Flowers vs Weeds Essay Example

Flowers vs Weeds Essay Weeds vs. Flowers Many people see weeds as weeds and flowers as flowers, but they never take into consideration the things that make them so different and similar. Flowers and weeds all have their own garden and emotional aesthetic values. Preparing food also holds some similarities and differences between the two. These flowers and weeds, although simple at first, also hold some value of medicinal uses. There is more to know than a simple vase for flowers and a trash bag for weeds. The most known differences between weeds and flowers are by far the customs we attach to their beauty and value. If you love someone, you’ll get them roses, it’s simple. For those of us less likely to know the difference, a handful of weeds would not suffice. Much like the value we put into a fragile stem and petals, we also have to put our time and love into them as well. Flowers take time to grow, along with mulch instead of dirt, and they have specific growing and watering conditions; whereas weeds simply grow anywhere at any time, no matter how much you ignore them and loath their existence in your garden. Although there are the similarities that create the make-up of the two, they have a stem, petals, scent and their own defenses. We will write a custom essay sample on Flowers vs Weeds specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Flowers vs Weeds specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Flowers vs Weeds specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The main difference though, is how much time and effort we put into raising a beautiful flower, and the time and effort we put into clearing our landscape of the vermin we know as weeds. Throughout history, seeds, stems, and leaves of both flowers and weeds have contributed to human cookery. The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to 140 BC. Many cultures since then have incorporated flowers into traditional foods. Many ancient oriental dishes commonly made use of daylily buds, and the Romans are well known for their use of violet mallow in many recipes. Italian and Hispanic cultures gave us stuffed squash blossoms, while Asian Indians still use rose petals in many dishes today. Though their popularity of being eaten has declined over the years, flowers are still used as sweeteners, flavorings, and garnishes. The same thing can be said about weeds as they are also used as spices today. Though weeds aren’t used as often as flowers, the most commonly used weed is the dandelion, which is occasionally used to make wine and used as a saute in some oils. The most commonly used flower today is the hop. Many people are unaware that this cone like flower is one of the most common ingredients in beer. While delicious flowers are enjoyed my many people, they aren’t the only plants to be consumed by humans today. Though it is common to think of weeds as pests, many people all over the world also use a variety of weeds while they are in the kitchen. In contrast to flowers being used as sweeteners, most weeds are used as spices and bases for salads. Clovers, Chickweed, Bitter Cress, and Thale Cress weeds are all commonly used in salads today. An interesting fact unknown to most people is that wild garlic is considered a weed. Besides cooking with plants, some weeds are used such as cleavers, which are commonly dried, ground up, and used as a flavoring in coffee. Though weeds and flowers may greatly differ in appearances, they both have been and continue to be very beneficial to humans in the kitchen. One major similarity in flowers and weeds is that they both hold medicinal purposes. Even though weeds are usually considered an eyesore, they can be very useful. Marijuana, a well known â€Å"weed† in most cultures, provides a pain killer. It is used by mostly cancer patients who are seeking relief of the pain and nausea caused by cancer treatments. The Spiderwort flower was once considered a cure for spider bites. Its large chromosomes are now useful for lab studies in Cytology. The flower is now used as an inexpensive way to test for pollution being that it changes from blue to pink that there is too much pollution present. Of course we should not forget one of the most common weeds, dandelions; which are always considered a nuisance in our gardens, but surprisingly holds great value. Dandelions can be made into a tea with the leaves and dried roots. This provides relief for digestive problems. Shown the topics of values, food uses, and medicinal purposes, these are the highlights of the crop. These build the foundation for comparing flowers to weeds, as you can see, it is more in depth than a simple glance along a sidewalk. Once this paper has taken root and been shown the care of thought, you’ll wonder too about the vast array of similarities and differences between flowers and weeds, and notice them for being more than simply just plants.

Essay English Midterm

Essay English Midterm Essay English Midterm Synthesis In this day and age, technology can be viewed in multiple ways. We are in a century of rapid growth as compared to the previous generations. Some claim that technology has educational benefits. However, others believe that it is just a product and that it creates more problems than it diminishes. Although technology allows children to connect with other people easily, it’s negatives still outweigh it’s positive in the domain of school. Before adapting completely to this new world of technology, schools must consider its negative effects. It creates lack of skill and imagination due to the fast pace of life, which makes the child completely brainwashed by the widespread availability of technology. Although technology is the modern way of learning, a deficiency of valuable life skills are formed due to the ignorance made by technological advancements. As a result of technology, many students have actually grown less cultured and intelligent. According to David Gelenter, à ¢â‚¬Å"our skill-free children are overwhelmed by information even without the Internet† (Source E). The rise of technology has not necessarily improved education or schools in general. Children who spend all their time simply sitting around and playing video games, (which is very unproductive according to Dyson in Source 3), develop a lack of skills and lose the ability to do stuff which children used to do easily in our earlier generations. Just because the kids have the opportunity to use the technology in numerous ways, doesn’t mean it’s beneficial for them always. Gelenter picks at the irony of President Clinton’s argument that technology can give children unlimited access to the world; this would be information overload. Children of our generation are lacking behind due to the decrease in presence of mind because of the technology. Honestly, textbooks develop reading skills and basic focusing abilities. In addition, schools must ignore abundance of t echnology because new electronic devices have been known to distract children immensely causing a lack of imagination and short attention spans. Esther Dyson, in his article, states that the rise of technology in school curriculums is not necessarily a good thing, but is rather a significant, â€Å"Social problem†. He argues that â€Å"environment that often seems to stifle a child’s imagination rather than stimulate it† (Source C). The overfeeding of information usually makes children lose focus and diminish their attention spans. The reckless velocity of life and wide availability of information has stopped children from focusing on things and taken away the little bit of patience that they used to have. On the same hand, Gelenter also claims that, â€Å"Web is a propaganda machine for short attention spans† (Source E). If schools were to adapt these new standard of learning, they would merely contradict their purposes. Education is about overcoming sh ort attention spans and developing discipline on the path of knowledge. In addition due to

Living Through the End of the World by Paul Wapner Essay

Living Through the End of the World by Paul Wapner - Essay Example 6-7) In his important text on the post-modern environmental movement entitled â€Å"Living Through The End of The World,† Paul Wapner engages the modern view of nature as something to be dominated and traces this trend to its apotheosis in â€Å"the end of nature†. In this manner, he traces the evolution of Western thinking about nature from Descartes to the work of Bill McKibben, who argued that modernity had reached a level where human behavior became an actual threat to the balance of life on the planet. This trend can be seen in the innumerable species of plants and animals that have been forced into extinction or placed on the endangered list due to the increasing population and technological prowess associated with human growth and civilization. Wapner worries about the loss of â€Å"wildness,† that part of nature that has consistently be viewed as â€Å"other† and outside of humanity’s conscious will and control. Wapner builds this argument f rom Thoreau, who wrote, â€Å"In wildness is the preservation of the world.† (Wapner, 2010, p.4) Thus, the heart of his argument is that human civilization and technology have progressed to such a level of ubiquity in the land, sea, and sky that there is hardly any true â€Å"wildness† remaining. ... This is seen in the extension of roads, airplanes, ships, and other forms of transportation which replace the natural trails our ancestors walked in mythologies at one with nature. The difference between Native American and modern American civilization probably illustrates these changes most starkly, but the same effects are seen worldwide. Nuclear power and weapons threaten the destruction of all life in the environment, even the possibility of a nuclear winter that could be an extinction event for large numbers of species and plants. Because nuclear energy is widely considered the â€Å"pinnacle† of modern civilization, in its destructive power and unleashing of energy by splitting the atom, it is also an example of modernism that can be most extremely contrasted in its destruction with the traditional way of living harmoniously with nature by sustaining it. Wapner elevates â€Å"the feral† as an archetypal example of the wild and those parts of our planet not domesti cated my humans. (Wapner, 2010, p.41) Similarly, he contrasts spontaneity with the scheduled and regulated nature of modern society. In this manner, the potential loss of quality in human civilization can become an issue, as certain integral relationships with plants, animals, and natural forces have been lost to humans existing in almost a completely artificial and media-driven environment daily. Wapner seeks in the feral aspects of a primordial relationship which elude empirical control of human civilization, for these processes themselves would not be considered natural if they are part of human will or ego-centric lifestyles and able to be twisted to our self-serving desires. The return to wildness or the feral elements of nature also relates to enchantment

