Andrew Jackson Was A War Hero Essay - 1711 Words

Andrew Jackson was a war hero, a charismatic leader and a champion of common white American people. However, for some his critics he was a democratic autocrat, urban savage and atrocious saint. Andrew Jackson was most revered for his war heroics in 1812 but became one of the most controversial figures in American history. Andrew Jackson fervently believed that the key to American greatness was the small self-employed farmers and in order to continue this greatness, the expansion to the west was imperative so that each new generations could have farms of their own. It was this idea which made him a forceful proponent of Indian removal. And what followed was the most brutal period in American History. In early 19th century, in order to grow the cotton industry, white farm owners pressurized the government to encroach towards the south to incorporate more farm fields for increased plantation. The only barrier in their route was Native American tribes that settled the south eastern region. This land was home to the so called five civilized tribes Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chicasaw and Seminole. These tribes were called civilized by the Anglo Americans for their efforts to assimilate into white American culture. This region inhabited by native American tribes was fertile and valuable to say the least. White settlers were cognizant of the value it was going to add to their wealth. Therefore, the government was going to do anything it takes to get the hold of the land for theirShow MoreRelatedAndrew Jackson : A Symbol Of The Age Essay1553 Words   |  7 PagesThe freedom has been given through war and key decisions made that have eventually won its independence and created the United States of America from East to West. Andrew Jackson was the president in the early 1800’s that made a considerable amount of change. Theses changes and action that he was involved in changed America forever, in which gave him the respect from the people of America. He was a symbol for his age, becoming a true historical figure and a hero for the people. He defeated the BritishRead MoreThe War Of 1812 By Andrew Jackson1681 Words   |  7 PagesFrom being a well-known war hero in the War of 1812 to becoming the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson lived a marvelous life. His past life may have affected him greatly, but it never stopped him from moving to one role to another. In addition, Jackson had gone through great lengths to obtain his position and popularity as president. He was the first self-made man, who started from very low points in his life, who became president. Furthermore, he was well known for his casual temperRead MoreEssay about Andrew Jackson7 65 Words   |  4 Pages Andrew Jackson   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Andrew Jackson was born in the Waxhaws near the border of North and South Carolina, on March 15, 1767. When Andrew Jackson was born, no one probably guessed that he would be the seventh president of the United States of America. He wasn’t a â€Å"high class† person or had all the same credentials, but he became a war hero thus lifting him to his presidency.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Andy Jackson was born the third child of Scotch-Irish parents. Jackson’s father, also named Andrew, died as a resultRead MoreAndrew Jacksons Leadership in the Battle of New Orleans Essay1109 Words   |  5 PagesHistory 485-01 â€Å"Andrew Jackson, The Battle of New Orleans† Andrew Jackson was born in rural South Carolina March 15, 1767, the son of impoverished Irish immigrants. He received no formal education as young child and became a messenger boy in the American Revolution at the age of 13. At the Age of 35, he was elected to the Tennessee Militia as a Major General.(LOC) The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. In this decisiveRead MoreAndrew Jackson : The Age Of Jackson1376 Words   |  6 Pagesknown as â€Å"The Age of Jackson†, America was a country on its way to the West. America’s revolutionary generation was quickly fading, making room for a new balance of political power. As the class systems were breaking down, the â€Å"common man† was better able to cast his vote for the new President. Jackson was glorified by his impressive war accomplishments and humble background of the frontier. This made him the main target for presidency in electio n 1824. Once coming to power, Jackson no longer portrayedRead MoreAndrew Jackson1431 Words   |  6 Pages Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United Stated of America, was born on March 15, 1767 and died on June 8, 1845 in Nashville, Tennessee. Jackson’s parents Andrew and Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson were Presyberitains, Scots-Irish settlers whom in 1765 emigrated from Ireland. Andrew’s birthplace is deduced to have been at one of his uncles houses in the Waxhaw’s area between North Carolina and South Carolina, his exact whereabouts is unknown. Jacksons mother emigrated across the AppalachianRead MoreAndrew Jackson 3 Essays1624 Words   |  7 PagesMcQuade U.S. History 1-c Laba term paper April 17, 2013 Andrew Jackson Throughout the years there have been many presidents, but Andrew Jackson was different. He had many different policies, and his personality set him apart from a lot of other presidents. Andrew Jackson was the seventh president but some would consider him to be the first because he seemed so different from others. Andrew Jackson did not have the easiest childhood while growing up, his father hadRead MoreWar : The War Of 18121543 Words   |  7 Pagesa well-known war hero in the War of 1812 to becoming the 7th president of the United States, Andrew Jackson lived a marvelous life. His past life may have affected him greatly, but it never stopped him from moving to one role to another. Furthermore, not only was he president, but he was also a major general in the army and has been very victorious and successful in leading his troops. Jackson had gone through great lengths to obtain his position and popularity as president. He was the first self-madeRead More Andrew Jackson Essay1079 Wo rds   |  5 Pages Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, was born the Waxhaw territory, lying between North and South Carolina on March 15, 1767. Jackson was the third child of Scotch-Irish parents. His father died as the result of a logging accident just a few weeks before Andrew was born. Jacksons mother, Elizabeth Hutchison Jackson, was regarded as a very independent woman. After her husbands death, she raised her three sons at the home of one of her relatives. The Declaration of IndependenceRead MoreAndrew Jacksons Presidency: Inefficient or Efficient?651 Words   |  3 Pagespresident of the United States, Andrew Jackson, made the presidency more powerful because he represented the â€Å"common man.† Jackson grew up in the rural parts of South Carolina and when he was thirteen years old, he joined the army at during the American Revolution War. Jackson was involved in many wars and became a war hero. He fought in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. After serving at war, he would serve two terms as president from 1829-1837. Jackson is the father of the Democratic

Age of Revolutions Essay - 1523 Words

) What do you think was the most important outcome of the Age of Revolutions? There have been several vital products of the Age of Revolutions but most importantly was the introduction of post-colonial attitudes with the need of self-governess away from empires overseas. This was achieved through the democracy and constitutions which still are the most important legacy existing in the modern world. It this outcome that societies were able to create influential pieces of works and change how societies operated on a daily bases with the United States composing the Declaration of Independence in 1776 establishing the cornerstone of this period of paradoxically an era of stability and anarchy. This essay aims to support this claim that†¦show more content†¦The American settlers were left at outlaws and out of sovereignty protection under King George III of England while still able to be charge for breaking British reforms and laws such as smuggling across the Trans-Atlantic tr ade routes after August 1775. These goods included tea, coffee and other raw goods that supplied England’s industry and production of goods causing a disruption in slave trade and income through transnational trade which vital to the upkeep of the colonies during times of financial difficulties such as the introduction of the Stamp Act of 1765 on all documentations and newspaper to finance Britain’s Seven Years War between 1756 and 1763. Another significant event, The Boston Tea Party of 1773 due to the taxation under the Tea Act depicts the civil unrest of colonists against the British Parliament and to regain rights to trade without taxation. The need to sever ties with England not only signalled the transition from colonialists to become freed men but during the American Revolutionary War it allowed the equality of colonialists as equal men thus it is the liberal ideals and the post-colonial attitudes created by mistreatment of the government that highlight the ou tcome of this rebellious period. Another symbolic event that drove the Age of Revolution was the French Revolution due to its new reforms introduced that began to place the needs of the state before theShow MoreRelatedThe Age of Revolutions1515 Words   |  7 PagesThe Age of Revolutions is often a term used for a period of time, usually between 1760 -1848. Although the term encompasses many revolutions across the globe, it isn’t very often that these events are examined as a whole; compared and contrasted to show the similarities, differences, and even some potential catalytic properties between them. The book The Age of Revolutions in Global Context, c. 1760-1840, put together and edited by David Armitage and Sanjay Subrahmanyam, is a book of essays collaboratedRead MoreThe Age Of Revolution And The European Revolution1152 Words   |  5 PagesThe age of revolution was a powerful dynamic age in the European politics and the European Society that started in 1789 and ended in 1848. During this era, radical citizens and reforming governments in Europe changed the existing laws and the ruling structure in a way that created the forms of the existing modern Europe states. The age was very revolutionary as it gave the introduction to new systems within Europe. The era was both an age of destruction as well as a catalyst for growth. Also, theRead MoreAge of Revolutions Essay751 Words   |  4 PagesThe age of revoltion was a historical time frame that took place between 1775 to 1848 which encompassed numerous social, cultural and political shifts that harboured significant implications on the growth of the development of the novel as a genre. Through the social mechanics of increased living standards, the creation of the middle class, elevated literacy levels and wider book distribution and publication, the novel genre saw indespensible changes which have persisted throughout time. Prior toRead MoreThe Age of Reason and Revolution Essay810 Words   |  4 PagesThe Age of Reason and Revolution Many individuals that lived in the period of time known as the Age of Reason, discovered many new inventions and advancements to improve the quality of life. Some of these advantages brought fourth new ideas to extraordinary people who forever changed the way we look at life. Although many people found these discoveries to bring great revival to mankind, others rejected these new improvements and felt as if they were defying god. TheseRead MoreThe Neolithic Revolution And The Paleolithic Age Essay965 Words   |  4 Pages The Neolithic Revolution began in Southwest Asia and other areas during 10,000 B.C.E to 3, 000 B.C.E (Council for Economic Education, 2012). The Neolithic Revolution also known as the Agricultural Revolution was a new way of life. Our society is constantly changing and moving forward. As a part of human culture, humans strive to learn, discover, create and evolve (Barber, n.d.). As a society, we have made many technological and social advancements, but have we ever taken the time to appreciateRead MoreAge Of Reason And The Scientific Revolution1089 Words   |  5 PagesWorld History Honors 11 March 2015 Age of Reason The Age of Reason took place in Europe from the mid 1500s and ended in the late 1700s. This can be categorized into two different time periods. First, was the Scientific Revolution when many scholars created new ways of thinking about the natural world. The Scientific Revolution ended around the late 1600s. Although this time period was over, common ideas spread to the next period. The second time period in the Age of Reason was the EnlightenmentRead MoreAge of Enlightenment and Glorious Revolution622 Words   |  3 Pagesof democracy. (There are ten items that need information.) Answer: A Bird’s-Eye View 1 Renaissance and Reformation During the Renaissance, Europe was charged with a new spirit of inquiry. 2 English monarchy The Glorious Revolution 1 Charles II King Charles II, like his executed father, found Parliament troublesome and tried to rule without it. 2 James II and the idea of the divine right of kings – Kings would only receive power from God, and were answerableRead MoreThe French Revolution And The Age Of Enlightenment854 Words   |  4 PagesBorn of two fathers, the American Revolution and the age of enlightenment, the French revolution was primarily a social upheaval that conspired to overthrow religious and privileged classes. The French Revolution changed the degree to which the people were willing to suffer and sacrifice in order to achieve their war aims through democratizing the Army and creating the necessity of larger political alliances than ever before. Guibert wrote in his Essai: Imagine that there arose in Europe a peopleRead MoreThe Age Of Enlightenment And The Scientific Revolution1675 Words   |  7 Pagesand the world evolved giving rise to the establishment of new social norms and scientific advances. Although the industrial revolution and the scientific revolution represented a giant leap forward in human development, the Age of Enlightenment delivered the greatest influence for the future American society and planted the way for cultural and humanistic enrichment. The Age of the Enlightenment raised new concepts in education, democracy, and human freedom. The new humanistic philosophy promotedRead MoreIndustrial Revolution And The Industrial Age984 Words   |  4 PagesThe Industrial Revolution affected all aspects of American life, and it provoked more changes than just those in the factories. How one experienced the Industrial Revolution depended on where one lived. By 1900, more than a third of America’s people lived in cities, and city p opulations were growing twice as fast as the population as a whole. Between 1870 and 1920, the number of Americans living in cities increased fivefold, from 10 million to 54 million. Most of the massive industries of the Industrial

