Monday, September 23, 2019
Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Diversity - Essay Example This is because without unity, cultural diversity would then turn into cultural multiplicity. It is therefore, against a backdrop of widespread acknowledgment of cultural differences and unity that cultural diversity can exist. This by itself is a verification of human action unity where all the differences are evaluated against a backdrop that is homogeneous. Culture and diversity are essentially interrelated: culture is therefore diversity, meaning that by nature, culture is diversity. In the same way diversity is constructed by culture. What shape diversity is the existence of culture which gives it meaning as well as scope. Just as culture is diversity, one would be right to say the diversity is essentially culture (Diller, 23) In an effort to understand and know our own culture we must put an effort to learn to examine it from other cultures point of view or perspective. This can be done through comparing our own cultural beliefs and customs with against those of other places and time. In the world that we are living today, having external diversity on the retreat as well as globalization knocking at our door, it is becoming a matter of great importance and priority to preserve and protect the internal diversity possessed by every society in their subgroups and constituent group. In so doing everything that create their difference which the highly esteem can be preserved and respected. Cultural diversity should be encouraged to a degree at which it is possible for different groups around the world to be able to preserve their cultural characteristics in their respective and different social groups (Diller, 38). This should be done in the same way the plant or animal species are persevered and protected in an effort to avert possible extinction of the biological diversity of plants and animals in the world and also for purposes of preventing the destruction of our ecosystem. In the same backdrop, cultural diversity must be protected and
Poem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Poem - Essay Example The poem can be taken to be a sort of ode to the womenââ¬â¢s liberation movement. It is about a woman who does not follow what is expected, but rather marches to the beat of her own drum. A woman, who is dubbed as crazy, because she is not one to follow societal rules, is the subject of this poem. This poem is written by an African American woman; that factor causes this poem to carry even more meaning, as now we see someone who is burdened doubly by the society, both for being African-American and for being a woman, and yet she is brave enough to cast rules aside and live her life according to her own whims and desires. The fact that she terms those who stare at her odd ways as ââ¬Å"little peopleâ⬠is testament to the fact of her low opinion regarding them. This is, indeed a beautiful piece of work that relates, in a few lines the experience of a woman who wants to live life at her own terms. I found it to be very refreshing, as we live in a world where people often obey s ocietal rules unquestioningly, to have someone who does not do so gives me hope that there will always be people who will question the status quo of things. Equality ââ¬â Maya Angelou Maya Angelouââ¬â¢s poem Equality talks about, as is apparent from its title, equality. In this poem, she is trying to make out a case for those who are oppressed, as they call out and profess their desire to be considered equal. This poem can have a twofold meaning.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Best practices in early childhood education (website search)See Essay
Best practices in early childhood education (website search)See instructions - Essay Example Research has determined that the preschool curriculum models can be beneficial if they facilitate development for teachers and aides, involve parents, keep to small class size, and maintain program continuity. (http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/3/topsyn3.html ) However, the teachers need to ensure that they children to have a quality experience in class. Instead of mundane tasks to keep them occupied, the teacher can plan creative activities with materials facilitating intellectual development. Besides, activities can also be designed to promote native language and culture and focus on developing better language, social and cognitive capabilities. (http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/11.pdf). It is important to secure the participation of families in early childhood education. Teachers must work in collaboration with the parents in order to ensure better progress of their students. Care must be taken to plan activities revolving around the childââ¬â¢s environment and routines which can promote interaction, communication and learning by defining roles for dramatic play by encouraging engagement and group friendship activities. Thus activities must be planned with the aim of creating opportunities for learning. (http://www.dec-sped.org/recommendedpractices.html). The teacher must keep in mind that each child is different and hence strive to provide personalised attention. This is crucial since the teacher may not be aware that she is working with children with special needs or even disabilities and may be about to discover their specific requirements. This is yet another reason why a teacher must not be rigid about implementing of group norms. Developmentally appropriate programmes will provide the right opportunities for children to broaden and deepen their behavioural knowledge. Such programmes provide a wide range of experiences and also help in