Rodriguez Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Rodriguez Assignment - Essay Example I noted that during the collection of relevant materials one needs to be careful because not all library material is credible. Some of the materials I received contained contradicting information and I thus needed to sort out and use those that contained accurate information. I acknowledge the importance of taking notes while completing an assignment. Taking notes is important because it guides the person completing an assignment to organize points in terms of their significance and relevance in answering the assignment question. After sorting out the points in order of their significance to the assignment it is important to formulate an outline that will assist in answering the questions in the assignment. Before making the final copy for marking, it is important to make a rough draft where changes can be made. In making the rough draft, Bean’s concepts of integrating ideas from various sources and readings come into play. One needs to read widely, recall the ideas from various sources and blend them to make one complete and quality assignment (Bean et al). I noted that completion of assignments requires adequate preparation time and should not be done in a

Algebra Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Algebra - Essay Example From the graph above, it can be seen that the parabola is rotated 45 counter-clockwise from the orientation where the axis of symmetry is the x-axis. which is the equation of a parabola centered at the origin, with the x-axis as the axis of symmetry for the parabola. With 4p = 5/2, the focal point p = 5/(42 ) = 0.88 units from the vertex of the parabola. Since p is positive, the parabola opens in the positive x-direction. If B2 - 4AC > 0, the conic section equation describes a hyperbola or pair of intersecting lines. If B2 - 4AC = 0, the conic section equation describes a parabola, line, pair of parallel lines, or no graph. Rotated conic sections can also be classified by rotating the coordinate axes by an angle where cot 2 = (A - C )/ B, by using the rotation equations, and then completing the squares for x’ and y’ until the equation is in one of the following forms: Assignment: The dot product (often referred to as the inner product in a Linear Algebra text) is a useful tool in developing several important techniques of multivariable calculus. Your task is to give a detailed description of why the gradient points in the direction of the maximum increase of a function. You may restrict your essay to R3. Your essay should include: Given that a function f is differentiable at the point (x0, y0), a directional derivative Duf(x0, y0) of the function f at a point (x0, y0) in the direction of the unit vector u = is defined by The unit vector components are given by u1 = dx/ds and u2 = dy/ds, where s is the distance along a line given by points in the x-y plane directly below points in a curve C that lies within the surface z = f(x, y). For instance, at the beginning of the line, the point (x0, y0) lies in the x-y plane directly below the point Q0 lying in the curve C within the surface z = f(x, y). At a distance s (in the direction of u) along the line in the x-y plane, the point (x, y) is