Management Accounting Recognized and Assessed Business

Question: Describe about the Management Accounting for Recognized and Assessed Business. Answer: Business Risk and inherent Risk Assessments Business is associated with many risk factors which need to be recognized and assessed properly. The major problem with HIH Insurance is that the risks were not identified and reviewed in time by the directors which lead to a loss amounting to 5.3 billion and effectively causing the company to collapse. So the assessment of HIH insurance will be on the operational and financial risk. Operational risk occurs from the companys own in-house actions of the business. It analyses other risks such as legal, physical and environmental (Rose, 2013). A proper evaluation on the companys work procedure and operations will assist in discovering the errors and rectifying it as and when required for it to develop and grow (Adams Borsellino, 2015). Financial risk is linked with the companys financial activities and transactions and the outcome of financial operations involved in companys work process (Bobtcheff et al., 2016) Proper identification of financial risk will safeguard the company from adverse financial situation and debts. HIH insurance succumbed due to non-assessment of risks in proper time as it is imperative on a companys part to identify, manage and reduce risks properly through proper managerial control (Betta, 2016). HIH insurances risk was broad enough to cause a severe damage. There are several inherent risk factors effecting HIH at the financial report level like poor financial results, overcooking of cash and debtors figure and underpinning of creditors and bad debt amount to consolidate the position of balance sheet. HIH insurances poor financial result was due to the overstated sales figure which was done to show high profitability when the real story was something else. Inherent risk of HIH included the continuation of solvency margins, statement of sufficient premiums and the liquidity factor. HIH insurance entered areas which were prone to high risks such as marine insurance whose work practices differs logic than the normal insurance profession. The internal control system of HIH failed to identify or detect the material error. The detection risk is mainly associated with different auditing actions depending on performance which fails to recognize the material errors (Tricker Tricker, 2014). HIH needed to plan good and in proper time to lessen the chances of not being able to detect material misstatement. In HIH insurance, the internal audit documents are lacking performance in its substantive measures which will ensure proper settlement in future income tax benefits and goodwill of the firm. Legal Liability The limited knowledge of auditors failed to identify the inherent risks with changes that took place the previous year. The focus is on the auditing reports signifying the concerns related with the HIH practices for increased risks. The cases are linked with adequate measures in auditing procedures with intended managed auditing risks. The issues are related to the inadequate auditor independence linked up with the presentation in the non audit services. For clients: The focus has been on presentation to show up the inadequate preparation that relates to goodwill next to the deferred acquisition cost and income tax benefits. If the client company is thinking of hiring the prior auditors, then its going to directly affect the independence of external auditing. The present auditors are hold in good position because of the power they possess. For creditors: The creditors need to focus on the bare minimum solvency requirement which is based on the firm being solvent at the time of declaration of the director. The HIH desires to focus on the cash position where the extensive analysis is based on operational and financial activities. There is a need for prudential margins leading to the policy of reservation depending on the handling of the company. The negligence action of HIH insurance is related to the acceleration of changes in the legislation. The crisis has been related to prices and the availability of insurance. These are mainly connected to law of negligence. The major issues which are related to charges are politically reinforced associated with the direct liability pattern of government and re-insurance. The non executive directors lacked freedom in their work as it is evident from the structure of HIH insurance. Arthur Andersons secretarial firm boasted of five members and the same were holding the board of directors position in HIH insurance. For non-auditing services the company did expend $1.671 million and $1.7 million for auditing purposes. Fees arising from auditing services caused a great deal of distraction to the independent company directors (Tricker, 2015). The corporate governance was the guilty party in the negligence of the company. -insurance companys process is greatly subjected by the risk management of the concerned group. HIHs investment failed badly as witnessed in the presentation of risk management (Damiani et al., 2015). The directors negligence played a role in the decision strategys setback which eventually led to the collapse (Carnegie and OConnell, 2014). -inadequate independent information was negligence on the part of the management as they did not provide relevant information to the non executive directors which have to be focused on. The non-executive directors did not enjoy the liberty in forming the view concerning the companys financial statements. Ethics The main spotlight has been on the lack of evidence in the alteration that have been made in different accounts before the release of the audit reports. The refusal to pay the increased auditing fees is based on the close relationship with non-auditing services. The company wants to hire prior members of its external audit team for various reasons: The auditors are habituated enough to work with the company They seem to have good knowledge about different financial matters The management has decided on working with a proper process of audit and developing a strong bond with the auditors The auditors need to uphold a professionalism approach that maintains proper goodwill of the company. The auditors should be able to put their faith on the client executives to that extent which do not paralyses the work procedure of external auditors. Most of the times the auditing companies do provide non-auditing services too with proper management consultancy and recommending in tax matters. The objective is based on conducting a report where a particular clients information relies on his source of income. The auditors are always in the habit of holding reports and the changes for the different reports about the financial status of a company with maximum profits. Difference has been noted in the profitability margin of non audit services with those of traditional auditing. Traditional auditing has always been viewed as a service necessary for regulatory purposes which incurred a downward slide of the fees, whereas the growth of non-audit services activate the struggle for authority and control of the management. Using the same firm for both the auditing and consulting services helps the client in putting a check on the extra expenses and time, as the firm does not need to spend any extra moment or charge extra to get familiar w ith the process. In addition to that will be the service providers best ways of dealing with adverse conditions and situations that may arise accordingly and provide the best solutions from its significant experience in dealing within the same industry. Moreover many clients have restricted themselves in hiring accounting firms who deal with clients of the same industry to evade any loss of priceless information (Healy, 2013). There are other cost benefits too that goes with the theory of assigning a single accounting firm for both auditing and consulting services. For auditors it is not possible to always believe their client executives. The auditors do their work based on auditing evidence Auditors do find it difficult at times when they confront managements who do not disclose everything that is required (Haines, 2013). HIH insurance highlights on different facts to check operations with regards to quantity. The employees need to put their best foot forward while dealing with customers and are set to bring highest ethical standards of behavior (J. Clout et al., 2013). Business should be carried out according to the appropriate laws and regulations with suitable codes and corporate standards that subsist in a country. The employees associated with an organization along with the contractors require meeting the highest level of ethical behavioral standards related to revelation of information in the accounting practices and dealings in Fosters share. The primary recommendations for audit reform proposed by the Ramsay report are: A statement should be included in the Corporations Act that will present the auditors with freedom to work. An auditor should make an annual statement to the Board of Directors that the auditor has retained their liberty in accordance with the act and rules given in the accounting bodies. Outlining proscribed relationships involving the auditor and the client. Only employment related relationships are emphasized on among the client and the auditor and the auditing staff is viable. One relationship that was barred is a situation where a retired auditor partner joins a companys Board of Directors team, something which was witnessed in the HIH insurance. An auditory independence supervisory board is to be set up with the vast majority of the members in such a board will be autonomous of accounting profession. The independence supervisory board will be assisting in recommending and observing of independence issues of auditors. The audit committee needs to make different perceptions about non-audit services, relation between auditor and client, audit fees and independence related to auditors work. The Ramsay report recommendations have found support from the accounting professional bodies. However, the Current Affairs in Auditing April edition exposed that HIHs collapse led many observers of auditing believe that the Ramsay report recommendations did not go the distance. Ramsays recommendation report on independent and consulting services were deemed to be too weak to put into effect. They were totally demanding for a ban on the auditors contribution in providing consulting services to audit clients. The recommendations of audit reform according to auditors liberty and the regulation of auditors was that an auditors independence is directly related to the reliability and consistency of auditors reports (Sirtes et al., 2016). The draft Bill draws on the HIH Royal commission report (HIHRC) and the Ramsay report in meeting upon the magnitude of an autonomous audit in capital market competence. This can be attained through adding importance to financial report by bettering the dependability which in turn should help in lessening the cost of capital by dropping information risk and upgrading the value to capital markets by intensifying the reliability of financial statements. According to CLERP 9 changes there are quite a few other disclosures related to auditors that are required to be made by the listed companies in their annual reports (Carey et al., 2014). A copy of the Auditors independence declaration must be attached with the directors report The listed companies must reveal in their annual directors report the fees charged by the auditor for providing service in each in each non-audit process, explaining in details the nature of the service (Houghton et al., 2013). A statement should be issued in the annual directors report that they are pleased with stipulation made in the non-audit service, as well as explanation of the service and it does not compromise freedom. There are going to be several changes in the practice of auditing due to the recommendations made in the Ramsay Report and CLERP 9. The auditor should be given the required liberty to work freely without being influenced by the client company (Kuan, 2014). It is the responsibility of the auditor to present impartial and truthful professional opinion on the financial statements to the shareholders. The threats that are associated with the audit profession like intimidation threat, trust threat and familiarity threat will be reduced to a large extent if recommendations are put into practice. There is requirement for independence as third parties and client of financial statements do not possess adequate information and facts to recognize the actuals of companys annual reports (Crockett Ali, 2015). These parties depend too much on the assessment made by auditor. Publics confidence on financial markets depends partially on the views and information presented by auditors in tandem with t he financial audits. References: Adams, M., Borsellino, G. (2015). Is there a positive link between corporate governance and board diversity? Lessons from Asia.Journal of Business Systems, Governance Ethics,10(1) Betta, M. (2016). Three Case Studies: Australian HIH, American Enron, and Global Lehman Brothers. InEthicmentality-Ethics in Capitalist Economy, Business, and Society(pp. 79-97). Springer Netherlands Bobtcheff, C., Chaney, T., Gollier, C. (2016). Analysis of Systemic Risk in the Insurance Industry.The Geneva Risk and Insurance Review,41(1), 73-106. Carey, P. J., Monroe, G. S., Shailer, G. (2014). Review of Postà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ CLERP 9 Australian Auditor Independence Research.Australian Accounting Review,24(4), 370-380. Carnegie, G. D., OConnell, B. T. (2014). A longitudinal study of the interplay of corporate collapse, accounting failure and governance change in Australia: Early 1890s to early 2000s.Critical Perspectives on Accounting,25(6), 446-468. Crockett, M., Ali, M. J. (2015). Auditor independence and accounting conservatism: Evidence from Australia following the corporate law economic reform program.International Journal of Accounting Information Management,23(1), 80-104. Damiani, C., Bourne, N., Foo, M. (2015). The HIH claims support scheme.Economic Round-up, (1), 37. Haines, F. (2013). Corporate fraud as misplaced confidence? Exploring ambiguity in the accuracy of accounts and the materiality of money.Theoretical Criminology, 1362480613502069. Healy, J. (2013). The Paradox of Regulation: What Regulation Can Achieve and What It Cannot.Medical Law Review,21(1), 161-165. Houghton, K. A., Kend, M., Jubb, C. (2013). The CLERP 9 audit reforms: Benefits and costs through the eyes of regulators, standard setters and audit service suppliers.Abacus,49(2), 139-160. Clout, V., Chapple, L., Gandhi, N. (2013). The impact of auditor independence regulations on established and emerging firms.Accounting Research Journal,26(2), 88-108. Kuan, K. T. C. (2014). Auditor independence: an analysis of the adequacy of selected provisions in CLERP 9. Rose, H. (2013). How insurance companies can become good corporate citizens.Risk Management,60(5), 38 Sirtes, G., Lo Surdo, A., White, R. (2016). Corporations law and class actions: Court Tricker, B. (2015).Corporate governance: Principles, policies, and practices. Oxford University Press, USA. Tricker, B., Tricker, G. (2014).Business Ethics: A Stakeholder, Governance and Risk Approach. Routledge.

