Conflict Resolution free essay sample

It recognizes struggle in the setting where hierarchical partners seek after assorted interests and make contending claims on assets, and attempts to empower all partners make some level of progress. Where does struggle originate from? Pluralists don't concur the recommendation that objectives of associations are certainly comprehended and concurred with by all members. For pluralists, there are shifting objectives sought after by enhanced people or gatherings of the hierarchical partners which are not generally steady with the top goal. The difficulty to accomplish a general association objective along with different wellsprings of contention, for example, basic, scant assets, diverse worth framework, makes struggle a normally happening wonder in this unique circumstance, coming about because of quest for contending cases and requests. Portray struggle: * Multifaceted Conflicts in this methodology, is multifaceted, rising up out of various weight focuses both inside and outside the association. With complex arrangements of pressures and various cases, struggle circumstances can be intrapersonal, where an individual is clashed over objectives, and relational, where at least two people can't help contradicting one another, or intragroup, intergroup, intraorganisational and interorganisational. Casual gatherings are those that are not officially organized and are not part of the authoritative structure (Robbins, 2007). These gatherings are commonly comprised of representatives who have discovered shared opinion through close to home discussion. At the point when one representative sees a conduct in another worker that they can identify with, it gives the force to discussion and the start of a relationship. This kind of gathering is useful for the individuals who need to have a type of social contact, for example, another representative or one that is somewhat timid in any case. This kind of gathering is viewed as a fellowship gathering (Robbins, 2007). Fellowship bunches regularly get together outside of work to proceed with their relationship and expand on shared traits, for example, a most loved games, youngsters, cards, and so on. As of late, a gathering was framed by the advantage insurance supervisor that incorporated a few representatives who were doled out to look out for the film show walkways. This comprised an undertaking gathering (Robbins, 2007). Every one of the workers allocated to this gathering, assigned as the â€Å"watch group† were from various divisions and included the entirety of the directors, resource assurance, and the neighborhood police office. Their doled out undertaking was to look out for clients who shoplifted motion pictures, which are high burglary things. Furnished with a walkie-talkie and a â€Å"call code† in case of an expected robbery or dubious action, this gathering must organize correspondence and development to keep the suspect from leaving the premises with taken product. Strikingly, this gathering has developed through volunteer endeavors and is the biggest undertaking bunch at the nearby Sam’s Club. Gatherings are hung on a month to month premise to survey video tapes, audit laws and strategies, and settle on choices on the best way to bring issues to light in all workers. To encourage gatherings, there would should be more open doors for laborers to communicate with each other. This may include expanding the quantity of laborers in a given move, or to have the board recommend a specific reason that laborers may get a kick out of the chance to get associated with. In the gatherings that were portrayed above, there are qualities and difficulties. One of the difficulties of a companionship bunch is that it might will in general become cliquish or decline to incorporate others. At the point when a contention emerges among its individuals, that contention can overflow into the workplace and make issues where the board should step in and explain it, basically on the grounds that the gathering is at chances with each other and can't understand it all alone. One of the qualities of the fellowship bunch is that it can make an amicable domain that is seen by others and hence prompts other kinship gatherings. While dependent on shared characteristics outside of work, the subject of work will emerge. A companionship gathering may examine issues inside the club and focus on arriving at an answer that might include an administrator. One issue might be the way to get everybody together for a pleasant get-together, for example, a cookout or night of bowling. The distinctions among the individuals will bring different perspectives, and can prompt vivacious conversations that wind up being inefficient. The errand gathering, while given a particular assignment must social affair and devise a â€Å"plan of attack† for impeding robbery, and diminishing stock shrinkage here. The test comes when there are holes in the watch because of worker unlucky deficiencies, or when a representative is briefly relegated to another zone, or other booking clashes. The capacity to get everybody in the gathering together to settle on choices on the arrangement of assault can be troublesome in that circumstance. It might be that the gathering should separate into littler gatherings, for example, gathering individuals by move or by days worked, at that point have one individual from each maller bunch get with the others to talk about how they will hand-off data relevant to the assignment. One of the qualities of this gathering is that everybody knows what their identity is, and understands the significance of their assignment. As a result of its significance, the reality with which choices are understands authority, and a solicitation made by a gathering part to somebody outside the gathering is followed up on right away. The watch bunch has made a status that others might want to have. With regards to dynamic and the decent variety of a gathering, all thoughts should be thought of. Maybe through conversations, all thoughts can be offered then talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each to limit decisions until an official conclusion can be made. At the beginning of a conversation, individuals from the gathering can set a period limit and an objective for the conversation. This assists with keeping everybody on target and cutoff points discussions and practices that might be diverting or off subject. Maybe having a conventional plan can help in keeping the conversation pushing ahead. At my Sam’s Club we likewise have groups. These groups are in the zones of part enlistment, wellbeing, soul, review, and maintainability. Every one of these groups are administrator driven groups. The part enlistment group is driven by the Membership Manager whose activity is to supervise the enrollment work area, front-end relates, the fax-n-pull partner, and the sign support partner. This group has week by week gatherings to audit participation numbers and enrollment procedures. The security group is driven by the Asset Protection Manager and comprises of volunteers from all divisions. Their objective is make the club as protected as conceivable to maintain a strategic distance from wounds to partners, sellers and individuals. The group has month to month gatherings to survey perceptions by colleagues of negative practices by workers that could cause injury; audit the status on apparatus fix or substitution demands; and plan wellbeing exercises for the whole club. The review group which is driven by the Club Manager is answerable for stock control, guaranteeing precise product checks, and club supplies. Except if there is an error in the checks or the club is getting ready for the yearly stock, the review group doesn't meet. The group has ordinary alloted obligations and assignments that are performed every day and week after week. There are reports that are produced from contributions by the review group that are investigated by the corporate office and any errors are then sent to the Club Manager for survey and amendment. The soul group is driven by the Soft Lines Manager, and their capacity is to make exercises that help assurance and help with client care. The choices that are made by this group are viewed as fun and wacky to alleviate the burdens that originate from working in retail, that is, managing unsatisfied individuals, long queues at the check outs, and short staffed shifts. Individuals from the group will dress in amusing outfits, or will build up a topic, for example, a Hawaiian topic that draws consideration from individuals and makes an enthusiastic domain. The supportability group is driven by the Hard Lines Manager. Their capacity is to devise approaches to diminish paper squander, water waste, and vitality preservation. The club is at present in a reusing program where all paper that will be discarded is destroyed and given to nearby veterinary centers, and creature salvage offices to line creature confines. Any cardboard or therapist wrap plastic is made into parcels that is gotten by a nearby reusing organization to be reused for bundling items. The individuals in any event, acquire old batteries, ink cartridges, glasses, or plastic packs that we at that point use in our bundles, give to noble cause, or send to the recycler. Vitality is spared by killing lights in unused office spaces, guaranteeing hardware is kept up, turning down the temperature on water warmers, and water utilization has been diminished by introducing water sparing fixtures and toilets in the bathrooms and cafeteria and support sinks. Every one of these groups fills a particular need in meeting the organization objectives, and with regards to the company’s mission. Authority and Politics Every organization needs pioneers and chiefs. While the two jobs are discrete, they can be equivalent to administrators can be pioneers and pioneers can be directors. What makes them diverse is their core interest. Supervisors center around undertakings and procedures, pioneers center around individuals and building connections (Pinkett, 2012). Pioneers likewise carry on in manners that makes them a motivation; a motivation to different workers and to the organization. At Sam’s Club, there is one such pioneer that stands apart over the rest. That leader’s name is Patsy. Patsy’s work title is that of Plus Champion. Patsy has been in this situation for around five years, and has earned each moment of it. She was picked not just for her outcomes in the acquisition of Plus participations from current individuals, yet in addition for her capacity to lead and rouse others to give a valiant effort, a

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program Research Paper

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program - Research Paper Example This methodology will bring about a higher creation rate along these lines fulfilling the both the neighborhood and global interest. Right now the organization has around 600 laborers accomplishing get together work on the floor and the number is relied upon to increment to 3,500 when the creation of the F-35 fly contender hits max speed. There will be three moves every day and around one airplane will be finished per working day. As the plane travels through the mechanical production system there are different workstations to provide food for various requirements of the variations of the airplane. With this sort of technique the organization intends to make around 130 planes in the beginning times of creation as it gets ready for a high rate stage in later years (Finn, 2013). For some time the creation of the F-35 battled to meet its necessary objective numbers. This anyway changed in 2013 as everything improved. It was then that progress in flight tests improved and the specialized dangers that were there before survived. The creation program had the option to outperform 10,000 flight hours in September of 2013, a similar sum which had been accomplished in the earlier years. By and large around 8,000 thousand tests have been performed and the marine variation has accomplished 500 effective vertical arrivals (Von, 2013). Such arrivals demonstrated the capacity of the airplane to land in territories with no runways. Through this the program had the option to assess whether the ideal execution objectives had been accomplished. The achievement of this tests prompted increment underway of the airplane from 11 planes in 2011 to 30 out of 2012 lastly 36 in 2013.By November 2014 an aggregate of 115 F-35’s had been created. This can likewise be licensed to the way that Lockheed Martin, the Corporation making the stream contender embraced the robotized moving line get together framework for creation. With this expanded creation numbers the unit cost for every airplane saw an incredible drop. The drop is enormous to such an extent that the

The Purpose of a Resume - Resume Tips for Recent Graduates

The Purpose of a Resume - Resume Tips for Recent Graduates This article was originally posted at New Grad Life. A common misconception about resumes is that they are meant to describe what you did in your past jobs. In actuality, the most effective resumes are written from a FUTURE perspective. In other words, your resume will work if you think about what a potential employer would want to know about how you WILL perform. What experience do you have that will make you a contribution to their firm or organization? Photo by Ed Brambley, CC-BY-SA 2.0 If you are writing a resume from the perspective of the FUTURE, here’s what will happen: 1. Measurable Results. You will write detailed bullets that demonstrate your capability to achieve measurable results. That means: include numbers as often as possible. Don’t just say you tutored students; say how many and by how much their grades improved. Don’t say you were successful; tell us exactly what results you achieved. Don’t just say “increased;” tell us by what percentage. Your readers will imply that you can produce similar results for them. 2. Finding Relevance. You will think about the purpose and priority of each item on your resume. Does it matter that you worked as a bartender if you are now applying for marketing positions? Maybe, if you you were a student working 20 hours/week and still maintained a 3.8 GPA, or if you were the highest-tipped bartender at the establishment. Additionally, bartending demonstrates your ability to multitask and interact with a wide variety of people. But it does not need to take up three lines on your resume, just because it’s what you did; you can make it a short bullet under your “Education” section to show you were doing it while in school full time. 3. Deleting Irrelevant Items. You will delete anything that is irrelevant or of minimal importance to your future. These things include stuff you did in high school. High school activities are no longer relevant â€" you had 4 years of college to become who you are now, and if you did less in college than you did in high school, looking into the future, the logical conclusion is that you will do less and less as time goes on. Let us help you look your best on your resume and in all your writing. The Essay Expert provides writing help with LinkedIn profiles, resumes, cover letters, and other writing projects.

