ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction Employment has been happening since the beginning of the civilization of societies across different cultures. However, some previous studies show that work values are significant across cultures in different aspects. In accordance with Kirkman and Shapiro (2005), job principles are important for a couple of explanations. To start with, these principles are a superb assessment of culture for they are formed more through sociological as well as cultural aspects than personal psychological variations (Kirkman, Shapiro, 2005). Secondly, the job principles of a company’s workers will have an impact on that company in many approaches from decision making through its potential to change to contact between management and employees, and motivation of workers. Individuals from different cultures can have disparate work attitude and relationships with their supervisor. In this study, the difference in work attitude and people’s relationships with their supervisors across two different cultural groups will be explored. Two cultural groups are under scrutiny here, viz. the Chinese and the Americans, with possible reasons or factors behind this phenomenon. Research conducted by Matic (2008) has found out that work values are disparate across different cultures and thus one can easily infer that those work values will differently affect the work attitudes of an individual and their relationship with supervisors. In a bid o study this difference, this paper runs the research between two groups that have bigger cultural difference and variance. In this research, the Chinese and the Americans are believed to be different enough in value and culture to help one to derive interesting results. Hypothesis Cultures can be defined as individualist and collectivist. In this study, individualists are associated with the American participants and collectivists are related to Chinese participants. As we know, collectivists will care more about the whole group while the individualists may focus more on the individual him/herself. Therefore, it is expected that Chinese participants work more diligently compared to the American participants. It is a reasonable hypothesis because whenever there is beneficial conflict between the company and individual, collectivist will be more likely to care for the whole group (in this case, the company or the organization they work in) more than her/himself. The simplest example is that if some work may be done by a certain deadline to bring the company more benefit and this work can also be delayed to the next deadline, but it will not bring benefit any more, the Chinese participants are more likely to work overtime and try to finish some task before the very first deadline. Additionally, there should be more cooperation in Chinese participants due to the effect of collectivism (Cheng et al., 2012). In addition to the individualism-collectivism theory, there are actually more theory behind it, for example, the self-theory and the value system. Based on the study, Asians tends to view self as a smaller component comparing to the Americans. Besides that, due to the difference in the value system, the American participants t
Religion has been difficult to define since time immemorial. This is because most definitions introduced by various theologians could not wholly enclose all the religious aspects. Thus many people have agreed on a general view that religion should not be defined since the more it is defined, the greater the explanations raise controversy among various doctrines. However it is clear that religion contains complex matters beyond the agreed verbal doctrine. The three major religious orientations are sacramental, prophetic, and mystical. In all the major world religions, one of the three can be found. Sacramental orientations are mostly found in the Roman Catholicism, Christianity and Buddhism (McCullough et al. 212). Prophetic orientations are depicted in Judaism, protestant Christianity and Islam, whereas mystical orientations are witnessed mostly in Hinduism and Taoism (McCullough et al. 212). Most religions that bear some sort of mystical orientation have an identifying characteristic of trying to search for a union that has some greater reality than them. Additionally, many of them have a deep rooted belief that the latter can be achieved through meditation (McCullough et al. 214). Thus most of them have a culture that wholly practices rituals that act to decrease the sense of the singular self and acts to unite the individual with the creator or with nature. This identifying religious orientation can also be found in other religions with identifying social orientations. Sacramental orientations inculcate in the individual the correct and right path to salvation, which can only be achieved through the practice of stipulated rituals and ceremonies. The orientation is not only limited to Christian religions but it is prevalent in many other tribal religions as well (McCullough et al. 214). Most of the tribal religions believe that one can influence the natural process by performing various rituals and ceremonies. The latter form a big part of the sacramental orientation but are wholly excluded in the prophetic orientation (McCullough et al. 212). Thirdly the prophetic orientation inculcates various values in the individual among them; contact with the divine and the supreme being that can only be achieved after the individual has had an upright and straight moral upbringing, while obeying the laid down moral codes (McCullough et al. 217). This propagates the belief that humans could be more important than every other being including God, for instance a speaker or any other prophet that talks as directed by God. This includes ministries in various churches or public speakers who talk on God’s behalf. In conclusion, most people are very familiar wit
