The attitudes, character and role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird Research Paper Example

The attitudes, character and role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird Paper Harper Lee uses the character of Atticus Finch as a mouthpiece for many of her moral ethics in her novel. He plays many roles within the novel; primarily as a father, then as a highly principled man, a respected citizen of a small town community, and finally as a lawyer trying to do his job as well as he can. As a father, Atticus is meticulous in the way he raises his children. He ensures that all the things that he wishes them to learn, in terms of morality, are always practised by himself and those around his children. For example, he gives Calpurnia the same amount of authority over the children as Atticus himself. This is portrayed when Scout grumbles about the epic and one-sided battles with Calpurnia, which Calpurnia always won, mainly because Atticus always took her side. Through this, we see that he has no feelings of inferiority toward the black community, and he treats them just the same as all other humans. As Scout and Jem have always grown up in her company, they grow up understanding that race and colour do not make any difference to the nature of any human being. We will write a custom essay sample on The attitudes, character and role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The attitudes, character and role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The attitudes, character and role of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer He is also very concerned about the messages his children receive from everyone around and also from himself. This is shown when he is very reluctant to show the children his expertise with the shotgun, as he does not want them to think that courage is a man with a gun. He sends his own son to Mrs. Dubose, who is constantly critical of him, as he wants Jem to experience real courage as he has such a great respect for her courageous fight against her morphine addiction. He still goes in to see her, treats her courteously and always sweep[s] off his hat [and] wave[s] gallantly as he goes past. He brings up his children in a very liberal way, allowing them to openly question him about almost anything. He also allows them to form their own opinions, never forcing them to believe the same as him, but carefully coaxing and directing them towards the right thoughts and ideas. His theories on the way children should be raised are very different from others in his time, even to his own sisters, as they are known to have conflicting views. At one point, Scout finds him telling Aunt Alexandra I do the best I can. Atticus treats his children as more mature than other parents with children of the same age might. He is very open with them about the reasons for his fighting Tom Robinsons case, when many other adults would tell their children that they are not old enough to understand. Atticus thinks that it is better to simplify the situations a little and try to let them understand. He explains to Scout if I didnt, I couldnt hold my head up in townI couldnt even tell you or Jem not to do something again. This shows that he is willing to trust Scout although she is still young. He is exceptionally good at handling his children, because he seems to know how they think, and understands them. For example, during his conversation with Uncle Jack Atticus is fully aware that Scout is listening to every word that he is saying, and he seizes the opportunity to let Scout know some things that he would not otherwise be able to convey to her. He lets her know that he wants her to trust him and to come to [him] for [her] answers instead of listening to the town. Atticus also understands the importance of an education for his children, and he ensures that his children are well educated by assuring that they both go to school even when they do not want to. He has always made reading and books accessible to the children as Jem says Scout yonders been readin since she was born and Scout backs this up by saying I never loved to read. One does not love breathing. Both quotations indicate that reading is a very natural thing, and something that they are very accustomed to doing. The importance Scout places on her ability to read is made apparent on her first day at school, when the idea that she may no longer read leaves her feeling distraught. Again, Atticus intervenes, allaying her fears by reaching a compromise If youll concede the necessity to go to school, well go on reading every night just as we have. This is also an example of Atticus treating his children as equals as opposed to inferiors as he is willing to compromise with Scout, he does not dictate what will happen, he allows her to be a part of the decision making process. Atticus Finch is devoted to his children, and is determined to protect them all the way through the novel. The welfare of his children seems to be his only worry in taking on Tom Robinsons case. We realise his worries when he confides in his brother Jack, saying I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through this without bitterness He also tries to impress this fact upon Scout by imploring her to remember that were fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, theyre still our friends and this is still our home. Scout and Jem both hold Atticus in great respect, and his words had so great an impact on Scout that dropped [her] fists and walked away from a fight for the first time as she could not bear to disappoint her father. He is very obviously respected by his children, but not always fully appreciated. Scout and Jem find it very hard to believe that their father can have any skills due to his age as Scout says that Atticus was feeble; he was nearly fifty. This lack of knowledge about his skills is shown in another of Scouts comments to Miss Maudie, Atticus cant do anything. This shows that although the children love and respect him greatly, they still find him lacking in at least one way. This opinion of hers is quickly dispelled by Miss Maudie, who is quick to spring to Atticuss defence trying to show that although Atticus is older than the parents of many of their peers, he is still a versatile man with many talents. As she is so persistent with her defence, it shows that Atticus is not only respected by his children but also by those around him and within his community. Miss Maudie has a great respect for Atticus, as do many people in the town. Atticus is respected all through Maycomb, by people from all the social statuses, for example at the end of the trial, when Atticus leaves, the entire black balcony show their respect for him by getting to their feet as their fathers passing. When the Finches return home they found the kitchen table was loaded with food enough to bury the whole family as tokens of appreciations from the black community. Many others within the community show Atticus a great deal of respect. For example, Judge John Taylor thinks so much of him that he pointed at him and said Youre it. Even within his community, although he is highly respected, he seems to represent a minority. He seems to be known for his controversial views as his [being] chosen to defend that buy was no accident. This comment suggests that Judge Taylor knew that the greatest chance he could give Tom Robinson was to give him a lawyer like Atticus Finch, who would truly believe in his case and try to fight the case so thoroughly that Tom Robinson might have a chance for acquittal. Through