there is no evidence of human instinct for the kind of aggressive hostility that characterizes war. He turns to sociobiology, where the Harvard professor E.O Wilson in his book On Human nature answers with a yes on the question Are human beings innately aggressive? and finds his evidence not in his field but as Freud did in History. Wilson goes on to describe that humans are born with such a trait as violence, that we own it to our genes. Zinn counter attacks this with the following, Stephen Jay Gould a colleague of Wilson and a expert in evolution categorically just replies when asked that there no evidence for  such a statement by Wilson. Zinn is starting to show us an interesting pattern, a blueprint that clearly show us that every explanation from those important people look to root their selves with evidence found only in History. Zinn invites us to illustrate why History is being picked as the field from where those people can pull their evidence of Human violence. Its easily proven when you choose humans to be evil, you just need to pick your example, and history is flooded with it. Zinn shows us that there is a down side of it picking on history, because it depends on which historical events you examine to be in your favor. Its dangerous and very biased to follow this trail. Zinn goes on to convince us that our concentration get deflected by the real cause of violence and war. Zinn uses the 1986 international conference of scientists in Spain to express their conclusion on the question of human nature and violent aggression, to lure as to the very point of the whole essay that society has the power to harness this violent instinct in humans, and not our biological makeup. To further straighten his observation, Zinn uses the well-known Milgram experiment. In sum, carefully controlled experiments demonstrate that we follow others more often than we might like to think. However, it also seems to true that we dont always conform. We are more likely to conform when authority figures are close by, and are more likely to express our individuality and dissent when the consequences of our actions are more apparent. Also from the area of anthropology Zinn uses the two tribes of The Forest People and The Mountain People from the studies of Colin Turnbull, to show us what an impact can an out side disturbance have on one tribe, which brought out a violent behavior in them. But the second tribe uninterrupted continued on a gentle and peaceful life. Howard decided to turn our attention from all does academic studies to the war itself. He gives himself as an example to explain war. Zinn argues that he and his fellow soldiers killed as a result of a set of experiences that  brought them to the front lines of war, not because they felt an instinctual compel to do so. He doesnt view the soldiers willingness to go to war as genuine to their human nature but is rather triggered by existing social conditions. This is what is expected from you, the pressure of people around him to do his duty. Zinn recalls being brought up to trust that the nations political leaders would make just and fair choices, and that the world was divided into good and bad countries, his own country being one of the good. He also recalls being trained not to question orders and being reminded that there was no reason to question those orders since they all stemmed from good political leaders and you should obey those people. Ones in the war and having such obedience, produced in him by his society, a soldier easily demonstrates the power of culture in extreme ways, like for example the My Lai Massacre. Where a detachment of units annihilated a whole village consisted only by elderly people, women and children. Zinn decides to show us that in the aftermath of the massacre, GIs as in the case of Charles Hutto said that he did what he was told to do. But we see that also a helicopter offices decides to save as much people as he can from the village below, Howard suggests that men are disposed to war under certain setting. Society should come to turns to this power which it holds over people harnessing this violent instinct and avoid doing so at all costs.

Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening

Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening Cystic fibrosis is a common autosomal recessive genetic disorder1. This means that to have cystic fibrosis, a person must have inherited a defective gene from each of his or her parents2. This gene is located on chromosome seven2. Absence or mutation in this particular gene results in worse performance or absence of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator2. This is most commonly found in Europe, North America, and Australia1. This gene manages anion transport and mucociliary clearance in the airways1. With the failure of this function, the results are mucus retention and chronic infection in the lungs1. Nowadays, modern technology provides aid for patients with their diseases and gives them a longer and more active life. Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is a modern technological advance which is designed to detect early signs of cystic fibrosis. Several methods under the name of the Newborn Screening are used to detect whether a newborn has cystic fibrosis or not1. These methods include immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) testing combined with DNA mutation analysis and the sweat chloride test1. IRT stands for Immunoreactive Trypsinogen Test. The procedure of this test is a chemical reaction. Trypsinogen is made from the pancreas, and it normally transmits to the intestines where it is activated to a form of an enzyme called trypsin. In a patient who has cystic fibrosis, the thick mucus covers the pancreatic ducts1. Therefore, trypsinogen wont reach the intestines, and the amount of trypsinogen goes up. This test runs with a blood sample, and if the results come out with a normal level of trypsinogen, then this test is reliable, but if there is a high level of trypsinogen, then more tests need to be run to find out whether the patient has cystic fibrosis or not. A sweat chloride test is the amount of chloride in patients sweat. In a patient that has Cystic Fibrosis, the sweat chloride test will result in significantly higher levels of chloride in sweat than a person that does not have cystic fibrosis due to the restricted movement of chloride. The gene mutation test is a DNA sequencing test to locate a defective gene in the chromosome. There are many different types of mutations that can cause a deficiency in the production of the CFTR protein. More than 2000 CFTR variants have been discovered1. About 15% of the identified gene variants are not associated with CF1. CFTR mutations can be classified into six classes according to their effects on protein function1. Classification is helpful because it relates to the molecular and cellular processes in gene translation and protein processing and has some useful clinical relations1. Class I, II, and III mutations are associated with no residual CFTR function and patients with these mutations on average have a severe phenotype, whereas individuals with class IV, V, and VI mutations have some residual function of CFTR protein and have a mild lung phenotype and pancreatic deficiency1. Today, different laboratories use a wide variety of panels depending on the patients need, like t he twenty-three panel or panel of seventy. The following is an example of a molecular CF test. Lab Corporation of America published a procedure for a Cystic Fibrosis molecular diagnostic3; The coding sequence of CFTR is amplified by polymerase chain reaction and each PCR product (amplicon) then sequenced bi-directionally, using Sanger sequencing methodology. CFTR Chr7(q31,2) Nucleotide Change Amino Acid Change Consequencing Zygosity Relation to Cystic Fibrosis c.1327G>T p.Asp443Tyr missense mutation homozygous recessive, associated 1. Prof J Stuart Elbom, Cystic Fibrosis, Lancet, 19-25 November 2016, Volume 388, Issue 10059, page 2519-2531 2. The Clinical and Functional Translation of CFTR(CFTR2) at Copyright 2011 US CF Foundation, John Hopkins University The Hospital for Sick Children; available at https://cftr2.org. 3. Corporation of America Published Documents   2014   available @ http://oneworld.labcorp.com/Billing/TestMaster/Resource Center/Sample Reports/C-4/Cystic Fibrosis (CF) CFTR 252763.pdf