Power of Group Influence

This part of the paper will discuss two group-related incidents. The first incident occurred last Sunday during the group meeting for our Youth Empowerment Movement (YEM). YEM is a multicultural all inclusive Christian youth group that focuses on helping youths cope with challenges, initiating development activities in their community, identification and promotion of youth talents, and promotion of social integration in our communities.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Power of Group Influence specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More During that meeting, Jose and Santos arrived in the meeting very late. In addressing them our chairman said that â€Å"you two Hispanics it quite clear that you are always late for meetings, I think it’s your culture that encourages this lazy behaviour and due to your laziness I demand written explanation to this effect and an apology to the other members.† Coincidentally, the t wo were the only members of Hispanics origin in our group and were the only people who were late that day. The second incidence occurred in our advanced calculus lecture when the lecturer was handing back our continuous assessment results. During that time, the lecturer, while referring to smith, said that â€Å"you Japanese it seems that you and your people you do not perform well in my classes.† These statements were discriminatory since referring to people by their race/ethnicity can be quite discriminating especially in situation where these people are perceived as minority. In addition, these statements were very discriminatory due to the fact of associating any people’s race/ethnicity with laziness or non-performing aspects, hence a bias incident. Further, the remarks can fuel racial divisions or misunderstandings within the group, since it can be interpreted as racial bias of given people to the others, thus, members of the group may start taking sides. I agree with the statement that, â€Å"never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.† This is because, normally, a good idea or intention comes from one person or a small group that then spreads and works for it, which eventually helps other people and the world at large. For example, the International Red Cross Movement was founded from the idea of a young Swiss businessman, Jean Henry Dunant, who after witnessing condition of wounded soldiers in 1859 during the battle of Franco-Austrian, organized for relief services with the help of the local community immediately (Indian Red Cross, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More From this event, Henry wrote a book Memory of Solferino, which he used it to influence like-minded people around the world who during the Geneva Convention of 1864 founded the International Red Cross that serves the world in times of difficulties such as hunger, war and diseases (Indian Red Cross, 2008). Noble idea of few committed citizens has led to revolution or creation of countries that have significantly transformed the world in many ways. For example, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America were a small group of political leaders and statesmen, who took part in the American Revolution by signing the United States Declaration of Independence in July 4, 1776 and establishing the United States Constitution (Founding Fathers, 2010). Through their visionary leadership, these leaders were able to create a great nation that has been able to intervene in various global matters ranging from hunger, peace initiatives, war, and transformation of the world in various other aspects such as democracy, capitalism, and technological advancements. In support of the earlier statement, it is very clear that masses generally do not come up with a great idea; rather, it is the leaders or a small portion of the population that come up with the original idea and spread it to the larger population. This population eventually adopts it, leading to a successful group influence, which can be felt even globally. References Founding Fathers. (2010). History of the USA. Retrieved from: http://www.foundingfathers.info/. Indian Red Cross. (2008). History of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Retrieved from http://www.indianredcross.org/origin.htm.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Power of Group Influence specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Power of Group Influence was written and submitted by user Mark Conrad to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sympathy In Wrights Native Son Essay Example For Students