The Dehumanization of Gregor in Kafkas Metamorphosis Essay

The Dehumanization of Gregor in The Metamorphosis In the novella The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, the main character Gregor undergoes a physical transformation from human to bug. Despite this change in appearance, he maintains his human brain as insect tendencies slowly take over his day to day behavior. He maintains his thoughtless state of mind, memories, and inner dialogue during his exterior transformation. Although he maintains his mental capacities, it is his change in appearance that causes his family to turn against him and eventually kill him. These events show how people can become dehumanized by society and the government only because of a difference in behavior or appearance. In Gregors case, he is transformed in†¦show more content†¦But, as time goes on his sister Grete, who had been the one to care for him the most, begins to lose faith in his humanness. She says to her parents, You must just try to get rid of the idea that this is Gregor. The fact that weve believed it for so long is the root of all our trouble. This same idea is reiterated when Gregor finally dies and his mother says, Well, now thanks be to God. His family was convinced after a short while that it wasnt even their own Gregor underneath that hard exoskeleton. Gregors physical transformation also sparks a streak of cruelty on the part of his family. It is understandable that they be frightened when he first appears, but they continue to lock him in his room without ever trying to communicate with him. The only person who ever goes in his room on a regular basis is his sister and she can barely even tolerate his presence. At one point when Gregor successfully escapes from his prison cell, his father ends up throwing apples at him with the intention of causing injury. Gregor came to a stop in alarm, there was no point in running on, for his father was determined to bombard him. As Gregor merely sat there on the wall, his own father sunk an apple into his shell. After this event they leave him to whither away and die alone in his room. Gregor did not bring this horrid behavior upon himself by his actions, but instead they result because his different appearance and behavior led his family to think ofShow MoreRelated‘The Metamorphosisâ⠂¬â„¢ and ‘A Hunger Artist’980 Words   |  4 PagesThere are many parallels and differences between Franz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis† and A Hunger Artist. Kafka portrays these differences and similarities very effectively through his utilization of elements such as transformation, dehumanization, and dedication to work. Through his works, Kafka communicates with the reader in such a way that almost provokes and challenges one’s imagination and creativity. Kafka is known for his highly symbolic and oblique style of writing. It is no surpriseRead MoreThe Metamorphosis Franz Kafka s Metamorphosis1663 Words   |  7 PagesIn The Metamorphosis Franz Kafka tells the story of a young man named Gregor who observes the radical changes in his life after transforming into an insect. Gregor’s life was centered on his job as a traveling salesperson and his family. One morning Gregor woke up transformed into an insect. Afraid of the transformation Gregor stays in his room and ignores calls from his family. When Gregor realized that his new body did not allow him to have a normal life, he tried to adapt. After his metamorphosisRead MoreThe Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka1021 Words   |  4 PagesFranz Kafka’s, The Metamorphosis, is a novella about Gregor Samsa, a man who devotes everything to fulfilling the needs of his family. Kafka’s existentialist perspective on the meaning of life is illustrated through the use of the protag onist of Gregor Samsa. Existentialism is a philosophy â€Å"concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility† (Existentialism). Gregor is unable to fulfill the existentialist view of finding meaning in one’s life;Read MoreMetamorphosis Analysis1142 Words   |  5 PagesFranz Kafka’s â€Å"The Metamorphosis† is about the dehumanization of a man named Gregor, when he wastes his life monotonously repeating the same task every day to support his uncaring family. The lack of purpose in his life is an example of absurdist fiction, a genre of fictional narrative that uses satire and irrationality to explore the human experience of meaninglessness. Furthermore, â€Å"The Metamorphosis† uses aspects of magical realism, such as transformation of common, distortion of time and lossRead MoreMetamorphosis by Franz Kafka Essay1033 Words   |  5 PagesFranz Kafka’s, The Metamorphosis, is a novell a about Gregor Samsa, a man who devotes everything to fulfilling the needs of his family. Kafka’s existentialist perspective on the meaning of life is illustrated through the use of the protagonist of Gregor Samsa. Existentialism is a philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility (Existentialism). Gregor is unable to fulfill the existentialist view of finding meaning in one’s life;Read MoreAnalysis Of Franz Kafka s The Metamorphosis 3979 Words   |  16 PagesAustin Day Professor Imali Abala English 357 18 February 2015 The Theme of Alienation in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis The Metamorphosis written by Franz Kafka in 1915 is said to be one of the greatest literary works of all time and is seen as one of Kafka’s best and most popular works of literature. A relatively short novel; the story explains how the protagonist, Gregor Samsa wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a vermin which completely estranges him from the world even moreRead MoreLife is Fractured by Class Struggle in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosi1263 Words   |  6 Pageswealth, which occurs, by and large, in a capitalist society. On the surface, an examination of Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis through this Marxist lens reveals that the novel is a denunciation of the capitalist society in which protagonist Gregor Samsa lives in because of this class struggle. However, one other primary aspect of Marxism’s methodology must be taken into consideration when critiquing Kafka’s novel: dialectics. Marx’s dialectic is a method of discuss ion, analysis, and argumentation thatRead MoreThe Relationship Between Gregor and Samsa Essay1670 Words   |  7 Pagesexistentialism movement, he made it a point explore existential philosophy in his literary works. In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the main character Gregor Samsa is the parallel to Franz Kafka which is evident through the portrayal of their similar paternal relationships, ties to existentialism, and their inability to exist without the interference of others. The main character, Gregor Samsa is a traveling salesman, who supports his family entirely on his wages from work. He holds a sense ofRead MoreFranz Kafkas Novella, The Metamorphosis Essay1199 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the saddest aspects of Franz Kafkas novella, The Metamorphosis, concerns the fact that young Gregor Samsa genuinely cares about this family, working hard to support them, even though they do little for themselves. On the surface, Kafkas 1916 novella, seems to be just a tale of Gregor morphing into a cockroach, but, a closer reading with Marx and Engels economic theories in mind, reveals an imposing metaphor that gives the improbable story a great deal of relevance to the structure of Read MoreAnalysis Of Franz Kafka s The Metamorphosis1500 Words   |  6 PagesIn Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the opening sentence introduces the main character, event and the setting. Gregor Samsa is one of the only two characters who are addressed by name, this reflects his importance in the story because he is the protagonist and he plays a central role in the lives of his family and friends. Besides introducing the central character, this opening line has a dramatic impact on readers. It draws the reader straight to Gregor Samsa’s transformation and Kafka’s absurd reality