Introduction Nowadays the level of technology and the achievements in the design practice allows creating the real masterpieces both in the design of the exterior and interior. It goes without saying that the modern techniques facilitate the realization of even the most bold and creative ideas which seemed to be impossible in the past. The aim of this paper is to describe two examples of the modern design. Modern Architecture In China The first example of the modern design progress which I am going to present to you is the Wuzhen Theatre created by the Chinese designers headed by Kris Yao. The construction has been built in Zhejiang in China. The project represents a bright example of the modern architecture. It is an amazing building embodying in itself both the contemporary architecture style and the elements of the traditional Chinese architecture. The structure of the building is the reinforced concrete and steel framing (“Wuzhen Theatre” n.pag.). It has two floors above ground and one floor below ground (“Wuzhen Theatre” n.pag.). The façade of the theatre is zig-zag fan-shaped (“Wuzhen Theatre” n.pag.). The panorama windows, although framed into the sash decorated with the creative bars, contribute to the substantial transparency of the building admitting the sun rays through the glass of the old gold color. As a whole the windows are associated with the traditional Chinese design which assumes the use of the gold and black color. In my view, the bars represent the bamboo which takes an important place in the Asian culture. The theatre has been built nearby the river. If you take a look at the theatre from the side of the street with the traditional Chinese houses, you can see the contrast between the old Chinese architecture and the contemporary one. It is worthy to mention the beautiful illumination of the theatre at night when the golden lights are reflected in the river water. The interior of the theatre also attracts the attention. It is made in the beautiful deep blue color which creates a calm atmosphere inside. A ceiling is also made in the blue color with white decoration elements. The walls inside the theatre are decorated with screens which are traditional in the Chinese culture. The design of the interior can be described as the successful mix of the innovative surrealistic design and the Chinese authentic traditions of decoration. “Using the culturally auspicious “twin lotus” as its metaphor, which functions perfec
Many analysts have examined the effectiveness equal opportunities laws and its associated aspects, encompassing disparity, unfairness, intolerance, multiplicity, and lack of opportunities expansively which has added to extensive intellectual growth to the field. Nonetheless, the efficacy of enforcing the equal opportunities and affirmative action statute to business organizations is still contentious. Consequently, this paper intends to analyze the linkage between the prerequisite for having equal opportunities for employees within organizations to the assumed accrued benefits. The study will thus scrutinize this correlation in terms of job performance and alleged financial returns to the employer and employees. Definition The International Finance Corporation (IFC) defines workplace discrimination as any disentanglement, segregation or partiality that has the effect of invalidating or weakening impartiality in job openings, workplace behavior and career growth due to an individual’s uniqueness. This may encompass ethnicity, color, sex, religious faith, political affiliation, country of origin, societal bias, disability, marriage, age, sexuality, and/or HIV status (2). Despite registering much progress against occupational biases, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission admits that racial bias still represent the most cited job-related injustice, with 35.5 percent of the commission’s complaints in 2005 centered on race issues (U.S. Department of Labor, n.p.). This confirms results from other studies that disclose racial and ethnic inequalities still evident even after the enactment of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; with non-Caucasian job seekers still unlikely acquire top jobs hence relegated to menial or unskilled jobs due to their skin color (EEOC 2). Consequently, studies on financial returns from such integrated recruitment regimes are problematic due to the scarcity of appropriate case studies. Benefits of an Integrated Non-Discriminatory Employment Strategy Most studies affirm the economic benefits of an integrated non-discriminatory employment strategy citing inherent advantages like innovation, better labor supply, improved work relations, higher productivity and avoiding penalties among others (Kandola and Fullerton 8), Harvey and Allard (2) and Gray (14). Thus, Richardson (4) affirms that organizations hiring the most qualified staff without bias typically end up with the finest workforces and a high retention rate. Hence, as global rivalry in consumer markets intensify; corporations still upholding bigotry tendencies are bound to decline. Therefore, Harvey et al. (393) stress that workplace diversity allows corporations to compete globally while enjoying uninhibited benefits accrued from multicultural ideas. This view is supported by Fine (502) who argues that a workforce not resolutely restricted to certain cultural categories as more likely to generate higher returns in terms of labor, ideas and loyalty. C