Women Entrepreneurs In The Tourism Sector In Zimbabwe Economics Essay

Women Entrepreneurs In The Tourism Sector In Zimbabwe Economics Essay This paper examines the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe. The research targeted female entrepreneurs selling curios in Masvingo and Victoria Falls which are the prime tourist destinations in Zimbabwe. Women entrepreneurship has been under spotlight in Zimbabwe because it is a source of economic growth. Despite the potential that lies in women entrepreneurs they face additional or at least different social, cultural, educational and technological challenges than men in establishing and developing their own enterprises, and accessing economic resources. From the interviews conducted women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector have difficulties in securing funding, inadequate business related education as well as social, cultural and religious impediments. This paper engenders to understand the gender biases embedded in society which constrain womens mobility, interactions, active economic participation and access to business development services. Lastly, appropriate interventions are recommended within the discourse of entrepreneurship. Key words: Entrepreneurship, Tourism, Gender, Enterprise development, Women Entrepreneurship Introduction Entrepreneurship is a key driver of capacity building and national development in any country. As such, this paper focuses on challenges faced by women in the tourism sector. On 21 May 2012 there was a forum on Womens Engagement in Africas Tourism Industry in Victoria Falls held during the African Travel Association conference. The presenters included the former Deputy Secretary General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) who alluded to the fact that tourism constitutes 30% of the worlds economy and offers 78% of workforce in the world. He further reiterated that research has explicitly shown the gender inequalities that exist in the tourism sector as mostly women and children as compared to the male counterparts are exploited. He further mentioned that in 2008, the UNWTO came up with a policy for gender equality which is envisaged under the United Nations Platform. In 2010, the Global report on Women in Tourism by World Tourism Organization and United Nations women encouraged women to participate in leadership roles in the tourism industry. The report held that although women constitute a high percentage of the workforce in the tourism industry, most of them occupy lower levels where they are subsequently lowly paid. Because of this report, UNWTO suggested that vocational training be offered to empower women in the industry. Tanzania and Gambia were the first two countries chosen to start the vocational training for women entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. Other countries to benefit from the training are from Latin America and Africa. Another presenter a Managing Director of Affluent Hospitality Group in America said that women make up 80% of Travel Agency in America and 80% of travel decisions are made by women in North America. This justifies the fact that women have an active role to play in the tourism industry. In addition the Marketing Director of Amalinda Collection in Zimbabwe gave a testimony of her experience in the Tourism industry. She admitted that as a mother she has a lot of family responsibilities that apart from being a working woman such that she faces the dilemma of choosing between family and business. At one time when her son fell sick at 4 months old she had to quit the job in favour of the family. Family roles represent one of the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in comparison with their male counterparts. The Governor and Resident Minister of Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe reported that, 60% of arts and crafts in Zimbabwe are produced by women from Binga who largely produce reed mats and baskets while the Gwaai women produce pottery artifacts. The interesting revelations made at the conference prompted the researchers to consider conducting a research on the challenges that women entrepreneurs face in the tourism industry in Zimbabwe. In current years women-owned businesses have become increasingly popular but entrepreneurship remains a deeply gendered institution (Anderson, 2008). Bushell (2012) considered entrepreneurship as expedition out of paucity and gravitation towards equity but this has not been the case because women remain marginalized globally. Given the constraints facing African women entrepreneurs their full economic potential is not actualized and they do not feature on the mainstream of the economic agenda (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009). There is therefore need for countries to address gender disparities between men and women to achieve significant milestones in economic growth. In addition to those problems faced by all small-scale entrepreneurs, women face additional or at least different social, cultural, educational and technological challenges than men in establishing and developing their own enterprises, and accessing economic resources (Mayoux, 2001). It is important that such challenges be addr essed so as to enable women to prosper in their businesses. Chitsike (2000) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (2003) mentioned that womens businesses in Zimbabwe tend to be small and are discriminated by the legal system which backs male ideologies. Literature Review In many countries entrepreneurship has been considered a means of generating meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for those at the margins of the economy women, the poor and people with disabilities (ILO, 1998; Rajani and Sarada, 2008). However, very little literature exists on the role of women entrepreneurs in a global economy especially in Africa (Dudley, 2008) and this is one of the reasons why women continue to be marginalized in entrepreneurship development. In addition, in cases where the role of women entrepreneurship is articulated there still remains a gap in gender analysis (Dudley, 2008). Research factors affecting performance of women entrepreneurs of their businesses are limited in scope, as any existing research most often focuses on individual characteristics and motives as performance predictors (Teoh and Chong, 2007) at the expense of gender disparities. Despite the economic importance of female entrepreneurs their numbers are lower tha n those for men (Verheul, Van Stel and Thurik, 2006; Carter, 2000; Minniti et al., 2005) and therefore it is of importance to address the barriers to female entrepreneurship. This paper deviates from the former approach by focusing on challenges that women face in entrepreneurial development. Furthermore, the research applies an entrepreneurial development model adapted from Richardson and Howarth (2002a) to analyse the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector in Zimbabwe as shown in figure 1 below. The model is based on the cross sectional biological structure of a peach fruit. At centre of the model is the seed which represents the entrepreneurial opportunity identified. The inner part adjacent to the seed represents the mesopreneurial (fruit mesorcarp) factors based on the MAIR model by (Gibb and Ritchie, 1982) which include motivation or commitment, skills, abilities and experiences, idea in relation to the market as well as the resources. Williams (1997) co mmented that commitment and dedication of the entrepreneur is critical if they are to prosper whilst Zimmer and Scarborough (1996) attribute failure of small businesses to managerial incompetence and lack of experience among other factors and therefore women entrepreneurs need relevant skills and experience to fully exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. The mesopreneurial factors represent the basic ingredients of business success. The final structural component is the exopreneurial (fruit exocarp) factors which represent the macro environment in which the enterprises operate and it entails the following aspects: The enabling environment which focuses on policy issues, institutions and initiatives which impact on enterprise development in particular the tourism industry in Zimbabwe The socio-cultural and economic context which the social, cultural and religious factors that affect enterprise development. Enterprise Support Sector made up of initiatives and organizations developed to propel enterprise development and how these impact on enterprise development. The Economic/Market Environment which deals with opportunities and threats in the environment. Women entrepreneurs hardly have specialized support institutions to cater for their specific needs (United Nations International Development Organization, 2003). In most cases entrepreneurial and technical training, advisory and information programmes often have to be carried out within a non-conventional set-up (United Nations International Development Organization, 2003). Women entrepreneurs need to have a more supportive environment that is more favourable (Stevenson and St-Onge, 2005) if they are to gain similar recognition that of men. Training programmes developed must take into account their society, culture, community and empowerment (Agbà ©nyiga and Ahmedani, 2008). If significant milestones are to be achieved in female entrepreneurship support systems need to take into account the needs, challenges and unique situation of women to promote women entrepreneurship and avoid failure and lower levels of female entrepreneurship (Drine and Grach, 2010). It is vital to note that c ountries that have developed policies and legislation tailored for women entrepreneurship have witnessed tremendous growth and increase in the numbers of women in business. Enteprise support sector: Government, NGOs, Private Sector, Membership Organizations, donors Endopreneurial factor Seed Entrepreneurial Opportunity The Economic/Market Environment: Opportunities and Threats Enabling Environment for Enterprise: regulations, policies, institutions, institutions and processes Figure 1 Peach Fruit Concept of entrepreneurship: Adapted from Richardson and Howarth (2002a) Mesopreneurial Factors Exopreneurial factors Resources Socio/cultural context: Attitudes, aspirations, confidence and permission idea with market Skills, abilities and experience Motivation and determination Female Entrepreneurship Women Entrepreneurs refer to women or a group of women who initiate organize and operate a business enterprise (Jahanshahi, Pitamber and Nawaser, 2010). McClelland et al. (2005) define a woman-owned business as one which is at least 51% owned by one or more women or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more women. In 2010 187 million women were involved in entrepreneurship ranging from 1.5-45.4% of the adult female population in 59 economies (GEM, 2010). It should also be noted that Ghana has 55% of women being involved in entrepreneurship and it is the only economy where there are more women than men entrepreneurs (GEM, 2010). One of the United Nations Millennium Development goals is to promote gender equity and empower women as agents of poverty eradication, hunger, disease and to stimulate sustainable development (United Nations Industrial Development Organization, 2004). Therefore promotion of women entrepreneurship is vital for the achievement of broader objectives including poverty reduction and economic development. A positive indicator to women entrepreneurship is that African leaders have pledged to take joint responsibility for promoting the role of women in social and economic development by reinforcing their capacity in education and training, facilitating access to credit and assuring their participation in the political and economic life (NEPAD, 2001). The increased role of women in economic development has forced many governments to take an active role in developing policies on women development and gender related issues. Mueller and Dato-on (2010) stipulated that women play a significant role in entrepreneurship but their role remains suppressed in comparison to that of their male counterparts across the globe because of family roles, traditions , cultural and structural constraints which diminish their abilities to lead business (Bushell, 2012). Women bear the responsibility for childcare and homecare and as a result this leads to work-family conflicts (Des, 2001 and Jahanshashi, Pitamber and Nawaser, 2010; Winn, 2005). Chitsike (2000) also stated that men view womens role as that of being at home and not engaging in any business activities that are reserved for men. One of the challenges that women face is unequal access to productive resources and services, including finance and skill upgrading opportunities (United Nations International Development Organization [UNIDO], 2003; Tumbunan, 2009; Sorokhaibam and Laishram, 2003). In many African countries, women inequality lies in economic rights and access to resources as men persist thus preventing women from taking full advantage of the economic opportunities (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009). Degroot (2001) mentions that womens participation as owners of small medium sized business has been constrained due to poor access to market information, technology and finance, poor linkages with support service and unfavourable policy and support mechanisms ( De Groot, 2001). In Zimbabwe domestic chores and agricultural activities do not allow women time to travel to support institutions such as finance houses for advice and information on credit (De Groot, 2001). In many African countries, women spend most of th eir income on the household and fear investing their funds in business ventures for fear of business failure (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009), particularly on food and education for their children. Many of them are afraid to invest their limited funds into a business for fear of failure. Many women entrepreneurs are seldom taken seriously in spheres of credibility and capability, competing and succeeding in a male dominated environment (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009) and this is one of the factors that explain their relatively obscure role in economic development. Despite the fact that many women entrepreneurship is a source of job creation, economic growth and social development many women owned businesses remain stunted by lack of appropriate managerial skills, access to business resources, networking opportunities and access to new markets (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009). The current institutional environment purposes to achieve gender equity but the traditional powers are tilted towards the patriarchal system and therefore maintains the status quo of gender inequity (Goheer, 2003). In Zimbabwe women have largely been marginalized from mainstream economic activities because of the predominant partriarchal system which confines women to domestic roles. 