Discuss the appeal of The Crucible Essay Example for Free
Discuss the appeal of The Crucible Essay English Literature Coursework: The Crucible by Arthur Miller Discuss the appeal of The Crucible to its audience The Crucible is a 20th century play that focuses on the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692. These events led to mass hysteria over the persecution of those who, allegedly, participated in acts of incantation. Over-exaggeration, emotion, tautness, suspense and the eradication of characters (due to their alleged involvement in witchcraft) are the main themes of the play throughout the four volatile scenes of The Crucible. The audience observing would be enticed by the mood swings of characters and their persecution for such crimes in the theocratic village, where interrogated citizens in the dense society were forced to name other possible witches. If they failed to produce names of others, they would be hanged ruthlessly. The inhabitants of Salem believed in witches and the Devil and that the Bible had instructed them that witches must be hanged. A feeling of inequity is sensed here. The events of the play, first performed in England in 1954, are analogous to the McCarthy era in the USA , where anyone suspected of criticising the government or its direction was to be brought before a court to respond to the charge of Un-American Activities. The opening scene in The Crucible immediately gives the audience a feeling of a sinister and lifeless atmosphere: A candle still burns near the bed The roof rafters are exposed, and the wood colours are raw and unmellowed. Reverend Parris is discovered , evidently in prayer. His daughter is lying on the bed, inert. (Act One, p1) The candle beside the bed indicates a slight source of light, perhaps hope that Betty will wake. The environment around is silent. The rafters are bare, and the wood is: raw. The Reverend is peacefully in prayer and his daughter is lying, as if lifeless, on the bed. A prayer is a silent act which emphasises the mood of the room. The imagery illustrates a dark, dull and demoralising sector of the Reverends home. The description of the stage in the opening scene creates a false impression for the audience as the majority observing the play would now expect a lethargic plot, with limited excitement and monotonous dialogue with little emotion, but actually it is a play full of overdramatic behaviour and emotion.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
To My Best Friend Essay Example for Free
To My Best Friend Essay I just wanted to tell you that I am so glad that we became friends. I do have friends that I could tell anything and not be judged but you are different; you are an exception. You are my sister, maybe not by blood but definitely by destiny. You love me for me, and I love you for you, no bargaining or explanations needed. Thank you for always being close to me even when we are in separate schools and separate stages of life. I know we donââ¬â¢t have the same interests most of the time and maybe we donââ¬â¢t hang out as much anymore. You hang out with your friends I hang out with my friends but thank you for not letting us be awkward and distant by facts like distance or time or interest. Thank you for never giving up on our friendship, for never shrugging and being like ââ¬Å"Things change, people changeâ⬠and suddenly drifting away. We can go days, weeks, months, even a year without talking to each other are still able to be close. When we do finally see each other again, itââ¬â¢s as if weââ¬â¢ve just seen each other the day before. We all get distant to a certain degree when we make huge transitions but you didnââ¬â¢t let me get very far because you knew what was truly important. You never got mad when I didnââ¬â¢t contact you for weeks because I was too busy being someoneââ¬â¢s girlfriend, but you were right there to pick up my heart-splinters when things probably shatter. Thank you for believing in me when I was too weak and exhausted to believe in myself. Thank you for not judging me when I did something really stupid, but also thanks for telling me I was an idiot and probably shouldnââ¬â¢t have done the stupid thing. Thank you for always being honest. Thank you for believing me when everyone was against me. I donââ¬â¢t have to state what that problem was I know you know. Thank you for judging me at first but also thanks for finally believing in me when things were clear. Thank you for not letting that incident shatter our friendship. Thank you for loving me even though most were not there for me. Let others say what they want to say. You can never please everybody; you just have to prove them wrong by being you. Let your revenge be your sweetest smile and donââ¬â¢t drop to their level to prove your worth. Just bear in mind that we, especially your mom and dad, will always accept you for who you are. You donââ¬â¢t have to put on a mask for us to appreciate you. We know you are special and how important you are. Always remember, I will always love you no matter what happens. Whatever your family background is, what your past love lives were, no matter who you are and what you become, Iââ¬â¢ll always be your sister. I will never leave you, AV Barrios. Thanks for all the great memories, long talks, and laughs. Thanks for being there through my ups and downs. Thanks for being the best friend a girl could have. Thanks for being true, and thanks for being YOU. You are truly the best friend I have ever had.