I Am A Mental Health Counselor - 857 Words

When I was in the military I had three great life events that lead me onto the road of psychology and eventually to this road of applying to the Masters program with Adler University. The first event was that of a friend who was homosexual, the young man had a hard time and life was harder for him due to others harassing him, this young man took his life. Knowing what I know it saddens me that I did not see the signs that he had in his mind a plan to do this. This pushed me into a depression, which is the second event that lead me to the desire to be a mental health counselor. During my depression it took me three years to build up the courage to seek mental health. While going through therapy my psychologist suggest to take some psychology classes on base with the University of Maryland, seeing as I was just working towards a general studies I thought either way it could help me get credits towards my degree. My teacher Dr. Hartman was excellent in drawing my attention to the subjec t, he spoke with such passion about his career and made it stand out even more to me. The third and final event that brought me down this road, came randomly one night while I was on duty. The time was 12:26 AM when I received a call waking me up, when I answered it was a young lady on the line who lived in the military housing. I did not know her yet but the first thing she said was â€Å"How many flexeril can I take to kill me?† My heart stopped but my brain went instantly to work, asking herShow MoreRelatedMental Health Counselors And Family Therapists Essay721 Words   |  3 PagesOccupational Outlook Handbook 1) Mental Health Counselor is the occupation that I am currently looking into. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/mental-health-counselors-and-marriage-and-family-therapists.htm#tab-1 a. â€Å"What they do?† -According to the website, â€Å"Mental Health Counselors as well as Marriage and Family therapists help individuals overcome and manage emotional disorders as well as mental disorders†. It also mentions how, these types of Counselors also help individuals manageRead MoreAdvocacy in Counseling1622 Words   |  7 PagesConsultation and Advocacy Bradlee Donahue Survey of Research in Human Development for Professional Counselors Kathy Blaydes August 4, 2013 Advocacy and consultation have over the years proven to be two equally important ways for counselors to assist their clients. According to research conducted by Moe, Perera-Diltz, Sepulveda (2010), there is a positive correlation between the two concepts. For example, both concepts utilize distinct and unique methodologiesRead MoreMorals, Values, And Ethics1092 Words   |  5 Pagesethics are conditions which represent a person character, view of their society, and culture. Morals and ethics are two principles that are similar in that it includes how decision are made either good or bad (Remley Herlihy, 2016). As a future, mental health professional, it is essential to have sound judgement when making decisions that will ultimately impact clients. We will review morals, ethics from my perspective. Influence Being raised to have strong faith, courage, honesty and integrity wereRead MorePersonal Statement On Child Abuse958 Words   |  4 Pagesare as people. My childhood experiences influenced the woman that I am today. My father was abusive. He abused my mother, my siblings, and myself. Whether it was a domestic assault against my mother, slapping of my siblings, or a daily cursing session, our house has always been in turmoil. There were adults that knew about the abuse going on in my home, including teachers. However, none of them intervened for my brothers and I. I cannot help but wonder how my life would have been different if someoneRead MoreCoun 500 Personal Identity Paper1469 Words   |  6 Pagesprofessional counselor and the differences between a professional counselor and other related professionals. It will also integrate how religious and spiritual beliefs can impact professional counseling. It will summarize my beliefs and values and what I plan to do so that I will not im pose my beliefs on clients. Also, I will reflect on what I have learned during this course and how it will impact my future as a counselor. Professional Identity Section I: Professional Counselor Role TheRead MoreThe Effects Of Manic Depression On My Undergraduate Majors At Syracuse University1116 Words   |  5 Pagestime I received this call regarding my mother. Manic depression has been a lifelong battle and this was her third suicide attempt. However this time was different; this time, I knew how to react and how to help her. My undergraduate majors at Syracuse University were psychology and forensic science. As part of the curriculum, I took a variety of classes such as abnormal psychology and forensic mental health, all of which taught me a great deal about mental illness. Book knowledge in hand, I thenRead MoreMy Personal Goals to License Track Counseling Program895 Words   |  4 Pagessubsections the reason why I am seeking a specialization in a license track counseling program. I t will address how I will do my best to obtain experience through volunteer work. I will discuss in detail part of my life experience as well as my interpersonal skills that made an impact on my decision to become a Mental Health Counselor. In addition, I will also explain in details the license requirement that I will need to practice in the state of Florida. This is the state where I want to practice. 1Read MoreI Am A Student At The University Of Wyoming973 Words   |  4 Pages I am Daniel Ledo. I am a student at the University of Wyoming who is going to graduate with a B.A. in Psychology next May. I have spent the past three and a half years learning as much about the field of psychology as I could and it has driven me towards becoming a mental health counselor. Beyond just learning about the theories and foundations of psychology as a science, I have learned about the discipline and empathy I will need to have in order to successfully in this field. This has never intimidatedRead MoreAs I Sit And Reflect Back Before This Class I HavenT Learned1368 Words   |  6 PagesAs I sit and reflect back before this class I haven t learned that self-care is extremely important. I know after nine years of striving and pushing my students to excel with the ongoing hassle of administration changing, I did feel the burnout. It wasn’t until I started this program and they talked about self-care. As I research and got a better understanding of what exactly compassion fatigue is I learned that second-hand shock and stress reaction describe a type of stress that results from wantingRead MoreA Master s Degree Of Clinical And Mental Health Counseling952 Words   |  4 PagesCredentials I hold a Master’s degree of Clinical and Mental Health Counseling (2015) from Immaculata University. My undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Abnormal Psychology was earned at Kean University. I am licensed in the state of Pennsylvania as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Professional Experience I have been a licensed counselor for the past 3 years. I have experience in the areas and treatments of depression, anxiety

Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower Free Essays

The report (ScienceDaily screen 1) mainly focused on the important contributions of vitamin D, calcium and magnesium in risk prevention for diabetes; most especially the type 2 diabetes. (qtd in ScienceDaily, screen 1) The language used is fairly comprehensive with the use of familiar words and with only a few technical terms. The author’s understanding of the previously reported findings is sufficient to allow him or to allow her to thoroughly explain the findings of the studies presented. We will write a custom essay sample on Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower or any similar topic only for you Order Now In both studies conducted by Pittas et al. and Larsson et al., meta-analyses approaches were conducted to obtain the results. (qtd in ScienceDaily, screen 1) Studies performed were mainly based on American diet, therefore similar studies may be conducted to evaluate whether these findings apply for other racial and ethnic populations. These information would really be useful for individuals who have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes; as well as the general population for the promotion of health and prevention of disease. However, to a reader without extensive nutritional background, results of this study may be misleading. The report may mislead by giving the reader the notion that drinking milk alone will be prevention enough against diabetes. Other preventive measures for diabetes should have been included in the report to avoid misinterpretation. Reference: ScienceDaily. â€Å"Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk†. (13 July 2007). 16 July 2007 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/ 070711001452.htm. Web address: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070711001452.htm More on: Diabetes, Dietary Supplement, Vitamin, Hormone Disorders, Nutrition, Osteoporosis Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk Science Daily — Most Americans fail to get the calcium and vitamin D they need, but this shortfall could be affecting more than their bones. It may, at least in part, be one reason behind the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, suggests new research conducted at Tufts University. Drinking more milk — a leading source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet — could help decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly 15 percent, according to the new meta-analysis and review published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism (1). In the thorough analysis of previously published studies, the researchers found chronically low levels of vitamin D were linked to as high as 46 percent greater risk of type 2 diabetes. Yet boosting vitamin D alone would likely have little effect in healthy adults. Instead, the researchers suggested that a combination of vitamin D and calcium, like that found in milk, would have the greatest potential to help prevent diabetes, especially among those at highest risk for the disease. Examining the intake of milk and milk products specifically, the researchers found there was nearly a 15 percent lower risk for type 2 diabetes among individuals with the highest dairy intake (3-5 servings per day) compared to those getting less than 1  ½ servings each day. Most of the studies assessed were observational and the limited number of intervention trials makes definitive conclusions difficult, yet the Tufts researchers suggest calcium and vitamin D may affect the body’s ability to produce or utilize insulin, the hormone the body makes to process sugar that is impaired in those with diabetes and pre-diabetes. Beside calcium and vitamin D, milk is the primary beverage source of magnesium, which a second meta-analysis found may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (2). The analysis concludes that for every 100 milligram increase in magnesium up to the recommended dietary intake, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes decreased by 15 percent. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome (or pre-diabetes) affect a staggering 75 million Americans and death rates from diabetes have increased nearly 45 percent over the past 20 years, elevating the importance of finding new ways to treat and prevent this deadly disease. Milk is a primary source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet. In fact, government reports indicate that more than 70 percent of the calcium in our nation’s food supply comes from milk and milk products. Additionally, milk is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is fast emerging as a â€Å"super nutrient.† The recommended three servings of lowfat or fat-free milk provides 900 mg of calcium, 300 IU of vitamin D and 80 mg of magnesium daily. Reference: (1) Pittas AG, Lau J, Hu FB, Dawson-Hughes B. REVIEW: The role of vitamin D and calcium in type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology Metabolism. 2007;92:2017-2029. (2) Larsson SC, Wolk A. Magnesium intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Journal of Internal Medicine. 2007. doi: 10.1111; epub ahead of print. Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by Weber Shandwick Worldwide How to cite Boosting Key Milk Nutrients May Help Lower, Essay examples

Introduction to Financial Accounting Problem 10-1a Essay Example

Introduction to Financial Accounting Problem 10-1a Paper | Appraised Value| Percent of Total| Apportioned Cost| Building| $514,250| 55% ($514,250/$935,000)| $495,000 ($900,000 x 55%)| Land| 271,150| 29% ($271,150/$935,000)| 261,000 ($900,000 x 29%)| Land Improvements| 65,450| 7% ($65,450/$935,000)| 63,000 ($900,000 x 7%)| Four Vehicles| 84,150| 9% ($84,150/$935,000)| 81,000 ($900,000 x 9%)| Totals| $935,000| 100%| $900,000| 1. Prepare a table to allocate the lump-sum purchase price to the separate assets purchased. Prepare the journal entry to record the purchase. Dr – Building $495,000 Cr – Cash 495,000 Dr Land 261,000 Cr – Cash 261,000 Dr Land Improvements 63,000 Cr – Cash 63,000 Dr – Four Vehicles 81,000 Cr – Cash 81,000 2. Compute the depreciation expense for year 2009 on the building using the straight-line method, assuming a 15-year life and a $30,000 salvage value. 495,500 – 30,00015 = 31,000 . Compute the depreciation expense for year 2009 on the land improvements assuming a five-year life and double-declining-balance depreciation. Step 1 Straight-line rate = 100% / 5 years = 20% Step 2 Double-declining-balance rate = 2 x 20% = 40% Step 3 Depreciation expense = Double-declining-balance rate x Beginning-period book value 40% x $63,000 = $25,200 4. Defend or refute this statement: Accelerated depreciation results in payment of less taxes over the asset’s life. The statement is not correct. Accelerated depreciation means reporting higher depreciation in the early years of depreciation, and lower depreciation towards the later years of depreciation. This reduces the company’s taxable income in the early years of depreciation, but increases it in the later years. Thus, accelerated depreciation serves to postpone, rather than curtail, a company’s tax payments. We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Financial Accounting Problem 10-1a specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Financial Accounting Problem 10-1a specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Financial Accounting Problem 10-1a specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To College