53% of all economic activities in Zimbabwe are performed by women but, this figure remains invisible because it is not accounted for in national statistics and most of the activities are characterized by poor working conditions. It is also worth mentioning at this stage that religion, culture and the socialization process are some of the major factors perpetuating gender inequity in Zimbabwe. This is evidenced by the fact that under the current customary law, women cannot own/inherit land (Chitsike, 2009) and land is one of the resources that are important for entrepreneurial development. Research Methodology Baines and Wheelock (2000) mention that many women have ventured into entrepreneurship but little research has been done on gender and female entrepreneurship. The reasons behind increase of entrepreneurial variances arising out of gender remains unresolved is because women feel that by exposing these issues they deepen their entrepreneurial differences (Calas et.al. 2007 as cited in Peris-Ortiz, Rueda-Armengot and Benito Osorio, 2011). Studying women entrepreneurship is critical because it is an important source of economic prosperity and presently research efforts, policies and programs tend to be skewed towards men and neglect the needs of women entrepreneurs and potential women entrepreneurs (OECD, 2004). In the African context there are very few studies that have focused on female entrepreneurship particularly in the tourism sector and therefore this research seeks to close this gap. In addition, Gelb (2001) states that this is due to lack of indigenous research, inadequate info rmation and methodological constraints (Ozigbo and Ezeaku, 2009). Despite the increasing role, women entrepreneurship theory development and empirical evidence only offer a very blurry picture of women entrepreneurs (Tann, 2008). Subsequently, improved understanding of women entrepreneurs challenges is essential in order to assess their needs, and provide solutions to teething problems they encounter. Although there have been some studies of small businesses in Zimbabwe, none has provided rich qualitative data of female entrepreneurs (Mboko and Smith-Hunter, 2008) and this study endeavors to contribute towards addressing this deficiency. This study is based on the small and medium business entrepreneurs in Zimbabwes Arts and Crafts industry in Masvingo and Victoria Falls. 10 women in Masvingo from Dzimbahwe Crafts and Art Center and 15 from various Crafts Centers in Victoria Falls who were trading at Elephant Hills Hotel during the 37th ATA Conference between from 18-22 May 2012 were interviewed for this research. These towns are top tourism destinations in Zimbabwe and are home to reputable attractions which are The Great Zimbabwe and the Victoria Falls respectively. Interviews were conducted at Dzimbahwe Craft Center situated along the highway to Masvingo Town. For the effectiveness of the conversations, we had to talk to the women while viewing the different artefacts they make. The conversations included negotiations over the products prices that made the interviewers buy some of the items to encourage the women to talk freely. The interview started with more general introductions, some business questions that included who makes the products, how (i.e. whether there is use of machines or just ordinary hands), where, when and why the people do this business. The interviews also covered issues to do with any support the women received in terms of finance, human and material resources, marketing and other business operational areas. In the process, we had to go to the extent of observing the women doing the work like crocheting and weaving the mats, bed and table covers, polishing and decorating the wooden plates, basins and bowls while some were even carving the different items according to their area of specialization. This one day session took us about one and a half hours and we spent $30 to buy some items from the different women who added up to a total of 10 entrepreneurs. In Victoria Falls, we took the advantage of the 37th African Travel Association conference (ATA) that we attended from the 18th to the 22nd of May 2012 at Elephant Hills Hotel. Some selected male and female arts and crafts entrepreneurs from various selling centres of Victoria Falls were given the opportunity by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to come and sell their wares free of charge at the venue during the conference days. To promote the entrepreneurs, the ZTA had in their conference program a session for Meeting the African Culture when both mid-morning and afternoon teas were being served at the grounds where the entrepreneurs were selling their products. This was a good opportunity for the conference delegates to meet and discuss with the sellers while at the same time viewing and buying the handicrafts. As researchers, we took advantage of this to carry out our study for 3 consecutive days. On the first day we toured the various stands just to view the items on display and we asked some few general questions like what we did in Masvingo. Some of the questions were about how they come to be part of the ATA conference and the benefits they were expecting from the conference. On the second day we got into in-depth interviews to get details of their operations, marketing, any support and assistance from any institutions towards the success of their businesses. To probe for more information we were appreciating their achievements and sympathizing with their challenges as we were discussing with them during the tea breaks. For the other two days we had to share a table with some women during lunch time so that we could talk more. At times we had to sit together in the conference venue, commenting on what the presenters were saying about tourism entrepreneurship. One good example was a debate on the presentation done by a representative from the Zimbabwe Ministry of Youth, Dev elopment, Indigenization and Empowerment. On the final and third day, we selected some of the artefacts to buy that included the bowls, the big five, basins, Zimbabwe bird (Shiri Hungwe) for Blessing, one of the researchers totem and other items. We spent $50 for the items and we left the women in a very happy mood. As a way of appreciating our concern for them some women gave us some of the items at very low prices and in return we influenced some of our colleagues to buy from them. The total of the interviewees was 25 women. Analysis and Discussion The demographic Profile of Interviewed Women Entrepreneurs Table 4.1 Geographical Location of the Women Entrepreneurs RESEARCH AREA LOCATION Urban LOCATION Rural Masvingo 3 7 Victoria Falls 9 6 Out of the 10 women who were interviewed in Masvingo, 7 were residing in the rural areas and only 3 were from the urban area. From the 15 interviewees in Victoria Falls, 9 were urban residents and only 6 were from the rural area. This data reflects that the handicraft business is done in both rural and urban settings provided there is favourable environment. In Masvingo the majority of entrepreneurs come from their rural homes that surround Nemanwa Arts and Craft center because operating from home reduces any rental costs that can be incurred. The few who stay in the urban area have their husbands working in the town and this business supplements their spouses income. In Victoria Falls the majority of women who are urban dwellers reported that they own houses in the town from the cooperative that was formulated by the Arts and Crafts business operators sometime in 1990. The remaining percentage constitutes those women who own homes in the peri-urban area of the town and are permanent residents of the area. Table 4.2 Age of Women Entrepreneurs AGE GROUP NUMBER Below 25 years 2 26-30 years 4 30-45 years 15 46-50 4 The survey results suggest the relationship between a womans age and entrepreneurs. The likelihood of a woman venturing into business positively increases with the 30 to 45 years age range have the greatest number of women entrepreneurs. Very few women below the age of 25 years want to get into this business probably because they are unable to do the job or have better things to do. Motivations Women who are in art and craft business in Victoria Falls and Masvingo said that they are into this business because they grew up doing the weaving, knitting and pottery activities and to them they see it as a way of their living. In the yester years when tourism was still vibrant in Zimbabwe they could earn more than other people in some professions but as from 2004 to date the business has slowed down due to the economic crisis. These women admitted that they cannot go out of this business because they have no alternative means of survival since their environments are basically in the dry regions of the country. Therefore what is evident in what the women are saying is the fact that tourism fits very well in their livelihood strategies as a source of income. From the findings it emerged that the women are motivated into employment by push factors such as unemployment, inadequate family income and the need to accommodate work and home roles as in the Zimbabwean scenario the womans p lace is the home. The same sentiments were echoed by Vijaya and Kamalanabhan (2009) and Drine and Grach (2010) who reiterated that women are motivated by the desire to provide security for the family and flexibility that entrepreneurship offer between home and family roles. Access to Financial Resources The women entrepreneurs in the arts and crafts industry revealed that their major challenge is their inaccessibility to both investment and operational capital since they have no personal assets to use as collateral which is a prerequisite at the financial institutions. If they happen to get the starting capital they may even face more challenges of getting adequate operational capital to meet their daily supplies of raw materials such as reeds, steel wires, finishing oils, threads, wood, polishes and others to use for their business. At times they may need transport to take their products to and from their homes for security reasons. If these people are operating from the designated sites the local councils would need the rentals every month for the upkeep of the places. The problem of lack of capital usually arises from the fact that the enterprises are the major contributors to the survival of the family, and this puts a brake on efforts for improvement of womens enterprises in Zi mbabwe (Degroot, 2001). On the accessibility to capital, one woman at the ATA conference for Young Professionals in Victoria Falls narrated her ordeal of trying to get financial assistance from the Ministry of Indigenization and Youth Development that promotes indigenous entrepreneurs in the country. Grace said, When I went to the offices I was told to bring a project proposal. I prepared that at my own expense. After that they gave me a pile of forms to fill in whose other requirements i could not understand. As if that was not enough, I was told to wait for a response that never came to my attention and these people lie that they are supporting us financially. Another woman, Nyaradzo narrated that, The Ministry of Indigenization and Youth Development, asked for a list of all entrepreneurs who needed financial assistance and the specific amounts requested and were handed to the ministry but nothing materialized. The ministry later on asked the women entrepreneurs to pay $20 per person for a weeks training in financial management. After paying the money nothing has been done since November 2011. She said Vanhu ava matsotsi anodakubira varombo, havana basa nesu, (These people are conmen, who steal from the poor and they do not care about us). This is a major challenge for the women who are vulnerable to all sorts of financial risks in business. Most women also revealed that most financial institutions were not keen to finance their business initiatives. This negative attitude towards financing of women entrepreneurs is explained by the traditional patriarchal system division which spells out the differences of male-female roles in society as supported by Ozigbo and Ezeaku (2009). Protection of intellectual property rights A number of women entrepreneurs fall prey to political promises and business intermediaries. One woman who failed to get funding from the Ministry of Indigenization and Youth Development later discovered that her project was being implemented by one of the government officials in Victoria Falls. She had no voice over it. Because of this, many women in the sector feel betrayed and humiliated because of such practices. This rhymes the Shona proverbs that murombo haarovi chine nguwo (This literally means the poor will never challenge the rich). It is important for women entrepreneurs to be well versed with their intellectual property rights so that they can challenge those who prey on their ideas in judiciary. Production and space-related challenges The study has revealed that a number of Zimbabwean women who are arts and crafts entrepreneurs have no fixed place for their business operations as they are dotted from their homes, forest and some few designated arts and craft centres. The designated centres have no permanent structures put in place but there are some temporary shades which are brought by the individuals from their homes. These offer no security at all as they are just open spaces for business and in addition one is exposed to the harsh forces of the natural environment. Those who operate from the forests (source of raw materials) cite transportation problems as one of the challenges. For example, if a wood carver finds a good tree in the forest which is too big to carry home or at the designated area she has to work on it from there and then carry the finished products. These pose a lot of risks to the females since there are a lot of dangers associated with forestry environments. Storage space for the finished products is another problem for most women entrepreneurs. Most leave the products covered by some cloths or tents during the night in the presence of either a guard or unattended at owners risk. Lack of storage space puts the products at risk of theft. The most special wares are taken back home daily which is a tiresome task for the females since most of them walk a distance of about 5 kilometres every day from their homes to the designated centres. Family roles At home there is usually a challenge of divided concentration between home chores and work and at home the working space is limited and not conducive for business operations. One woman (Maria) even expressed that, handingazosiyi mumba mune tsvina nekuda kwebasa (I cannot leave my house dirty because of work). Already this indicates how busy women entrepreneurs are with household and business responsibilities at any given time of their lives and this is a hindrance to effective business operations. In support, De Groot (2001) posits that household roles deprive women of time to travel to enterprise support institutions or to attend training sessions to acquire skills in various fields. As long as womens responsibilities remain divided between work and domestic roles their contributions to economic development will remain obscure. Marketing operations There is a general belief that Zimbabwe arts and crafts are unique worldwide and they are found in many countries these days in China besides the Americas which used to be the countrys chief tourism source market. These products have made Zimbabwe boast of its rich and unique culture The majority of women sell their products to the foreign tourists. Financial constraints make it difficult for the women to access regional and international markets despite the high demand for the Zimbabwe art and craft in these markets. It was reported that in the past years when tourism was at peak (i.e. between 1990 and 1999) business was lucrative and there was no worry of exporting the products as buyers could come to the country and buy the products. During the period business was very lucrative. Masundire (2011) identified the need to assist arts and crafts producers to access foreign markets as 90% of their wares are in demand in Europe, America, Australia and South Africa. As a result of inaccessibility to foreign markets, there is now the emergence of market intermediaries popularly known as the cross boarder traders who buy and sell the products from arts and crafts producers in foreign markets. The major problem these intermediaries pose is that they bid to buy the wares at a very low price at the expense of the producers because of the low local demand. In fact, the women entrepreneurs end up with no fix

