Trust in E - Commerce Essay Example for Free

Trust in E Commerce Essay Introduction The composition of this essay will concentrate on the topic about Trust in E-Commerce. Hence, this would focus in rendering a clear understanding on how such trust in E – Commerce would work in the actual practice of electronic business. The completion of this essay is up to provide general information about the importance of trust in E – Commerce. In addition to this, it will give an evident rationale in the primary functions of trust in actual practice of business in E – Commerce. Moreover, this paper holds on the purpose of providing comprehensive details on trust in E – Commerce. The following will be discussed: 1. A Brief Back Ground: Trust in Online environment 2. Importance of Trust in E Commerce 3. Major Risks in E-commerce 4. Arguments, Issues and More At the end of the paper, its goal includes determining the importance of trust in the practice of E – Commerce. Nevertheless, this essay would work to tackle prominent issues about E – Commerce with regard to trust. The Definition of Trust in an Online Environment Singh (1996) differentiates between two types of trust, which is that of soft trust and hard trust. Under the concept of soft trust, the important elements are that which â€Å"involve human psychology, brand loyalty, and user-friendliness† (Bollier 1996: 21 as cited in Singh 1996: 145). On the other hand, that of hard trust has factors, which â€Å"involve authenticity, encryption, and security in transactions† (Bollier 1996: 21 as cited in Singh 1996: 145). There is distinction that is to be made between the two that is the main reason for its separation. However, both sets of factors enable the users to have a sense of trust in a virtual environment where the virtual characteristic of the online environment has produced uncertainties.   Likewise, it is to be noted that the factors included for the â€Å"soft trust† involves those which are relative to the customers and are points where the online environment interacts with the users. These are the things, which are related to the client and would vary from every user. On the other hand, those elements under the category of hard trust leans towards those characteristics of the online environment which the users look for and which the different participants in the online environment should provide and possess in order for trust to be built. Moreover, Sutherland and Tan (2004) define trust as the element of the users that allow them to be vulnerable and take risks. It results to their acceptance of both the positive and negative consequences of their use of the online environment. The level for such may vary from one person to another depending on the elements of hard and soft trust placed above. Figure 1. E-Commerce Diagram for Secure Transactions Importance of Trust in E – Commerce Trust in a sense has always been significant aspect in doing business (The Importance of Trust and Credibility n.d.). Hence, establishing trust and credibility is a helpful way to gain the confidence of consumers or the customers (The Importance of Trust and Credibility n.d.). In sales, establishment of such trust is an efficient way to reach higher rate of sale (The Importance of Trust and Credibility n.d.). Likewise, trust and credibility is significant in building firm relationship with consumers and attract potential customers or buyers in the future (The Importance of Trust and Credibility n.d.). The E-commerce is a type of a socio-technical system in exchanging business data and information, upholding business relationships, and accomplishing business transactions through the used of telecommunications networks (E – Commerce Relationships n.d ). In literature, trust is commonly characterized as the confidence or predictability in individual’s potentials (Pavlou n.d ) and the confidence or faith in others goodwill (Trust in Electronic Environment n.d.). In the practice of E – Commerce, trust is considered to be the focal point of creating a firm relationship with the clients or the consumer (E – Commerce Relationships n.d.). This is due to the fact that in such environment the presence of risks, uncertainties, and interdependencies are prevalent (E – Commerce Relationships n.d.). Hence, such trust in the field of E – Commerce is significant for the fact that it serves as the key factor in establishing social capital (On-line trust: concepts, evolving themes, a model n.d.). In addition to this, trust in E-commerce is important in achieving positive outcomes or results such as improving supplier performance, attaining consumer’s satisfaction increasing competitive advantages, and other substantial economic achievement (Building E-commerce Trust Applying Usability Principles n.d., eCommerce and the electronics industry n.d.). In citation of these facts and information it is reasonable enough to say that such trust in the field of E –Commerce is proven to be significant and effectual in many ways. Moreover, apart from the significance of trust in E –Commerce, it also entails positive benefits. Such reward of trust is measurable in a broader range in E – Commerce such as reducing the transaction costs, endorsing advantageous behaviors to attract and limiting the extent of formal contracts (E – Commerce Relationships n.d., Egger n.d.). Nonetheless, trust plays a significant role in e-commerce due to the scenarios like lack of physical proximity, inefficiencies in web technology, anonymity, potential opportunism and lack of control (E – Commerce Relationships n.d.). Major Risks in E-commerce With the speedy development and improvement of technologies, more specifically that of the Internet, it is a fact that this entails a broader range of significant and new opportunities (Hunter n .d.). However, such new opportunities have come with new risks that are commonly not included in the company’s actual risk management strategy (Hunter n .d.). Likewise, the utilization of risk management has been part of the part of the business industry and is widely implemented in such environment (Hunter, n .d.). This is in support of protecting the company’s tangible assets that are exposed to different perils or risks (Hunter, n .d.). Thus, in the field of E –Commerce, such management strategy relies more in the use of technology such as the internet (Hunter, n .d.). Nonetheless, with the appropriate and accorded utilization of such risks management program, possible perils in E – Commerce could be addressed accordingly (Hunter, n .d.). In a sense, it is considered that the possible risks or perils in the field of E – Commerce is associated in different detrimental form such as, viruses, hackers and abuse of credit card numbers used in the transactions over telecommunication lines (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). However, such risks in E – Commerce could possibly be addressed by means of utilizing technological advances (â€Å"Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). Certainly, in E – Commerce, major risks are categorized in three primary areas which are business risks, information risks, and technology risks (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). In a sense, the Information Risks are perils that involve information published and depicted in the web page or sites, which are associated with the manner of e-commerce (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). In addition to this, such category of risk in E – Commerce is considered to be the threats that are associated with the mismanagement of vital information such as violation of laws in a given state and other countries (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). The Technology risk is defined as the hazard that is associated with the databases, telecommunications, software and hardware (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). Also, these specific risks entails consequences that result to the mismanagement or misuse of technology and the utilization of inappropriate