Leadership and Management in Changing Context of Healthcare

Leadership and Management in Changing Context of Healthcare INTRODUCTION The National Health Service (NHS) Trusts face a range of challenges arising from a national approach to the modernisation of services as laid out in the NHS Plan. (DOH, 2000) The NHS Plan recognises that the NHS is capable of providing more effective and accessible care by the rationalisation of service delivery through merged organisations. Mergers illustrate the focus on organisational restructuring as the key lever for change as indicated by the ninety nine health care provider mergers in England between 1996 and 2001. (Fulop, Protsopsaltis, King, Allen, Hutchings, and Normand, 2004) However, in many cases, mergers have unexpected consequences and drawbacks including problems in integrating staff, services, systems and working practices, clashing organisational cultures and poor leadership capacity. This essay considers leadership and management in the context of a problematic merger of services from two hospitals onto one site. The essay focuses on the change management process within one department to highlight key leadership, team, and cultural issues that negatively affected the newly merged department. The microcosm of the department mirrors similar occurrences across the two merged hospitals. The essay concludes with a comment on the organisational consequences if a macro intervention is not implemented. Confidentiality has been preserved by anonymising the identity of the hospitals and departments concerned. BACKGROUND This essay explores a recent change process involving the creation of a psychiatric liaison team based in a NHS hospital Accident and Emergency Department. (A E) in January 2004. The change occurred because of the merger of two hospitals that resulted in a number of structural changes, including the amalgamation of a traditionally split emergency service into a one site A E department. The liaison team replaced the existing deliberate self-harm service which had operated in the one hospital for two decades. The new liaison team consisted of eight newly appointed G-grade mental health nurses, a team leader, and a consultant psychiatrist who had both previously worked in the deliberate self-harm service. The hours of operation initially were 08:00 to 22:00 and there were two nurses on duty on early and late shifts. During a four week induction period, the team participated in team building and training exercises and developed into a cohesive, effective group. The team created clear key performance indicators specific to the psychiatric liaison team, established an action plan to achieve the set objectives, and planned to carry out six-monthly reviews. The team developed a shared vision to provide high quality, person centred care to the A E department without breaching government’s four hour targets (DOH, 2001). The team leader’s leadership style was democratic, and she fostered collaboration and involvement within the team (Walton, 1999). The team members considered her an expert in the field, and respected her for it. In July 2004, the service manager attended a monthly team meeting. At the meeting she was informed that a major change was expected to the hours of operation. The service would be extended to a 24-hour service starting in September 2004. In order for the liaison team to cover a 24-hour roster there was initially be a reduction in the number of nurses on duty, however, more staff would be recruited if necessary after a six month service review. An exact date for the review was not given. The change had not been communicated as part of the strategy for the greater merger. The Department of Health (DOH) modernisation agenda for the NHS, (DOH, 2002) sets out to modernise services in the NHS, and introduced a three star rating scale against which each NHS Trust’s performance is compared against benchmark standards. Funding in turn is dependant on the star rating achieved. One such standard relates to delays in A E departments, and stipulates that mental health patients should have 24 hour access to services, and that patients should be assessed and treated within four hours of arrival. (DOH, 2001) The underlying rationale for the change was therefore that the psychiatric liaison service had to provide a 24-hour service in order for the hospital to comply with the benchmark. Management of the merged hospitals did not consider staff shortages or how the four hour target might affect the quality of service provision, particularly when staff are under constant pressure to discharge patients before they exceed the benchmark standard. (RCP, 2004) In th e service described above, reaching the necessary 98 % four hour target proved impossible, because the staff numbers did not match the requirements of the service. The service was therefore to be expanded without additional staff, implying not only changes in hours and shifts, but also changes in work patterns. The team members reacted negatively to how the change process was introduced. Concerns were expressed about the reduction in staff numbers and questions were raised as to how the staff would be able to cope. The sense of security and continuity were put at risk. (Walton, 1999) The service manager was not available to address the concerns due to an increased scope of responsibility because of the merger that was beyond her normal remit. Lack of two way communication between the manager and the employees meant that the manager lost a valuable opportunity to resolve the negative reactions, and laid the foundation for resistance to change (Johnson, Scholes, and Whittington, 2005). Within a month of the announcement, the team leader had resigned. A new team leader was appointed and was tasked to lead the team through the change. The team started gradually becoming fragmented, staff sickness rates soared, and morale plummeted. The situation reached a crisis point by December 2005, by which time two more staff members had resigned. The majority of staff had taken sick leave, and the psychiatric liaison service was left uncovered for several days. A number of mental health patients in A E waited for hours, sometimes all night, to be seen by a mental health professional. The A E department laid a formal complaint about the liaison team’s performance. In March 2005, following discussion with a union representative, the team took out a grievance against the team leader. The key issues of concern were the way the change process had been introduced, lack of two-way communication and the team leader’s unsuitable task-oriented, directive leadership style. The team leader was suspended and the Trust commenced a lengthy investigation into the change process. The investigation continues to date. ANALYSIS Cameron and Green (2004) suggest McKinsey’s 7S model as a diagnostic tool to identify interconnected and related aspects of organisational change. The model is problem rather than solution focussed, and hence useful for pointing out retrospectively why change did not work. The weakness of the model is that it does not explicit identify drivers from the external environment and accordingly key forces have been described by way of explanation. According to Burke and Litwin (1992), the external environment is any outside condition or situation that influences the performance of the organisation. Systems, Staff and Strategy Systems refer to standardised policies and mechanisms that facilitate work, primarily manifested in the organisations reward systems, management information systems, and in such control systems as performance appraisal, goal and budget development, and human resource allocation. (Burke and Litwin, 1992) Systems are the mechanisms through which strategy is achieved. Strategy is how the organisation intends to achieve a purpose over an extended time scale. Johnson, Scholes, and Whittington (2005) link it directly to environment (industry structure), organisational structure, and corporate culture. Leaders are the executives and managers providing overall organisational direction and serving as behavioural role models for all employees. (Burke and Litwin, 1992) The systems that the service had in place to support the staff prior to the merger had functioned efficiently. The psychiatric liaison team had monthly team meetings, weekly ward rounds and supervision, and twice daily handovers to ensure high quality service. Teams in this context mean â€Å"a group who share a common health goal and common objectives, determined by community needs, to the achievement of which each member of the team contributes, in accordance with his or her competencies and skill and in co-ordination with the functions of others.† (WHO, 1984) Under the previous team leader’s management, the team had achieved a mature and productive level of performance that fell within Tuckman’s model of team development of a performing team. (Mullins, 2002) The leader demonstrated characteristics of an effective team leader (e.g. good communication) and ensured that the team members’ views were passed on to the management. (Marquis and Huston, 2003) The team also developed team specific performance indicators to fit the Trust’s strategy, such as the goal to provide high quality care within four hours of service users presenting to the A E department. However, the new management of the merged hospitals did not take into account that the reduction in staff numbers would make it difficult for staff to find time to attend ward rounds and to supervise care. Lack of supervision had a negative impact on the quality of care provided, and staff shortages meant that the team did not reach the four-hour targets in A E department. The change process indicated a lack of sincere stakeholder consultation which would have alleviated the crisis in the department. (Iles and Sutherland, 2001) Structure and Style Structure is the arrangement of functions and people into specific areas and levels of responsibility, decision-making authority, communication, and relationships to assure effective implementation of the organisations mission and strategy. (Burke and Litwin, 1992) The NHS Leadership Qualities Framework (DOH, 2002, p34) suggests â€Å"leading change through people† with â€Å"effective and strategic influencing† is essential in a merger environment. This is supported by Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2005) who suggest that strategic, transformational leadership is a key element within an organisation staffed by professionals and that a collaborative style is required to achieve transformational, lasting change. However, the new team leader’s leadership style was autocratic and the team members were no longer consulted about matters concerning it, which was inappropriate in team nursing approach associated with collaborative patient centric care. Marquis and Huston (2003) suggest that a democratic leadership style works best with a mature experienced team with shared responsibility and accountability. The change in leadership style meant that the team felt disempowered and uninvolved in decision making which did not allow ownership of the change process to emerge. Furthermore, the flow of information to the team slowed down and the team’s concerns about the change did not reach top management implying that communication channels in the new organisational structure were not functioning efficiently. Management style equally affects culture. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2005) state that culture is the â€Å"taken for granted† assumptions that are accepted by an organisation or team. These work routines are not explicit, but are essential for effective performance. Ignoring these as the new team leader did, reduces motivation and performance, and stiffens resistance to change. Skills Skills are the distinctive capabilities of key people. (Cameron and Green, 2003) The nature of the team membership implied a range of key skills interdependent on the other for effective performance. A problem area in the skills portfolio was information technology skills. The Trust managing the merged hospitals had introduced a Trust wide electronic patient record system in accordance with NHS requirements. (DOH, 2003) This was implemented simultaneously with the decision to extend the working hours. The change aimed to improve the service user experience by allowing staff a 24-hour access to service user’s care and crisis plans. (DOH, 2003) The staff shortage meant that team members did not receive appropriate training on the system and the use of the electronic patient record system became a source of frustration and confusion. Lack of computer skills contributed to staff’s frustration and negative attitudes with the change process. Superordinate goals Superordinate goals are the longer term vision of the organisation and the shared values and guiding principles that that shape the future of the organisation and motivation achievement of strategy. (Cameron and Green, 2003) The team’s superordinate goals were initially created during the four-week team building period and aligned with those of the larger organisation. The team’s vision was to provide high quality, service user centred care. The team also considered change as a natural part of organisational development. However, the team became increasingly resistant to change when it felt that the organisation did not really care about its employees, their concerns, and the ultimate reason for the organisation’s purpose, being the patient. DISCUSSION OF CHANGE PROCESS Change management is art of influencing people and organisations in a desired direction to achieve an agreed future state to the benefit of that organisation and its stakeholders. (Cameron and Green, 2003) A number of models can be used to model a change management process. A popular model is Kurt Lewin’s forcefield analysis. A forcefield analysis is a useful tool to understand the driving and resisting forces in a change situation as a basis for change management. This technique identifies forces that might work for the change process, and forces that are against the change. Lewin’s model suggests that once these conflicting forces are identified, it becomes easier to build on forces that work for the change and reduce forces that are against the change (Cameron and Green, 2003). The difficulty is the assessment of strength or duration of a force, partlicularly when the human dimension is considered. The key resisting force in the change process was a lack of staff and poor leadership. The change process under discussion was largely motivated by external factors. However, due to poor project planning, Trust management failed to consider the internal factors that had a major impact on the change. In particular, the management failed to involve the necessary stakeholders at a local level to increase ownership of the change thus failed to consider the human dimension (Walton, 1999 and DOH, 2004). The new team leader’s autocratic leadership style did not fit the requirements of the task, or the culture of the team and thus sowed the seeds of resistance to change. (Hogg and Vaughan, 2002). The poorly managed change process became costly to the Trust due to the loss of human resources, reduced staff morale and lowered the credibility of the management. The change left the psychiatric liaison team feeling betrayed, and individual team members traumatised. As the change process progressed, it became evident that a thorough analysis of current resources and various dimensions of organisational change had not been carried out (Johnson, Scholes and Whittington, 2005). The management had not prepared a clear plan for launching and executing the change at a local level. The NHS Modernisation Agency Improvement Leaders’ Guide (DOH, 2004) stresses the importance of taking into consideration the human aspect when planning a change project. Similarly, Walton (1999) argues that change initiatives should be thought through and planned as far as possible taking into account the psychological bonds that staff form with their work groups and their organisation as a whole. It follows then that no precautions had been taken to address resistance to change. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington, (2005) state that there should be a clear communication plan to state how information about the change project will be communicated inside and outside the organisation. The team members were not given an opportunity to challenge and test the change proposal, or clarify what aspects of the change they could or could not influence. (Walton, 1995) Fulop, Protsopsaltis et al, (2004) suggest that change project should be presented as an opportunity to improve the quality of performance and that clinicians should should be involved on a consultative basis. Team members were aware of the consequences of extending the hours of operation without increasing the resources, however, there were no systems in place to communicate these views to the Trust management, a key aspect of the change process. The lack of key stakeholder involvement in the change meant that the management did not have access to the psychiatric liaison team’s valuable experience on the immediate and wider implications of cutting down resources. (Henderson, 2002) The team members felt that their concerns about the lack of resources had not been taken seriously, and this inevitably led to a feeling that the Trust did not care about it’s employees or their views. Strong emotions such as anger and frustration were expressed by the team members. The lack of formal communication channels, meant that the team members took them out on each other. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington, (2005) confirm that at times of change, rumours, gossip and storytelling increases in importance and that team members engage in countercommunication, thus unconsiously spreading distrust, suspicion and negativity which leads to lowered staff morale and job satisfaction. Although the rationale for change was clear to everyone, the change was executed at such short notice that the team members did not have time to develop strategies to deal with it. The NHS Improvement Leaders Guide to Managing the Human Dimension of Change (DOH, 2004) suggests that clinicians go through phases of shock, denial, anger, betrayal, conformance and understanding before they finally develop comitment to the change. The team members were left in a state of shock after the service manager’s initial announcement of the impending change in July 2004 and then moved into a state of denial. The general opinion was that the management would sooner or later realise that the change could not be executed without increasing the resources and accordingly delayed the change process until more staff would be employed. When there was no indication of this in the weeks that followed, the team members became demotivated. The team failed to move on to the next stages in their reaction s to change, and commitment to the change process did not develop. The team leader’s task-oriented leadership style did not suit the context of the change process, and partly contributed to it’s failing. Cameron and Green (2003) suggest that leadership will be most effective when the leader’s leadership style, the subordinates’ preferred leadership style and the requirements of the task fit together. A directive leadership style therefore is ineffective if the subordinates’ preferred leadership style is democratic, even though the task is well defined within tight parameters. In addition, Hogg and Vaughan (2002) argued that the most effective leaders are those who are able to combine task and socio-emotional leadership styles, and organise team members to work towards achieving goals at the same time promoting harmonious relationships. The new team leader paid no attention to the team culture and failed to communicate to management about the impending issue. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington (2005) suggest that power is a key element in a change process. Power is the ability of individuals to persuade or coerce others into following a course of action. The new team leader’s source of power was based on his hierarchal position in the Trust rather than on expertise or knowledge as shown by the previous team leader. The team members did not consider that the new team leader possessed appropriate expertise or personal characteristics. The team leader exercised coercion which was met with resistance by the team and for this reason the team members lacked respect for him. He was seen as an executor of decisions made by the management. The new team leader appeared to be more concerned about a successful completion of the change, was target driven and lacked sensitivity to employees feelings and concerns. The team leader used his positional power in a negative way, filtered information and gave the management a distorted view of how the staff were coping with the change process. The relationship between the team leader and the staff members eventually deteriorated to a point where communication broke down. Two staff members went on a long term sick leave, and two other staff members resigned. Following a meeting with a union representative in March 2005 the team members, including those who had resigned, made a decision to take grievance out against the teamleader. The key issues brought up in the meeting were the way the change had been introduced, poor project management and the team leader’s autocratic management style (Walton, 1999). CONCLUSION In conclusion, lack of stakeholder involvement, poor project planning and the teamleader’s unsuitable leadership style lead to the psychiatric liaison team becomimg fragmented, and resistant to change. No systems were put in place to ensure two-way communication with the employees. Lack of communication reduced the staff’s commitment to, and ownership of the change, and lead to a lower quality service provision and increased long waits in A E. The poorly managed change process became costly to the Trust due to loss of trained human resources, staff morale and credibility of the management. Similar incidents occurred in other areas of the hospital indicating that the change processes associated with the merger had created organisational wide problems that were indicative of failure at a top management and strategic level. Strategic leadership is a key element of the change process. A successful merger will only be achieved with consistent communication and the establishment of a vision that percolates throughout an organisation as a basis for effective change to realise the stated benefits of all stakeholders. References Brooks, I. (2002) The Role of Ritualistic Ceremonial in Removing Barriers between Subcultures in the NHS. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Volume 38, 4. Burke, W. W. and Litwin, G H. (1992) A Causal Model of Organisational Performance and Change. Journal of Management. Volume 18, 3. Cameron, E. and Green, M. (2004) Making Sense of Change Management. Kogan Page. Carr, D. K., Hard, K. J. and Trahant, W. J. (1996) Managing The Change Process: A Field Book For Change Agents, Consultants, Team Members And Re-Engineering Managers. McGraw-Hill. Crawford D., Rutter M. Thelwall, S. (2003) User Involvement In Change Management: A Review Of The Literature. National Co-ordinating Centre for NHS Service Delivery and Organisation. Davies H. T. O., Nutley, S. M. and Mannion, R. (2000.) Organisational Culture and Quality of Health Care. Quality in Health Care. Volume 9. DOH (1998) A First Class Service: Quality in the New NHS. Department of Health. The Stationery Office DOH (2000) The NHS Plan. Department of Health. The Stationery Office DOH (2001) National Service Framework for Mental Health. Department of Health. The Stationery Office. DOH (2002) NHS Leadership Qualities Framework. www.nhsleadershipqualities.nhs.uk Accessed 4 July 2005. DOH (2002) Star Ratings System for Hospital Performance Has Improved Services For Patients. NHS Modernisation Agency. www.dh.gov.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. DOH (2003) National Programme for IT Announces Further Contracts to Run NHS Care Record Services. www.dh.gov.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. DOH (2004) NHS Modernisation Agency Improvement Leaders Guide. www.modern.nhs.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. ESHT. (2000) Safeguarding Hospitals in East Sussex: Consultation Document. www.esht.nhs.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. ESHT. (2002) Merger of Hastings and Rother NHS Trust and Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trust. www.esht.nhs.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. Fulop, N., Protopsaltis, G. King, A. Allen, P. Hutchings, A. and Normand, C. (2002) Process and Impact of Mergers of NHS Trusts: Multicentre Case Study and Management Cost Analysis. British Medical Journal. Volume 325. Fulop, N., Protopsaltis, G. King, A. Allen, P. Hutchings, A. and Normand, C. (2004) Changing Organisations: Study of the context and Processes of Mergers of Healthcare Providers in England. Elsevier Ltd. Garside P. (1999) Evidence Based Mergers? British Medical Journal. Volume 318. Henderson, E. 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(2002) Case Study: Hastings and Rother NHS Trust. NHS Modernisation Agency. www.modern.nhs.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. RCP. (2004) Psychiatric Services To Accident And Emergency Departments. Royal College of Psychiatrists Council Report CR118. London. Stroebe, W. and Diehl, M. (1994) Why Groups Are Less Effective Than Their Members: On Productivity Losses In Idea-Generating Groups. European Review of Social Psychology, Volume 5. Studin, I. (1995) Strategic Healthcare Management. Irwin Professional Publishing. Thomas, N. (2004) The John Adair Handbook of Leadership and Management. Thorogood Publishing. UHCW. (2005). Coventry City Centre AE Department is Being Relocated to Walsgrave Hospital from Saturday 15th Jan. www.uhcw.nhs.uk. Accessed 4 July 2005. Walton, M. (1995) Managing Yourself On and Off the Ward. Blackwell Science Ltd. Webster, R. (2001) An Assessment of the Substance Misuse Treatment Needs of WHO (1984) Glossary of Terms Used in the ‘Health for All. World Health Organisation Series No. 1 – 8.