50s TV :: essays research papers

This is a revolutionary invention that is compared to the Light Bulb. It is large box with shades of black and white that replaced the every day listened to radio by a mile. What is it you say? It is the Television. This new device brought the images of the world to every home of America replacing the only listened to radio shows easily. As popular as the radio shows were this new addition of picture made TV shows soar in popularity. With a variety of shows ranging from Westerns to Game Shows the TV was unquestionably to invention of the decade all thanks to the outstanding competitive broadcasting of the TV Shows. Although their were many great shows in there 50’s a few stand out from them all, â€Å"I Love Lucy† maintaining 4 number 1 spot rankings, Gunsmoke with 3 number 1 spot rankings, and The 64,000 Dollar Question.. Gunsmoke the king of all Western Shows was the longest running Western of all time, and was also televison longest running series with continuing characters. "Gunsmoke" was about a Mrshell by the name of Matt Dillon ,stared by James Arness, in the frontier town of Dodge City, Kansas in 1873. His kindly companion was Doc Adams , played by Milburn Stone, was the town physician who spent many hours chugging beers at the Longbranch Saloon, owned and operated by the shapely Kitty Russell, who was always attracted to the marshal. In the 50’s a new type of show became huge. This type of show was called â€Å"Game Shows†. These gave prices to lucky contestants who would answer correct questions. The biggest of these Game Shows was The 64,000 Dollar Question. Although many loved it, it was still fixed, and so were many other game shows to. The producers of these shows would give the answers to the most likeable contestants so they would win.

Fighting for Ameican Manhood

Omar Perez-Velazco Hist. 460 Dr. McDonough February 18, 2013 Since the beginning of time the topic of human gender its differences has been a controversial subject that always attracts attention. After the Spanish-American War, many men were seen as heroes, some even put into important positions in our nations’ government. Men like McKinley and Roosevelt, for example, used such praise and recognition to reinforce their positions of President and, later on, Vice President, respectively. One of the men who benefited from this line of thought was President McKinley, who no doubt was delighted to find that being a commander in chief during a war restored his image as a capable leader† (110). Roosevelt was a man with power, being the assistant secretary of the navy, but he gave it up to join 1st United Stated Volunteer Cavalry, more commonly known as the Rough Riders. He received nationwide praise and everyone knew him as a hero. â€Å"Two years later, Roosevelt’s mil itary record helped him win the vice presidential slot on the Republican ticket† (112).Women held many important roles during this war, such as nurses. While women were vital to the war effort, many people did little to spread the news. â€Å"In magazines and newspapers of the time, stories glorifying soldiers and sailors are hard to miss. In contrast, stories covering women’s wartime contributions are difficult to find† (128). How does considering gender change our views of the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars? This is the argument that Kristin Hoganson makes in Fighting for American Manhood.I believe that without the aid of women in the camps, the wars would have gone much differently. â€Å"This book shows how international relations affected ideas about gender, how gendered ideas about political authority affected American democracy in an imperial era, and how high politics served as a vibrant locus of cultural struggle† (14). I can agree with the author on all these points and I believe that women and also minorities during the wars had a great impact from their local factories and towns. Fighting for American Manhood collects its information from a wide variety f sources, some being magazines and journal articles, and others being more in depth, like family letters. There is also a large quantity of political cartoons from the time, depicting such people as President McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and the iconic Uncle Sam. Some of the primary sources, the letters, come from places like the Alabama Department of Archives and History, or the Cincinnati Historical Society, which provided information in the form of the Wheeler Family Papers, and the Joseph Benson Foraker Papers, respectively.While a lot of these family accounts were safely in the hands of the state, many other accounts from the day were residing in university libraries, such as the Harvard University Houghton Library, and the University of North Carolin a Wilson Library: Southern Historical Collection, from which Hoganson uses the Theodore Roosevelt Collection, from the Charles Eliot Norton Papers, and the Edward Ward Carmack Papers, respectively. The secondary sources that the author compiled were mostly magazine entries and newspaper articles, like those from the New York Times, or the Washington Post.The chapter that I found most interesting was Chapter 6 – The Problem of Male Degeneracy and the Allure of the Philippines. I was just amazed with the United States when our government, using the power of the Treaty of Paris, decided for the Philippines that they wanted to be ceded into the United States. †The peace treaty with Spain, signed on December 10, ceded the Philippines along with Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States. The treaty, known as the Treaty of Paris, then went to the U. S Senate for ratification.But the Filipinos who had been fighting for independence from Spain did not want to be ceded† (13 3). This angered the Filipino nationalists and almost brought an all out war. The reasons that the U. S government officials gave to try and justify their takeover of these territories also surprised me and showed me just how far some countries will go to expand, both physically and mentally. â€Å"Imperialists based their assertions that the Filipinos were unfit for independence on three stereotypes that gave meaning to racial prejudices by drawing on ideas about gender.All three presented the Filipinos as lacking the manly character seen as necessary for self-government† (134). These men were considered less than human, along with Native and African Americans. I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter because of all the different aspects it covers related to gender and the ceding of the Filipino territories. The chapter that I found least interesting was Chapter 2 – Cuba and the Restoration of American Chivalry. While the information in the chapter was important to get the m ain argument across, it just didn’t appeal to me, and it didn’t get any better in my opinion as I kept reading.American citizens fantasized about the Cuban rebels, about how chivalrous the men were and how responsible and loyal wives the Cuban women are. â€Å"In contrast to American men, who seemed to be losing sight of knightly values in their single-minded pursuit of riches, Cuban men appeared to exemplify chivalric character† (47). American men drew inspiration from these fantasies, often showing how Cuban men drew their inspiration from women in illustrations and cartoons. â€Å"Their images as acquiescent, traditional women made Cuban women seem to be perfect feminine foils for assertive American women.In addition to appearing well worth defending, Cuban women appeared eager for rescue† (46). This chapter was important to getting the point across but I felt like it was sort of out of place. Fighting for American Manhood is a very interesting read an d it really makes me think. When did anyone every really stop and think so deeply about how gender can affect wars? The book is unique and I recommend it to anyone who wants to study the topic of gender affecting war.