7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To College From the moment you enter your first years of schooling, you are always told one thing: College is the best way for you to get what you want out of life. But why do people go to college? Does it really help you better achieve your goals and live a better life? Should everyone go to college? While going to college is a huge commitment of your time and energy, many studies have been conducted that show the benefits of seeking higher education far outweighs the costs. Check out 7 reasons why everyone should get higher education! Top 7 Reasons Why Everyone Should Go To College 1. There Is a Whole World of Knowledge to Be Discovered Going to college today isnt like what it was in the past. These days, courses are offered in a wide variety of fields. When you include the elective courses you can take, your options for learning everything from rocket science to 1990’s cartoons are limitless! While there are classes that seem silly to take, the opportunity to learn a variety of information on an array of topics can increase your social, personal, and employment prospects. 2. College Is Where to Figure Out What You Don’t Want to Do For most people, going to college means learning that what you wanted to doisnt actually what you want to do. When we go to college we open ourselves up to more opportunities that we didnt know we had or even liked. Being able to spend your time actively pursuing what you think you want to do rather than dreaming and idealizing it is a fantastic way to build your confidence and find your true passion in life! 3. The Financial Benefit Is Well Worth the Time Sacrifice As pointed out by Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill in their research studies titled, â€Å"Should Everyone Go To College?†, going to college has a financial benefit that makes your time (and mental) sacrifices worth the commitment. According to their research, college graduates earn over $570,000 more in a lifetime with a four-year degree when compared to those that only achieved a high-school diploma. The financial benefits can be even greater for college graduates when you factor in the type of degree, the field of specialization, and the number of scholarships and grants you receive. 4. Never Lose Your Edge in a Competitive Job Market Did you know that as of 2018, the unemployment rate for those with a college degree is 2.1% compared to the 4.2% it is for those with only a high school diploma? A college degree demonstrates to employers that you have dedicated the time and energy required to be a reliable employee who can meet deadlines, maintain an organized schedule, and deal with high-pressure situations. 5. Your Degree Is Valuable All Over the World Is it your dream to travel the world and live in foreign places? If that is the case, going to college is an excellent way to achieve these dreams! The foreign job market, especially for native English speakers, is ripe for those with a college degree. Many people go on to teach English in other countries after college. Others, with more advanced degrees and additional foreign language skills, can go on to work for international corporations in some of the most exotic places in the world! 6. Get Prepared For What Life After School Is Really Like Unlike high-school, college requires you to be solely responsible for maintaining your class schedule and completing coursework. Learning to manage your time effectively is an important step that makes life after college much easier. Though you can always ask us to write your coursework for you. Many books already validate the benefits of creating and maintaining solid routines early in life so that you can keep yourself on the right track towards educational and career success! 7. Get the Tools You Need to Start Your Own Business If your goal is starting your own business, then college is definitely the right choice for you! Marketing, advertising, and business management courses give you the know-how and experience to successfully start, run, and maintain your business. Additionally, being skilled in creating solid business plans coupled with your degree can make you more eligible to receive loans from the bank to get your business up and running. If you cant create it by yourself you can always ask EssayTigers to write your business plan for you. There are always exceptions to the rule Only about 40% of the US population has earned a bachelors degree or higher. But there are plenty of successful people that didnt go to college. Reasons for not going to college can include: Lack of finances Inability to balance school/home/work obligations No desire to continue education after high-school Already experienced in a desired skill or trade Just because you dont go to college doesnt mean that you cant reach your goals and aspirations. It only means that you will have to work just as hard to achieve them! By the way, weve recently completed the blog on what   options you have if you dont want to go to college. Check out these celebrities, start-up founders, and social media superstars who had the drive and determination to take the high-risk move of pursuing their dreams on their terms without attending college: Ellen Degeneres Russell Simmons Steve Jobs Kim Kardashian John Rockefeller Rachael Ray And more! The Takeaway Making the choice to go to college is a sure-fire way to secure and elevate your financial, professional, and social future! If you are overwhelmed by the choices and decisions you need to make when preparing for attending college, check out the services that are specially designed to help. Give yourself the future you want and start the college application process today!

Wildlife and the Pittman-Robertson Act

Wildlife and the Pittman-Robertson Act The early part of the 20th century was a low point for many wildlife species in North America. Market hunting had decimated shorebird and duck populations. Bison were dangerously close to extinction. Even beavers, Canada geese, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys, all common nowadays, reached very low densities. That period became a pivotal moment in conservation history, as a few conservation pioneers turned concern into action. They are responsible for several key pieces of legislation which became the first North American wildlife protection laws, including the Lacey Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. On the heels of that success, in 1937 a new law was enacted to fund wildlife conservation: the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (nicknamed for its sponsors as the Pittman-Robertson Act, or PR Act). The funding mechanism is based on a tax: for every purchase of firearms and ammunition an excise tax of 11% (10% for handguns) is included in the sale price. The excise tax is also collected for the sale of bows, crossbows, and arrows. Who Gets PR Funds? Once collected by the federal government, a small portion of the funds go toward hunter education programs and target shooting range maintenance projects. The rest of the funds are available to individual states for wildlife restoration purposes. In order for a state to collect Pittman-Robertson funds, it must have an agency designated as responsible for wildlife management. Every state has one these days, but this caveat was originally a powerful incentive for states to get serious about taking steps toward wildlife conservation. The amount of funds a state is allocated any given year is based on a formula: half the allocation is in proportion to the state’s total area (therefore, Texas will get more money than Rhode Island), and the other half is based on the number of hunting licenses sold that year in that state. It is because of this fund allocation system that I often encourage non-hunters to purchase a hunting license. Not only do the proceeds of the license sale go to a state agency working hard to manage our natural resources, but your license will help funnel more money from the federal government into your own state and assist in protecting biodiversity. What Are PR Funds Used For? The PR Act allowed the distribution of $760.9 million for the purpose of wildlife restoration in 2014. Since its inception, the Act generated over $8 billion in revenue. In addition to building shooting ranges and providing hunter education, these monies have been used by state agencies to purchase millions of acres of wildlife habitat, conduct habitat restoration projects, and hire wildlife scientists. It is not just game species and hunters who benefit from PR funds, as projects are often focused on non-game species. Plus, most of the visitors of protected state lands come for non-hunting activities like hiking, canoeing, and birding. Â   The program has been so successful that a very similar one was designed for recreational fisheries and enacted in 1950: the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, which is often referred to as the Dingell-Johnson Act. Through an excise tax on fishing equipment and motorboats, in 2014 the Dingell-Johnson Act led to the redistribution of $325 million in funding to restore fish habitat. Sources The Wildlife Society. Policy Briefs: Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. United States Department of the Interior. Press Release, 3/25/2014. Follow Dr. Beaudry: Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Google

Drug Addiction Disorder & Group Therapy as Part of Recovery Dissertation

Drug Addiction Disorder & Group Therapy as Part of Recovery - Dissertation Example Doweiko has also discussed the problem of drug addiction and its therapeutic treatment in his famous book â€Å"Concepts of Chemical Dependency†. He has analyzed the problem among the adolescents and suggested the individual and group therapy for the cure from drug addiction disorder. He declares modern civilization and technological advancement as responsible for drug addiction among children. Detachment and distances between the family members, Doweiko estimates, force the young ones to seek the artificial and temporary support from chemicals and drugs. Furthermore, child abuse is one of the most significant causes of chemical codependency among adolescents. Moreover, decline, in the sound family ties and relationships, has also paved the way in this direction. As a family is the basic unit of a society and plays a primary role in nourishment and socialization of young generation, it is also responsible for the emotional uplift of the children. The decline in the family bond age and ignorance of religious practices, ethical values, and moral obligations, result in the deterioration of the youth of society. Doweiko has discussed the case of young Brittney, who got recovery from therapy. Brittney, a young girl of fourteen years only, had been very bright and graceful student at the school. It was surprising for the whole family when she was recommended by her teacher, to a rehabilitation program after being found the drug- user. She was referred to the Alateen, the rehabilitation institute that deals with the cure of adolescents consuming alcohol and other intoxication.  

European Currency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

European Currency - Essay Example To reflect on the future of the European currency, it is necessary to consider first steps to the European Monetary Union; the reasons of occurrence, problems of creation and functioning of new model of the European currency system. "In its 1990 White Paper, the European Commission argued that deeper economic links would be a major goal of EMU, and many observers accept the view that the elimination of exchange rate risk and the lowering of transaction costs will indeed deliver more integration" (Wyplosz, 2001: 9). It is necessary to understand what we should expect from euro in the future, whether it can make a competition to dollar in the world currency markets, and may be even to replace it as a reserve currency in many countries. Interest to the given questions is caused by the point that introduction of new currency has no analogues not only in the Europe, but also all over the world. The given event needs to be considered as movement aside bipolar world currency system that creates preconditions for redistribution of forces on a global scale. On January, 1st, 1999 within the limits of the European union (EU) are created the European Economic and Monetary Union and the uniform currency for the member-states of European Economic and Monetary Union named euro, which during the certain period of time has replaced national currencies of the corresponding countries. This event is natural, rather important and in the certain sense the closing stage in the development of the West-European integration process, the beginning to which was put with the Treaty of Rome signed on March, 25th, 1957 on creation of the European Economic Community ("the Common Market") in structure of six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Since then the process of integration in the Europe, despite of considerable difficulties and contradictions in general successfully developed as in breadth (with 6 up to 15 countries), and in depth (in direction to an overall objective - to formation of uniform economic space, in wh ich it would be carried out, irrespective of national borders, free movement of the goods, capitals and people, and in which would operate equal for all subjects of economic activities conditions of competition). The principle of the Common Market, on which the European Economic Community was based, assumes for the free movement of the goods and the capital if not the general currency, but at least significant stability of rates of exchange. Instability of rates of exchange did conditions of competition uncertain and for this reason destabilized trade relations. Besides, stabilization of rates of exchange is necessary for coordination of economic policy of the Union member-states. EMU, the decision on which creation was accepted on December, 5th 1978 has started to operate on March, 13th, 1979. It included Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, and the Great Britain, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Luxembourg have joined later. EMU establishes the base for measuring costs, intended to become money - European Currency Unit (ECU), and a system of stable, but ordered rates of exchange between the countries of European Economic Community. "The rapid development of the ECU in private markets had been a surprise. By March 1986, European banks held ECU assets worth 61 billion and ECU bonds of 7 billion. Private banks also had established a