The Ethics Of Photojournalism
The Ethics Of Photojournalism Is a photograph worth more than words? Do the visuals of a photograph have more impact than language? Can one photograph put over the same point across to all its onlookers? Does one single person have a right photograph something that may question moral standards? All these issues arise when considering the field of photojournalism, but do photographs that are published in the media have more impact on the public and because it is a photograph, should we assume that what is being shown is the real truth, opposed to it being a very life like painting? Photojournalists have to comply with a set of ethical rules, the same as writers and editors in the world of media. Each photograph published has to conform to regulations, whether written or unwritten. These sets of rules have precedence in deciding if that photograph is a true and authentic image of what is being shown to the public. In some cases this may rely on the personal principles of the photojournalist and what they perceive to be what is morally right to publish or not. Many topics are raised when considering these rules such as, the behavior of the photographer when taking pictures, what images can be altered by the photographer and the most important one, what can and canà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t be photographed. Technological competence and the ever-changing values of society have influenced this structure of ethics to evolve; and it is still constantly progressing today. Ethics, in any case, is inevitably going to be an area that provokes debate. Kenneth Kobre, a professor in photojournalism and author, writes in his book, Photojournalism, the Proffesionals Approach, à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Photojournalism has no Bible, no rabbinical college, no Pope to define correct choices.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ What Kobre means by this is, there is no single referee that determines what is or isnà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t ethical. However, if there were, it still isnà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t a field where a right or wrong label can be administered. In many books that consider the ethics of photojournalism, one main focal point is often talked about and that is how truthful a photograph can be. It is a question of whether a certain image shows the subject in an accurate light or if it is deceptive to the onlooker. The National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics states that à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Our primary goal is the faithful and comprehensive depiction of the subject at hand.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ So does this mean that a photographer can alter a photo, or set one up? Would these photographs be deemed as à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½faithful and comprehensive depictions?à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ Many texts have been written on the ethics of photojournalism and have tried to answer those questions. However, other debates reach much further when considering these questions, like the debate between ethics and preference. This is particularly true when contemplating photographs of a sexual or violent nature. Some may feel that sexual and violent imagery are in the field of personal preference, whereas the counter argument could be that ethical values must be considered when images such as these are taken. Another angle that could be looked at when thinking about the ethics of photojournalism is what the journalist does when taking their photographs. Perhaps, if a person requested not to be photographed, should the photographer go ahead with it anyway? Or another instance could be, if a photojournalist was covering a major natural disaster, should he stop taking pictures to help someone in desperate need? Then, of course, the argument between being a professional and the ethics of journalism comes into play. If, like stated in the NPPA Code of ethics that all depictions should be à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½faithful and comprehensiveà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½, does that also cover a situation where the journalist may deliberately not using a photograph to its full potential? There is one book in particular that tries to solve these questions. Written by Paul Lester, Photojournalism: An Ethical Approach, spells out six different ethical philosophies in order to sort out the baffling queries in this ethical field. The first being the Categorical Imperative. Lester states, à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Categorical here means unconditional, without any question of extenuating circumstances, without any exceptions.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ What is meant by this is that if it ok for one, it is ok for all. If, for example, an editor was thinking about publishing a photograph of a white policeman using physical force against a black female citizen. That editor should then reflect on whether they would publish it if it was under a different situation; say if the policeman was a black male and the citizen a white female, or if they were both of the same race or gender. The second of the six philosophies is Utilitarianism. à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Utilitarianism is the belief that tries to maximize the greatest good for the greatest number of peopleà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½. So, for example, a photograph of a child with severe burns may offend some people, especially those who have children. However, if this image will raise awareness for fire safety within the area, then going by the philosophy of Utilitarianism, the capturing and publication of this image is seen as morally right. The third that Lester talks about is Hedonism. à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Phrases such as, Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die, Live for today, and Dont worry-Be happy, are present examples of the Hedonism philosophyà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½. It