technologies in support of addressing the business needs (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). Business risks, on the other hand, are all about the relationship between the customer or consumers and the supplier. Also, this include risks that are associated with products and services, which are marketed and distributed over the Internet (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). In addition to this, such risk in E – Commerce also involves the possible risks associated with managerial factors in the business, which includes contractual and personnel matters (Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce n.d.). Furthermore, the risk of Credit Card Fraud is also perceived as one of the detrimental threats or danger in E – Commerce (Electronic Commerce n.d.). It is believed that such business peril has been in the system ever since credit cards are introduced (Electronic Commerce n.d.). As such, this risk of fraud is anticipated in the business as far as the credits cards are utilized mainly in the E – Commerce transactions (Electronic Commerce n.d.). Likewise, most of the companies involved in the E – Commerce industry is considered to be exposed to such risk by means of credit card utilization and losses for such (Electronic Commerce n.d.). By citing the actual process of utilizing the credit card in E – Commerce, it is clearly evident that such risk of fraud is prevalent in the business (Electronic Commerce n.d.). However, through the use of simple, but effective, strategies such risks in E –Commerce could possibly be addressed (Electronic Commerce n.d.). For instance, the service-based businesses with returning transactions from recognized client or customers entails a much lower risk of fraud (Electronic Commerce n.d.). Nonetheless, with the appropriate implementation of strategies and utilization of effectual business system, it is a fact that companies in E – Commerce could mitigate and prevent the possible risks that are stated above and gain positive benefits from online businesses such as credit transactions (Electronic Commerce n.d.). Arguments, Issues and More Just like any other business industry, the E – Commerce also experiences different issues that could be harmful in a sense. From a personal point of view, issues and arguments in business sectors is part of its actual practices. Thus, this could also serve as the valuable source of learning, which could be used for improvement and development of the company. In the industry of E – Commerce, it is perceived that the notion of trust is a significant matter that is considered in different issues. Moreover, â€Å"trust† is a notion that everyone clearly understands at a given personal perception (A Thoughtful Approach to Web Site Quality, E Commerce | Trust Trustworthiness n.d.). However, it is considered that one of the main issues with regard to trust in E –Commerce is associated with the people’s difficulties in expressing specific definition of such idea (A Thoughtful Approach to Web Site Quality, E Commerce | Trust Trustworthiness n.d.). Some of the public entails stricter basis in measuring and evaluating their trust in a person or a company (A Thoughtful Approach to Web Site Quality, E Commerce | Trust Trustworthiness n.d.). Moreover, the strategy to provide or render a reliable state of trust in the field of E – Commerce is considered to be one of the most pervasive issues in the industry that is still in search of possible resolution (Trust Issues in Ecommerce n.d.). This is due to the fact that such traditional method of face-to-face contact and reputation is far from occuring as compared to that of the actual business transaction of E – Commerce (Trust Issues in Ecommerce n.d.). Thus, the new method that is based on the utilization of digital certificates and cryptographic algorithms rendered by Certification Authorities are one of the common issues in E – Commerce as it is not enough to solve the issues with regards to trust (Trust Issues in Ecommerce n.d.). Conclusion With the above facts and information depicted in this essay, it is clearly reasonable to say that trust in E – Commerce plays a profound role in the industry. Hence, such notion is indeed significant in the entire process and actual practice of electronic business. As such, trust in Electronic Commerce works as the essential component towards the achievement of business success. In addition to this, such trust is important in rendering rooms for improvement and development in terms of financial aspects, operational, and over-all business performance. Thus, such is significant in the industry of Electronic Commerce as it is considered to be the key factor achieving various positive outcomes and results in the business. Nonetheless, the completion of this essay renders definite information on the primary uses and significance of trust in Electronic Commerce practices and business transactions. Moreover, this depicts the major issues of trust in E – Commerce and incorporated with the accorded reasons on such topics together with the appropriate mechanism or methodology to accordingly address such trust issues. References A Thoughtful Approach to Web Site Quality, E Commerce | Trust Trustworthiness [online] available from http://www.philosophe.com/commerce/trust.html [August 15, 2008]. Building E-commerce Trust Applying Usability Principles [online] available from http://www.nicolasdeproft.be/pages/ecommercetrust/conclusion.html [August 15, 2008]. eCommerce and the electronics industry [online] available from http://www.ferret.com.au/n/eCommerce-and-the-electronics-industry-n686364 [August 15, 2008]. E – Commerce Relationships [online] available from http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0198-239216/E-commerce-relationships-the-impact.html [August 15, 2008]. Egger F. (n.d.) Affective Design of E-Commerce User Interfaces: How to Maximise Perceived Trustworthiness [online] available from http://www.ecommuse.com/research/publications/CAHD2001.htm [August 15, 2008]. Electronic Commerce [online] available from http://www.responsivesystems.com.au/ecommerce/index.html [August 15, 2008]. Hunter S. (n.d.) E-commerce Risks [online] available from http://www.marsh.com.au/ECommerceRisks.htm [August 15, 2008]. Managing Risks in Electronic Commerce [online] available from http://www.muhlenberg.edu/depts/abe/business/miller/ecrisks.html [August 15, 2008]. On-line trust: concepts, evolving themes, a model. (n.d.) [online] available from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL_udi=B6WGR-48DXRCC-1_user=10_rdoc=1_fmt=_orig=search_sort=dview=c_acct=C000050221_version=1_urlVersion=0_userid=10md5=9893dfb675be4b1cc30748424542452e [August 15, 2008] Pavlou p. (n.d.). The Transitional Role of Institutional Trust in Online Interorganizational Relationships [online] available from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.3.6276 [August 15, 2008] Singh, S. (1996). The social impact of electronic money. In G. Rosston D. Waterman (Eds.), Interconnection and the internet (135-154). NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Sutherland, P. Tan, F. (2004). The nature of consumer trust in B2C electronic commerce: A multi-dimensional conceptualism. In Information Resource Management Association International Conference, Innovations through information technology: 2004 Information Resources Management Association International Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, May 23-26, 2004. UK: Idea Group Inc. The Importance of Trust and Credibility. (n.d.) [online] available from http://www.zeald.com/Resources/The+Importance+of+Trust+and+Credibility.html [August 15, 2008] Trust Issues in E – Commerce. (n.d.) [online] available from http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/~lpb/research/trust/ [August 15, 2008] Trust in Electronic Environment. (n.d.) [online] available from http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0oGki7BHKhIaHYAmwpXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBydHRjbmRzBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMwRjb2xvA3NrMQR2dGlkAw/SIG=12fkedrf3/EXP=1219063361/**http%3a//www.hicss.hawaii.edu/HICSS36/HICSSpapers/STFMS01.pdf [August 15, 2008]