Celebrities and their Tibet Essay -- Expository Tibet Essays

Celebrities and their Tibet Tibet has long been a mystical land, a place that not many have known about. However this has changed. The celebrities have come out in force in making Tibet the center of attention. Even now, most people don't know more about Tibet than its location, somewhere in Asia. So, while the popular support of the struggle of the Tibetans has become well known due to the involvement of celebrities spreading the word, has it really helped the cause or simply let people know what is going on there? Even more importantly, is the information that the celebrities are passing on always correct? Before any of these questions can be answered though, one must first know the origin of the conflicts between the two regions as well as the history of the Free Tibetan Movement. As said above, Tibet used to be a place that not many people knew about. This made it much easier for the Chinese government to come in and take control of the people and the land without much protest from the outside world. In fact even if other countries, like bordering India, had known, not much would have been done. This is because no nation had ever recognized Tibet as an independent country. Rather, it was the events that followed which caused the uproar. According to defected citizens of Tibet that traveled to India and then dispersed throughout the world, the Chinese started a form of spiritual cleansing. Monks and spiritual leaders that would not follow their ground rules were detained, captured or killed. The lama's of the Tibetan people were either taken as political prisoners or exiled. However, there are also those that said that some of this never happened. "'The first troops had appeared in the city in September, 1951.' The ... ...Collins. 1969. Connolly, Paul. "Tale of Two Cities." The Times. Newspaper Source. 2/23/2002 Dolker, Sonam. "So Far from Home." Time for Kids. Issue 11(1997): page 4. 3/27/02. Ewing, Alice. "How The Tibet Movement Can Backfire on America." --- Chinese American Forum. Issue 2(2001): page 22. 3/28/02. Free Tibet Campaign. 3/31/02. http://www.freetibet.org/menu.htm. Fricke, David. "Lama-palooza." Rolling Stone. Issue 774(1997): page 105. 3/28/02. Kim, Albert. "Lookin' Tibet." Entertainment Weekly. Issue 416(1998): page 15. 3/28/02 McQueen, Dane. "Discos or the Dalai Lama: what does Tibet want?" YPA. 3/31/02. --- http://www.ypa.org/issues/previous/tibet.html. Snellgrove, David, and Hugh Richardson. A Cultural History of Tibet. New York: --- Praeger. 1968. Trebay, Guy. "And Then Tibet." Village Voice. Issue 3(1998): page 26. 3/27/02.