Theories and concepts in leadership

Theories and concepts in leadership The term leader is defined as a person initiating interaction with other members of a group, a person who moves the group towards group role. To be called a leader, one must be performing leading roles repeatedly under varying conditions (English dictionary 1987; Gibb 1965) (leaders and leadership roles in relation to effective management of human resources by John Domingo) Social psychologist define leadership as the process through which one member of a group (its leader) influences other group members towards the attainment of specific group goals (Yukl,1994).Leadership however is essentially a process of mutual stimulation which by successful interplay of relevant individual differences controls human energy in pursuit of a common cause. (Ekong, 2003) Leadership calls for certain qualities or characteristics firstly on the part of the individual who want to become a leader and secondly on the part of a group who want to respond favorably to the individuals leading acts. In the first place, a leader must have the ability to influence others. This may be derived from his personal characteristics such as height, handsomeness or some general personal appeal, abilities to speak and win the crowd, the possession of specific skills known to and desired by the group, being wealthy and or generous, having known connections with external sources of power or occupying known official positions , and so forth. Studies in Nigeria have also shown that among other characteristics, age, being married, honesty, humility and industry are highly valued in being accepted as a community leader (Adeogun, 1976). Second, a leader must have the ability to identify with the group he leads. This entails the ability to place oneself in anothers position; consideration for others, emotional stability, readiness to delegate tasks, love for and constant identification with the group, selflessness, and loyalty to group ideas and goals, etc. A person may also assume leadership because of the innate conditioned need in him to lead and or dominate others. However, for his leadership to be accepted by the people he must have other desirable characteristics, which he would have to project it to the group In certain instances, people have assumed leadership on the assumption that they have a divine call or revelation to lead others. A number of self appointed prophets and religious leaders fall into this group. Apart from their claims to divine call, such people still have to develop other personal qualities mentioned earlier, and or show extraordinary power(e.g. healing, fortune telling, making of very po tent charms,etc)to be accepted by others. In all several types of leaders can be identified according to the following criteria: Path of attaining leadership position, power, authority, scope of influence and orientation. It must be noted before hand that these are not mutually exclusive categories. One leader can fall into all or most of these classifications which leads to types of leaders and path to leadership the first being situational leader this refers to one who foresees crises or the needs of a group and takes initiative in either rectifying the situation or mobilizing others to meet such a situation. And that is why it is argued that leaders are not born but made by situations. Situational leaders however persist as long as the condition which brought them into the forefront lasts. They can last longer only if the condition becomes institutionalized or else, by imposing themselves as leaders on the group. Then comes the dictatorial leader generally when a situation brings up a leader , there is the tendency for this individual to either feel that he has the obligation to remain at the head to watch over the interest of that group perpetually irrespective of their wishes ,or that the only befitting gratitude which the group he has helped could render him is to allow him to rule over them .In the absences of such expectations being voluntarily fulfilled , the individual then uses his initial advantage to paralyze initiative amongst his followers and subdue all manner of opposition. He would want to control all phases of life in the community and takes no suggestion from his subordinates except when such suggestions are in his own favour. Generally they succeed in antagonizing others to their disadvantage and so they never last for too long before being toppled. Military rulers who come in through coup Detat and do not want to return to the barracks are e.g. of dictatorial leaders. Traditional or hereditary leaders: this is one born into a hereditary leadership position which custom and tradition recognize. His leadership status is therefore ascribed rather than achieved. In othe r words, he has authority by virtue of the tradition of the community (Moss 1970). Charismatic leader charisma means a divine or spiritual power .it also means a personal character or quality that enable an individual to influence his fellow men. A charismatic leader is therefore a type of person who has such personal type of qualities like good looks , high level of intelligence , ability to speak, fearlessness and commitment to a certain idea which when taken altogether make people follow him almost without questioning his authority . He has a more or less magical appeal to the people and they may infact, come to regard him as their saviour. He himself may, as time goes on, begin to feel that he has been divinely inspired to lead. This type of leader tends to thrive most in crises situation where he can display or exhibit his qualities. A number of political leaders can be look upon as charismatic leaders. Professional leaders this is one who earns his leadership position by virtu e of his expertise or technical competence. His leadership is therefore not based purely on personal charm, although good personal characteristic can enhance his acceptability to the group he is leading. The community workers, the agricultural extension officer, the medical officer, the organization executive are all professional leaders. In their interaction and leadership roles they control their actions and direct these to conform to the expectations of the organizations they represent, the expectations of their peers within the profession, the expectations of the client population which they serve and to what they expect of themselves as individuals. Now comes the question what is the base of leadership, this was given by Cartwright and Zander Leadership involves the ability to influence, director control others which means that leadership involves the use of power. Weber (1961) defined power as the ability to affect ones own will against resistance from others. Power may be exercised by using force, we tend to think of power in relation to government, it is well to remember that it is exercised in many other context as well: in family, schools, hospitals and businesses wherever it is possible to manipulate conditions so that people must obey. The leader must have a recognized power, the sources of which may be within or outside the group led. When his power is from the group, this is spontaneously accorded him by his followers, whereas where the sources of powers is located externally there may be some elements of coercion. Cartwright and Zander (1960) have identified five bases of power of a group leader. These include reward p ower: Which derives from the belief on the part of the followers that they will be rewarded in some way for complying , in this instance ,power is exercised effectively whenever one party can grant or withhold what another party needs but cannot get elsewhere ; Coercive power: Which arises from the belief that non compliance will result in punishment, expert power: In this case when a person is evaluated to have needed knowledge , information or skill which cannot be obtained readily elsewhere ,that person holds expert power over the group., referent power : This is the power the leader has as a result of his having qualities which the group members like , admire and want to identify with. They submit to him because they identify with him. Legitimate power: this derives from the office or official position which the individual occupies and which gives him the right to cont5rol others and equally compels others to comply. The tax collector, the police all have legitimate powers to do their work. Power is usually conceived in terms of authority and of influence. Authority and influence are not synonymous as an individual who has influence may not have any authority. Authority is derived from official position and is the power attached to that office whereas influence resides within the individual on the basis of his possession of certain characteristics or qualities which make other people want to submit to him (Ekong, 2003).The basis on which authority is used affects the nature of the organization and of the society of which the organization is the part.(Leaders and leadership roles in relation to effective management of human resources by John Domingo in yang) (www.academicleadership.com) Discussion on leaders power and influence leads us to think of the styles of leadership. Leadership style is concerned with the behaviour of the leader towards his followers. .Ideally there is three leadership styles: Autocratic leadership style, in this all policies and procedures are determined by leader. The leader should take considerable responsibility for assigning the activity task and companions of each group member. Democratic leadership style, wherever possible the policies should be a matter of a group decision and discussion with active encouragement and assistance by the leader. Wherever, technical advice is needed the leader should try to suggest two or more alternative procedure from which choice can be made by the group members. Laissez-faire leadership style, in this leader should play a rather passive role in social participation and leave complete freedom for group or individual decisions in relation to activity and group procedure. Here the leader does not make any attempts to control the behaviour of the group members. He tends to relinquish his responsibility for most decisions in the organization to his subordinates.( Koehler . anatol and applbaum, 1976) The function of any leader is to guide his group members. He leads in so far as he is ahead of his group goals. The role of a leader as a guide connotes a person devoted to helping the group move effectively in the direction it chooses to move. The leader as a guide must assist the group to choose this direction judiciously based on his expert knowledge or other advantages. The leader is a group spokesman. The leader is a group harmonizer and an enabler. In other words he is the one who keeps interpersonal relations pleasant, arbitrates disputes, provides encouragement, gives the minority a chance to be heard and increases interdependence among members. He focuses discontent and enables group members verbalize such discontents, encourages organization and emphasizes common objectives of the group. As an enabler he strives to make the group realize its potentialities and strength in cooperative work. He stimulates insight rather than provides all the answers and provides support for o thers who may want to share in the responsibilities of group organization and action. He is also a group educator or an expert. People submit to him because he is capable of bringing them to see the solutions to their problems. As an expert he provides research data, technical experience, and resource material, advises on methods and assists in evaluation. This may also imply expertise in knowing the traditions and customs of the people and being able to act as a resource person on traditions and cultural issues. The leader is the symbol of is the groups ideals and an agent of control. People submit to control of a leader because he is able to discern their underlying and inarticulate aspirations and to give them expression. He has the passion for the cause he represents and can crystallize this within mens hearts. He is loyal to the ideals and aspirations of the group so members look up to him for direction. The leader exercises control over his followers and not necessarily by usi ng sanctions but by exhibiting certain qualities which nourish and maintain favourable sentiments e.g. courage, self sacrifice, hatred of vice, contempt for folly, a sense of national or community destiny, and so forth (Ekong 2003) (Leaders and leadership roles in relation to effective management of human resources by John Domingo in yang) Historical background of this topic shows us that research on leadership and has been a part of social psychology since its very earliest days: and in recent decades, this research has spilled outside social psychology to the closely related fields of industrial/organizational psychology and organizational behaviour .(Fiedler,1994;GreenbergBaron,1995).leadership is an inherently subjective subject with many definitions associated to it (Zaharah Hassan 2004) .most of those definitions found in the literature agreed that leadership is mainly concerned with a person who tries to influence groups or followers to achieve certain objectives .the literature also indicates that there are various theories describing leadership such as the traits that leads to successful leaders (Stogdill,1950),and the roles that a leader needs to perform (Mintzberg,1973;Yukl1994). Early researchers viewed leadership in terms of `great person theory-according to this theory ,great leaders posses certain traits that set them apart from most human beings ;until 1890 research designed to test the theory generally failed to yield positive findings(Geier,1969,Yukl1991). In recent years ,however this situation has changed greatly more sophisticated research methods ,coupled with a better understanding of basic dimensions of personality ,have led researchers to conclude that leaders do indeed differ from other persons in several important ways(Kirkpatrick locke,1991) specifically ,recent findings(e.g. JudgeBono ,2000) suggest that several of what psychologists often term the Big Five Dimensions of Personality may play an important role in leadership(Barrickmount/;1991). Still we question what characteristics do these leaders have? Leaders are known to have their own leadership style and can be said to be unlike any other leader which is to a great extent true .Literature points to the styles and approach that leaders need to adopt such as shown by early studies conducted by Lowa university ,Ohio university and Michigan universities (Nahavandi,19770)leadership theories also takes into account of the contingencies and situations they face(Fielder,1967; Hersey and Blanchard ,1988).more recent research includes transformational (Burns,19780) and servant leadership (Greenleaf ,1998).Recent writings also noted that there are notions of leadership that are assumed either implicitly or explicitly linking leadership to gender (Zaharah Hassan 2004).Further in this field of study ,studies have shown that people in leadership positions are thought to be or characterized more as men over women ,gender stereotypes ,( Myres 2002) are peoples beliefs about how men and women behave .A major concern dealing with gender stereotypes, are the effects they may have on leadership. Some research shows that these stereotypes may present obstacles for women who wish to compete for a leadership position .Hosoda and Stone(2000) found that the actual stereotype of men and women have remained relatively unchanged from 10-20 years ago, and also found that masculine stereotypes was evaluated less favorable and the feminine stereotype was evaluated more favorab ly over a period of 21 years ,this was done through studying seventy eight attributes of which twelve were `key masculine attributes and rest were associated with feminism .This suggest that people believed that men and women generally behave differently from one another at the same time there were research