Sympathy In Wrights Native Son Essay Word Count: 894In Native Son, Richard Wright introduces Bigger Thomas, a liar and athief. Wright evokes sympathy for this man despite the fact that hecommits two murders. Through the reactions of others to his actions andthrough his own reactions to what he has done, the author createscompassion in the reader towards Bigger to help convey the desperatestate of Black Americans in the 1930s. The simplest method Wright uses to produce sympathy is the portrayal ofthe hatred and intolerance shown toward Thomas as a black criminal. This first occurs when Bigger is immediately suspected as being involvedin Mary Daltons disappearance. Mr. Britten suspects that Bigger isguilty and only ceases his attacks when Bigger casts enough suspicion onJan to convince Mr. Dalton. Britten explains, To me, a niggers anigger (Wright, Richard. Native Son. New York: Harper and Row, 1940. 154). Because of Biggers blackness, it is immediately assumed that heis responsible in some capacity. This assumption causes the reader tosympathize with Bigger. While only a kidnapping or possible murder arebeing investigated, once Bigger is fingered as the culprit, thenewspapers say the incident is possibly a sex crime (228). Elevenpages later, Wright depicts bold black headlines proclaiming a rapist(239) on the loose. Wright evokes compassion for Bigger, knowing thathe is this time unjustly accused.The reade r is greatly moved whenChicagos citizens direct all their racial hatred directly at Bigger. The shouts Kill him! Lynch him! That black sonofabitch! Kill thatblack ape! (253) immediately after his capture encourage a concern forBiggers well-being. Wright intends for the reader to extend this fearfor the safety of Bigger toward the entire black community. Thereaders sympathy is further encouraged when the reader remembers thatall this hatred has been spurred by an accident. We will write a custom essay on Sympathy In Wrights Native Son specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now While Bigger Thomas does many evil things, the immorality of his rolein Mary Daltons death is questionable. His hasty decision to put thepillow over Marys face is the climax of a night in which nothing hasgone right for Bigger.We feel sympathy because Bigger has been forcedinto uncomfortable positions all night. With good intentions, Jan andMary place Bigger in situations that make him feel a cold, dumb, andinarticulate hate (68) for them. Wright hopes the reader will shareBiggers uneasiness. The reader struggles with Biggers task of gettingMary into her bed and is relieved when he has safely accomplished hismission. With the revelation of Marys death, Wright emphasizesBiggers future, turning Mary into the white woman (86) that Biggerwill be prosecuted for killing. Wright focuses full attention on thebewildered Bigger, forcing the reader to see the situation throughBiggers eyes. He uses Biggers bewilderment to represent theconfusion and desperation of Black America. The author stress es thatBigger Thomas is a mere victim of desperation, not a perpetrator ofmalicious violence. Desperation is the characteristic Wright uses throughout the novel todraw sympathy for Bigger. A killer with a calculated plan for evadingpunishment would be viewed more negatively than Bigger, a confused youngman desperately seeking a means of escape. His first poor decisionafter Marys death is to burn her in the Dalton furnace. The vile andoutrageous course of action taken by Bigger impresses upon the readerthe complete disarray of his thoughts. Readers observe the absence ofcareful thought as Bigger jumps out the Daltons window, urinating onhimself, and as he frantically rushes from building to building,searching for shelter. However, Wright also includes actions that seemirreproachable despite Biggers state of mind. His brutal murder ofBessie, the only character willing to help him, angers the reader. Itis at that point that Bigger seems most immoral, but Wright again showsBiggers helpl essness. Wright contrasts the insistent and demanding(219) desire that encourages Bigger to force intercourse with Bessiewith the desperation that causes him to kill her. Even in the mostimmoral of acts, Wright finds a way to accentuate the difference betweenactions borne of depravity and those borne of desperation.. Theultimate desperation and hopeless nature of Biggers future as the bookcloses and the death sentence is imposed leaves the reader with a senseof sympathy at Biggers plight. Biggers state at the end of the novel parallels the desperation of Black Americas present and the uncertaintyof its future. .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .postImageUrl , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:hover , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:visited , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:active { border:0!important; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:active , .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua7026155ee9644d7fbc96d3c9f21ec6d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Teaching and Education PhilosophyBlack Americans in the 1930s faced seemingly insurmountablechallenges. Latent racism and poverty made them desperate forsolutions. Wright proves this through the life of Bigger Thomas. Hehopes that White America will realize that a only a desperate actioncould be expected under these desperate conditions. Wright says ofBigger: Never again did he want to feel anything like hope (315). The author suggests that all Blacks felt this way when he writes of themany families who were being persecuted during the search for Bigger. This novel is a call to the nation urging recognition of the desperateplight of Black America. Wright poignantly tells the story of theimmoral Bigger Thomas but is able to draw sympathy for what many whiteAmericans see as the typical black miscreant by clearly defining hiscommon human emotions. Biggers desperation to protect his own life inspite of the obstacles around him makes him a brilliant representativefor Blacks in America. Wright wonders and asks the question heattributes to Bigger in the novel. Why did he and his folks have tolive like this? (100)

Biological Weapon Effects on B essays

Biological Weapon Effects on B essays Biological Weapon Effects on Biological Diversity The cost of developing small-scale but nonetheless sophisticated bioweapons facilities and arsenals is in the range of $10,000 to $100,000 (Dudley 590). Natural viruses are readily and inexpensively available and have just as much capability as other viruses to disrupt the biological diversity. Biological weapons can have serious ramifications on the biological diversity as a whole, and not just to the ones in which the biological weapons are created for. Will a biological weapon effect only a certain population of organisms, or will the ramifications be greater? No elaborate delivery technologies or methods are necessary for clandestine, economically targeted bioweapons attacks on agricultural crops or livestock (Dudley 584). In 1887, an epidemic outbreak of the Rinderpest virus killed nearly 95% of wildebeest, cattle and African buffalo. (Dudley 586) For more than a century, the African buffalo has not been able to make a strong come back, and therefore remain in small populations. The Indigenous African people fell upon economic hardship and hunger, while two-thirds of the Nilotic pastoral people starved to death. The findings provide evidence that the virus is even more catastrophic to habitats, then just a select population of species. The virus of choice to use in a biological weapon would be one that is exigent and at times impossible to eliminate. Reoccurrences of viruses such as anthrax, bovine tuberculosis and rinderpest, have made it difficult for species to regain a healthy population size again. Biological weapons can cause great problems for immediate and far futures. The immediate future will be the species that are susceptible to the virus and will deplete as a result. The far future will be the species dependent upon the depleted species in which they will have to find new means of surviving in order to survive, thus causing a shake-up in ...

Parenting and emerging adulthood Research Paper

Parenting and emerging adulthood - Research Paper Example The classification of data obtained was done in the basis of the parents’ readiness to let go. Those parents who showed the readiness of letting go were classified as â€Å"letting go†, while those who were reluctant to let go were classified into â€Å"reluctant to let go† category. There are those however, who were â€Å"not ready to let go† of their children altogether (Kloep and Hendry 826). Results from the study revealed that although most parents were happy watching their children grow up, they were not very happy watching them leave them. Others were happy and relieved to watch their children grow into maturity and become independent. Different characteristics of these parents showed their readiness to let go of their children. Some had in depth attachment with the children, such that they found it hard to watch them leave. From the results, it was evident that the level of parents’ love and openness with their children affected their willingness of letting go. According to Kloep and Hendry (829), parents who were happy to let go of their children were either working or living away from their children, or their children were university students and thus spent little time toge. Parents who were reluctant to let go were found to have spent a lot of time with their children and thus felt the impact them of the separation. Those who held on to their children loved them so much that they felt lonely by letting them go. Power fights between the parents and the children was a result of the parents who felt that their children were not mature enough to live on their own or make concrete decisions (Kloep and Hendry 830). A number of conclusions were drawn from the study. The researchers found out that the parents had some difficulty in letting their children go regardless of the relationship they had. Parents have an

What is a strategic control system what role does accounting play in a Essay

What is a strategic control system what role does accounting play in a strategic control system are the strategic management accounting in Caterpillar effecti - Essay Example The process can be considered as a fundamental due to the fact that it involves even the strategic management accounting as one of the essential aspects. Basically SMA is one of the specializing areas in strategic control systems due to the fact that it deals primarily on management accounting issues specifically by using data and information related to finances and accounting (SMA Supplementary Notes 2-3). The strategic control management then can be considered essential in the operation of the whole system and in the specific aspects of the operation as well. In relation to management accounting, the said process can be considered to be involved in the study of the different groups involved in the market along with the market’s behaviour, the determination of most effective solutions and implementation of the said strategies (SMA Supplementary Notes 3). The main role of strategic control system in accounting is evident in the dimensions covered by the SMA. Specifically, it is the planning of possible projects and implementations of different plans related to financial issues. Due to the characteristic of being strategic, there are different alternatives and contingencies that are presented to ensure the success of the operation. It is important to consider though that management accounting is not the sole field wherein strategic control system is involve. Although majority of the companies concentrate on the strategies to improve and achieve profits for the company, the coverage of the system is extensive due to the involvement in different aspects and departments of the company or organization. Based on the study by Ittner & Larcker, the main processes included in the strategic control system are the strategic implementation process, the internal and the external monitoring (3). The said processes are applied

Glaxo Dual Pricing case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Glaxo Dual Pricing case - Essay Example The legislation determining the price was used to identify the price of the drug. The law in Spain allowed for drug sale at prices determined by Glaxo. Hence, Glaxo sold drugs in Spain at low prices while it raised the prices if the drug was to be resold in a country that would buy at a higher price. In 2001 the Commission made a decision which regarded article 81 was applicable to the medicines that were to be sold and thus, they did not warrant exclusion. Glaxo’s position was that the precise factors that were ongoing at that time in the pharmaceutical trade were supposed to lead to various evaluation of competition in the industry. The precise factors as determined by Glaxo were the impact of parallel trade on medicine consumers, the effect of parallel trade on drug shortages, the effect of price control by European Union member states and the effect of parallel trade on research and development. The attorney general rejected these points of view by Glaxo. They were also nullified by the European Court of Justice. It was stated that the pharmaceutical business was not exempt from the criterion of Competition Law as all industries were under it. Articles 81(1) and 81(3) were of importance to the case. Glaxo noted the importance of price regulation by countries. The fina l judgements of the case were applicable to all undertakings in spite of their sectors (Rey and Venit, 2009). The European Commission has protected and encouraged parallel trade for prescription medicines under its administrative wing. Also, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in relation to competition laws and free trade of goods has resulted in existence of parallel trade for prescription medicines. The pharmaceutical industry depends on its own profits to finance its objectives, hence a reason of encouragement to partake in parallel trade. According to Rey and Venit (2009), variations exist in European Union member countries in terms of their