The Effects of Punishment and Sentencing Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Punishment and Sentencing Essay When a defendant is sentenced, there are philosophical reasons behind this sentencing. The four basic reasons are rehabilitation, deterrence, retribution, and incapacitation. Because this process is sensitive, guidelines have been made to ensure that presumptive sentences are mandatory. Rehabilitation is considered one of the most humane goal of punishment. There are different ways a judge can impose a rehabilitation sentence. For example, a young woman is arrested for public drunkenness. The judge could sentence the young woman to 10 days in jail or reprimand her to a 28-day program for the alcohol charge. The second philosophical reason for sentencing is deterrence. To deter is to encourage something through fear. In this case, if you fear losing your freedom, one is encouraged to obey the law. Deterrence not only looks for retribution but also looks to punish the defendant to a point whereas they would not have a desire to commit another crime. Deterrence can take two forms, general and specific. The general deterrence punishes the criminal, dissuading them from committing the same crime. The specific deterrence expects that a harsh sentencing will prevent the offender from committing any future activity. There are some questions regarding general deterrence. Because it assumes that, a person will commit a crime after rationalizing the pros and cons. This theory proves to be false with adolescences. Incapacitation is another amongst the four philosophies. This form of punishment is not interested in providing resources to eliminate criminal activity. This form wants to incarcerate the defendant and keep them that way for as long as possible. This is one way to ensure that the defendant is not committing any crimes. However, studies have shown that once released, an offender is more likely to commit a crime than before they were incarcerated. Finally yet importantly is retribution. This philosophy states that if a person commits a crime than he or she should be punished based on the degree  of the crime. This relies on the principle of just deserts which says that a criminal deserves to be punished. Retribution is not the same as revenge it is a way of paying society back. Sentencing is not an easy task for a judge, but legislative laws have made it a little easier. Legislatures are responsible for determining the length of the sentence as they are for making the law. They have also created penal codes as a guideline; one of them is to determinate sentencing. If the defendant is sentenced to one year in jail then that defendant must do a year minus the good time. As an example, a defendant is sentenced to a year but may only have to do eight months based on their good behavior. Indeterminate sentencing sets a minimum and a maximum amount of time that a criminal must serve. For instance if a defendant was sentenced to 10 15 years, he or she would have to serve at least 10 years, before being considered for parole. Legislatures have passed the truth in sentence law as well. It requires that serious crime offenders must complete 85% of their sentence, without good time conditions. The final decision is based on the judge. The primary factor is the behavior of the defendant and or the severity of the crime. There are circumstances as expected, this is why there are two rules, and they are aggravating and mitigating. A harsh sentence can be ruled under aggravating circumstances or a lesser one can be ruled if the circumstances are mitigating. A judge considers other factors as well regarding the sentence guideline such as mandatory sentence and habitual offender laws. Mandatory sentence states that a judge must not deviate from setting form standards. The habitual offender law states if a person commits a felony, their 3rd time for sentencing should be harsh. Debates surrounding capital punishment have advocates stating they just want criminals to be punished based in their crimes (just desert). While those who oppose say, their method is just an act of revenge. Nuechterlein (2000) describes vengeance as punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or  offense, he says if you consider that, any punishment towards a crime constitutes as vengeance. I do not agree with this authors concept; however, I understand his point of view. The other article that I viewed opposed the death penalty. The authors pointed out the methods used for capital punishment are cruel and unusual and violate the Eight Amendment. Kaverny (2008) cruel and unusual punishment satisfies the desire for private vengeance. We are all inclined to evaluate harms to ourselves and our loved ones are more deserving of a punishment, than injury to others. This debate influences decisions for punishment because many states believe that if they continue to hand out the death penalty, crime will decrease. References Kaveny, C. (Feb 15, 2008). Justice or vengeance: is the death penalty cruel unusual? (Columnist) (Essay). Commonweal. 135.3 9(1). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Retrieved April 27, 2009, from Apollo library http://galegroup.comNuechterlein, J. (2000). Capital Punishment Deserves Caution Support Current Controversies: Capital Punishment. Greenhaven press. Opposing Viewpoints Center. Retrieved April 27, 2009 from Apollo library http://galegroup.com

Is Latin America An Homogeneous Continent Politics Essay

Is Latin America An Homogeneous Continent Politics Essay Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages, those derived from Latin particularly Spanish, Portuguese, and variably French are primarily spoken  [1]   Historical background To understand the history of International Business in Latin America it is necessary to begin with a look in the eighteenth century were all of the countries in the region were colonies of the European powers and the commerce were tightly tied to the home country. But with the independence the IB had been taking a major role in Latin America because it is possible to consider that the first international business in the region was financing by the Latin American governments for the wars independence and since that moment these countries began to involved with IB, exchanging raw materials, such as gold and silver exported for products from Europe like clothing, iron and manufactured goods  [2]   By the middle of the nineteenth century foreign direct investment began with projects in mining and infrastructure, also LA become one of the most trading partners for United States, providing natural resources and low cost assembly of manufactures (Clothing). The most attractive countries in LA for investment are Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. The government-Business relationship Latin American governments imposed increasingly restrictive policies on foreign MNES, toward the end of import-substituting industrialization and promoting domestically owned business  [3]   but this didnt last for so long because of the 1980s crisis, that forced the governments of the region to look for foreign financial resources and by 1990s most of the LA join the opening economy system. Privatizations Privatization of state-owned enterprises has been one important step of the economic opening process and for FDI, with these system LA governments attracted the world leaders to invest in airlines, telephone companies, electronic power companies and banks. Regional Economic Integration The first regional integration done in LA was by Simon Bolivar in 1820 with the goal to unite South America, but since the World War II there had been integration efforts beginning with the LAFTA or ALALC in 1960 (Latin America Free Trade Area), this agreement never achieved its