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Essay -- Illegal Drugs Alcohol Addict

Substance Abuse in the Workplace Substance abuse in the workplace is one of the top concerns in the United States today. â€Å"Studies show that 73 percent of drug users are employed, costing American businesses billions of dollars annually in lost production and staffing costs (Walsh).† â€Å"Due to higher employment rates and rising substance abuse, the chances that your organization employs one of these 8.1 million workers is greater today than it has been in the past several years (Walsh).† Studies also reveal that employees who abuse drugs have a tremendously harmful effect on the workplace. They are more likely to have extended absences from work, show up late, be involved in workplace accidents, and file workers compensation claims. Substance abuse includes anything from drug use, such as cocaine and heroin, to alcohol abuse. Before I start to discuss the various ways to get control of substance abuse I would like to give you a small background of the impact of substance abuse on the world today. The department of labor has gathered some of the following information and statistics to show the world how it is being affected: †¢Substance abuse in the workplace costs are estimated at $100 billion dollars annually. †¢Alcoholism causes 500 million lost work days each year. †¢Drug-using employees at GM average 40 days of sick leave each year compared to 4.5 days for non-users. †¢In Ohio substance abuse treatment has shown significant improvements: - 91% decrease in absenteeism. - 88% decrease in problems with supervisors. - 93% decrease in mistakes in work. - 97% decrease in on-the-job injuries. Page 2 As you can see substance abuse is a very ser... ... the warning signs and implement a policy to attack the problem. Most likely it is going on right under your nose and you do not even know it. Take the time to step back and help your employees, the people that really make a difference to your company. You never know it might save you money. Bibliography: Works Cited Campbell, Reginald L. Substance Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Mcgraw Hill, 1990. Harris, Michael. Human Resource Managment: A practical Approach. New York: Dryden Press, 1997. Largent, Richard J. Preventing Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996. Loomis, Loyd. Drug Testing: A Workplace Guide to Designing Practical Policies. Chicago: BNA Plus, 1990. Walsh, Michael J. Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace. New York: Target Investment Inc., 1996.

Roger Williams, William Penn, the Maryland Assembly and Liberty Conscie

Roger Williams, William Penn, the Maryland Assembly and Liberty Conscience The New England colonies of Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland [Pa. and Md.are not in New England] were founded with the express purpose of dispensing of with a statechurch [not exactly. Rhode Island was â€Å"put together.† Maryland did not have a single statechurch, but the Calverts did not intend to dispense with state support of a church]. In this theydeviated not only from the other British coloes in the New World but also from their Motherlandand indeed all the civilizations of western Christendom to date. Before the founding of RhodeIsland, Pennsylvania, and Maryland these three colonies, a state without an official state churchwas inconceivable. As the Church of England evolved in Britain, the other British colonies inNorth America adopted either Congregationalism, Anglicanism, or Presbyterianism [never a statechurch in the colonies] as their own â€Å"state church.† The idea of a state without a state church wasunprecedented (Cohen 9/30).In place of the u sual state church, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland adopted anew concept: â€Å"liberty of conscience.† Here, â€Å"liberty† is synonymous with â€Å"freedom.† Byâ€Å"conscience† our forefathers meant one's personal religious persuasion and its duties, as RogerWilliams explained to Governor John Endicott: â€Å"... I speake of Conscience, a perswasion fixed inthe minde and heart of a man, which inforceth him to judge (as Paul said of himself apersecutour) and to doe so and so, with respect to God, his worship, etc.† (Williams 340) To thefirst citizens of Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, civil â€Å"freedom of conscience† wasthe ability to live freely as a member of one's religion-that is, to perform such reli... ...es and theology as a Quaker came to influence state organization. And in Maryland, aCatholic Assembly maintained minimal [?] Christianity in order to please its Protestantconstituents. Whether three hundred years ago, two hundred years ago, or today, â€Å"freedom ofreligion† can easily become used in the interests of those in power. Works Cited Cohen, Charles L. Lectures for History 451: Early American Religious History. Fall 1999. Frost, J. William. â€Å"Chapter 1: The Creation of Religious Liberty in Early Pennsylvania,† from A PerfectFreedom. Hall, Timothy L. Separating Church and State: Roger Williams and Religious Liberty. University of IllinoisPress, Chicago: 1998,Maryland Assembly. â€Å"Act Concerning Religion† [ 1649]. Penn, William. â€Å"The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience† [1670]. Williams, Roger. â€Å"To Governor John Endicott, ca. August-September 1651

Barack Obama and the White Race

If the premise that the white race is a dominant race is an accepted one, then there must be some explanation for Barack Obama and his success in both life and as a political candidate. If those conclusions are true and the white race does actually suppress other races, the Obama must have been doing something different in order to change his lot in life. The most obvious explanation for his success, in light of the circumstances stacked against him, is that Barack Obama has concentrated on exploring avenues in life that have normally been traditionally white paths to success.It could be said, first and foremost, that Barack Obama has tried to emulate the path that a white politician would take in terms of his education. Though he has not done everything like a white politician and he has some experiences that are certainly unique to his situation, he has traveled down an educational path that is normally reserved for white people in America. This all started when he got serious abou t education during his time at Occidental College.A Barack Obama biography writes of his unique educational transformation, â€Å"Obama graduated from Punahou and went on to Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he decided to get serious about his studies. Midway through, he transferred to the prestigious Columbia University in New York City† (Barack Obama Biography). Going to a prestigious Ivy League University for undergraduate studies was only the beginning for Obama, though. He amped up his efforts and took it further with his decision to go to law school.The biography states, â€Å"Feeling it was time to move on, Obama applied to and was accepted at Harvard Law School, one of the top three law schools in the United States. In 1990, he was elected president of the Harvard Law Review journal. He was the first African American to serve in the post, which virtually assured him of any career path he chose after graduation† (Barack Obama Biography). Though these thin gs are obviously important in their own right, it is also important to note that Obama chose to network in traditionally white channels in order to form relationships that have helped him in his political career.Though Obama took some pathways that would normally be reserved for a white politician, he never forgot about his roots. This has been one of the reasons why he was able to break the mold. He served as a community organizer in both Harlem and in Chicago, where he learned the inner-workings of the inner city. Still, even above all of this, it was something else that allowed him to have success that no black candidate before him has ever seen. That characteristic is his unique ability to communicate and motivate other people.He is incredibly persuasive and his words empower people. Source Watch writes of how powerful and influential the Senator has become in his short time as a politician. In their biography, they write, â€Å"The April 18 2005 issue of TIME magazine listed t he 100 most influential people in the world. Obama was included on the list under the section of ‘Leaders and Revolutionaries' for his high-profile entrance to federal politics and his popularity within the Democratic Party† (SourceWatch).This ability to inspire and move people has served the Senator well, as he has clearly broken the mold and caused people to look past his race in the 2008 election. This characteristic, along with the decidedly white path he chose have given Obama a fighting chance to be the next president of the United States. References Notable Biographies. Barack Obama Biography. < http://www. notablebiographies. com/news/Li-Ou/Obama-Barack. html > Source Watch. Barack Obama. < http://www. sourcewatch. org/index. php? title=Barack_Obama#Political_career >