is to justify publishing photos for their aesthetic nature (to sell newspapers) rather because of their importance. An example of this is perhaps where a young lady is pictured on the front page rather than a boring old politician. The forth of the six is The Golden Mean, à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½a compromise between two extreme points of view or actionsà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½. Here, Lester explains that if there is a photograph that is less offensive or invasive, but still gets the same point across then that photo is the best one to publish. So, for example, if there was a photo of the funeral of a dead solider or a photo of a memorial with the inscription of the names of lost soldiers, then the memorial image should be the one chosen as it still shows the impact of war. à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½The following two philosophies, Veil of Ignorance and Golden Rule, are usually used to argue against the taking and printing a controversial image by photographers, editors, subjects, and readers.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ The Veil of Ignorance is where à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½in practical terms, a photographer tries to imagine what it would be like to be the subject of the photographsà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½. What is meant by this is, if the photographers themselves wouldnà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t feel comfortable in the place of the subject, then it would be best to find another image. For example, if a riot was being photographed and someone was pictured with their clothes torn off, then this could be a situation which the photographer may not feel comfortable in, because of the unforeseen nudity. Finally, the last of the six is The Golden Rule. Lester explains The Golden Rule as being the philosophy that teaches persons to love your neighbors as yourself.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ In other words, they should treat the subjects in their photographs the way they would want to be treated. This philosophy is one that relies on the photographers or editors own morals. Although there is no definite system that the ethics of photojournalism can be regulated by, there are other conducts that can establish its present shape to a degree. By investigating certain circumstances that have encouraged debate on the ethics of photojournalism, one can unearth any potentially unethical photograph or photographer, as people donà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t usually question anything that is evidently all well and good. So, by doing this helps highlight the unclear guidelines to what may be or not be ethical; with unambiguous cases of unethical and ethical journalistic works, the understanding of the ethics in photojournalism can be broadened. Case Study As I have stated previously, the ethical quandaries that photojournalists and editors have to face is an area of grey. It could be argued that manipulation of a photograph can be as simple as changing it from colour to black and white. On the other hand, manipulation can also include a photograph that has been taken from a series of snaps, and published in a certain way that changes the whole concept entirely. That subsequently brings me to the photograph of à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½The Falling Manà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ in the September,11th attacks in New York. The photograph was taken by Richard Drew at 9.41 am. à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½In the United States, people have taken pains to banish it from the record of September 11, 2001. The story behind it, though, and the search for the man pictured in it, are our most intimate connection to the horror of that day.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ It has been documented throughout the world that this photograph is just one that was selected from a series of photographs taken of this man plummeting to his death. Some may feel that this particular image is one that depicts elegance and peacefulness, whereas the others are said to be of a disturbing nature. This evidently shows that the alteration of an image and the editing process are one of the same, which leads one to question the ethics behind this photograph. One could argue, on ethical grounds, that the victim falling to his death in this photograph did not attend work that day to become a tragic figure. The victim falling to his death on 911 did not go to work to become an icon of a tragic day. It could be said that it is regrettable that this man, through the acts of terrorism, became a reluctant hero in his last living moments, yet it brings a recognition to the photojournalist who captured these terrible happenings. Is this ethically right? Afterward, the photograph was then used in a search to identify à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½the falling manà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ which later provoked strongly opinionated debates about the shame and anger the families of people pictures were feeling. The well known phrase à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½jumpersà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ came in use not long after this photograph was printed, which implied they had committed suicide. This created controversy throughout many communities in America, as suicide was a shameful act. Again, did Richard Drew consider any ethical reasoning before selling on this picture? This photograph doesnà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t reflect any of the rules stated in the NPPC Code of ethics, but still the American newspapers felt it was right to publish. Photojournalists, and journalists alike, have a responsibility to provide the public with the news. Yet, on ethical terms, they also have to strive to achieve equilibrium between their professionalism as well as respecting the privacy and dignity of their subject. However, could it be said that photo was in the public interest? It could be suggested that, while this