Self Efficacy Education in Military Leaders

Self Efficacy Education in Military Leaders Integration of self efficacy education in development and training of South African military leaders. Introduction Twenty first century military leaders across the world face unusual challenges as organizations put in great effort to adapt to the ever accelerating rates of change internally and to the external environment within which they operate. Such rapid evolution in modern challenges does not only require equally evolved and revolutionary knowledge, skills and abilities of leaders, but more importantly it requires the self-conceptualizations of their leadership capabilities and psychological resources to meet the ever increasing demands of their functions. Given such complex challenges, it would be hard to imagine anyone following or being positively influenced by a leader who does not welcome or accept such challenges. Yet, there is not much being done in developing and educating current and future leaders within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) about such leadership efficacy. Leadership efficacy is a specific form of efficacy associated with the level of confidence in the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with leading others. It can thus be clearly differentiated from confidence in the knowledge, skills, and abilities one holds in relation to their function in the organisation. In this essay, it is argued that self efficacy education is paramount in training and development of modern and future leaders as the current conditions require leaders to continually rise to the occasion so as to meet complex challenges as well as have the necessary social and psychological aptitude to positively influence their foll owers and the organizations culture, climate, and performance. In order to be able to mobilize groups toward collective performance, leaders need the capability to exercise high levels of personal agency and create similar levels of agency in those individuals they are leading by proxy[1]. For the purpose of this essay, agency refers to acts done intentionally. Bandura[2] also states that central to leadership and its development, efficacy is the most pervasive among the mechanisms of agency and provides a foundation for all other facets of agency to operate. Efficacys relevant and comprehensive nature in meeting todays leadership challenges is captured by Lester et al in a statement that efficacy beliefs affect whether an individual will think in a self-enhancing or self-debilitating way, how well they motivate themselves and persevere in the face of difficulties, the quality of their well-being and their vulnerability to stress and depression, and the choices they make at important decision points[3]. There is a differentiation that can be made between leading behaviours of individual leaders and the leadership effects, which the essay explains as the resultant positive influences displayed in a group which the leader is a part of. The essay suggest that there is potentially great value in building a more comprehensive understanding of the contribution of leader efficacy in building collective leadership efficacy within a group. By pursuing this linkage, the essay intends to connect the literature on leader efficacy with the larger body of research on organizational behaviour to facilitate the discussion on the collective efficacy formed through the interactions between leaders and subordinates. Beyond this the essay will motivate that the strategy for developing South African military leadership should consider leaders efficacies for taking on the challenges of development and performance. Thus the motivation for integration of self efficacy education in development and training of military leaders and subsequent followers. Why self efficacy education in leadership development Self-efficacy has been the most widely studied form of efficacy and has received considerable attention in the fields of cognitive and social psychology through extensive theory building and research. Bandura2 defines self-efficacy as beliefs in ones abilities to mobilize the motivation, cognitive resources, and courses of action needed to meet situational demands. The believe that one can be the master of ones own destiny, whether as an individual or as an organisation is essential for future leaders in or out of the military environment. Lacking a sense of self efficacy means that people consider themselves subject to anything but their own ability to master the situation. They blame the elements, the environment, fate, foreigners, providence, history, economics or even God. The culture of dependency that has developed out of this is also a culture of intellectual poverty and lack of self esteem which leads people to seek and expect handouts, direct self explanatory orders and inst ruction from higher authority at every situation or task. The leader who brings a sense of efficacy to a situation is the one who restores people to a belief that they themselves control their own destiny and takes responsibility for their actions. Borne along by this conviction, the leader imparts it in words and deeds, inspiring followers to work together to achieve a new transformed reality. The leader draws inspiration from the meditation on the plight of the followers; they respond by endorsing and confirming the essential rightness of the mission, it is what subordinates desire the most. The finest exemplars of military leadership efficacy can be seen in General Collin Powell, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Major General Archer Lejeune to name a but few. Efficacy transforms a situation and this means more than effectiveness. Efficacy changes the whole picture to the point of even breaking the frame. To be effective is to be the cause of the result, but this is within given circumstances, it is not transformative. Lester et al3 proposed that positive psychological states such as efficacy directly promote effective leader engagement, flexibility and adaptability across the varying challenges characterizing complex organizational contexts. This is because higher levels of self efficacy provide the internal guidance and drive to create the agency needed to pursue challenging tasks and opportunities successfully. To this end McCormic et al[4]. concluded that leader self-efficacy, may be one of the most active ingredients in successful leadership, and team performance, and that it clearly contributes to leadership effectiveness. Development of Self-efficacy in leaders How leader efficacy influences a leader may differ depending on whether the efficacy is conceived in the preparatory context during learning and training situations or job performance situations. In his social cognitive theory, Bandura2 suggested that the optimal strength of self efficacy differs between the learning of a skill, which he called preparatory efficacy, and performing in the situations for which development is targeted, or job performance efficacy. Bandura further argued that though there is a positive linear relationship between performance efficacy and performance, the relationship between preparatory efficacy and learning is more complex. Machida and Schaulbroeck[5] explains that preparatory efficacy is different from an individuals beliefs about their general ability to learn, which is termed learning efficacy, the efficacy construct in focus here is ones efficacy for executing and completing a task during preparatory situations. Bandura2 explains that when individuals are highly efficacious in completing tasks and demonstrating skills in the preparatory or learning process, they often have little incentive to invest further effort into learning the skill. Though leaders efficacy about leading others during the actual execution of leadership roles might need to be higher for peak performance, leaders efficacy in leading others during leader development and preparatory phase might need to be lower so as to facilitate greater motivation to persist in learning and practicing the skills. The studies conducted by Machida and Schaulbroeck5 claim that there is a negative relationship between self-efficacy and learning. It seems likely that people who are too confident in their leadership abilities will not seek to invest their time and energy in developing their leadership ability as would individuals who have a more realistic sense of the scope of leadership activities. Machida and Schaulbroeck5 further proposed that the concept of efficacy performance spirals and has self-correcting cycles. According to these authors, an efficacy-performance spiral is a phenomenon in which increases or decreases in one variable of performance causes a similar change in the other variable of self efficacy which ultimately leads to a self-reinforcing trend in performance. Thus by amplifying upward efficacy performance spirals, individuals become complacent as they see their performance and their confidence improve despite lack of exploring alternative task strategies or increasing other preparatory activity such as by experimenting with new behaviours. This perspective supports Banduras argument that there are advantages to possessing lower level of self-efficacy in the context of completing a task during preparation and learning or development of skills2. Bandura argued that self-efficacy is a fluctuating property that changes constantly; however, he has not discussed what would be the ideal or preferred patterns of change in self-efficacy to maximize learning in the preparatory phases, such as leader development activities. Machida and Schaulbroeck5 proposed the concept of efficacy spirals in relation to organizational performance and collective efficacy. For optimal learning, leaders may need to maintain a self-correcting cycle by seeking to adjust their self-efficacy, increasing it or decreasing it in ways toward the objective of motivating investments in preparation. Another implication of efficacy performance spirals is that when leaders are learning to lead, repeated and uninterrupted failure, which will tend to decrease self-efficacy and encourage downward efficacy spirals, should be avoided. Such failure patterns are demoralizing and can even lead to a cycle of learned helplessness wherein the individuals come to believe that they have no control over performance improvement. For developmental tasks to be sufficiently challenging for development to occur, a high probability of failure must be inherent, however, to avoid situation whereby learners engage themselves in downward efficacy spirals, a self-correcting cycle must be encouraged by exposing the learners to possibly less difficult tasks and reminded of their developmental progress. During the development activities, leaders baseline self efficacy must ideally be set at a moderate level. As leaders encounter developmental challenges, their self-efficacy can and should fluctuate from this baseline self-efficacy level in the self-correcting cycle of efficacy change. Based on Banduras arguments concerning preparatory self-efficacy, it is believed that maintaining the motivation for learning during the process of leader development requires that ones baseline leader self-efficacy is not too low or too high. Thus, when individuals are developing their skills as leaders, it is critical that they are aided in maintaining a moderate level of self-efficacy to engage the self-correcting cycle of efficacy changes most effectively. Development of Self-efficacy in South African military leaders Having discussed the distinction between preparatory and performance efficacy, it is important to keep in mind that both preparatory and performance leader efficacy must be viewed in reference to the specific task of leading others in the defence organization. According to Bandura2 learning self-efficacy is not self-efficacy about performing a task during learning nor is it about how the individuals perceive his or her abilities in comparison to their peers rather, it refers to confidence about ones ability to learn a skill and accomplish a task. In his review of numerous studies, Bandura2 stated that the most potent antecedent to developing self-efficacy is mastery experiences based on past performance accomplishments. However, Bandura2 also made clear that prior success alone does not raise self efficacy. Development is influenced by how the individual interprets the success and the context that performance occurred in. This suggests mentoring that helps leaders make meaning of their prior leadership experiences is important in influencing development. Lester et al3 suggested that leaders identity construction occurs through social interaction, through claiming and granting of leadership. Individuals claim leadership through stepping up and attempting to influence others. Others then grant leadership through affirming and supporting that leaders attempts. Through this reciprocal process, individuals begin to see themselves as capable leaders, reinforcing a leader identity. It is therefore suggested that mentorship be incorporated into leadership training to foster leaders identity construction and grant affirming support. As experienced role models, mentors can be powerful sources to provide such external endorsement. The primary role of mentors must be to provide psycho-social support to learners, helping them to diagnose their prior actions, cast those actions in a positive light, and to serve as a source of validation for the learners. Machida and Schaubroek5 proposed that strong manifestation of a leaders identity ultimately requires endorsement from others, including ones mentor, peers, or followers. Furthermore, as mentors increase learners sense of competence, self-esteem, and efficacy, it can be expected that a spiral effect would occur as noted earlier. Specifically, it is expected that the learners would feel more encouraged and safe to explore their leadership than those without a mentor, and thus, increase attempts to claim leadership in th eir groups, thereby increasing leadership claim episodes. Mentorship relationships are expected to be the most effective method as role modelling exhibited by the mentor to the learners will influence development of leader efficacy beliefs by the learners. Mentors will primarily be expected to act as role models who will walk learners through prior or future leadership behaviour and performance, helping them to cognitively replicate and learn aspects of successful performance. Selected mentors should be attractive role models that serve as the prototype upon which learners may identify and base their future development. The mentor must be a role model to the learner such that respective learners begin to believe that they too can develop toward and achieve performance levels similar to their mentor and role model.. According to Bandura1 leader efficacy can also be developed through modelling, whereby learners study and observe competent and relevant role models successfully performing similar tasks, or cognitively model leadership experiences through study and envisioning successful performance by past leaders. The impact that modelling and in-depth observations hold is influenced by the attractiveness of the role model to the learners, the level of similarity between the observed model and the learners characteristics relevant to the task, and how similar the observed tasks are to those tasks the learners may be expected to perform. Bandura1 also notes that social persuasion ,which constitutes a primary role inherent in mentoring is another way of developing self efficacy. In congruence to Bandura, Lester et al3 explains that even when feedback is negative like discussing an incident of poor performance, mentors can provide feedback in a positive manner, highlighting what was learned and how that feedback can then be used to enhance future performance. What is critical in this factor is that mentors must instil in the individual learners the importance of growing and developing from all sorts of feedback, which is expected to influence thelearners efficacy regarding his or her leadership. This approach is also in line with evidence provided by Lester et al3, showing how individualized consideration associated with transformational leadership positively relates to leader development and performance. Another process of developing self-efficacy is according to Bandura1, psychological, physiological, and emotional arousal. In this instance, mentors would be required to serve in the role of inspiring learners to motivate their development. Such stimulation can, according to Machida and Schaubroeck5 be generated through inspirational motivation or creating an idealized vision for the learners as well as through sources of emotional infection, whereby mentors enthusiasm is transferred to learners and stimulates them to advance their development of leader efficacy. Organized mentorship programs are known to be effective in developing various positive outcomes in learners, the essay suggest that mentorship programs targeting the primary sources of efficacy identified by Bandura as discussed above would be particularly effective in raising learners leader efficacy and performance. It is further suggested that these discussed sources of efficacy be made to be innate in the role of any eff ective mentor and mentoring relationship. It is clear by now that this essay proposes that mentoring will increase learners leader efficacy more so than the traditional group based training for leadership development. Based on the research and theory reviewed above, it is suggested that by developing a more individualized   training relationship between the mentor and learners, the promotion of positive trajectories of leader development in the SANDF will be improved. A mentoring program will have a more positive impact on leader efficacy development and performance enhancement than the generalized, ready-made leader training interventions being practiced in the SANDF today because of the degree that the mentors will connect to their individual learners needs, abilities and aspirations. An individualized focus will help target learners specific needs and capabilities, enhancing efficacy development. It seems reasonable to expect that one on one mentoring, on average, will provide more consistent opportunities for the mentor to employ the four methods identified by Bandura1 for developing self-efficacy and to adjust the leader development intervention to the exact needs of the learners, thus enhancing learners efficacy and performance. Conclusion The essay described the multifaceted role of self efficacy in leader development. Furthermore the essay visited self efficacy related concepts proposed in the psychological literature, including preparatory self-efficacy, efficacy spirals and performance self-efficacy and has made suggestions about ways in which these concepts can be integrated into the current context of leader development in the SANDF. Judgments concerning leadership abilities as conveyed by mentors and interpreted by budding leaders as they experience successes and failures are essential for the development of highly effective leaders for the future. It is perhaps a clichà © that leaders are constantly required to learn and develop in this rapidly changing world. Coming to grips with this truism however requires a developmental process that comprehends the distinctions between leaders preparatory situations and their performance situations, identifies the personal and contextual factors that influence efficacy beliefs of leaders, and finally integrates a multifaceted perspective of leader efficacy in a way that promotes continuously positive learning trajectories. It is hoped that the essay will encourage training of practices that more effectively balance the needs for SANDF leaders to perform in the short term with the imperative that they learn and are adaptive in the longer term as well as inspire further res earch in the subject matter. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bandura, A. Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W. H. Freeman. (1997). Bandura A. Self efficacy in changing societies. New York: Cambridge University press. (2002) Lester PB, Hannah ST, Harms PD, Vogelgesang GR and Avio BJ. Mentoring impact on leader efficacy development: A field experiment. Academy of management learning and education, review 10,no3(2011) Machida M and Schaubroeck J. The role of self efficacy beliefs in leader development. Journal of leadership and organisational studies, review 18, no 459(2011) McCormic MJ, Tanguma J and Lopez-Forment AS. Extending self efficacy theory to leadership: A review and empirical test. Journal of leadership education, Review 1, no2(2002). [1] Bandura A. Self efficacy in changing societies. New York: Cambridge University press. (2002) [2] Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control in McCormic MJ, Tanguma J and Lopez-Forment AS. Extending self efficacy theory to leadership: A review and empirical test. Journal of leadership education, Review 1, no2(2002) [3] Lester PB, Hannah ST, Harms PD, Vogelgesang GR and Avio BJ. Mentoring impact on leader efficacy development: A field experiment. Academy of management learning and education, review 10,no3(2011) [4] McCormic MJ, Tanguma J and Lopez-Forment AS. Extending self efficacy theory to leadership: A review and empirical test. Journal of leadership education, Review 1, no2(2002). [5] Machida M and Schaubroeck J. The role of self efficacy beliefs in leader development. Journal of leadership and organisational studies, review 18, no 459(2011)