on effect of perceived attractiveness on leadership of women .a study conducted by Sigel man (1986) found attractiveness a plus for males running for political office ,but not for female candidates. Women were not discriminated against for being pretty but they were not helped by attractiveness as were the men (Sigel 1986). In recent years, transformational and transactional leadership construct has become a popular theme in leadership studies in the general management domain. Unlike task versus relationship oriented leadership, the transformational -transactional leadership notion is viewed as a continuum allowing for individuals to employ transformational and transactional qual ities at the same time (Bass 1985, 1990;Bryman,1992) .Bass furthered Burns view of transforming leadership to be a leadership style that gives insight into the importance placed on certain outcomes and promotes development and vision in subordinates .Bass also identified five main components to transformational leadership-charisma ,inspiration ,intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and extra effort . Burns (1978, as cited in Mher, 1997) suggest that transactional leadership emphasizes exchanges between leader and follower and how needs of subordinates can be fulfilled. Recent research (Hack man, Furniss, Hills Paterson, 1992) implies that to be effective leaders must display both feminine and masculine behaviour. Hack man et al (1992) found that transformational leadership requires a gender balance of strong masculine and feminine characteristics. Transformational leadership is generally held to be a superior form of leadership, built on transactional leadership, b ut not vice-versa .there is a line of argument in leadership literature contending that female leaders tend to be more transformational than male leaders (Rosener, 1990), since transformational leadership emphasizes on nurturing of subordinates and on the process of socialization, the nurturing qualities of women are particularly well developed in comparison to men. A cross cultural study by Gibson (1995) involving Norway, Sweden, Australia and the US, found that male leaders were more likely to emphasize goal setting than female leaders and female leaders more likely to focus on facilitating interaction then male leader this trend among women leaders who also emphasized in the Malaysian public sector leadership (Raffia Salim 2007, Halipah Esa 2007). However, other scholars such as Butterfield and Powell (1981) Campbell et al (1998) and Ron K (1993) all have concluded that leadership style is independent of gender and that they exhibit similar amounts of task oriented and people ori ented leadership behaviour. Kolb (1999) has asserted that two decades of research indicates few, if any, leadership differences in the leadership behavior of male and female. Leadership in community: Moving from Gender the research on leadership has moved on to study of communities, organization and defence forces. The word community is an umbrella term that is defined and applied in a myriad of ways. For instance, it may be used to refer to refer to geographic communities where members are based on region (lfe, 1997; Maimunah Ismail, 2001); unit of social organization such as worker and community associations (Maimunah Ismail, 2001); cultural Groups that can be identified through religions or races (Maimunah Ismail, 2001); or virtual communities, where members main form of contact is through electronic media (lfe, 1997). Communities of circumstances constitute another possible form of community such community or Group might emerge, for e.g. when floods occur across different regions and those most affected feel connected to one another (Marsh 1999). Finally there are communities of interest, where identity groups form to lobby Government for some kind of policy change or sponsorship various definitions of community development and organization are available in literature. One of the early definitions that were widely accepted was developed by the U.S.international cooperation (1956) as cited by Maimunah Ismail (1999).It emphasized the process where individuals in the community joined forces to plan and take actions regarding community problems. They identify community problems and needs plan and conduct activities together using available resources. They also sought outside help from Government and private organization. On the other hand, the United Nations (1975), indicated that community development is a process whereby the efforts of individuals in the community were combined with efforts of Government and no bodies to bring about improvement socially and economically. These efforts should lead to national development (Jones, 1982). Kirk and Shutter (2004) suggested a community development model that is more collaborative and co mprehensive in nature that comprises of three components leading change through dialogue, collective empowerment and connective leadership. It is said that children are the future of a country and they are the ones who will be leading the nation tomorrow, therefore it is really a matter of great concern that how should these young generations be groomed, what should be the crux of their positive development? It is here where the role of developmental psychology is needed .development after all is a process of growth and increasing competence. In the important sub domain of social and emotional development, however we are often more articulate about how things go wrong than how they go right. We have a burgeoning field of developmental psychopathology but have a more diffuse body of research on the pathways whereby children and adolescents become motivated, directed, socially competent, compassionate, and psychologically vigorous adults. Corresponding to that we have numerous researc h based programmes for youth aims curbing drug use, violence ,suicide, teen pregnancy, they lack a vigorous applied psychology of how to promote positive youth development. The place for such a field is apparent to anyone who has had contact with a cross-section of American adolescents. In such a group one encounter a surprising number of youth who appeared to be bored, unexcited about their lives it is in this article of towards positive youth development Reed W. Larson focused on extra co curricular activities helping in positive development of youth. Here when the samples of self report on 16000 moments in the daily experience of a representative sample of white, working and middle class young adolescents-a group that seemingly has everything going for them. These youth reported feeling bored for 27 %.( 4300) of these random moments (Larson Richards, 1991). Of course these individuals differed in these rates ,but what was surprising was that honor student were as likely as those involved in delinquent activities ,in many cases for more than 50% of random moments . The litany of explanation for this boredom -theres nothing to do in life, the odyssey is boring, and they communicate ennui of being trapped in the present, waiting for someone to prove them that life is worth living. a central question of youth development is how to get adolescents fire lit ,how to have them develop the complex disposition skills needed to take charge of their lives .this calls for development of initiative in them .The construct initiative is closely related to capacity for agency or for autonomous action that others have discussed (Brandst-idter,1998;Deci 1995;Ryan1993). It consist of the ability to be motivated from within to direct attention and efforts towards a challenging goal , initiative is the core requirement for other components of positive development, such as creativity ,leadership, Altruism and civic engagement. Reed W.Larson argues that western adolescents life do es not provide abundant daily opportunities for the development of initiative and it is in these activities such as participation in sports, hobbies, arts and in any youth organization opens the door of initiative within. positive youth development however has had not a strong base of research and theory (Brown 1988;Dubassnider 1993,Murray foster).the anthropologist Benedict (1938) observed that many traditional society provide a progressive set of steps that socialize youth into the roles and responsibilities of adulthood, whereas adults are required to be independent and suddenly take charge whereas in western society there is marked discontinuity between what we expect of adults , especially with regard to initiative. Benedict pointed out that children in our society are treated as dependent and given few responsibilities ,whereas adults are required to be independent and suddenly take charge of all parts of their life9et Sampson,1988) ,thus in order to develop initiative youths need a series of experience opportunity(1938).participation in extra co curricular activity and community youth organization has been fond to be correlated with higher self-esteem ,control over ones own life etc .(Holland Andre1978) the problem with these relationship is that participation in these activities is selective ,participation is greater in among higher socio economic status along with parental support(butcher,1985, Holland Andrà © 1987) once these factors are controlled the relationship participation and positive outcomes are reduced .(AgnewPeterson1989) this claim however is more adequately tested by longitudinal studies .number of studies have fond association between higher school and adult participation in political organization (Dematrini 1983);the arts (blom1985) sports (HowellMeckenzie,1987) but do not adequately control for the possibility that prior unmeasured third variables .studies that control for some of the variables that effect high school participation s uch as SES ,grade point average(GPA)still finds effect.(Hanks and Eckland 1978) found that youth who participated in activities were more likely to be involved in voluntary associations at age 30,even with controls for initial SES and academic aptitude .Eccles and barber (1999) fond that participation in structured youth activities in 10th predicted positive changes .(Marsh 1992) too found a positive change with respect to self concept . Classic sociological theories recognizes that joining a group leads to socialization (Berger and luckman,1966).the most extensive and most psychological discussion about the process of social integration are provide by Youniss ,Yates who have focused on how participation in service activities provide a context for civic participation (1997). This opens another avenue to the study of leadership .How far specific training in a particular field can help in mastering and developing a polished skill in the concerned field. (Toward a psychology of positiv e youth development by reed w. Larson) The construct of youth leadership and life skills development is a complex arrangement of experience, backgrounds and attitudes. In the measure of leadership skills of agriculture students leadership and life skills development were defined as skills in communication ,decision making, interpersonal relationship, learning and resource management, understanding self and working with group .participation in FFA leadership activities in combination with the variables after school jobs, years in the FFA .self reported cumulative grades and gender accounted for 22.3% of the variance in youth leadership and life skills development scores. As an addition to the body of knowledge surrounding youth leadership and life skills development this study has revealed an increase in the overall amount of variance explained for this concept, with less than 25% of the variance explained in the phenomenon known as leadership development.(journal of agricultural education24 volume.38, 3,1997 Garry J Winge nbach Alan A Kahler) . The hypothesis of this study is that, the leadership quality is higher in the students who undergo NCC training than regular students who do not take NCC training. Today NCC is second largest youth organization in the world and the largest in India (a hand book on NCC) .it is one of the major second line defence force which is known for imparting training in military aspects, it has now expanded its horizon and now aims at developing character qualities amongst cadets and making them into good leaders of tomorrow as well as useful citizens so that they can take their appropriate place in all walks of life in the service of the nation. The qualities of leadership, discipline, spirit de coups, courage and confidence with secular outlooks, which are hallmark of a leader are inculcated in the cadets through a well conceived programme of institutional training combined with adventure, sports and outdoor activities plus many other community development programme -such as disaster managemen t ,adult literacy ,traffic control, village adoption ,tree plantation, blood donation are taken up which gives youths a comprehensive and a very good platform to take initiative in almost aspects of life. not only this the camps are conducted which constitutes the most vital part of national cadet corps where cadets get the thrill and joy of outdoor and community living stay together no matter how rich or how poor they are and thus teaches socialization, team spirit, unity in diversity through its motto of unity and discipline. (www.ncc.org.sg) The present study not only aims at adding more knowledge to the existing body of researches in past but it is also trying to go beyond the normal theories of styles, approaches and is focusing on a universal organization that aims at instilling leadership amongst youth .in todays world we have large number of organizations where we need leaders to lead the team to achieve the organizational goals ,whether its the field of scientific research ,the corporate ,the defence, the political world the non governmental organizations etc. thus, it would be interesting to know how far it has been successful in this endeavor. Method Participants In this study there were two groups consisting of total 60 subjects of which there were thirty NCC students who had participated in various training camps of NCC and few also had an opportunity to attend the prestigious national and international camps like republic day camp and youth exchange programmes, many have also attended mountaineering and parasailing courses, horse riding cum show jumps. These Students were taken from camp in Bison polo grounds Secunderabad. The non NCC students were the other regular college students taken from colleges like St. Anns, Bhavans, CBIT, St.Francis, etc. all the sixty subjects were in the age group of (17-22) years. Material The research instrument used for the study was the Leadership Characteristics and Skills Survey questionnaire. The first section of the survey consisted of a small section on personal information like name, age, category (NCC and non-NCC), and gender. The second part of the survey contained thirty questions which focused on individuals behaviour in a team. Leadership Characteristics and Skills Survey was assessed on five point Likert scale ranging from a score of (very weak-1, moderately weak-2, adequate-3, moderately strong-4, very strong-5). The purpose of this research was to find reliable information. Design In this study the students both from NCC and NON-NCC category formed the independent variables. The leadership qualities which was assessed was the dependent variable for this research .the age group from 17-22 was chosen for assessing the leadership qualities because the experimenter was keen in knowing whether a special course or training helps in enhancing ones managerial skills and also does it really makes a leader out of an ordinary human being. The other reason behind taking this age group was that the youngsters are the future leaders of tomorrow, so how far a youth organization like NCC has been successful in this endeavor of grooming future leaders, since NCC students basically fall in this age group and that is the reason this age was chosen for the study. Procedure In order to