photograph may be a controversial one throughout America (and even the world) , ethics has nothing to do with it. A photograph can also be seen as a work of art; this one being no exception. The aim of a work of art is to trigger an emotional reaction to the person who is looking at it. Even when considering the horrific circumstances it was taken under, this photograph is still deeply moving. Therefore, it may be argued that this photograph cannot be controlled by ethics; somewhat our perceptions of ethics are fixed and then are subsequently challenged by art. My personal view of this photograph is undecided. Considering each argument that could hypothetically be put across I still have no solid opinion on it. However, I feel what Peter Howe wrote on Richard Drew does show a flicker of truth. This photograph has impacted on American society, even reaching out the other nations. à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Drew hasnà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½t seen one image that he considers to be the iconic summation of the disaster, but he feels that the photographic coverage of it has influenced the American public: à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½I think it has rallied the Americans. At least what I can see. Ità ¯Ã ¿Ã ½s seemed to have rallied everyone. Everyone is carrying flags, they have flags on their cars, and they have flags on their lapels, flags on their hats at the NY stock exchange. They have flags everywhere. People on the street corners are all selling flags. There is a sense of patriotism that probably wasnt that strong as it was when this thing started, you know. You cant screw with us. We are going to go after you. Were not going to sit back here and take it.à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½Ã ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ In my conclusion, I feel that while the roots of print journalism can be traced almost to the origins of the written word. However, photojournalism is a pretty new thing when put in comparison with language. In 150 years a whole framework of ethics has evolved. When photojournalism first came about, technology ruled what was acceptable, because if it was possible then it must be ok. However, after the industry began to mull over what the essence of news really was that is when it all began to change. By introducing notions such as trust and fairness, that is when an ethical system had to be applied; as a result, the concept of photojournalistic ethics. . After looking into much detail about à ¯Ã ¿Ã ½the falling manà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ photograph, it is clear how much of an impact photojournalism, and other journalistic works for that matter, have on our society as a whole. By sparking a debate from one single photo, creates thought processes which one may never have considered in any other instances. That leads on to the way society thinks and acts. Lastly, the vital aim is to put forward accurate and trustworthy photographic journalism to the public. Although, as I have stated previously, it may be published at a cost, the negative effect of a photograph must be put against the possible benefits it may have to the viewing public. However, we cannot assume that todayà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½s ethics, will be the same as tomorrows.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Example Dissertation On Defining And Discussing A Family Business
Example Dissertation On Defining And Discussing A Family Business There are various definitions that describe a family business, and each definition describes the family business with a different way. According to Birley and to Godfrey, whether utilizing a broad or narrow definition of family business, it is clear that family businesses comprise a very significant proportion of business throughout the world. Family businesses can range in size from a small corner store to a large multinational corporation. (Birley Godfrey, 1999). According to Chua, Sharma, and Chrisman (1996), family business as a business governed and/or managed on a sustainable, potentially cross-generational, basis to shape and perhaps pursue the formal or implicit vision of the business held by members of the same family or a small number of families.. For the purpose of our dissertation, a family business is a company whose ownership and management are concentrated in one family, with at least one member of the family at the helm of the business and another being groomed or considered for eventual leadership. (de Pontet, Wrosch and Gagne, 2007) In order for a family business to survive through the years an appropriate succession plan must be created to ensure in the long run prosperity and success for the family firms. According to Viktorin and Downs the definition of succession planning is the identification and development of an individual, or a small pool of individuals, with the skills, attributes and experience to fill specific roles. In reality this is more like Replacement Planning-where companies look to replace individuals based on a never-changing organisational chart. (John Viktorin and Lee Downs, 2010) http://www.hrpa.ca/ProfessionalDevelopment/Pages/PDinaBox%E2%84%A2TopicDescriptionSuccessionPlanning.aspx Also, according to Christee Gabour Atwood, succession planning is described as having the right people in the right place at the right time. More specifically, succession planning is the ongoing process of identifying future leaders in an organization and developing them so they are ready to move into leadership roles. This process includes reviewing the organizations strategic plan, studying the current workforce, forecasting future trends and developing employees in a structures plan to replace leaders as they retire or depart from the organization. (Atwood, 2007) http://books.google.com/books?id=rdMijyE7Q58Cprintsec=frontcoverdq=succession+planninghl=enei=IclvTLvNFMim4Abr58iRCwsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CDwQ6AEwAg#v=onepageqf=false In order to enhance Business continuity in the long term after a major event that affects the business a succession plan must be provided