Discrimination Against Vietnamese Immigrants in America

Vietnamese did not magically appear in the United States, the Vietnam War sparked the immigration of Vietnamese to America. Vietnamese did not virtually exist in the United States until 1975 when the war forced Vietnamese to evacuate (Povell). The war began after Vietminh defeated France and split into North and South Vietnam (O’Connel). In 1956 communist Ho Chi Minh ruled the North Vietnam, and Bao Dai ruled the South, who the United States supported and backed up (O’Connel). The Vietnam War consisted of the North and South Vietnam, fighting against eachother in order to stay two separate countries.The North tried to overtake the South, and the United States sent in troops to assist South Vietnam (Isserman). However, in April 1975 South Vietnam collapsed and united Vietnam as one country (Isserman). The tragic result of the Vietnam War affected all Vietnamese. The effects contained of over four million Vietnamese killed, and over twenty-one million bomb craters ( "The War's Effect on the Vietnamese Land and People. â€Å"). Unbeknownst to most people, the end of the Vietnam War caused the first two waves of immigration (Povell).In fact, from the beginning Americans stood unsure about Vietnamese immigration. â€Å"A poll in 1975 showed a mere 36% of Americans in favor of Vietnamese immigration,† (Povell). This means that 64% of Americans did not favor Vietnamese immigrating to the United States. Vietnamese Americans, often referred to as Boat People, received their name because most traveled by boat from Vietnam to America. Discrimination against Boat People in America began because of living as a burden to society, a lack of job opportunity, and the ability to adapt to the American culture.Vietnamese endured a difficult journey. , As they arrived in America people thought of them as burdens to society. Americans thought of Boat People as burdens as because they had to set up refugee camps. The United Nations helped set up these refug ee camps. However, poor living conditions transpired in these camps. (Vietnamese Americans. ?). These poorly funded camps resulted in inadequate living conditions. Refugees had to put good living conditions on hold until they found a sponsor. In order to not have a sponsor they had to have $4,000 per household member (Li).However, Americans thought Vietnamese should not be refugees, but rather immigrants (Li). Needing support turned them into burdens according to U. S citizens. Also, Americans criticized Vietnamese for taking jobs and being a burden to society ( Li). As Boat People tried to blend into American culture, some people stepped in their way. â€Å"Anglo and African Americans talked of the ‘Asian Invasion' on radio dials and some took drastic measures to reject the newest Americans,?(?The Asian American Experience-Building New Saigon. ?).When they started to find well-paying or high class jobs people saw them as a burden to the job market and a threat to Americans. Therefore rejection occurred frequently. Most Vietnamese arrived in the United States only with the clothes on their back, so when it came to finding jobs they did not have luck on their side. Since most Vietnamese refugees arrived without material possessions or money, they could not afford houses, and found it almost impossible to qualify for home loans even if all family members had jobs (Li). They had few job options and the jobs offered provided extremely low pay.Due to the scarcity of employment, some Vietnamese turned to illegal jobs (such as a prostitute) to provide for themselves (Vietnamese War Reference Library). If Vietnamese could find legal jobs, they would most likely not make enough to support their families. During the beginning of immigration refugees had a 32% unemployment rate compared to 5% of other Americans unemployed (Li). Vietnamese had a higher unemployment rate because they lacked American skill, education, and opportunity. This resulted in Vietnamese thri ving for further education and understanding of American economics.However, in the late 1970s, in Albuquerque, 8. 5% of people remained unemployed. This resulted in fewer jobs available for anyone, and left Vietnamese at a greater disadvantage because they lack English, and skill. Without basic English skills, finding a job, renting an apartment, or even buying food became very difficult. (â€Å"Vietnamese Americans. †). This lead to English as a Second Language programs (ESL). ESL programs would provide the amount of English to find work, but not raise past the â€Å"poverty level† (Li). Vietnamese did receive education, but this only created opportunity to find low-paying jobs.Even with programs like ESL, less than half of Vietnamese Americans (41%) speak English proficiently (Taylor). Boat People who lacked English could not find jobs and found difficulties doing everyday tasks. When Vietnamese began to understand their struggle in the job market, they would try to open restaurants, but Americans would not accept the new flavor of food (â€Å"The Asian American Experience-Building New Saigon†). No business in the restaurants forced them to close, and find work elsewhere. Then the Boat People turned to the fishing industry.At first whites tolerated Vietnamese in the fishing industry because they posed no threat. However, when Vietnamese bought shrimp boats, they became a threat to white’s businesses, and whites began to dislike Vietnamese. (â€Å"Asian Americans†). Some Vietnamese would get extremely involved in the fishing industry, but learned better from violence used against them. Some people went as far as burning down the Vietnamese’s boats (â€Å"Asian Americans†). Outside of the fishing industry employers and coworkers would become frustrated with Vietnamese for working slowly (Li).Vietnamese worked with quality in mind where Americans worked with speed in mind. This caused employers to be impatient wi th Vietnamese, and sometimes cost them their jobs. Even when Boat People acquired jobs, their median annual personal earnings placed them $35,000 lower than the earnings for other Americans. Overall, Vietnamese had a horribly hard acceptance into the job market, however, this would have facilitated had they not had trouble adapting to culture. As Vietnamese immigrated to the United States, they found trouble adapting to the culture.This especially occurred in the medical and education world. The American medical treatment dissatisfied Vietnamese because it does not concentrate on healing (Li). Some people would try to combine western medical treatment with the Taoist concept of balance. Many Vietnamese believed that if they rubbed a coin on skin it would relieve a cold (Li). However, if a mother brought a child to the doctor they would mistake the coin bruises as child abuse, a major misconception of culture. In fact, the majority of Boat People would not enter the hospitals because of white rooms and nurses wearing white (Li).In Vietnam, white represented the color of death. Furthermore, children found adapting to the school system difficult because of them placed by age group, not ability (Li). As well as American schools based off of critical thinking and Vietnamese schools off of pure memorization (Li). This became extremely difficult for Vietnamese students who did not speak English proficiently. Highly disadvantaged with their lack of English, Boat People had an extremely arduous time adapting to the ways of Americans without the ability to communicate (â€Å"Promoting Cultural Sensitivity: Vietnamese Guide†).A misconception between cultures occurred when Vietnamese would show interest in a religion for respect, but no actual interest in converting (Li). The churches may become disappointed in the Vietnamese. Furthermore, traditions of parents embarrass children because the parents had not adapted to the American culture, but hung onto the Vietnam culture. Contrary to the belief that immigration moves like a painless journey, Vietnamese had one of the most tiresome and arduous immigration in American history. Beginning with a war on their home turf, they had to leave their country. The war caused dreadful effects and they lost all their hope.When they stepped on to American soil, they had nothing but the clothes on their backs. Furthermore, their lack of material affected their ability to find jobs. More so they did not speak English, and had little to no education. Although now they had a shred of hope that life could achieve immense success. However, accused for living as a burden to society, discriminated against in the job market, and finding difficulty adapting to the new American culture caused that hope to be terminated. Vietnamese did not deserve the treatment they received, but they endured it with all they had and with the small hope of a new life.