free-trade goals. It is possible to said that the first true agreement done in the region was the Andean Community in 1976, these group promote FDI into the region and tariff elimination among the members country  [4]   Another Sub regional integration effort is Mercosur has served to open trade mostly between Argentina and Brazil. The most successful agreement is NAFTA that produce economic growth in Mexico because many multinational firms of US locate its production there. Barriers to trade and invest in Latin America The most relevant barrier is the geographical one rather than the legal one because this zone has high mountains so the transportation cost is very expensive and this problem cannot be eliminated by tariff reductions or other government policies. Latin America MNE ´S It can be considered that the Latin America NME ´S emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, as firms established operations in mostly neighboring countries to serve local markets. The leading firms are located in the largest countries, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Five of the top 25 MNE ´S are steel companies from Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Many companies are leaders in their respective industries, such as the Brazilian Gerdau Group. Most of MNE ´S tend to expand regionally before going farther abroad. And thinking in the consumer, this can often be a benefit because of the cultural similarity of most Latin American countries that makes regional firms better to supply to regional taste. At the same time, a firm that lacks international experience might want to acquire the skills needed to manage across borders by first learning in a country that is similar and nearby. This could explain CEMEX, the third-largest producer of cement in the world, captures many of this idea. Multinationals are often closer to their host countries geographically, culturally, economically, and politically, and with their know-how and technologies may be well matched for the other markets where they invest.  [5]   Latin American firms are responding to global trends by restructuring, developing a variety of tangible and intangible assets- including advanced management capabilities  [6]  After decades of protection and transition, Latin American firms are able to think and compete globally. 7 LATIN AMERICAN WORKING AND MANAGEMENT CULTURE. Plenty of information has been written about the American, Japanese or German management styles. These have proved to be successful in the greatest multinationals around the world and as a consequence many organizations in developing countries try to implement them. Well known is, that most of the Latin American countries have economies in transition and this is true also for management models used in Latin American organizations. In 2005 Martha M. Elvira, then the academic director of the Lexington College, together with Anabella Dà ¡vila, then the teacher of The theory of the Organization and business history at the School of Graduate in management and direction of business, had published in the Magazine Universia Business Review and article called Cultura y administracià ³n de Recursos Humanos en Amà ©rica Latina in English Human Resources culture and management in Latin America. There the authors assumed that the Latin American management models have some cultural traits deriv ed from an specific historic process with a social, political and economical structure. This unique process differentiates Latin American management styles from others and makes it worthy to examine the cultural background in order to better understand how the organizations in Latin America behave and how human resources practices in this region can be improved. It is thus highly important to review what has been written about the work culture in Latin America in order to understand better the management practices in that region and perform well when interacting with Latin Americans. For a better understanding of the subject of which is Latin-American cultural behavior and in some way decode the way Latin-Americans work and develop within an organization or during a business, we will divide these behavior into some themes or dimensions in which this culture will be analyzed. Our first dimension will be sympathy, personal dignity or classism, defining sympathy as the warmth of personal relationships, always respecting human dignity (Silvio de Franco, 1999). People in Latin American countries always take time to greet one another with a show of genuine pleasure, this culture is very familiar and always has close relationships with its workmates, if it is their decision they prefer working and negotiating with friends and family, rather than with strangers. Latin Americans are known for developing interpersonal relations with co-workers; this is why they are very predictable and expected by all. Personal contact is very important to Latin American workers; face-to-face contact with superiors is common and valuable for both employee and superior. Personal relations are charged with a high emotional content and both superiors and employees expect to be treated politely and friendly. Loyalty and reliability are very important in the personal relations of Latin Americans in the workplace. Other face of sympathy is the tendency to avoid open conflicts and unpleasantness, that is the reason why, people tend to be very polite and nice with others, and not to demonstrate disagreements in public. Latin Americans prefer a peaceful coexistence, and may be unwilling to confront others about negative behaviors that could be harmful to an organization; over the working environment what people want is to keep positive relationships among co-workers, taking aside the fact that their putting in risk the companys welfare. From here we can say that criticism is the key tool for discharging all madness of employees, this tool goes underground and is expressed most of the time through rumors and gossip. When talking about classism we refer to Latin Americans emphasizing in very rigid social divisions, so, sympathy is more likely to see in members of a same social class or level, you can also find sympathy from a high level class with a lower one, but it is less common in these countries. Hierarchy and social status is important, academic titles and other signs are mechanisms of social differentiation and help to establish the distance between employees and their superiors. Anabella Dà ¡vila and Martha M. Elvira affirm nevertheless, that superiors try to get near to the employees enough to eliminate the barriers between them. There is one exception to the rule, in terms of sympathy; some of Latin people are characterized because of their rudeness when talking, always taking advantage of the position power, when dealing with people that is less powerful, but this subject will be better explained when we arrive to hierarchical relationships and power dimensions. The next dimension is very linked to the first one, personalism; a desire for personalized and individualized attention. For Latin Americans, it is a priority to do things for others as relatives and family. Being helpful is very important for Latinos. First thing to have in mind when working with this culture is trying to develop good relationships, create loyalty within the working group and connecting as much as possible with people. Us, as Latin Americans, prefer to give opportunities, do favors and accept things, from people we know, giving them an advantage over the others, who will become strangers for us. Foreign people need to develop relationships based on mutual help, improve their level of empathy in order to gain Latin Americans trust and personalize the way of dealing with co-workers; we choose approaching people directly in person, rather than delegating tasks, or just sending letters. Personal relationships are needed and mandatory for Latin Americans, as an example, if a person wants to have a good position in the workplace, it is easier to