Antigone Foils Creon

In the play Antigone we learn about a stubborn character named Creon who is the ruler of Thebes. This ruler goes on many power trips through out the play, which end up leading to his demise. Antigone, sister of the former king Polyneices sees Creon as a man with to much power who is making poor decisions and acting against the Gods. In a face-to-face confrontation, Antigone does not back down from the powerful leader, and tells him that what he is doing is wrong. Creon, who still has too much pride, banishes her into a cave where she would be left to die. Only later does Creon realize that what she was saying was correct. He tries to fix all the mistakes he has made but is too late. Antigone is the foil to Creon because she brings out fear and many character trait flaws in the Kings personality. Creon has a major lapse in judgment when he decides to bury Antigone in a cave to die. She tells him that she does not care because she was honoring her brother. â€Å"Why the delay? There is nothing that you can say that I should wish to hear, as nothing I say can weigh with you†¦.† (Sophocles 500-7) At first, it does not seem that Creon feels bad about doing this. Later he understands that he was wrong and regrets his decisions. Antigone has a big affect on this change of heart from Creon because she truly believed  she was in the right. By believing this she forces Creon to finally notice that he was wrong, and reverses his decisions. Antigone’s suicide effects Creon as a character immensely. It is her suicide that causes Heamon to stab himself. â€Å"Who is dead, and by what hand? Heamon is dead, slain by his own father. His father? His own hand. His father‘s act it was that drove him to it.† (1171-77 Sophocles) This later also leads to Eurydice’s suicide at the end of the play. Through Antigone’s actions, Creon is extremely effected. As a character, these events change the way Creon thinks about what he has done. â€Å"There is no man can bear this guilt but I. It is true, I killed him. Lead me away, away. I live no longer† (1323-29 Sophocles) Antigone convinces Creon that he is not a God, and that going against the Gods is a bad idea. â€Å"Yes. That order did not come from God. Justice, that dwells with the Gods below, knows no such law†¦.†(Sophocles 450-69) Antigone fights with all she has, and finally brings Creon to the realization that what he has done was wrong. When Creon realizes that Polyneices body is unburied, and that he has not given a proper burial to the 5 chieftains, he recognizes that this will upset anger the Gods considerably. She helps him realize his fault by having a reckless attitude, this shows Creon that she will not go down without a fight. She makes one last plea to the Gods by attempting to put a curse on him. I believe this scares Creon later and is one of the main reasons why he tries to reverse the decisions he’s made in the end. Creon gives the harsh penalty of not burying the dead Polyneices which is the ultimate punishment. Antigone’s plea to show Creon that what he has done is wrong is ery evident at this point. â€Å"So to my grave, My bridal-bower, my everlasting prison, I go those many of my kinsmen who dwell in the mansion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Sophocles 892-919) Antigone believes that the God, along with her brother would be proud of what she has done. At first, Creon is to stubborn to listen to what she is saying. He later realizes that many of the things she said were right. Antigone’s influence on Creon’s mind ultimately cause a change of heart. Without her this would not have happened. Without Antigone, Creon’s fears and character flaws would not have been exposed. Creon’s stubborn attitude and unwillingness to listen to others is his ultimate downfall. If he would have took Antigone’s advice earlier, there is a chance he would not have lost everything that was important to him.