A Hope in the Unseen

Cedric Jennings, the main character of Ron Suskind’s novel A Hope in the Unseen is an anomaly at Ballou Senior High School, an inner city public school of Washington, D. C. Raised by a single mother on a measly salary from the Department of Agriculture, Cedric is accustomed to working hard for everything he receives in life. An honors student and participant of Ballou’s special science and math program, Cedric dreams of pursuing education as a means to escape D. C. and carve out a better life for himself. Being a star pupil in a poorly performing school that scorns academic achievement is no easy role to play.Viewing the Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science summer program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an imperative step on his path towards a new life, he is shocked to find himself drowning in the work and competition around him. Cedric is surprised to find solace in returning to Ballou. After receiving admission to Brown University, Cedric feels he has finally proven himself to all of his naysayers and earned a ticket out of D. C. In his new Brown environment, Cedric struggles to adjust to the intense diversity and intelligence surrounding him.Although it takes the majority of his freshman year, eventually Cedric finds his own niche at Brown and transforms into a man capable of caring for his beloved mother. A Hope in the Unseen offers itself as a lens through which to examine sociological themes. Specifically, education, social deviance, religion and their respective implications can be thoroughly analyzed through the pertinent events of Cedric’s journey. Living in a credential society like the United States, the institution of education holds immense importance in terms of facilitating social placement and earning potential.Cedric observes his mother, Barbara, and her inability to climb the ladder of society without a strong education. Without the necessary credentials she is destined to remain in her low-inc ome bracket, struggling to make ends meet each month. On her five-dollar-an-hour salary, finances are perpetually tight. One evening Barbara casually reminds Cedric, â€Å"I hope you knew to eat big lunch today? You know, it’s the first week with rent and all. † (Suskind, 41) Cedric responds in the only way he can, â€Å"Yeah, I knew. Got seconds on salad. Ate all I could† (Suskind, 41).This culture of poverty also manifests itself in the school culture at Ballou. Every school possesses a hidden curriculum consisting of the implicit attitudes and rules of behavior (Henslin, 507). At Ballou however, this hidden curriculum reinforces beliefs of solidarity found through gangs, street slang, and repression of aspirations outside of their immediate purview. For example, at an inner-city school like Ballou, teachers accept the use of street slang in formal writing with the belief that refined speech will be unnecessary in their future occupations.This hidden curriculu m exhibits itself in Cedric’s peer, Delante Coleman. His leadership in one of the school’s largest gangs, his reputation as an established drug dealer, and his silver Lexus compose Delante’s status; an ideal status for a large percentage of Ballou students. Delante is â€Å"every bit as driven as Cedric. It’s what each does with his fury and talents that separates these two into a sort of urban black yin and yang† (Suskind, 19). In order to escape absorbing the intense hidden curriculum, Cedric actively works to isolate himself and remain focused on his ultimate goals.James Henslin describes the function of education as a system that sorts people according to abilities and ambitions (Henslin, 505). Barbara raises her son to take pride in his academic abilities and to use them to actualize his ambitions. Ballou High School utilizes a method known as tracking to control the gates of opportunity. â€Å"The idea: save as many kids as you can by separa ting out top students early and putting the lion’s share of resources into boosting as many of them as possible to college. Forget about the rest. † (Suskind, 8) The impacts of such methods are long lasting and affect job opportunities, income, and lifestyle.While, Cedric is fortunate enough to be viewed as one of the college-bound, most students simply cannot conjure up the motivation to succeed in the Ballou environment. Attendance is scanty at best, homework is reduced to optional, and teachers rest satisfied so long as their students show up to class. This learning environment renders even the brightest students incapable of competing with the national pool of college applicants. Cedric is aware of this challenge and fears â€Å"whether any amount of work will be enough to propel him to a new life† (Suskind, 9).Ultimately, education and its effects come down to family background, as Henslin clearly illustrates. The U. S. education system reproduces social cla ss structure and its racal-ethnic divisions (Henslin, 510). Adults without college degrees, in general, tend to work low-paying, dead-end jobs, which further inhibits social movement. With the cost of higher education ever on the rise, inner-city students must work harder still to obtain scholarships if they wish to attend college. â€Å"Acceptance to college is meaningless for many kids at Ballou without financial aid† (Suskind, 124).For Cedric’s friend, James Davis, receiving no scholarship money means the disintegration of his acceptance to Florida A&M, his first choice university. Despite receiving the necessary scholarship to attend Brown, Cedric’s achievement is still spited in the community. By those who know the reputation or even location of Brown, which is not many, Cedric’s decision to attend an Ivy League school is viewed as pretentious and a waste of both time and money. When Cedric arrives at Brown, he becomes acutely aware of how different his family background is from that of his peers.His roommate, Rob Burton, was raised in Massachusetts by two college-educated parents and an older sister who attends Harvard. Additionally, both his parents are doctors. The two boys find themselves at extreme odds in terms of common interests and experiences. For Rob, â€Å"there was never any question about whether he would use his quick mind and good manners to excel. It was assumed in everything that cosseted him† (Suskind, 178). Even these expectations stand in stark contrast to Cedric’s experience as a first-generation college student.When Cedric befriends the only other black student in his dorm unit, Chiniqua, he finds they have much in common in terms of their racial identity and its inherent culture. However, she matriculated through a program called Prep for Prep in New York and was privately educated from seventh grade onward so as to pave her path to the Ivy League. â€Å"Chiniqua, who scored an 1100 on her SATs, received years of counseling – both academic and social – to assist with the collision of cultures she ingested each day crossing fifty blocks of Manhattan† (Suskind, 202).Cedric has had no experiences, other than the MITEs program, in the intense process of racial and cultural mixing characteristic of the university. Intimidated by the impressive SAT scores and credentials of his peers, Cedric elects to take all of his first semester courses as pass/fail. When he returns home for winter break however, he lies to his community claiming to maintain a 4. 0 grade point average. The intense societal focus on grades has stemmed from grade inflation. As Henslin points out, â€Å"Theletter grade C used to indicate average, and since more students are average than superior, high school teachers used to give about twice as many C’s as A’s. Now they give more A’s than C’s. Students aren’t smarter – grading is just easierâ⠂¬  (Henslin, 514). This practiced inflation places increased pressure on students to bring home A’s. Passing or performing â€Å"averagely†, is no longer acceptable. For so long, Cedric has clung to grades and perfection in school as the one thing he could control. He discovers that in order to allow himself to be educated he must let go of the grades and focus on the learning.Realizing he cannot handle a five-lass course load he reflects, â€Å"it doesn’t feel as bad as he thought, not like a retreat so much as a reasonable fallback position. Far different from the swallow-your-pride, lowered bar of the first semester†¦he wouldn’t accept limits or impose limits on himself out of some fear of failure† (Suskind, 308). With new, higher expectations in place at Brown, Cedric is able to adapt and perform on the level expected by professors. This demonstrates the sociological principle that students perform better when they are expected to meet h igher standards (Henslin, 515).In June, when his final grades arrive, Cedric is filled with pride reading his A, B, and two S’s, for satisfactory. â€Å"Full membership in the Brown community, won fair and square† (Suskind, 357). From his position in a higher learning community, Cedric can reflect on Ballou and other schools like it. He voices his observations in a final paper assignment. â€Å"How do we lift poorly educated minorities to an equal footing in the classroom? How do we do this while respected that being singled out for special attention †¦ can result in crippling doubts about one’s abilities?† (Suskind, 338). In asking these essential questions, Cedric truly removes himself from his upbringing and its implications and aligns himself instead with a community of intellectuals. Throughout the novel, multiple characters grapple with the challenges of conforming to the norms of their society and the omnipresent option of social deviance. Hen slin describes deviance as any violation of norms, minor, major, or in between (Henslin, 198). At Georgetown University, located in Washington, D. C. , intellect is valued and being a serious student is the norm.However, at Ballou, truancy and apathetic sentiments towards education comprise the norms. Norms make social life possible as they render behavior predictable. As exemplified in the comparison between Georgetown and Ballou these expectations differ even within schools of the same district. As one of few serious students, Cedric struggles to find his own niche, realizing that he â€Å"simply has no social currency at Ballou† (Suskind, 21). Sociologist Robert Merton would describe Cedric’s state as anomie, lacking feelings of belonging (Henslin, 209). An acquaintance of Cedric, Phillip Atkins, also grapples with deviance.Despite possessing the intellectual capacity, Phillip hides his intelligence in school. He struggles to recognize his true identity. At Ballou h e puts on an act as the popular class clown oozing toughness and coolness. However, at home, he is a well-mannered boy whose dreams of tap dancing have been stifled by his father. He had been a nerd too at one time, but in an effort to conform to the norms of society, â€Å"He began a slow but steady shift in outlook and appearance to creating an identity†¦ He is now a