success if they have palanca, term used by Latinos for the extra help they can get inside an organization by contacts and friends to be chosen over others. Latinos want everything to be easy, and fast, this is why friendship and personal relationships as said before are key issues to survive in a Latin American organization or society. Particularism dimension refers to the fact that Latin Americans are always choosing whom to help to, making exceptions to the rule based on individual circumstances level and obligations of friendships. For friends, everything; for strangers, nothing, and for enemies, the law (Rosenn, 1988, p.143) In this culture, law exists, but is just an ideal, because Latin Americans, only pay attention to law, which they agree with, otherwise, it is just ignored. In the personalism dimension, we talked about how influential friendships can become when getting a job, in other words Particularism appears as an answer to the personalism weve been talking about. As explained, particularism is in easier words, to have a strong group of friends, who will obtain benefits from my owns, therefore, the person who is getting the benefit is the one analyzed through the personalism dimension. Now, more than a group of friends or relatives, dealing with government is also part of the particularism, sometimes managers, can influence government to work on their side, giving benefits just to their companies. Latin American culture generally have a fairly low level of trust in people who are not family or close friends, with this we arrived to our 4th dimension, trust, generally, Latin American managers do not trust all of their employees, so, they always have 1 o 2 persons who they trust 100% (friends or family), to leave in charge of important tasks. Sometimes this lack of trust can affect the training and development for employees; Latinos always panic about teaching others the way they work, because we think, they could steel ideas and develop projects based on the stolen knowledge. This distrust issue is also an answer to our listening difficulties, and acceptance of others ideas. Latinos presume we know everything, and that there couldnt be a person who knows more than what I know, so we become depth to others comments. In order to gain the trust desired by Latin Americans, persons from other cultures, should not expect to start negotiating without developing first a relationship with us. Collectivism and in-group/out group behavior dimension, Latin American countries are generally described as collectivist cultures, which is characterized by individuals who give their loyalty to a group, and in return the group takes responsibility for the individual.  [8]  The collectivist unit for Latinos is family. 9 According to the chart, Latin American culture is located in the lower right quadrant, low trust/vertical relationships, finding pseudo-collectivism in the protective hierarchical structures very common in this part of the world. Relationships in Latin American organizations are vertical, people think top-down, with the prevailing lack of trust of out-group members. For Latin companies, it still exist the image of feudo, the boss who gives orders to employees, but beyond that it takes care of anything that could happen to them and their family and personal situations or problems, that could affect them. The in-groups are the ones that always receives preferential treatment, with this we are looking back, to the trust, personalism and particularism dimensions; they are all linked, from bosses perspective, you find your partners, gives them preferences, trust in them and you create an in-group structure, which is the one that characterized collectivism. As explained before, we still have the feudo image, the father who takes care for his children, continuing with the patron system, we now arrive to explain the paternalism and hierarchical relationships. Academics have identified a paternalistic behavior in management positions in many organizations across Latin American countries. In this sense managers care about the protection of the employees and their families. They might be seen as moral support by the employees to the extended that many organizations see themselves as a family. Strong solidarity and mutual understanding characterized Latin American workers whose intention is to work always in a harmonic and warm environment. Latin American employees always feel that bosses should take an interest on their nonwork lives, moving forward and beyond the working barriers, employees think bosses as they are developing the fathers role within a company, should be aware of what if happening with the family, and also they should be part of special events as weddings, baptisms, etc. For employers, their role must of the time is linked to the pobrecito attitude, always to excuse the employees for not doing things, or just when they need to be fired. With this, we conclude that paternalism has to aspects, the power of the father, government, or boss to make decisions for others, as well as the responsibility for those who are dependent on them. Relating paternalism and the hierarchical relationships, within a company, the boss always has a trust man, who will do anything for him, and would burn on fire to cover him, most of the time is the assistant. The disadvantage of this model of hierarchical relationships is that information from the bottom of the organization seldom floats to the top, allowing bosses to make poor decision, because of the lack of input from below that might help them avoid errors. Upon this point all dimensions have been intrinsically related with power, our next dimension, which is the principal theme in the Latin American organizations (Hofstede, 1980). Power is generally and more expressed in the top of the hierarchies. Bosses think that thanks to their position they are allow to do whatever they want, that they control the company and beyond, that employees should exceed in their attentions. And can delegate, tasks that they should act. People with power are accorded special privileges and often use their position to personal gain. It is said also that Latin Americas like to be dependent on someone else; they accept the authority and avoid confrontation with superiors. Conflict avoidance characterizes them and when theres a discussion taking place in public both superior and employee feel uncomfortable and even insulted. One of the most important Latin American cultural characteristics is the sense of humor and joy, which is also a dimension to analyze our culture. Humor plays a major role in the work settings, the constant teasing and joking at work is a pleasure, besides it makes working hours to go faster, helps to create the perfect environment for working and develop more efficient all tasks. But it is not always for having fun, humor has two other functions in the organizational life of Latin America; it is sometimes used to keep people in line, pointed jokes are an acceptable manner of conveying feedback to people. This, because concern for social approval is very strong in Latin America. And it also works as a safety tool in the form of black humor, as an example, employees that are not happy with their boss always make jokes about him but always behind his back or they make them to face just acting ironic. The powerless the people, the more plentiful the jokes. Lastly, we find fatalism, as one very important dimension where Latin American people could be analyzed. As we are evolving with all global changes, it still some negative organizations within the Latin culture. For some of us there is never a positive answer to things or in terms of the organization to projects, comments, etc. It is easier for as to say maybe or it could be rather than be 100% sure. The most common negative (in some way) word Latinos use is si Dios quiere. Even though people are sure things will happen, prefer to leave destiny to the religious part.  [10]  , but there are also some negative movements as always doubting, what if? is it possible? Im not sure it would work. Latin America has been always characterized as fatalistic and resistant to change, but there are some, however, individuals, companies, etc that are rapidly undergoing a transformation in response to changing circumstances as free markets and global economy. Companies with negative patterns find very difficult to compete with foreign companies because they are victims of their own selfishness, always having over all the negative view first. It is important for people who will be working with Latin Americans to understand all cultural contingencies, to do not fall into mistakes or be part of an unexpected cultural shock. Anabella Dà ¡vila and Martha M. Elvira take some human resources ´ practices and explain cultural characteristics founded in them. When referring to the recruitment, selection and promotion process, the authors affirm that in Latin America the appearance and personality are very important in the hiring or promotion of an employee. Relatives, friends or contacts are highly important as well as stated above. Low budgets characterized the training and development process, and a lack of technical knowledge is faced by the firms when importing machinery from abroad. Nevertheless education level in Latin America is growing faster and expatriates in Latin America are being replaced by well-qualified Latin American youth. Family plays a primary role in the lives of Latin American workers. To provide the family with the best living standard is the meaning of work of the Latin American worker. This is why social benefits given by the firms are valuable for them. Rewards for managers take the form of luxury cars, school enrollment for the kids or memberships in clubs. This enhances the living standard of the family and their social status. Acknowledgment is important for the workers; seniority recognition and social benefits are valuable for them. Given the importance of family it is hard for Latin American workers to be transferred from one place to another (far). Working groups are commonly to find in Latin American organizations, authority or coordination within them is also common. Latin American workers dont like to face all the responsibility and thus prefer to share it. The communication in the organizations flows from top-down; the avoidance of conflict generates many times misunderstandings and obstacles in communication processes. When conflicts take place, identification with primary groups more than with the organization itself is common. But, is really Latin America homogeneous as many states? In the year 2003, T. Lenartowicz and James Patrick Johnson wrote an article called A Cross-national assessment of the values of Latin America managers: contrasting hues or shades of gray? which was published in the Journal of international business studies. There the authors through a research concluded, Common perceptions of Latin America as a culturally homogeneous region are stereotypical and incorrectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Based on Rokeach ´s study of values, T. Lenartowicz and James Patrick Johnson proved that divergence in the importance of values can explain differences in business phenomena across the region. Values form part of culture, and they influence well the behavior of the people. Managers and workers grew within a culture filled with values, and thus the studying of values in Latin America can contribute to the understanding of management styles in the region. Diversity characterizes Latin America; and this diversity is reflected in the behavior of the people across the continent. Despite the common historical background shared by Latin American countries, each one of them has different features, geographic conditions, ethnic groups, and historical development. To develop the research, T. Lenartowicz and James Patrick Johnson divided the region in 6 representative parts. Colombia and Venezuela; Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia; Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile; Brazil, Mà ©xico; and Puerto Rico. The study didnt cover any of the Central American countries. According to the results, Brazil showed to have the major number of differences in importance of values (as expected) and Puerto Rico the lower. According to the authors, The values that differ significantly across the 12 countries include: ambitious, clean, intellectual, logical, open-minded, pleasure, world at peace. Three of these intellectual, logical, open-minded relate directly to decision-making and negotiation processes, suggesting that there may be considerable variation in these processes from one country to another. Variation in values is also likely to affect workplace issues such as delegating authority and responsibility, motivating employees, and compensation and reward systems. The study shows that even if there are similarities among Latin American countries, it would be an error to treat the whole region and homogeneous. CONCLUSIONS The Latin American environment could diverge since the colonization moment, because not all of Latin American countries were colonized by the same European countries, so in this order, we can find a French business culture, as well as Spanish and Portuguese, this situation has influenced the management style of Latin American MNEs. Some reason why this environment diverge are the economic and political policies implemented by the government before 1980s, with the ideology of a close economy that ends with each country developing its own business culture. In terms of geography, most of Latin American countries have high mountains, which generates difficulties in transportation of merchandise, this makes that almost all of Latin American companies develop same strategies in order to reduce transportation costs. Each Latin American country has develop its own business culture, but at the same time, thanks to the colonization characteristic and its location it is possible to gather them into groups, to facilitate studies in this continent. Geographical and historical factors served to divide the region into five aggregates which showed to be consistent within them and different among them. These are: the northern South America (Colombia and Venezuela); Perà º, Ecuador and Bolivia, the Southern cone (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay); Brazil; and Mà ©xico. When doing business, Latin Americans are recognized for being a friendly and informal bargainer, who prefers negotiating with already known people as family and friends; we do not sacrifice thing at a short term to obtain benefits at a long term. It is impossible for Latin Americans to arrive on time to meetings or things related to it, but this is why we cannot ask for punctuality and we became very flexible with time, and it uses. Latinos are very manipulative with emotions, and we count with a strong convincement power. In conclusion, all Latin American enterprises have their own ways of doing business, but there are some similar characteristic among them, such as friendship, loyalty, humor, collectivism and power. Friendship and humor are Latinos key tools for interacting and performing within a working and managerial environment. Being surrounded of trust people; the best way of ascending inside an organizational hierarchy and gaining the best positions is trough a Latin term palanca, which is the extra help they can get by contacts and friends to be chosen over others. Communication in Latin American organizations is top-down, with a lack of feedback from information given from bottom positions. Latinos are very preferential; we have preferences for in-group members over out-group members. Although Latin America has been treated as an homogeneous region, he results of a research contradicts prior studies that have tended to group Latin American countries together, and this finding validates the view that Latin America should not be regarded as a culturally homogeneous region.