My Leadership Style Essay

I consider myself a democratic leader because I am relationship- and people-oriented. I believe that policies and decisions made in a group setting are best for all involved. Democratic leaders emphasize theme work and are willing to share responsibilities. I like to lead through cooperation, not by bossing around others. This means that I would seek to promote policies through group discussion, and place strong emphasis on teamwork. I believe that an effective manager not only encourages, but listens to input of the workers; an effective manager not only instructs the worker, but shows how the instruction should be carried out; the effective manager eliminates inspectors, and instead teaches the worker the value of doing their own inspection, fostering their own self-worth on the job and their part in making the company works. Effective leadership thus enhances job satisfaction, efficiency and work production (Huber, 2006). Leadership Theory I believe that I would be a good leader because I believe that all effective leaders recognize that their power to achieve organizational objectives comes from having a motived workforce who shares in the organization’s vision. In addition to my ability to establish clear visions and identifies ways to achieve goals, I am a people-oriented individual who believe that people perform at their best when the work that they do enables them to achieve their highest potentials both as human beings and as employees. This means that I do not take an authoritative approach to leading. Rather, I believe in empowering every employee. For these reasons my leadership style is best reflected in the transformational model of leadership. By  definition, a transformation leader is a â€Å"leader who motivates followers to perform to their full potential over time by influencing a change in perceptions and by providing a sense of direction. Transformational leaders use charisma, individualize d consideration, and intellectual stimulation to produce greater effort, effectiveness and satisfaction in followers† (Huber, 2006, p.19). According to Robins and Davidhizar (2007), health care organizations need to constantly evaluate individual nurse managers to promote transformational leadership qualities because positive transformational changes in nursing produce a beneficial trickle-down-effect health care delivery. Huber (2006) indicates that the transformational leadership concept is vital to the nursing practice because it promotes the development of a culture of excellence and that organizations with transformation leaders have traits such as â€Å"pride and satisfaction in the work, enthusiasm, team spirit, a sense of accomplishment, and satisfaction† (p.21). McGoldrick, Menschner and Pollock (2001) state that transformative learning helps nurses to change the way they think about themselves from a professional standpoint because transformative learning aims to refrain the thinking of the individual to self-reflection. Robins and Davidhizar (2007) found, for example, that employees who work with managers who lead in a positive and encouraging manner become more contented and satisfied with positions, which translates into increased patient satisfaction. This is due largely to the four main activities in which the transformational leader engage: establishing a vision, providing meaning for employees through the building of a social architecture, maintaining organizational trust and placing emphasis on the importance of building employee self-esteem (Huber, 2006). Assessing My Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Style Problem-solving/decision-making is a very important aspect of the leadership process. Sullivan and Decker (2005) point out that leaders must be able to use critical thinking skills effectively when making decisions or attempting to solve problems. This means, being able to make assumptions, interpret and evaluate data, explore alternatives, identify information, and analyze and question implications for each solution. When I am faced with a problem, I have a tendency to make decision based on my intuition and experience. For example, if I had a patient who was agitated and my care plan is not meeting  the needs of the patient, I would be tempted to solve the problem by asking for help from a supervisor or a coworker. In some cases, I would also rely on past experiences and try methods that I have used with other patients. On one occasion I had a patient who had a pressure ulcer and complained a lot about lying on her side. However, I could not allow the patient to lay on her back because it would make her condition worse. To solve this problem, I tried other methods such as distracting her through the television, talking, use a pillow or reading a story to get her to minimize and not focus on the discomfort. In some cases, I also engage in trial-and-error for some patients for whom the normal care procedure may be insufficient in achieving desired results. However, I also used an organized method to solve problems that do not require immediate action. For example, if I am having problems with a co-worker, I would define the problem, identify the source of the problem, and then choose a number of solutions that would best address the problem. For each solution, I would also assess the alternatives, the advantages/disadvantages of each solution and their short-term and long-term implications. Assessing My Ability to Set Priorities Setting priority is an important facet of everyday life, whether dealing with families, work or play. I believe that I am proficient in setting priorities because I set priorities based on whether the decisions I make will achieve the intended goals. For example, during my college years, I decided that it was crucial for me to work while attending school. While my larger goal is to earn a degree so that I can achieve upward mobility, my number one priority is to be efficient on the job and fulfil my work responsibilities. This means that if my school schedule should conflict with my job responsibilities, I would rather make the necessary change to my school schedule. This is because school is a long-term goal whereas my current employment facilitates that long-term goal by providing me with an income as well as experience that would enhance my future endeavors. Thus, one way that I set priorities is based on the importance of activities, tasks or responsibilities. I also set priorities based on the time-sensitiveness of the task. Because I set priorities based on the utility of the task, action or event to my short-term and long-term goals, I tend to rely more on strategy than on emotions when prioritizing. However, I  am able to modify my plans based on extenuating circumstances. Refining a plan, for example, may become necessary when an earlier plan does not go as intended. I am therefore open to reassessing my plans and making revisions to make them more effective and goal-oriented. Assessing My Delegation Skills Sullivan and Decker (2005) define delegation as a â€Å"process by which responsibility and authority for performing a task (function, activity, or decision), is transferred to another individual who accepts that authority and responsibility† (p.144). Delegating a task is an indication to the other person that you are placing your confidence in him or her regarding their competence and trustworthiness to effectively perform the task. When I am about to delegate a task to someone there are a number of questions that I ask myself. These include: what is the task to be delegated? What is the complexity or simplicity of the task? How much decision making is involved in completing the task? I possess excellent critical thinking skills and is able to analyze information effectively. For this reason I believe that I am good at delegating task. I usually consider the individual experience with the specific issue, the individual’s background with similar tasks, the personâ€℠¢s reliability and on-task behavior as well as the emotional maturity required for the task. Assessing my Communication Skills To facilitate team work in the transformational leadership setting, it is important to have an effective communication system that provides complete and accurate exchange of information that guides decision (Conrad & Poole, 2005). Tate (2005) observes that to be proactive, the leader needs to use clear language when interacting with coworkers and knowing how to listen to others, including staff and patients (Tate, 2005). Tomey (2004) indicates that communication is a process which involves giving and receiving information through verbal exchanges, gestures, writing, and the use of technology. I consider myself to be fairly competent in the area of communication. For example, I have good interpersonal communication skills. I can read body language, facial expression and can use these modes of communication to get desired results. I am also competent in oral and written communication. I am able to articulate my ideas and have sufficient vocabulary to have meaningful exchanges with others. I am also good at  making others understand my stance on certain issues. I am also able to use technology such as a computer and a phone to communicate. For example, I can send e-mails, use an online chat room, send a text message. Assessing my Conflict Resolution Style According to Sullivan and Decker (2005), conflict management is a time consuming and difficult process. To resolve conflicts, management has to listen to both sides of the issues and identify compatible solutions. Based on this assessment, I believe that I possess good conflict resolution skills since I am always willing to listen to others’ position before reacting. I am also good at negotiating. Sullivan and Decker (2005) indicate that the purpose of negotiation is to achieve agreement. My desire to avoid confrontations that can be distracting and unproductive, provides with a keen sense of looking for common grounds on which people can find agreement. Also, I emphasize the importance of diversity when dealing with others so that people can understand that having different ideas or ways of thinking does not have to cause conflicts. As a result my key strategy is to use collaboration in which I encourage others to find ways of working together to achieve shared goals. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses / Plan of Action Two areas in which I consider myself to be proficient or competent are decision-making/problem solving and delegation. However, I have deficits in the area of communication and conflict resolution. In the area of communication, I have difficulty in the transmission of the message due to having a strong accent which makes my speech difficult to understand at times. To address this issue, I will see a speech therapist to assist me with pronunciation and speech rate. This is very important because a leader has to work in a fast-paced multidisciplinary healthcare environment that requires others to quickly understand what he or she has to say. In the area of conflict resolution, I tend to take the â€Å"flight into fantasy† approach, which involves thinking about something else in order to be protected from stress. The consequence of this is that it does not address the needs of the parties. To overcome this problem, I will try to incorporate the confrontation approach. This approach allows the leader to deal with the  issue and put it to rest (Sullivan and Decker, 2005). As a democratic leader ,I will effectively seek to bring together the synergy of my subbordinates in order to achieve our specific objectives.It is imperative that as a leader I strive to approach my leadership style in a comprehensive and transformational manner.My decision making will aplly critical thinking skills in order to solve problem.Priority setting,goal delegations and conflict resolution are pertinent to my leadership style and objective. References Conrad, C. & Poole, M.S. (2005). Strategic Organizational Communication in a Global Community (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Huber, D.L. (2006). Leadership and Nursing Care Management (3rd ed.). Pennsylvania: Saunders Elsevier. McGoldrick, T.B., Menschner, E.F. & Pollock, M.L. (2001). Nurturing the transformation from staff nurse to leader. Holistic Nursing Practice (16)1, 16-20. Sullivan, E.J. & Decker, P.J. (2005). Effective Leadership & Management in Nursing (6th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. Tate, C.W. (2005). Leadership in Nursing. New York: Churchill Livingstone. Tomey, A.M. (2004). Guide to Nursing Management and Leadership (7th ed). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby.