popular member of Ballou’s mainstream†¦He’s earned himself some comfort and security† (Suskind, 67).While Cedric stands by his own morals and commitment to education, Phillip falls victim to the intense societal pressure to conform. After returning from his MITEs summer program, Cedric toys with the idea of conforming to the mainstream culture at Ballou. On the first day of school he dresses for the part which entails a leather jacket and a hat tilted to one side. Almost immediately Cedric is asked to remove his hat, as is the school policy. Trying to play his new role Cedric responds, à ¢â‚¬Å"No way, Dr. Jones, this hat is phat† (Suskind, 102).It takes the honest words of his peer, James Davis, to snap Cedric out of this new act. James, the stereotypical popular scholar-athlete, removes Cedric’s hat adding, â€Å"Boy, keep that hat off. You don’t need to be doing all that. You’re supposed to be a role model. You’re fine, just the way you are† (Suskind, 103). Cedric smiles realizing that he has wanting to hear someone say that since freshman year. In an inner-city school like Cedric’s, Edwin Sutherland’s term of differential association is applicable.As Sutherland explains, â€Å"the different groups with which we associate give us messages about conformity and deviance†¦The end result is an imbalance – attitudes that tilt us in one direction or another† (Henslin, 202). At Ballou, the norm is conformity. Solidarity develops from these conformist communities. In general, society desires conform ity. It simplifies groups when all members are working by the same means to achieve the same cultural goals. By choosing to be a social deviant and pursuing his own goals, Cedric renounces all solidarity.Throughout his life, Cedric is constantly receiving sanctions for his deviant behavior. The negative sanctions range from being mocked and beaten up by his peers in school to being spited by adults for acting â€Å"too good for the community† and attending an Ivy League school. Such negative sanctions contribute to social unity. â€Å"To affirm the group’s moral boundaries by punishing deviants fosters a ‘we’ feeling among the group’s members† (Henslin, 207). However, positive sanctions do come to Cedric from key characters. His teacher, Mr. Taylor, constantly encourages Cedric and pushes him to pursue his goals.Additionally, Clarence Thomas positively sanctions Cedric by inviting him to his office to discuss his recent enrollment at Brown Un iversity and offer guidance. Tired of the countless negative sanctions he receives for pursuing his dreams, Cedric retaliates through his impassioned speech at graduation. He seizes the opportunity to explain how students must â€Å"[learn] to fight off Dreambusters†¦Many of us have been called crazy or even laughed at for having big dreams†¦I will never forget being laughed at for saying I wanted to go to the Ivy League† (Suskind, 136-137).In an ultimate act of deviance, Cedric names his naysayers and asserts that he will follow his abnormal dreams, no matter how hard they try to push him down. In times of hardship and strife, it was God and religion that allowed Cedric to prevail. His mother instills in Cedric a devotion to God and religious services at Scripture Cathedral, to which Barbara and Cedric are devout members. Throughout the constant upheaval the two experience they find solace in God’s word and their faith community.In fleshing out the functions of religion, Henslin touches on the need for religion in lives of individuals like Barbara and Cedric. He explains, â€Å"the answers that religion provides about ultimate meaning also comfort people by assuring them that there is a purpose to life, even to suffering† (Henslin, 525). With the constant worry of how she can pay the bills and feed her son, faith in God is Barbara’s method of coping and getting from one day to the next. She is willing to give twenty dollars she cannot afford to do without in the church offering each week.However, this offering is essential to Barbara’s faith. As Pastor Long preaches in church one week, â€Å"Faith is taking the last $10 from your checking account and saying, ‘God, I give this to you, because I have nothing but faith, I live on faith, and I know in my heart that you’ll bring it back to me† (Suskind, 30). Many religions emphasize that money and material belongings are of no importance to God and t hat all money should go to helping those less fortunate. Barbara lives by the words of the Gospel even when her checkbook cannot afford her kindness.She thrives on the social solidarity of religion; for her it is enough. Having returned to the church herself at around thirty years of age, Barbara consciously decides to raise Cedric with a strong grounding in faith. â€Å"It’s faith, all about faith, she decides. If she can just keep [Cedric’s] faith in God and in righteousness living intact for a little longer, blessings will come† (Suskind, 30). In many instances, it is Cedric’s faith that gives him the power to persevere and actualize his dreams. He places his acceptance to Brown in God’s hands praying, â€Å"God, this is where I want to be†¦I worked so hard.I deserve it. Yes, I believe this is it. This is the place I want to be. Bless me, Lord. Let your will be done. If this is where I’m supposed to be, let your will be done† (Suskind, 109). This prayer exemplifies the influence of religion in everyday life. Believing his life is part of God’s greater plan, Cedric places decision-making power in God’s hands. Individuals who lead lives grounded in reason would place decision-making power in the hands of Brown admissions officers who undoubtedly read all applications.His speech at the graduation ceremony reads like a sermon itself. Starting by thanking God for giving him the strength and courage to be where he is today, Cedric proclaims, â€Å"THERE IS NOTHING ME AND MY GOD CAN’T HANDLE† (Suskind, 137). This quotation epitomizes Cedric’s ultimate confidence in God. He concludes his speech with a quote from the Bible. The language of the Bible is crucial to the social solidarity of religion. It creates a culture, made up of language, values, symbols, goals and norms that pious people can share.Throughout the novel, both Cedric and Barbara reference biblical passages. The B ible possesses the ability to capture the complexity of life and beliefs in God. Henslin touches on this concept explaining, â€Å"the shared meanings that come through symbols, rituals, and beliefs unite people into a moral community. People in a moral community feel a bond with one another†. Henslin goes on to address the power of community. â€Å"Not only does it provide the basis for mutual identity but also it establishes norms that govern the behavior of its members.Members either conform or they lose their membership† (Henslin 530-531). For Cedric and Barbara, who build their identities on religion, no action or possible outcome is worth defying God’s word. They lead their lives by God’s word. Barbara’s final words to Cedric after moving him into Brown are, â€Å"Trust in God, let Him guide you† (Suskind, 165). Bishop Long leaves Cedric with the final words â€Å"Yes, all you find students must ask your questions and get your good gr ades†¦But, never forget – never- that the only real answers lie with God† (Suskind, 153).As Cedric adapts to Brown, he finds religion inefficient in providing answers to his many complex questions. Overwhelmed with his schoolwork and social struggles, Cedric makes no attempt to attend religious services in Providence. When he returns to Scripture Cathedral during winter break and is asked whether he’s found another church at school, Cedric responds â€Å"I just know there’s no way I could ever replace Scripture Cathedral† (Suskind 263). While his faith remains strong, Cedric falls away from the active practice of his religion.Over thanksgiving, which he spends at his mentor, Dr. Korb’s home, Cedric overhears a conversation about religion versus reason. Speaking to a small group of people, Dr. Korb remarks â€Å"The ultimate egotism, more broadly, is a belief in the existence of God†¦Faith, in a way, is egotism. I know it’s a t the center of Cedric’s life, what keeps him going. But ultimately, it can’t get him where he needs to be†¦he needs to find his place through reason, not faith† (Suskind, 256). Unable to understand this Cedric brushes off the comment. However, Dr.Korb touches on a relevant debate in society. Henslin explores this secularization of religion and its ability to splinter a group into those who live by reason and those who live by religion. Henslin argues that for individuals who have had less worldly success, this shift in focus from spiritual matters to worldly affairs represents â€Å"a desertion of the group’s fundamental truths, a ‘selling out’ to the secular world† (Henslin, 550). In the scholarly community of Brown, it is challenging to compartmentalize religion and reason and people today so often do.This debate comes to the forefront of the mind for Cedric. The two can certainly exist together, however, it requires some sacrif icing on the side of strict religious believers. Cedric speaks to Bishop Long about his conflict explaining, â€Å"I feel I’ve outgrown the church† (Suskind, 359). Long tells Cedric that as long as he carries God along for those times when he will need Him, then he can venture out into the world. Despite his questioning, Cedric’s faith in God never wanes.Even at the conclusion of the novel though â€Å"more than anything else, mustering that faith, on cue, is what separated him from his peers and distinguishes him from so many people it these literal sophisticated times. It has made all the difference† (Suskind, 365). Reading A Hope in the Unseen through a sociological lens allowed me to access the course material and its presence in daily interactions through Cedric’s experiences. I was raised in an affluent, predominantly white community with a strong public school system.As a result, I lack the experience to relate to Cedric and the intense adve rsity he overcomes. The text acted as both a sociological document, and a novel with adept language and development of literary themes. I found this paper immensely helpful in rendering the sociological themes and theories applicable to one individual’s life in such a wide spectrum of ways. I would highly recommend the use of this novel as an additional sociological perspective for the course next semester.The novel contains countless sociological themes, which allows any individual to draw upon what he or she finds interesting or worthy of further exploring. I chose to draw on religion although we have not yet covered it in class because I have personal ties to religion and connected with Cedric’s religious motivation and support throughout his journey. As many Georgetown students come from privileged backgrounds and become involved in the D. C. public school system throughout their four-year experience, A Hope in the Unseen is a pertinent text for all sociology stude nts.