snow falling on cedars overview :: essays research papers

Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I chose the novel Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson because I have heard from many people that it is a compelling story which truly depicts the inhumanities of racism. Human emotions are intensely conveyed in such riveting detail that one can not read this book without it leaving a permanent mark on their heart. Furthermore, I was not very familiar with the Japanese encampments of the mid nineteen hundreds. I knew that reading this novel would broaden my horizons and lead me into unknown territory. Plot Summary   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A well liked fisherman named Carl Heine mysteriously turns up dead in the small island community of San Piedro Island. World War II is beginning and there is high suspicion of traitors among the islands Japanese immigrants. Kubuo Miyamoto is accused of this crime and is put on trial at a time of high prejudice. Miyamoto and Heine had been childhood friends but in their later years, their was an honorable dispute over land. Many signs pointed to Miyamoto’s guilt, but in the end, the cause of death is determined tragically accidental and Miyamoto is set free after spending three lonely, freezing, winter months in his desolate cell. A secret love affair existed between Hatsue, now Miyamoto’s wife, and Ishmael Chambers, the islands journalist when they were adolescents. They would meet in the dense shelter of the cedar forests where they would prove their lustful love for each other. Hatsue being Japanese and Ishmael being white was not only against all of societies morals, but against everything Hatsue had ever known; her entire culture and history. As tensions boil among the islands natives, the Japanese immigrants were subject to profuse searches, stripped of every priceless belonging, and deported to work camps. Among the confusion, families were torn apart left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Ishmael and Hatsue were forced apart and Ishmeal joined the army and their efforts against the Japanese. Though many years have passed, Ishmael has never healed from the heartbreak of losing Hatsue and he is still desperately in love with her. Characters Kabuo Miyamoto:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kabuo is of Japanese decent. He emits an aura of honor, pride, and grace. His   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  deep dark eyes seem to show no emotion. He portrays great physical strength.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  His features are very smooth and angular. His hair is cut very close to his skull. He   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  has a great sense of protection and feels he has a duty to care for his family.

A Day at the Norton Simon Museum Essay -- Norton Simon Museum Painting

A Day at the Norton Simon Museum It was the day of April 13, 2000. I woke up at exactly 12 o’clock because my boyfriend was to pick me up at 1 like we planned the night before. The day looked quite nice, but I was in a fowl mood. I got into a car accident the night before and had a huge argument with my parents about the car. I finally dragged myself into the shower and got ready in half an hour. Then I went downstairs, sat on my couch, and repeatedly told myself the day would hopefully turn out better than last night. At around 1:15, my boyfriend came to pick me up. We took the 5 freeway to the 57 since it was the only way I knew how to get there. As we approached the 134 freeway, my girlfriend veered to the right, taking the 210 which was wrong way and got us lost. So, we exited the freeway and got back on the right track. Then finally, before long, we reached Norton Simon. As we reach the museum, the exterior was very beautiful. The first things I saw were the bronze statues in the front. We took a couple of pictures in front of them and in front of the Norton Simon. The entrance where the glass doors had sat was very unique and elegant. The glass walls that the glass doors were attached to, added to the elegance and beauty. When I had first walked in, I was very shy, timid, and unwilling to go on, this was due to the more mature audience that I had seen when I had first entered the museum. I was still unsure on how to act in a museum, being this my first time, so I was very calm, cool and reserved, but as time went on I saw college students my age probably doing the same thing I was doing. So I then I felt more at ease. Plus my girlfriend was with me so I was not alone. We walked and walked looking at each art piece, which were all well displayed. Then as I looked at the back wall, a large oil canvas painting looked right back at me. I could feel its pain and so then, I decided to do my paper on this piece. The painting was The Ragpicker by Manet. (The Ragpicker. Edouard Manet.1865.Oil on canvas.) The painting was so enormous that it was hard to miss. Such a huge painting for one man, it almost looked life-like. The dimensions of this work is 76.75† x 51.25†. This scene seems to take place of a lower-class man late in his age, probably near his seventies, appears to be looking out of the corner of his eye. The ... ...the eye because the fabric of his shirt and the roughness of his jeans appear to have texture but they do not. If you actually touch the painting, you will find it to be flat and it does not have that feeling of thick application of paint. The painting has realistic 3 dimensional space by the use of linear perspective and chiaroscuro. It also looks to be 2 dimensional as well, because it almost looks like some influence on the Japanese print, like flat patches of paint. The lines converge from the edges of the paint to the center letting off the effect of a background and a foreground. It looks as though the trash is in the foreground and the man is in the background. In the back of the painting, it is darker which also adds to the effect of the 3 dimensional space. My first experience at the museum was a good one. I had so much fun even after we were done with the Norton-Simon. Being a business major, I did not know that art could speak to me as it did. It has not influenced me so much as to change my major, but it did open my eyes to a whole new world. Now when I look at art, I do not just see a pretty picture, but what the artist is actually trying to say.