that will give ensure survival. According to David Honour An holistic management process that identifies potential impacts that threaten an organization, and provides a framework for building resilience and the capability for an effective response which safeguards the interests of its key stakeholders, reputation, brand and value-creating activities. (Honour, 2006) http://www.continuitycentral.com/feature0398.htm Business Continuity planning is defined as the Planning which identifies an organization exposure to internal and external threats and synthesizes hard and soft assets to provide effective prevention and recovery for the organization, whilst maintaining competitive advantage and value system integrity. (Dominic Elliott, Ethnà © Swartz, Brahim Herbane,2002) http://books.google.com/books?ei=s9NvTM7LBY6k4QalxYXeCAct=resultid=Igcza506veICdq=business+continuity+definitionq=business+continuity+definition#v=snippetq=business%20continuity%20definitionf=false Why succession in family business is important According to the survey from the Price Waterhouse Cooper Cyprus they found that the 50% of family firm across Cyprus are expecting a change of ownership and the 30% of these will change in the next five years. However in Cyprus the 34% expect change of ownership in the five years, which is higher than the rest of Europe. Also 58% would pass their business to next generation and 29% would sell to another company. Unfortunately this 29% of family business in the future will have a problem in the future. The succession to family firms is a key moment in the life of any family firm. Although only 16% of the Cypriot participants of the survey respond that they will manage succession. This indicates that only a few Cypriot family firms will be able to survive in the future. In the U.S. only the 30% of family firms will survive in the second generation and 10% to the third generation. In general the 50% of worlds economy is made up of family businesses and only 10% will survive to the third generation, these shows that the world economy depends wholly in the long term sustainability of the family entity. According to Aronoff It has been said that the three important issues comforting the family business are succession, succession and succession. In order for a family business to survive it must be succeeded each and every generation must be succeeded by the next which is the most crucial family business No one can plan for the worst case scenario because even you can predict your financial status for the future and make a breakeven analysis there is no way to predict the unpredictable. The unpredictable can be natural disaster, national economy collapse, CEO illness or retirement which is a good reason for having a succession plan prior. Contingency planning can anticipate the worst case scenario that will help the company to stay afloat. Succession planning together with current evolved practices over the year have grown and changed. Succession planning is not only a plan for leadership change is something more, it helps to establish a strong leadership that will ensure the survival of the business from competition in the marketplace and stress the executives the importance of reviewing and examining the mission and objectives of the company. Also having a well prepared succession plan for a family business it gives the opportunity for the rest of family members to have a voice and express their needs and concerns. It will make them more responsible and care more about the organization which will enhance a successful succession planning. It will increase the team spirit and will avoid the temptation to solely carry the entire weight of creating and sustaining a plan. Income and expenses are sustained when a succession plan is in place, because it can provide answers as to the future income the company will need and what expenses will occur once the founder steps back from the main leadership role. Having a good succession planning gives to someone a helicopter view on how to examine his or hers employees and not mistakenly focus solely on replacing high level executives. Neglecting to add all the employees from all layers of management and their subordinates, not just the high executives to succession planning can cause a series of consequences into the future. Moreover succession planning increases better relationships between departments by developing better communication between them and resulting into a more cooperative environment of synergy which develops a culture of strength and team spirit. Succession planning activities must be linked with human resource practices because after all Human Resource is about people and people are the most valuable asset of every company. Including HR in succession planning can reveal important processes such as employee evaluation processes that help to decide whether to fill vacancies with internal candidates from the company. Succession planning keeps emotions always high because change is major component of succession plan. Change can be a source of stress in case of people where the jobs at risk. On the other hand it can be an exciting process because it plans for the future and can inspire employees to get involved and loyal to the company. 4- The Family Business Challenge Family businesses in developed countries such as the U.S account for the 50% of the gross domestic product from small business to large corporations. However in the fortunes 500 companies list family businesses account for the 35% which shows that big family corporations rule the world. These family businesses are powerful and at the same time very complex that create both of them advantages and opportunities as well as challenges. The most important challenge is to effectively align the business system with the family system which it cannot come naturally. In the one hand we have the family which is driven by emotions and on the other hand the business that is driven by economics. The interaction of family cohesion and business achievement often creates outstanding business performance but at a cost. If there is lack of coordination, good things that benefit the business can damage the family and when there are family