Consumer Buying Behaviour Essay

INTRODUCTION This paper is based on a group purchase from the popular coffee house Starbucks. All members were to meet and purchase a beverage and analyse the purchase and reflect on emotions and feelings prior to the purchase and also post purchase. Each group member bought something different so we were therefore able to compare each individuals experience. CONSUMER A Problem Recognition Consumer A and the other consumers recognised the need for a place to meet in order to enjoy some food/a drink that was in the centre of town, within a budget and would not require a reservation. Consumer A wanted a drink but also something more filling and exciting than a regular coffee or tea. This would take the consumer from their actual state to their ideal state (Solomon et al 2010). Information Search Due to the high recognition and availability of the brand, when feeling the need of a drink, hot or cold, Consumer A believe that the Starbucks brand recall is one of the strongest out there. Thus meaning that it is the first one the consumer will think of and additionally the brand is widely available. Particularly in Glasgow central, there is a Starbucks on almost every corner, stimulating both her internal and external information state (Solomon et al 2010). Consumer A and the rest of the group decided upon Starbucks, dismissing other rival retailers such as Costa and Caffe Nero The  consumer thought about what drinks she had seen people get and say was nice, this is known as an internal search, Consumer A also saw another female consumer drinking one of the ‘strawberries and cream frappaccino and thought it looked delicious and the pink and white colour combination is very appealing. Evaluation of alternatives Starbucks was chosen from the consumers evoked set (Solomon et al 2010), due to good marketing. Consumer A showed rational behaviour by opting for a drink that is quite filling so that it was less expensive than buying a drink and a separate snack. Consumer A used her prior knowledge of the drinks she had tried from Starbucks and opted for a drink she knew she liked the taste of rather than variety seeking Consumer A finds that the wide range of options in Starbucks means it can be difficult to make a decision, however they allow you to customise your drink which Consumer A likes as you can get exactly as you want. Purchase Consumer A decided on purchasing the strawberries and cream frappaccino. Consumer A enjoyed her experience overall, service was relatively efficient and her drink did not take long. There was low risk and involvement in the purchase, due to its low price (?3.29) and the nature of the product. Consumer A, did however, feel a little panicked when she went to order as you need to stand in the queue to read the menu boards rather than being able to read and decide before joining the queue. This left Consumer A feeling a bit rushed into the decision. Consumer A was offered cream on top, this left them feeling like it was an added extra, leaving them pleased with their purchase. Post-Purchase Consumer A was very pleased with the purchase as it tasted delicious and was very filling. Whilst Starbucks can be perceived to have some overpriced  products, consumer A did not feel like the frappaciano is one of them, so was satisfied, finding it good value for money. However having seen the high calorie content did make it somewhat less enjoyable as it inspires a little bit of post-purchase guilt. Consumer A decided to push aside any feelings of guilt, a manifestation of cognitive dissonance (Arnould et al 2004). Consumer A felt full and no longer thirsty, it had satisfied her sweet craving and so was now in her ideal state. Consumer A will continue to be a regular customer. Consumer A considers what the drink would be if it were a car, animal and person. If the drink were a car it would probably be a convertible, something fun, quite flash and expensive. If the drink were an animal it would be something relatively exotic and colourful, like a bird of paradise. If the drink was a person, they would be very sweet, probably relatively young, vivacious and excitable, possibly flirty. CONSUMER B The group recognise a problem when they decide they want to meet up but need the convenience of somewhere that does not require a reservation. There are several stores offering similar products in the surrounding area, Costa, Starbucks, Pret a Manger and other less branded coffee shops; constructive processing means the decision to go to Starbucks is made rather quickly; the decision was almost automated due to the knowledge of Starbucks’ product range (Solomon et al, 2010). The group perform an internal search to locate a Starbucks within walking distance from their current position. Whilst in line to order consumer B browses the many drinks on the menu considers the possible flavours and quickly decides to purchase a large cup of tea. The tea is chosen as it is consumer B’s favourite hot drink. As the decision to buy tea was made easily by consumer B there was time left to survey the cakes and biscuits on offer while in the queue; consumer B decided to make a hotspot purchase of a cookie to accompany the tea. Consumer B enjoys the purchase of tea and a cookie which cost ?3.70 which  consumer B believes to be competitively priced with rival stores but overpriced in relation to the cost of manufacture however this has not ruined the experience. Overall the experience was a positive one; service was quick, the store was laid out efficiently, staff were friendly, consumer B enjoyed the social aspect that was made possible due to the homely store and the purchase was satisfactory too. Consumer B considers what tea would be if it was a type of car, animal and person and determines, if a car it would be a Volkswagen Golf as it is without significant changes; if an animal it would be a dog or cat as is a lifelong companion; and if a person someone who was comforting, friendly and dependable. Tea has all of these characteristics to consumer B. (Solomon et al, 2010, pg314) CONSUMER C The group recognise a problem as to what time to meet up, as some group members are not nearby the selected Starbucks, and others only have a small amount of time due to work commitments. They decide to meet as soon as possible at a set point (Starbucks Buchanan Galleries) and to purchase their products as soon as they can so that all members can be involved, and the members that need to leave will just order take-away cups. Consumer C knew that they would need to leave for work soon after she had met the group at Starbucks, so their first thought was that it would be ideal to pick up a take-away cup. This is problem recognition (Solomon et al, 2010) in the customer realising they were currently purchasing a product, but would soon need to leave the location where the product is generally consumed. Pre-purchase research had taught them that Starbucks offer a take-away service. Having made this decision, consumer C now considered her options for a drink. Not particularly liking tea or coffee consumer C decides to buy a hot chocolate, and makes it a small as they are not that hungry. As consumer 2 is paying the cashier offers them cream and marshmallows for a small extra price, and so makes a hotspot decision to purchase cream for on top of the hot chocolate. Consumer C enjoyed the purchase of hot chocolate with cream. It was ideal that they could sit and enjoy the drink with the rest of the group, but leave slightly earlier without having to stop drinking their purchase due to the take-away cup. Compared to home-made products was a lot more enjoyable due to extra touches such as cream and the ability to sit with friends in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Consumer C reflects on their experience of the purchase of a hot chocolate for ?3.40. It was more satisfying than home-made products due to the services it comes with, and was an enjoyable experience with friends. If this product was a car Consumer C thinks it would be a Volkswagen Beetle as it is sweet and almost a bit childish. If it was an animal it would be a sloth because it is relaxed and happy. If it was a person it would be a grandmother type figure, as it is used to cheer people up and as an almost comfort-blanket type product. CONSUMER D The consumers decided to meet to discuss group work issues. Upon deciding a meeting place, there were a few options considered by the consumers: a restaurant or a cafe, as they would provide the perfect space and atmosphere in order to carry out the meeting without any major interruptions and would allow them their own space. Most of the group had already eaten lunch as this was around 2pm, so it was then decided that a cafe would be the most suitable place to meet, allowing them to also enjoy a relaxing hot drink and possibly a cake/pastry. Consumer D already had an idea of a place which would offer the group what they required, due to â€Å"Internal information search†. Consumer D regularly visited Starbucks and had never been let down by their services, they had a very positive image of the brand. They also remembered reading â€Å"Find your local Starbucks and visit us in store for your perfect latte!