The Franco-Prussian War Essay -- Papers

The Franco-Prussian War During the first half of the nineteenth century, Germany was made up of more than 30 small states, the largest and most dominant of which was Prussia. Prussia had decided that all of the states should all be united to create a bigger and better country, Germany. By the end of 1870 it had forced all of the German states to accept its authority and create the German Empire with the King of Prussia at its head (the Hohenzollen's). Everything was going to plan as Chancellor Prince Otto Von Bismarck (person who was behind the unification of Germany) had anticipated apart from the four large states in southern Germany who remained independent. Bismarck now needed a way to unite these states with the German Empire that he was creating, so he decided that in order to do this he believed that it was necessary to defeat France. The French Emperor Napoleon III was the main obstacle in the way of Bismarck as Napoleon distrusted Bismarck and believed that he was trying to dominate Europe. Luckily Bismarck had already motivated wars against Denmark and Austria (1864 and 1866), managing to provoke his enemies declaring war against Prussia. So in the eyes of other countries Prussia was innocent and Denmark and Austria seemed like the perpetrators. Meanwhile in Spain, 1868, there had been a revolution, the outcome of this was that Queen Isabella had been overthrown and now there was a vacancy for the throne of Spain. They reduced this problem by asking Leopold of Hollenzollern (the King of Prussia's nephew) to step in for them, if Leopold accepted then there would be a link between Spain and Prussia, isolating France. .. ...ellor was secured, the four independent states in the South agreed to join the German Empire, Germany was now the most powerful country in Europe, and the German Army had proved itself invincible and the German Economy began to quickly dominate Europe. But what Bismarck feared the most was the French desire for revenge, and planned to keep France isolated. However the effects of the War and the Treaty on France were completely different. Their pride for their army and country was shattered, and the treaty was treated with disgust and rage. As a consequence of this Napoleon III left the country to live in exile in Britain and a republic was set up. The loss of Alsace and Lorraine ashamed France, and was a national disgrace. The French were seething at the Germans for humiliating them and secretly dreamed of revenge.

Modern Technology and the Use of Electronics Essay

Modern technology and the use of electronics, especially computers have changed drastically over the last century. While many feel that there is a major advantage for the frequent use of computers, especially for the youth; there are some who oppose the constant use of them and feel as though they can be a bit of a downfall to the learning process overall. While we may all have our personal opinions on how computers impact the youth on writing and also reading. Clive Thompson and David Gelernter, who are both authors have strong opinions on how computers effect students. While Clive feels as though the use of computers encourage the youth to read and write more; David does not agree with the constant use of technology. Both authors have made very strong and valid points on the topic. Clive Thompson, who is a science and technology writer for the New York Times Magazine feels that since computers, text messaging and different social sites have come available to everyone, it offers kids the opportunity to write more. In this generation kids are constantly texting one another and engaging in various social networks, compared to older generations who only wrote when it was required for them to do so. He makes points by explaining that social media and status updates encourages kids to write more to their audience explaining their daily tweets and online blogs. On this topic, Thompson discusses a lot of research by Professor Andrea Lunsford and finds himself agreeing with her studies; stating that, â€Å" I think we’re in midst of a literacy revolution the likes of which we haven’t seen since Greek civilization,† she says. A lot of socializing starts online and sometimes involves texting, status updates and blogging. It’s giving the young people the ability to express themselves more through their writing, where they effortlessly communicate back and forth with their peers. Clive Thompson makes a great point by explaining how computers effect the young generation into writing to their peers and not just their professor for an assignment. In conclusion, he agrees with Lunsford, stating that,† Technology isn’t illing our ability to write. It’s reviving it and pushing our literacy in bold new directions. † David Gelernter, who received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in classical Hebrew literature and is a professor of computer science at Yale; feels exactly the opposite. Unlike Thompson, he feels that computers should be in the schools and could help accomplish great things in subjects that he feel are being neglected as art and music. The difference is that Gelernter feels as though, â€Å"Computers make our worst educational nightmares come true,† he says. He makes a point on how the software on computers computes auto-spelling and also arithmetic. He explains that multimedia blinded students from the fundamentals of actually reading a book, and understanding what the author is conveying to the audience. David explains his theory on his conditions on how a computer should be used. First he states that there should be a new software for children that ignites the child’s imagination to get them to become more involved. Second, he wants to limit the use of computers for only recess and relaxation periods, for the purpose of kids not becoming dependent on it. Most important, he feels like educators should learn what parents and teachers already know: you cannot teach a child anything unless you look him in the face. The computer’s potential to do good is modestly greater than a book’s in some areas. It’s potential to do harm is vastly greater, across the board. † The two authors have stated strong opinions about their beliefs on computers, and how they affect the younger generation. The similarities the share, is that computers do offer different opportunities to help them both academically and socially, but we should not ignore that the basics is what students need to be successful and not a short cut.