conflicts can damage the business. The crossroad between ownership, management and family found in family business creates challenges for succession. During succession trust and harmony in the family can complicate the transition process and cause conflicts. Elements affecting family business succession can be the influence of the board of directors and other experience with succession that can be considered as business factors. According to Carlock the following diagram describes the conflict between the family expectations and the business demands in planning a family enterprise strategy which includes the strategy for all the activities that need to be conducted by a family business family including its operating businesses, its investments and other business activities. Family Enterprises have four general strategies: invest, hold, harvest or sell. These strategies reflect the owners investment commitment based on the business strategic prospective for value creation. Moreover looking at the diagram we can see that family expectations, business demands and result in different tactics and actions shape the choice of enterprise strategy. Figure 1: Aligning family expectations and business demands Family Enterprises need to develop family and business plans because of five important issues that arise from the conflict between the family expectations and the business demands. These issues appear to be in most of the family firms not caused by conflicted relationships among members but driven by life cycle and life events, family values and experiences and real differences between family goals that are emotional and business goals. In order to have the control of these issues, cautious planning and decision making must be considered, in order to ensure family harmonization and business performance. Also to secure effective communication between these family and business goals, conflicting demands must be addressed from both aspects. The five structural issues are: à · Control: How are decisions made? à · Capital: How are financial resources allocated? à · Careers: How does the family create career and leadership roles? à · Connection: How do we keep family relationships strong? à · Culture: What values drive our planning, decision-making and behavior? Looking to the above issues closely we can understand how family expectation and business goal often dont match and result in to conflict. Preparing the next generation careers is often a source of stress and misunderstanding. All businesses need capable and well trained executives to manage the firm. However most of the parents see their children as the most suitable and entitled to the family business than anyone else but is not always like that. Usually there are children that are entitled to run the business but they lack of expertise and attitude, these cannot be entitled of the business because they will drive the business downward. When a family member expects to run the business like its parents, his or her dream collapse because the family havent planned succession properly or there is a lack of fairness in recruitment method. These scenarios may cause conflicts among family members relationship within the company and losses for the business. So, in that case family and busi ness planning must be completed and linked with each other in order for the family members to be informed and focused about the business requirement, where family is treated fairly and the business has capable employees. Figure 2: Structural Conflicts in Family Business Systems A good start for the family is to identify its values and its future vision. Its values can be filled in the vision statement of the company that will inspire and determine what the actual business and its strategy will become. However if the familys vision is to remain a small family business that competes in the local market, then family employment is feasible. The criteria of selecting family members will be devotion and interest only, which in case of staying within the family business, then the management positions for family members are certainly possible. On the other hand if the vision of the family is to grow the business and dominate the market or industry, the family will think of its business requirements and consider a professional management that includes skills of being able to identify strategies that suits the family business needs to dominate the market or industry. Hence, the family business will require key management people with elevated skills that could come from the family or not. In conclusion, families that identify their values helps them to agree on their vision statement that drives planning for align family and business activities that will ensure in the family and business performance. Leaders of family businesses who usually are the primary owners can exercise great control over the process of succession. According to much of the research on this subject has focused on their unwillingness to cede control, which according to relevant theories is an example of people who lose leadership and suffer from a psychological loss from retirement due to their role as leaders that offered them respect and admiration which they may not discover it somewhere else. Another challenge may be consider the emotional burden of the leader of choosing a successor from among his children, which can delay the succession process. Additionally they rely on income from the business to fund retirement and they may not forward with succession if they believe the business cannot function without them. Referring to the successors experience of succession, its interests and abilities have an impact on succession outcomes. In most organizations they gain control through demonstrating their previous experience and competence but in family business it is unclear if this process works in the same way. Relevant family business research finds that the way the heir experiences the succession process can add to his or her fulfillment with work as well as to be prepared to take over. (Stà ©phanie Brun de Pontet, 2007) An Exploration of the Generational Differences in Levels of Control Held Among Family Businesses Approaching Succession 