†(Starbucks official website 2012) on their official website, which coincidently happened to be their favourite hot beverage. A short conversation was  undertaken which involved assessing the nearby coffee shops such as Costa coffee and Pret a Manger, (mainly those who were branded, as the knowledge of their products and services were the highest) it was decided that Starbucks was the preferred option by all consumers. Upon arriving at the nearest Starbucks, consumer D already had decided what drink they were going to purchase (a latte) as they had previously enjoyed the same drink many times before and it was their favourite. As consumer D waited in the queue (queues are present nine times out of ten in most Starbucks although that never hindered the experience) they were faced with all of the cakes and sandwiches that the cafe had to offer. Although consumer D had just eaten lunch, they were almost at eye level with their favourite cake and made a rash decision to purchase it as they usually enjoyed it alongside their favourite drink. After ordering, the assistant then asked for consumer D’s name, to place on the order, to give it a personal touch, to make experience somewhat more pleasant. Taking into consideration all the qualities of the drink, the consumer decided that if it was to be compared to a car, it would most resemble an Audi as it was a safe option, it was reliable and not just a regular coffee, it was an upgraded sophisticated version. If the drink was to be compared to a person, it would most resemble a woman/mother in a well-paid occupation as it gives vibes of confidence and sophistication, due to the sharp coffee taste but also an understanding and warming vibe due to milk being the basis of the drink. It was then considered that if the latte was an animal it would be a Persian Cat, mostly due to the similarity of the colours and the cuddly yet classy image that they project. Consumer D was just as impressed as they always were with their Starbucks purchase; they believe that the brand is very consistent with the quality of their products which draws them in as they never have the risk of being disappointed. Although it cost them ?5.25 for a coffee and a cake, it was not grudged as it is now accepted as the norm for all branded coffee shops. Consumer D had also enjoyed the free Wi-fi, as it assisted the group whilst they were enjoying their beverages so they could socialise, discuss and  research all at the same time. Consumer D identified that the purchase was one of low involvement as during the information search, it was limited and not many options were considered; when it came to the purchase, they knew what they wanted to buy, they didn’t have look into any other product – the behaviour was habitual and post purchase, there was little evaluation on the purchase and no research was undertaken. CONSUMER E Prior to the visit to Starbucks, Consumer E was thrilled at the chosen place of purchase. Consumer E is familiar with the American Coffee House and visits regularly. Although Consumer E has been countless times before, this experience was to be different and the trip was to be made with a group of friends who had not spent time with each other before. Consumer E felt wary and anxious about how the group would all get along and how the experience would be. Consumer E was more concerned about the people attending the meeting than actually making the purchase. Consumers E was considering whether to stick with the regular order or try something new to add to the whole ‘new’ experience. Consumer E gathered information from the Starbucks website on what other beverages and snacks they serve to be prepared for meeting. Consumer E had decided on the purchase going to be made, however, before doing so, compared alternatives on the menu by analysing nutrition information. Consumer E then confirmed her choice before the day of the meeting. Friday 15th February was the day the group planned to meet at the Coffee House. Consumer E was running late so felt rushed when arriving. The remainder of the group were already sitting down, chatting, and seemed delighted that Consumer E had finally arrived. After around 5 minutes of brief chat, the group were ready to make their purchase. As everyone made their way to order, Consumer E realised that the firmed choice of hazelnut hot chocolate was not desired any longer. Consumer E had been in such a great rush to get to the meeting that the needs had changed and now craved something cold and refreshing. The queue was terribly long, so Consumer E had plenty of time to evaluate alternatives. When the caramel Frappuccino had been ordered, Consumer E felt no warmth and friendliness from the staff, which is normally the atmosphere created in Starbucks. The staff did ask the  name of the consumer to write on the cup, which is a nice, personal touch. The member of staff questioned whether the consumer would enjoy cream on their beverage or would prefer without. Consumer E agreed to the cream and made the purchase of ?3.29. After making the purchase, Consumer E realised there was no up sell of snacks or biscuits which the felt was disappointing and thought effort was lacking from the staff members. When the drink was ready, it was made aware that it was served in a plastic cup even though the consumer had stated they were sitting in. When arriving back at the table to join the remaining group members, Consumer E felt slightly out of place as the other members were sipping from large, Starbucks stamped mugs. Their experience seemed more homely, warm and comforting whereas Consumer E felt their Frappuccino was over-priced to be served in a plastic cup, with a straw. The consumer understood that the type of drink is slightly different; however, the purchase made should not affect the overall experience of consuming in such a place where expectations are so high. Consumer E felt as though they had been given a take away, and although the beverage was lovely, it would have been more enjoyable if it had been consumed the same way as the other group members; from a mug like you’re sitting at home! Overall, the experience of the purchase was slightly disappointing; however, Consumer E loves the social aspect of Starbucks. If the consumer had the chance to indulge in the atmosphere predicted before the purchase was made, then the outcome may have been different. CONSUMER COMPARISON Problem Recognition The consumers recognised a variety of reasons as to why they made their purchase. Consumer A was thirsty and wanted something quite filling, Consumer B wanted a drink and a snack, Consumer C wanted the convenience of a takeaway cup, Consumer D wanted a drink and was also hungry for a cake, and Consumer E also wanted a drink. All the consumers identified the need  for somewhere convenient and not too expensive to meet. Information Search The consumers used different methods of collecting information. The choice of Starbucks was largely based on all the consumers’ previous experiences and awareness of the brand, showing successful marketing, as all of the consumers noted that they had previously been and it was thought of as an easy and convenient choice. Consumer E, D and A admit to being regular customers, thus illustrating not only their brand loyalty but also how integrated the ‘Starbucks’ brand is within consumers internal search, strong brand recall (Solomon et al 2010). Consumer E also used an external search by looking at the product options prior to their trip, comparing prices and calories. Additionally Consumer D recalled knowledge of one of the brands advertisements on their website. Evaluation of Alternatives The evaluation of alternatives was somewhat unique for each consumer. Consumer E had decided upon their purchase beforehand, Consumer D stuck to her favourite drink, whilst Consumers C, B and A perused the menu and made more impulsive decisions from the extensive menu. Consumer A was relatively price conscious. All the consumers evaluated whether they would enjoy the purchase beforehand and stuck to drinks they had tried before to avoid disappointment. Purchase Consumers had different experiences when making their purchases, despite it being the same staff. Whilst Consumer E was disappointed by the lack of up-sell, Consumer A thought this was a positive aspect of the experience as she felt that being pressured into purchasing more is a turn-off. Whilst Consumers A, C and D were okay with the price, Consumer B thought it slightly overpriced especially in relation to the manufacture cost of her tea; however all the consumers agreed on the enjoying the social aspects of  the Starbucks experience. Post-Purchase Evaluation The consumers post purchase evaluations also differed despite being together in the same Starbucks at the same time. Personal preference would be best identified as the driving force behind why some Consumers were more pleased with their purchases than others. Due to the nature of the products purchased the consumers were able to test the product immediately. Consumer A was pleased with her purchase despite a little post-purchase guilt and experiencing a little post purchase dissonance, Consumer E was left slightly disappointed with their purchase, whilst consumers B, C and D were all satisfied, describing it as a positive experience and purchase. Whilst Consumer E was left unhappy with the fact their frappacciano came in a take away cup, this was seen as a positive for Consumer C, for whom the ease of the plastic cup allowed them not to rush before heading to work commitments. CONCLUSION In conclusion, consumers A, B, C, D, and E, all used the ‘Individual Decision Making Process’ when going about their purchase from Starbucks. Consumers A and purchased their drink through need as well as want, they were thirsty. Consumers C and were more driven by want as they weren’t particularly hungry or thirsty. In the Information search stage, all the consumers followed a relatively similar pattern, due to the high brand awareness of Starbucks and its easy availability. None of the consumers set an exact budget, but all the purchases retailed under ?7. On the whole all the Consumers, except consumer E who expressed a little disappointment, had a positive experience and Consumers E and D are already loyal customers. Therefore they are likely to go back and continue to purchase from Starbucks. The consumers’ decision making processes are somewhat unique and are more complex due to the extensive menu and options available. REFERENCES James R. Bettman, ‘The Decision Maker Who Came in from the Cold’ (presidential address), in Leigh McAllister and Michael Rothschild (eds), Advances in Consumer Research 20 (Provo, U.T.: Association for Consumer Research, 1993): 7-11; John W. Payne, James R. Bettman and Eric J. 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