Death of a Saleman; general Vision essays

Death of a Saleman; general Vision essays This modern American 20th Century play by Arthur Miller, presents us with a very pessimistic view of life, filled with the social realism concerning the plight of the modern man. In particularly this is promoted by the fake existence that is the American Dream. Willy believes that one who is well liked and personally attractive will deservedly acquire the comforts and success offered by modern American life. However these superficial qualities have to face against a more rewarding understanding of the American Dream supplied by the reality of hard work without complaint. This is in fact the real key to success and is demonstrated by Miller through the likes of Bernard. Willy has lost at trying to live the American Dream and the play can be viewed as commentary about society. Willy was someone who worked all his life by the machine of democracy and commercialism that is modern America, only to be then spit mercilessly out like a piece of fruit. He is lost in the past and constantly tormented with hopes and dreams he had years ago that have since fallen through. His flashbacks provide a fundamental structure and understanding of the play. It is his version of the American Dream, which causes his psychological decline, unwilling to accept the disparity between the American Dream and his own life. Miller seems to criticize the subject of capitalism. Life is seen as a competition where one must get ahead of the next fella and force yourself to conform to white-collar success. Afterall money defines success. Miller uses the jungle that Ben talks about as a metaphor of life. Its is the same jungle Willy talks about when he tells Happy; .... The woods are burning... Towards the end Willy talks of planting a garden. I think this is some sort of motif provided by Miller, the idea of leaving something behind. Willy has yearned to make a differe...

McDomination and Cultural Imperialism essays

McDomination and Cultural Imperialism essays America in General is culturally imperialistic. Since European expansion we have impressed the white way upon everyone we have visited. An Indian from the Sioux tribe once said, everywhere on earth the white man has treaded, it is sore. In retrospect to the history of the white man in general, as exploration of the world increased, European nations like France, Spain, England, and Portugal all raced to claim territory in these places in hopes to gain economic wealth. In these new colonies, the European conquerors imposed their language and most importantly, their culture. America today is still very culturally imperialistic. American people are taught to see the other (other cultures) as inferior, and this concept exists with every country America analyses. Imposing Christianity through missionary work in other countries seems to be popular among Americans also. The idea that another religion is inferior to our own is downright ridiculous. Americans believe that by converting a Buddhist man into a Christian man would make him a better person, but the truth is no religion is superior or inferior. This idea alone supports any accusation of Americas imperialistic nature. America is also commercially imperialistic. Specifically, America has capitalized on the economic power of American culture on other countries. And commercial enterprise. One example of Americas commercial enterprise abilities lies on the cover of a book called Cultural Anthropology, by Gary Ferraro. The cover shows a photo of a Masai herdsman from Africa, standing with his cattle. He has a prod in his right hand, and in his left, a cell phone held to his ear. In that same photo, in the background, are a few tall commercial buildings, one of which is the Hilton Hotel, the most successful chain of hotels in America. That hotel building was so high, Africa felt obligated to put up a few skyscrapers"...

Re-Branding Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Re-Branding - Case Study Example Utilizing the case of Hunter Boots and the case study which was provided concerning how the firm was able to rebrand and ultimately turn the company around from near insolvency to rampant sales generation and growth, this brief analysis will be able to draw a high level of inference upon the means by which re-branding is effected as well as pointing to some of the key marketing concepts and theories that are oftentimes utilized in order to bring effective re-branding about. As such, rather than merely restating the case study in question, this particular analysis will seek to define the means whereby Hunter Boots was able to effect its rebranding and turn around via several different applications of marketing strategy and theory. Moreover, rather than merely elaborating upon some of the marketing mechanisms that Hunter Boots utilized in order to bring the firm back from the brink of extinction within the marketplace, the analysis will close with a particular word of warning. Such a w ord of warning is of course with relation to the fact that such a rebranding process that is ever-mindful of the realities of the marketplace is demanded to be perpetually engaged with if such a firm wishes to continue to have a place within the market. One of the very clear and present realities of the way in which markets behave and interact with the consumer and vice versa is with respect to the rapid level of change and fast changing consumer tastes. As such, the market for Hunter Boots had all but died out prior to the successful rebranding that took place. In this way, the relevant stakeholders of the firm found it necessary to institute a series of marketing theories and concepts in order to evoke a level of positive change within overall sales of Hunter’s line of boots. The first of these was to seek to reposition the brand. Whereas previously Hunter Boots had experienced a degree of appeal among wealthier segments of British society, the allure had since been lost as the style and limited product choice had come to be seen as stodgy and outdated. In such a manner, repositioning the brand to make it appeal to a broader audience was direly necessitated. Running tangentially to this need and reality of repositioning the brand, the firm found it expedient to seek to leverage the â€Å"upmarket†. This of course is a marketing concept that useful to understand with regards to the target market that the firm is attempting to leverage. With regards to how Hunter Boots sought to upmarket the product line, it was the understanding and realization of key individuals within the management of the firm that successful rebranding should not deviate too far from the originally strength and stigma that Hunter Boots originally entailed. In such a way, the ultimate intention was to market Hunter Boots as something of a chic aspect of â€Å"haute couture† that denoted a degree of sophistication and wealth. In such a way, the rebranding effort utilize d consumer desire to represent this exclusivity as a means of not only increasing sales but increasing the price per pair of boots approximately 20% (Coster, 2009). Two further marketing concepts which were heavily utilized in order to engage the consumer were with respect to the level and extent to which product differentiation and expansion of the product line were effected to increase overall sales. Whereas before the restructuring and rebranding of Hunter Boots, there were only two specific product offerings that the firm was able to exhibit, as a result of the rebranding efforts, the firm set out to explosively increase the overall number of style

Ancient Flood Stories (Problems for Critical Scholarship) Essay

Ancient Flood Stories (Problems for Critical Scholarship) - Essay Example However, it is not an easy task to find out the important details of these flood stories because of their extreme antiquity and the lack of supporting evidence except for a few broken shards or fragments of pottery that detail these flood stories. It is unswervingly a very daunting task indeed to verify the stories that will anchor them on historical details as many of these stories are seemingly myths or legends. This brief paper examines some of the challenges encountered in critical scholarship of stories like great floods which occurred a long time ago and for which records are incomplete. Discussion The aim of critical scholarship is to set historical records straight but problems are inevitable when the records are themselves incomplete or at times even contradictory. Many scholars, academicians, historians and archaeologists realize these limitations but still try to carry on with the task. In this regard, to claim certainty in the absence of corroborating pieces of evidence i s not only risky but also considered as reckless in terms of academic scholarship. To refer to something without a degree of certainty is likewise faulty, even deceptive. Several issues with regards to critical scholarship concerning these ancient flood stories pertain to the provenance of these stories, their lack of correspondence and the contradictions, the use of varying terms or emergence of several versions by different authors that hinders the task. The two most famous and well-read flood stories are that of the Biblical Noah's Ark and the Epic of Gilgamesh. The latter predates the former by a good thousand years or more, going back to at least the period of an actual king named Gilgamesh who had ruled a kingdom of Uruk in ancient Sumeria at around 2700 B.C.E. (before current era) but was written down on clay tablets only at around 2000 B.C.E. which were discovered only fairly recently in the libraries of King Ashurbanipal, who ruled around 700 B.C.E. by a young British museu m curator named George Smith back in 1872 and translated even much later (Mitchell 4). It is a story considered as the oldest-ever written story but what is even more remarkable is that it is very similar to Noah's Ark, especially the story about an immortal named Utnapishtim and a massive flood in his time. There are also many other similar stories about a great deluge in other cultures, namely that of the massive waters released by the Greek god Zeus, the Chinese version of a deluge in the great central river valley of the mighty Yangtze and the Indian story of Manu mentioned in ancient Sanskrit religious texts dating back to around 600 B.C.E. These stories have a familiar theme, the futility of fighting against the force of Nature or the powers of God although the themes may vary a bit, depending on context (History-world.org 1). Provenance – as stated earlier, the exact or precise origins of these flood stories defy even scholars and historians because of the passage of e xtremely long periods of time, dating back to antiquity itself. Based only on fragmentary records, with many pieces of evidence lacking, the best that can be done is make a conjecture or an approximation of their origins. It believed that the Epic of Gilgamesh is actually a literary masterpiece constructed by several authors and not just one writer, the story embellished with each successive re-telling. In many instances, the similarities between the Noahic story and Gilgamesh made historians surmise it was actually copied and translated into Hebrew by Moses circa 1450 B.C.E. and the Israelites brought