5. Determining the current owners needs and objectives The base of family business succession plan is to determine what, when and how the owners goals and objectives. It is important to know about the goal and objective of family business because this is necessary to decide about financial planning, retirement planning, business planning, business succession planning, tax planning and strategy of company. The goal and objective can help the owners advisors to establish a good outline for succession planning. This information can give guideline to balance between family situation and business situations. Also difference between current situation and their goal and objective situation can show strengths, weakness and reality of the family business situation. Therefore, achievement of good plan needs many parameters that it is including family values and business values. Family values present their situation in the business, the owners family dynamics, Restrictions of the business and the family currently. Business values can present companys cash flow, competition level, reputation and their role in current market. In a nutshell, this part involves determining and considerate the business owners goal and objectives that present situation and the Limitations, observing the reality of the situation and making realistic recommendations that achievable by the owner and his business and family. A family succession plan needs to involve the financial needs of the owner and his or her spouse. In reality most of the family business owners are depending on the business to provide for their retirement because they can have less cash in hand and more cash on paper which means that most of their money is invest into their business. Family Business Owners having in mind that one day their money from pension will be spend after they retire and do things that they have not done before where for many years they made sacrifices to run their business. Also whatever they have not done all these years even for the rest of the years they have left they want to spend their time with their family and get involved in community and not profit activities. However is it possible for the business to support their owner and his or her spouse after succession? And is it possible for the family business to support the new owners children. In addition the owners goals and financial needs need to be synchronized in order to be brought into harmony because most of the times the owner evaluates its company much more that it actually. A true business valuation will convince the owner about the correct value of the business in order to be cautious to make correct decision that concerns his or hers personal goals and financial needs, particularly for retirement. The Vroom-Yetton-Jago Normative Leadership Decisionà Model Management or leadership in family business is all about making decision, setting the goal, set guideline to achieve the goal and assess strategy of succession plan. Leadership can be effective when the leader can take decision in difficult times and situations. An effective leader is considered when he/she gives ideas and suggestions in appropriate situations when advice is needed. The decision making is base thing for leaderships. How decision-making and decision-making positions is very important. A decision could have different result in variety situation. One of these decisions is creating and choosing succession plan. In decision making we have to know that what things effect our decisions. , what is the managers expectations about his/hers output of its decision?, when the managers require consultation from for others in their decision making?, and How does the managers get commitment from his/her employs on specific decision? Therefore we need a theory for identifying the leaders decision making. Vroom-Yetton-Jago Normative Decision Model can help us to answer the above questions. This model present five different styles on the different situation level of involvement. These five styles are following: Autocratic 1 (AI): This part is completely autocratic that means the manager solve the problem and crisis with himself decision by managers information that is available. Autocratic 2 (AII): In this part, manager collect specific information from members and staff. Ultimately, the managers decision is individual decision and maybe the follower doesnt have aware about this decision. They involve in this part only for data Collection. Consultative -1 (CI): The manager explains the problem or situation to each follower individually and asks to evaluate from each followers. In this part, followers do not constitute a group and manager will decide alone. Consultative 2 (CII): The manager and flowers constitute a group about their situation and will consult together but the final decision will give manager. Group-based 2(GII): The managers and followers constitute a group about their situation or problem and they will decide together. In this part manager will accept final decision and he/she doesnt force his/her individual decision. Vroom-Yetton-Jago formulated some questions on decision quality, commitment, problem information and decision acceptance, with which leaders can determine level of followers involvement in decision. These question are following and the managers has to answer only Yes/ No for each question. 1- Is there a quality requirement? Is the nature of the solution critical? Are there technical or rational grounds for selecting among possible solutions? 2- Do I have sufficient information to make a high quality decision? 3- Is the problem structured? Are the alternative courses of action and methods for their evaluation known? 4- Is acceptance of the decision by subordinates critical to its implementation? 5- If I were to make the decision by myself, is it reasonably certain that it would be accepted by my subordinates? 6- Do subordinates share the organizational goals to be obtained in solving this problem? 7- Is conflict among subordinates likely in obtaining the preferred solution? Quoted from: (Vroom Jago, 1988) Then the manager cloud find type and level of decision from below graph.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)