Cultural profile of China The WritePass Journal

Cultural profile of China Cultural profile of China Chapter 11.0 Introduction1.1 Cross-cultural management1.2 Definition of culture1.3 Characteristics of cultureChapter 22.0 Cultural profile of China 2.1 Geert Hofstedes five cultural dimensions2.1.1 Power distance2.1.2 Individualism2.1.3 Masculinity2.1.4 Uncertainty avoidance2.1.5 Long-term orientation in ChinaChapter 33.0 Challenges and recommendations expand business to ChinaChallengeRecommendation3.2 Differences of business cultureChallengeRecommendation3.3 Guan Xi (Relationship)Recommendation3.4 Government RegulationChallengeRecommendation3.5 Legal EnvironmentChallengeRecommendation3.6 Local CompetitorsChallengeRecommendationChallengeRecommendation3.8 Business PartnerChallengeRecommendation  Chapter 44.0 ConclusionRelated Chapter 1 1.0 Introduction As an American Chinese, the cultural profile of a country that I am going to choose is China in this assignment. This is because the rate of GDP growth was strong in China in 2010 with an estimated 10% year-on-year growth. This means that it is benefits to the investors who are going to invest or expand business in China. Before U.S. companies decided to expand business into China, they must understanding the cultural profile of China in order to make profit on their business. To be clear about the Chinas cultural profile, Hofstedes five dimensions of culture are being applied into this assignment. Every country has their cultures. Therefore, here are the explanation about subject of cross-cultural management, explanation of culture, and characteristics of culture to provide a theoretical background for this report. 1.1 Cross-cultural management Basically human races came with different background. Cultural background. When people from one cultural background, meet, understand, interact and deal with people from other cultural background. That is a cross-cultural management. In recent years, with the increase in globalization and diversity in the workplace, cross cultural management has become an important element of organizational life. Cross-cultural management is the study of the behavior of the people in organization located in cultures and nations around the world. It focuses on the description of organizational behavior within countries and cultures, on the comparison of organizational behavior across countries and cultures, and, perhaps most importantly, in the interaction of peoples from different countries working within the same organization or within the same work environment (Nancy J. Adler, 1983). 1.2 Definition of culture Culture has been defined in a number of ways, but most simply, as the learned and shared behavior of a community of interacting human beings(J., Useem, R,1963). According to English Anthropologist Edward B Taylor, culture is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. Culture gives us an identity which makes us unique and different from people of other cultures. The culture of the society becomes the dominant culture and those of the immigrants from the subculture of the community, when people with different cultures migrate and settle in another society. People usually settle in other nations imbibe the new culture; while at the same time strive to preserve their own. (Deepa Kartha, 2000-2011). 1.3 Characteristics of culture There are different characteristics or qualities of cultures throughout the world. First characteristic of culture is that culture is learned. Culture is not inherited; it is acquired through learning and experience. People can learn behavior patterns including language and many other attributes if they grow up with that particular culture. The second characteristic of culture is that culture is shared by a group of people. We can consider a thought or an action as a culture if it is commonly shared and believed or practiced by a group of people. It can be considered as their culture when a group of individual share and believe with each others. The third characteristic of culture is that culture is cumulative. The knowledge of culture can be passed from one generation to another generation. As time passed by, more and more knowledge is added in the particular culture. It may work out solutions of problems in the life as the particular culture goes with time. The fourth characteristic of culture is that culture is dynamic. This is the characteristic of culture that stems from the cultures cumulative quality. As there is no culture remains on the permanent state, culture is considered as changing frequently as added in new ideas and new techniques to change the old ways. The fifth characteristic of culture is that culture gives us a range of permissible behavior patterns. Culture has structure and is integrated as a change in one part will bring changes in another. It tells us how to dress based on gender, statue, occasions, and many more. Chapter 2 2.0 Cultural profile of China China is located in eastern Asia. China is formally known as ‘The People’s Republic of China’ (PRC). As the worlds population is approximately 6.7 billion, China represents a full 20% of the worlds population so one in every five people on the planet is a resident of China. Chinas population growth has been somewhat slowed by the one child policy, in effect since 1979 (Matt Rosenberg, 2010). Confucianism is a system of behaviors and ethics that stress the obligations of people towards one another based upon their relationship. The basic tenets are based on five different relationships in China which are ruler and subject, husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters, finally, friend and friend. Confucianism indicated the duty, sincerity, loyalty, honor, filial piety, respect for age and seniority (Mandarin Today, 2005). 2.1 Geert Hofstedes five cultural dimensions In this part, Geert Hofstedes cultural dimensions have been used to introduce cultural profile of China. He had analyzed about the way of culture influence working relationships in a multicultural environment along five dimensions which are power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation in China. Below is the diagram of USA vs China by hofstedes five dimensions. Figure 1: USA vs China by Hofstedes five dimensions Source: geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php?culture1=95culture2=18#compare According to figure 1, China has long-term orientation in the highest ranking factor and lowest individualism than United States. And also, it has high in masculinity, power distance and low in uncertainty avoidance culture compared to United States. 2.1.1 Power distance Power distance refers to the level of acceptance by a society of unequal distribution of power in institutions. The extent to which subordinates accept unequal power is socially determined. United States scores around 40 with low ranking power distance in figure 1. It indicates that there is a greater equality between societal levels, including government, organizations, and even within families in United States. This orientation reinforces a cooperative interaction across power levels and creates a more stable cultural environment (Geert Hofstede,1967-2009). However, the power distance remains high in China which scores around 80 in the diagram above. This means that the Chinese society is characterized by a very high level of inequalities in power and wealth, and that these are accepted by the individuals (Carletti Mathilde, 2008). Also, the individual representing the authority in any organization (family, undertaking, etc.) is highly respected, because that individual has the dec ision-making power. In China, there is a strong differentiation of roles, competences and respect due, according to the individual’s position on the hierarchic scale. In China, individuals with power enjoy greater status and privilege than those without power, and subordinates are less likely to challenge or express disagreement with superiors (Matthew Earnhardt, 2009). In other words, the rank structure is clearly delineated between management and subordinates, and disagreement with management is frowned upon. Information control is one of the predominant sources of power in China. Critical information in China is selectively preserved instead of being distributed widely. It is quite obvious in e-government practices in China where branches of government purposely hold back some information and obstruct large-scale information sharing in order to keep their power and interests (Lucian E. Marin, 2010). 2.1.2 Individualism Individualism describes the relationship between the individual and the immediate community. The high individualism ranking for the United States (88) indicates a society with a more individualistic attitude and relatively loose bonds with others (Kimberley Roberts Stephen Taylor, 1998-2008). However, low individualism is important for learning the Chinese way of thinking which scores 20 in figure 1. Interpersonal relationships and group affiliation are focused in China (Matthew Earnhardt, 2009). They will act with good manner at all the times and will not do anything that caused other people embarrassment in the public. It can be observed by the use of silence in structure meetings. A person will remain quite although a person   disagrees with what another person says, rather than disagree publicly,   This is giving respect to the other person, while speaking up would make both parties lost reputation. In China, a collectivistic culture, individuals are willing to sacrifice personal goals for the good of the group (Matthew Earnhardt, 2009). This loyalty is promoted across all aspects of Chinese culture, including the workplace. Loyalty is a highly regarded trait in a society where relationships are strong and is, therefore, it is importance to most of the Chinese people (Simon Kriss, 2006). This links back to their high long term orientation above. The collectivist thinking of a culture, China tends to be extremely parochial, with people and businesses not changing suppliers lightly for fear of the impact on relationships (Simon Kriss, 2006). So, it is a good idea to select a good strong partnership that has potential to last a long time when doing business with others. 2.1.3 Masculinity Masculinity refers to the role share between men and women, and the differences of equality that exist between the two genders. The highest the score the more assertive and competitive the culture (Masculine), the lowest the score the more modestly and caring (Feminine). The United States has score around 72.5 and China has score around 75 in the figure1. Therefore, China has high masculinity in their culture and has a strong role differentiation between men and women. Men hold most of the responsibility and power positions. The role of women in China is very limited, even though it seems to be taking more importance in the cities and more developed regions (Carletti Mathilde, 2008). Especially in the rural areas their status is inferior. The country is far from setting up men-women parity. This is the one dimension in which China most aligns itself to the rest of the world, and yet, it is often totally missed by businessman of United States, who think that the women in China are, fo r the most part, ignored (Piseth 2009). 2.1.4 Uncertainty avoidance Uncertainty avoidance refers to the extent to which people in a society feel threatened by ambiguous situations. Uncertainty avoidance has many implications for leadership characteristics and leadership traits such as habitual, formal, cautious, and orderly is perceived as an outstanding form of leadership in some countries while a negative form in others (Matthew Earnhardt, 2009). A high ranking of uncertainty avoidance dimension in United States (45) is indicate that society has fewer rules and does not attempt to control all outcomes and results while doing business. It also has a greater level of tolerance for a variety of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs (Simon Kriss, 2006). But, China presents a low degree of acceptance of uncertainty which scored 30 is a characteristic of a society that does not try to take control of the future, and that is not afraid of unforeseen situations. It is also characteristic of a society that is more tolerant towards opinions, behaviors that are differ ent from its own, and changes (Carletti Mathilde, 2008). It is a more meditative society which does not feel the need of controlling its environment. 