Introduction The Last Hippie is the second of seven paradoxical tales in An Anthropologist on Mars (1995) by Oliver Sacks. Its title is a reference to the fact that the main character Greg F. lost his short-term memory, and only remembers his youth of the 1960s. By implication, his medical condition is a result of the lack of treatment and attention that he faced while staying at the Krishna temple, but his physical and psychological experience is so complex, that it would be improper to blame it only on the group of people he lived with and their cult. Main body Oliver Sacks based the plot on the actual medical case history, one of many in his practice as a neurologist (Twan par.5). Greg joined the cult in the 60s and was enchanted by the atmosphere (Goldsmith 19), or as Sacks describes it the ‘austere and charismatic figure of the Swami himself came like a revelation to Greg ‘ (43). However, the spiritual search is not something that existed only in the 1960s. The only problem here appears when devotees of some movements care less about dominant values (Beckford 92) and more about rituals and a sense of unity with other people. To legislatively ban some malicious cult is curing the symptom rather than the illness since members of those cults are often socially non-adapted people. Rochford claims, that ‘involvement in movement creates a variety of personal problems’ (3 6), people like Greg, who are spiritually unsatisfied, in those cults meet other people, who are vulnerable as well, and they cannot help each other because they are under the influence of the cult propaganda. Unlike secular communities and moderate religious movements, that promote their members to support each other, the cult aims to keep devotees only concerned about their leader and their doctrine. Conclusion As it happened with Greg and his music therapy (Nerdrum 14), the best way to recover (or at least, minimize the damage) is to fulfill the spiritual search, and despite cults’ infamousness not to imagine them as pure evil, but try to understand the reason people are vulnerable to them.
SWOT Analysis New product development, is one of the most intricate organizational tasks that firms undertake in their quest to develop competitiveness (Graf & Saguy, 1999). Apple’s managers are cognizant of the fact that the success of new products in the market is dependent on the effectiveness with which the firm understands and exploits its capabilities. Thus, it is essential for extensive internal business analysis to be conducted. By conducting internal analysis, managers gain sufficient understanding of their organization’s capabilities and competences. On the other hand, external analysis gives insight on the prevailing market conditions. This increases the effectiveness with which the firm develops strategies to market its products. Before launching its Mini Ipad product, Apple Incorporation conducted an internal analysis in order to understand its competences and capabilities. The SWOT analysis below illustrates the firm’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths Positive brand perception The success of firms in their respective industries is impacted by the brand perception developed by the target customers. Thus, it is critical for firms to take time in developing their brand identity (Klein, 2008). Over the years it has been in operation, Apple Incorporation has managed to develop a positive perception amongst its target customers ( Apple Incorporation 2013). The perception has emanated from the fact that the firm has positioned itself as a very successful and innovative company. This is well illustrated by the effectiveness with which it developed and sold its Macintosh computers and iPod products. Most consumers are increasingly considering Apple’s products as their favorable brand. Additionally, most of Apple’s products are associated with quality, sophistication and fun (Tyrangiel, 2012). In the course of its operation, Apple Incorporation has been very successful in enriching its customers product needs. Consequently, a significant proportion of customers have developed positive perception towards the firm. Development of high quality products The firm has been very effective in developing products that are of high quality. This has arisen from the firm’s investment in research and development. Some of the high quality products that the firm has successfully developed include iPhones and Macintosh computers. For example, its touch screen products have unique features that recognize multi-finger gestures. The quality of the firms’ touch screen products is also evidenced by their scratch resistant characteristic. As a result of its adherence to quality in its product development process, the firm has been very effective in satisfying customers’ product needs. Investment in continuous product improvement The global personal computer and mobile device industries have become very dynamic. This transformation has arisen from the high rate at which new personal computer and mobile device products are being developed. Therefore, it is essential for firms in this industry to determine whether they are capable of sus
Introduction Literary works often reflect the times during which they were written. As positions of men and women in society changed significantly over time, literature gives the readers a unique opportunity to see the differences in the treatment and perception of the two genders centuries ago. Many stories comment on the lack of female voices in patriarchic society or how they were silenced and misunderstood. This essay will examine how women are portrayed in Boccaccio’s The Decameron and de Navarre’s Heptameron . Similarities in the Depiction of Women There are many parallels in the portrayal of women in Heptameron and The Decameron . In both the collection of tales, they are put in romantic relationships and presented primarily as objects of male desire. The plot of many stories is propelled by men trying to seduce women regardless of their marital status. One of Heptameron ’s stories tells the readers about a virtuous wife who died at the hands of a servant who was in love with her (de Navarre). He tried to “obtain by force what neither prayer nor service had availed to procure him” (de Navarre). The servant does not care about her feelings and kills and rapes her despite his claims of love. The Decameron has similar tales of men desiring women and seeing them as objects. In one of the stories, a girl is so terrified to be killed and given to the dogs to be devoured, she agrees to wed a man she refused to marry before (Boccaccio 450). Thus, many characters in the stories are shown as objects of men’s desires and advances that they are often unable to thwart. The Decameron and Heptameron often describe women as brides, wives, or lovers, indicating that their principal position in society is to be companions to men. All main female characters in the stories are depicted through their relationships, either romantic or strictly physical. They are also only viewed as potential lovers by their male counterparts. For instance, a young prince in Heptameron sees a young girl his sister used to play with as a prospective mistress (de Navarre). Meanwhile, most of the stories in The Decameron revolve around married women and their affairs with other men. Thus, the lives of female characters in these tales are not painted beyond their relationships. Differences in the Depiction of Women There are also many notable differences in how Boccaccio and de Navarre write about women and their place in relationships and society. The most striking difference can be seen in the depiction of female sexuality by the two authors. De Navarre portrays women as virtuous and righteous and defends those who cheat on their husbands, giving love as the main reason. Meanwhile, Boccaccio often describes them as h
The transition from school to work is an important chapter in a person’s life, and it can be difficult for many individuals. This difficulty is further exacerbated by disabilities (Bonds, 2003; Punch, Hyde, & Creed, 2004). For students with hearing impairments (SHI), additional challenges for transitioning to adulthood include “reduced access to rigorous education and full communication models” in K-12 (Cawthon et al., 2014b, p. 1) and the lack of ability to successfully master the data provided during training, which leads to lower levels of English literacy, worse mathematical and reasoning skills, poorly developed social skills, etc. (Bonds, 2003). As a result of these complications, SHI suffers from insufficient competence required for a successful transition to their post-school lives (i.e., lacking job-seeking, work adjustment, and employment-related social and interpersonal skills, as well as the inadequate skills required for independent living, such as money management, care for personal health and accommodation, and community-related skills), which exacerbates their postsecondary outcomes (Luft & Huff, 2011). Employees with HI who have recently transited from school to work often experience additional stress, whereas college students with HI often drop out (Cawthon & Caemmerer, 2014a). This causes the decreased ability to perform certain tasks, lower labor productivity, and most importantly, lower quality of life (Cawthon & Caemmerer, 2014a; Kramer, Kapteyn, & Houtgast, 2006). Therefore,
Introduction Political culture can be defined as the set of particular values of a country within which its political system operates. It is the values and/or characteristics of the political life in Cyprus, how politics is practiced therein that differentiate it from other countries in the Middle East and in the world. Is it for instance, respect to the rule of law, freedom of the press, multipartism or even respect for public institutions? Political culture is the end product of different factors from geography to history. It is also influenced by such factors as social or religious pluralism, constitutional reform and even globalization. (Political culture, 2008). Cyprus is an Island in the Mediterranean Sea located in the Middle East to the south of Turkey. It is a former British colony and achieved its independence on August 16, 1960. In1963 conflict erupted between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority in the Cypriot capital Nicosia. This intercommunity violence continued well into the 1970’s. In 1974, the Greek government attempted control over Cyprus resulted in a military intervention by the Turkish. Soon enough, the Turks controlled more than a third of the island and declared the region the Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus. The result was two de facto autonomous regions. The region under the Cypriot government, that is also internationally recognized and the northern part that comprises of the Turkish-Cypriot region. However, the northern region was only formally recognized by Turkey. Although the island became a member of the EU as a whole there are still divisions that exist between the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots. Each region is considered autonomous from the other. As such even the administration of the regions is different. (Arcadia, 2005). While the ruling/dominant political party in Cyprus is the communist party, the ideology seems to be capitalist. The government does not in any way control the means of production as is th