2.1.5 Long-term orientation in China The fifth dimension, long-term orientation specify the extent to which a culture is devoted or not devoted to â€Å"traditional, forward thinking values† (Hofstede, 2001). High or short-term orientation predispose countries to resist it or accept to change. In countries in which people display high long-term orientation suggests that the country has long-term commitments to tradition and fosters a strong work ethic as a plan for future rewards outweigh the need for rapid change. Cultures with a short term orientation focus on values such as ‘saving face’ and respecting tradition while cultures that focus on the longer term tend to focus on thrift and perseverance. The US has a scored around 29 in this dimension. China has the highest ranking for long-term orientation which scored around 110 in figure 2.1. China slow and steady wins the race for business deals compare with United States. China is having a building strong, reliable, lasting relationship which is the key for the Chinese (Eric Yee, 2008). A certain amount of trust must be gained before any decision is met. The Chinese prefer to deal with people they knew and trusted before starting to conduct business with others (Vincent Lo, 2011). It may take three to four times the length of time to finish the business deal after finish meeting. So if do not come to a fast agreement, dont be discouraged, make the client feel comfortable and show patience to Chinese. The Chinese never like to rush into things. The company has to maintain the relationship if want to do more business with Chinese. Chapter 3 3.0 Challenges and recommendations expand business to China To be successful in the Chinas market, the United States companies need to have an understanding of major practical challenges they may face in China. China has a different culture because the way they implement their business tends to differ from US. China market is a complicated filed to those companies that are familiar to the Chinese culture would be able to move around in the market. Hence, cultural differences are always the barriers between foreign companies and the locals. For a successful partnership, both parties need to learn more about each other culturally and their business styles (Starmass International 2001-2011). Below are the challenges that foreign company may face in China. 3.1 Communication Challenge There will be a failure business if misunderstanding happened when communicate with Chinas companies. Therefore, language barrier is the biggest challenges for many U.S. companies when they want to enter into the China market. Although there are an increasing number of Chinas people learning English, but there still have majority of locals are unable to communicate in English and also many foreigners are unable to speak Chinese. The way they written and verbal English spoken is totally different with Western countries. Recommendation Individuals need to understand what the other party wants before start to conduct business with Chinese people. By this, they have needed to spend money for hiring person who can carry the responsibility to interpret and as an effective translator to communicate with the locals. Individuals are required to provide their interpreter the relevant information which can effectively execute their task in work. It is better to spend some time to discuss with the interpreter what an individual want to achieve out before each of the meeting to avoid any negotiations. 3.2 Differences of business culture Challenge Foreign investors unfamiliar with the business culture in China are the second major reasons that they failed to enter the China market. To be succeeded in the China, the U.S. investors cannot simply apply their own business models into China market. Due to the culture difference, many of them do not always adapt to accept Chinas standard. As Chinese are very respectful to others, they tend to carry out their business according their beliefs and values. Chinese would like to seek others opinions and advices before making any decision but that take longer time. If the investors do not respect Chinese, there will not have deal between both parties. Hence, U.S. investors need to respect them while talking or having meeting with Chinese. Recommendation The U.S. companies should take more time to do research on the Chinas business culture with fully understanding it. This action may help them to do business with Chinese people in the long-run. The investors have to understand that the Chinese are not indecisive but rather respecting the view of others in doing business. Hence, they must be more patient when dealing business with Chinese. But once they decide to move ahead, the investors must get ready for it because Chinese may expected to proceed it immediately. 3.3 Guan Xi (Relationship) Challenge China likes to build strong relationship in their business compare to United States. It is an important element in achieving successful business in China. However, many U.S. investors may think that it is wasting time in socializing but to the Chinese, it is all the part of the business. Chinese more prefer to work with someone who more familiar with them to reduce disagreement and conflict. Thus, they need to develop wide interpersonal relationship with Chinese. Recommendation The company would benefit in many different ways with buildup good relationship in China. First, a trust would be able to establish between U.S companies and locals. Thus, they would be very comfortable working with each other. Second, good relationship may helps to resolve any problems if a company would to encounter any problems in any field. The investors must learn how to socialize like sing karaoke, having drinks and so on. It is important when entertain or having fun with Chinese. It does not matter whether you are a gifted singer or not. Besides that, the investors must learn how to drink. If you hear ganbei that means Chinese expected you to empty your cup and have fun with them. There are a good places and better ways to build up relationship with them. 3.4 Government Regulation Challenge Chinas government placed heavy restriction on foreign investment in the retail sector. Under the restriction, investors must make concessions on the size and independence of their business to access Chinas market. However, the investors must go through stricter licensing procedures compared to other domestic competitors. They could apply approval only from the government to establish business in China. The investors must first obtain a business license from MOFCOM and then registration approval from the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC). The licensing process is also opaque and can be slow and inconsistent, adding extra costs and burdens for the investor. In recent years, pushed by foreign business communities and governments, MOFCOM and SAIC have delegated certain approval authorities to local governments and streamlined the licensing processes for foreign retail investors (US-China Business Council (2010). Recommendation A strong government relationship remains an important factor to do business successfully in China as Chinas government plays an important role in influencing market movement and administering foreign investments. There are unnecessary procedures and delays if the foreign companies have good relationship with the government officials. This is because China is not a free-market economy and it has an authoritarian communist government. While they employ some of the same terms and strategies as full-fledged capitalist markets, political control is everywhere (Ehow, 2011). 3.5 Legal Environment Challenge Before enter into China market, U.S. investors have to be familiar with the China market laws. The china laws may be frustrating as they seem to be very complicated. In China, the wording of contract may look relatively vague compared to what you are used to. If any dispute arises, consider the contract as a guide, but do not expect it to offer much protection legally. Recommendation Interacting with the locals would allow a better understanding of the Chinese culture and laws and it will be useful in doing business. Hence, a lot of foreign companies would undertake a local company as partner to help them with the registration process and negotiation with the Chinese. 3.6 Local Competitors Challenge One of the challenges that U.S. investors need to be faced are the local competitors. However, one must not overlook small local companies in the China market as the Chinese have a very strong national pride thus they tend to be more supportive towards their local products. Recommendation U.S. companies would really need to do a detailed market and consumer research if they want not only enter the China market but also market their products to the local market. The investors can also seek for the outside help when trying to get into the China market. The Chinese culture would help tremendously when approaching familiar with the China market as they would know the tactic on how to handle any problems. 3.7 Local Pride Challenge In addition, U.S companies do not really know what are the preferences and needs of the Chinese consumers in China. Chinese consumers often prefer to deal with local, Chinese-run companies rather than western enterprises. This also extends to favored treatment from political officials, and it can influence bids on projects and other ventures. Carrying out a consumer research may not be very useful as the information collected may not truly reflect the true responses as the Chinese may not be comfortable giving out information to foreign researches. Recommendation There are normally more reliable if companies engage a local research company to carry out the market analysis research. As low cost of material and labour in China, the products that the U.S. companies offers must at the cheaper level to compare with the local products. 3.8 Business Partner Challenge It is not an easy task for foreign investors to find a good business partner to build up business. A good business partner shares your vision and enthusiasm, bringing expertise in the areas in which you are inexperienced. Its someone who understands the legal and financial responsibilities endemic to sharing a business. Most importantly, its someone with whom you get along. Recommendation Most of the U.S. companies are not well in network of China because they are unable to find reliable business partners in China markets and meet a lot of bureaucratic problems as they are unfamiliar with the laws of China. Therefore, it is important to choose a right business partner. He or she as a business partner in China must be able to speak well in both English and Mandarin. Having enthusiasm for the companys products, strong relationship with import and export agencies and also appropriate storage of the companys products are the factors as a reference for the foreign company to choose a good business partner. In addition, a strong and stable financial background is the most important factor for the company to make sure individuals are able to be a responsible business partner with them.   Chapter 4 4.0 Conclusion In this section, I would like to conclude that it is important to understand others cultural profile before start doing business with them. Geert Hofstede five cultural dimensions in China which are long-term orientation, individualism, masculinity, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance are important elements for the foreign investors to understand cultural profile of China. Once they started to understand the Chinese culture, the foreign investors can have a good cooperation with the locals and succeed to develop their enterprise in China. Maintaining good relationships in China is very important to help foreign investors to success in the China market. Chinese are making business deal depend on how much they see your personal relationship with them. Being respectful and do not make others lose their reputation in the public are the ways to build relationship with Chinese. Besides that, collectivist dimension of Chinese culture where the group is more important than the individual. From this assignment, I learned how it is essential to understand the different culture in an unfamiliar country. And also, I had understand to the Chinese culture or ways to doing things in their business dealing. Besides that, communication tools and skills to face the challenges are learned through this assignment.

Greek society Essays

Greek society Essays Greek society Essay Greek society Essay Essay Topic: History Medea In Greek society, slavery was view as being a normal part of everyday life. Slave labour was considered an essential need when it came to the economic and social success of the Greek city-states. There were a variety of roles, which were carried out by the slave class, some of these included agriculture, crafts, mining, and domestic work. This essay aims to explore the attitudes of the Greeks regarding slavery and its institutions, where and how slaves were acquired, the treatment of the slaves and possible implications if the practice of slavery had been abolished. Despite frequent misconception the majority of Greek slaves were in actual fact, not Greek at all. Many were prisoners of war, captured after the fall of besieged towns and cities and taken back to be later sold on the slave market. As Homer1 discusses in his poems piracy, kidnapping and warfare were all common sources of acquiring slaves. Slavery is the dreaded fate of the women of the royal household of Troy, after the fall of the once great city as is told by Euripides2 . [ ] Talthybios: You have now been allocated, if this is what you feared. Hekabe: Alas! For what city of Thessaly or Phthia or the land of Kadmos are we destined? [ ] (Dillon Garland 2005:351 11. 42) Although this is an extract from a play, Hekabes fear that she feels for the sealed fate of herself, her daughters and daughters-in-law was a very real part of life. As Thucydides3 also discusses, when the Athenians captured Melos, the men were killed and the women and children enslaved. There many other cities that the Athenians as well as other city-states obtained their slaves, some of theses are Thrace, Scythia, Illyria, Colchis, Caria and Lydia. : Kidnapping was also very common, although the families of the hostages were sometimes given the opportunities to pay a ransom for their release, many still ended up as slaves. Children born to enslaved parents were also considered as slaves, another method was exposure, unwanted, sick, or weak babies to be abandoned by their parents. The practice, though inhumane by contemporary opinion, was considered normal. Those children who were found by slave traders or shepherds were possibly taken, raised, trained in some skill and later sold for profit. Although, debt slavery had been abolished in the Attica by Solons4 legislation, it still would have existed in other parts of the Greek world, such as Crete5. There is some argument among modern day historians as to the actual size of the slave population, due to the lack of vital evidence, such as a census. There is however a number of documents where the writers allude to the reader to a figure. Thucydides6 for example tells of some 20,000 Athenian slaves, most of whom were manual labourers deserting. He also points out in later documents that there were more slaves in Chios than any other city besides Sparta. Despite the lack of evidence Finley7 estimates a figure more like 60-80,000 slaves for the whole of Attica. On average it can be seen that most small farmers or landowners would have had at least 1 slave and wealthy households approximately 10-20. In an unusual case, Nikias8 owned some 1000 slaves, which he would hire out for work. The type of things that many slave traders and owners looked for when acquiring slaves were their characteristics which slaves possessed such as a placid temperament, attractiveness, youth, health, submissiveness, strength and so on. Depending on the skills and abilities of a slave would have a huge impact on the type of work that they could possibly carry out and the price that one could be sold for. Slaves however who were elderly, weak, sick or injured, stubborn were considered unfavourable as they would more than likely cause their masters trouble. The roles carried out by slaves were numerous and some were especially dangerous such as working as a crewmember on ships or in mines or quarries. A slave could expect a life of misery and danger, with many thousands killed. There were also a number of criminals or slaves with constant bad behaviour working in the mines, due to the conditions as it was assumed that they would not live very long. In agriculture and farming slaves worked as farmhands or shepherds. Hesiod9, in his Works and Days explains to a small farmer the greater value of a slave woman over a wife. First of all you should acquire a house and a woman and an ox for the plough, A female slave, not a wife, who can follow the oxen as well. (Dillon Garland 2005:331, doc. 11. 8) Skilled slaves could also work as artisans and run shops for their masters, while slave labour was popular it in no way replaced free labour instead slaves complimented the free labour workforce with free men in most Greek cities except Sparta working alongside slaves working the land, in retail trade or as artisans as Plutarch10 describes. As far as working as a slave went, one of the most prestigious roles, was being a domestic or household servant. These were among some of the most well treated slaves, some acquiring a sense of trustworthiness and responsibility, a few even obtained freedom for their loyalty and hard work. A good, well-behaved slave was treated as part of the family, were even allowed to take part in the family rituals like the sacrifice. A female had vastly different roles to that of male slaves. These would have included cooking, sewing and crafting, serving food, entertaining as dancing or flute girls, childcare, cleaning, shopping and fetching water. In wealthier households they could also specialize in being housekeepers, cooks or nurses. Women were greatly disadvantaged in Greek society due to the underprivileged status in the social hierarchy, with even wealthy free women often secluded in their own homes. Unquestionably female slaves would often have a harder time than men and were frequently the target of sexual exploitation or physical abuse from their masters and or other members of their household. In these instances children born from master-slave liaisons would undoubtedly have been exposed. Slave girls could however rise to a certain level of trustworthiness, many wealthy women sought out confidantes in their slave girls, as Euripides11 expresses in his character Medea. It is likely that women and female slaves would have tied together, with the common exclusion from the masculine world of public affairs, regardless of social status. Occasionally household slaves were also given the privilege of being buried in plots next to their masters and mistresses upon their deaths. Aristotle12 spoke of slaves as the chattel property of the master, and thought this may have been the case, there were distinct and well protected laws when it came to slaves rights, or the treatment and punishment of slaves. For instance, though slaves could be very badly beaten they could not however be killed, instead slaves were treated according to their status and the temperament of their masters. Slaves were forbidden to enter the gymnasium or public assembly, they could not freely marry or have children, they could also not use any name other than the one their master gave them and most unfortunately for slaves was that they could only give evidence in a trial under torture. There were however special temples and sanctuaries that slaves could go to seek refuge and appeal that they be resold if their masters were particularly abusive to them13. One very important point to make is the difference between slaves, metics, helots and serfs. Metics were either foreigners, who migrated to cities other than the one where they were born or freed men. The metics could own slaves, ran businesses, had access to certain festivals. The restrictions for the metics were that they could not vote, own land or houses and needed a prostate or citizen patron. The metoikian14 tax made the metic class very powerful, as the revenue from this tax went to the state. Serfs had rights, they possessed money, could marry and divorce, serfs could also marry with free women. The helots were however not foreigners or slaves, they owned land and outnumbered the Spartans considerably, but they were still subjected to a state of servitude. Herodotus15 notes that the Spartans despised artisans and considered those who learnt crafts and their descendants as inferior to other citizens. Xenophon16 also shares these views in his account of Lykourgos. [ ] 7. 2 But at Sparta Lykourgos forbad free men to touch anything to do with making money, and instructed them only to think about those activities which provide cities with freedom. (Dillon Garland 2005:347, doc. 11. 5 7. 2) The Spartans were renowned for their harsh treatment of the helots despite relying upon them for produce and crafts, as well as occasionally in times of warfare to supplement their army, with an estimation of 35,000 serving at Plataea17. Because of the sheer number of helots the Spartans were aware of the potential threat of revolt, Thucydides18 accounts, the Spartans proclaimed that the helot s nominate all those whom they considered had fought well in the Spartan wars, under the belief that these men would be granted freedom the helots picked out about 2,000 who later disappeared. Servile labour was a large part of the social and economic makeup of the classical Greek period, with most households owning at least one slave. Krates19, in his play The Wild Animals, promises automation of items as the alternative to slaves, mimicking Aristophanes position of slavery being taken for granted. Time constraints have unfortunately limited the depth of this essay, and prevented the further examination of slaves in Greece at this time.

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