the novel, although Atticus portrays many of Harper Lees main ethical points, he does not reveal his real skills at his profession until almost the end of the book. We are given a miniscule glimpse of his lawyer side, when Jem realises he had been done by the oldest lawyers trick on records. But his talent for his job is truly revealed in the court scene where he delivers a compelling case, with an even more compelling speech to conclude. And from these, it is plain to see that this case affects him personally. Also in his closing speech, Atticus unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, and took off his coat; all things that Scout never saw him do, before or since. This shows that he seemed to make an exception for this case, as it is important to him. Through the court case, we see Atticuss skilful cross-examination of each witness. As he asks each question, he already seems to know the answer even before it is said. This allows him to set out his case in a logical and methodical manner, thereby leaving no reasonable doubt in anyones mind about the case. One can tell that Atticus is devoted to his job, as he seems to have an answer to every possible reason for Tom Robinsons conviction. Also, one can see a great deal about Atticuss nature in the way he treats his witnesses. For example, he treats Mayella Ewell with a great deal of respect. He does not try to intimidate any of his witnesses. He knows that he can make his case purely with the power of truth. This is shown in many ways, for example, he is normally sitting down when he questions his witness. This implies that he does not feel the need to overpower his witnesses and pressure them in any way. Atticus does not seem to think that any of the witnesses are inferior to the others; he gives them all the same amount of respect and courtesy. Whereas Mr Gilmer refers to Bob and Mayella as Mister and Miss Ewell, but he refers to Tom as boy showing that he feels that Tom is inferior to him. Atticus treats all of his witnesses as equal, he does not give Tom Robinson more respect just because he is fighting the case for him. Although Atticus plays a very important role in the development of the plot in To Kill a Mockingbird, he also embodies many of Harper Lees philosophies and moral views about life. Throughout the novel, Atticus remains steadfast in holding on to the things he believes to be correct while still respecting other peoples views. For example, he is always extremely courteous to Mrs. Dubose although she is constantly criticising him for his beliefs and actions. Atticus also tries to teach Scout the simple yet profound lesson that you never really understand a person until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Through the novel, he himself seems to adhere to this philosophy, and because he lives through his philosophies, he never becomes too judgemental or moralistic. All through the novel, Atticus maintains that although every other person may not believe in his cause, he must still persevere in working towards it. He feel that Simply because [they were] licked a hundred years before [they] started is no reason for [them] not to try to win. He feels that as he fights Tom Robinsons case, he is moving his community towards justice. This tiny movement is explained to Jem and Scout by Miss Maudie who said, Were making a step- its just a baby step, but its a step. Atticus is very self-assured and he never doubts himself, and is confident enough to tread his own path even if it is directly contradictory to those who he admires or respects. Also, although his opinions may conflict with other peoples, Atticus can still see the better side in them, and respect them for their qualities, while allowing them their own viewpoint without trying to make them change their minds. Throughout the novel, one important facet of Atticuss character is revealed to us, another of his philosophies through which he lives his life. He is a man who always sticks to what he believes, no matter what the company, situation or consequences. He has a very strong conscience, which does not allow him to be two faced in any way. He says that he could not live one way in town and another way in my home. Through this, he shows that although his work and personal life is separate, he himself will not change, as he cannot be two faced. One of the important ideas of the novel is first proposed by the title, then expanded, and clarified by Atticus is the idea that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. Atticus only mentions this in the passing, but it contains a very important message, which Atticus wishes to convey to his children. He uses it as both a metaphor and as a literal statement as it is brought up when the children are learning to shoot. He tries to open their eyes to all those such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who dont eat up peoples gardensdont do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee reminds us that one of the main themes of this book is prejudice, in any of its forms. Atticus himself comes across as a man with little or no preconceptions and prejudices of his own. His views on the prejudice so prominent in his society were very contrary to most peoples at the time of the novels publication (only two years after the Civil Rights Act was passed, and the year the Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated). Through the development of the novel, we are never told anything about Atticuss religious belief, except that he is a churchgoer. This is very interesting, as religion seems to be quite a controversial topic in Maycomb, with its many different churches. This shows that Atticus, although a religious man, is not blinkered or drawn into prejudice because of it. Although Atticus Finch is a good human being, he too, like all the others has his weaknesses; he cannot comprehend just how evil human beings can be. This is shown when he shrugs of Bob Ewells threat that, hed get him if it took him the rest of his life. He refused to believe that Bob Ewell could pose him or his family danger and this ultimately turns out to be the cause of Jems broken arm. Through the novel, I feel that Atticus Finch provides the solid base upon which Harper Lee builds her story and her develops her ideas. She expresses some intense emotions through him, both in what he says and does. He is a teacher, in many senses, he teaches his children about life, and how to live, his community about their own prejudices and injustices, and most importantly, he teaches us about our world by allowing us an insight into a microcosm in which the injustices are highly emphasised in his fight to eradicate them.

7. Drama Essay Example

7. Drama Essay Example 7. Drama Paper 7. Drama Paper Essay Topic: Literature Antony and Cleopatra is an example of one of Shakespeares histories. Shakespeares tragedies tend to include a/an incredible hero. Shakespeare often used mistaken identity as a device in his comedies. A drama is told through a combination of action and unnamed. In a drama, an extra is a character that is unimportant. When humanism spread and affected literature, authors and dramatists began writing about human psychology. One difference between tragedy and comedy is that tragedy usually features an extraordinary hero. Just as books have chapters, plays are divided up into acts. A Shakespearean play that focuses on the flaws and mistakes of the protagonists is known as a tragedy. In his comedies, Shakespeare is well known for the device of mistaken identity. Before the Renaissance, virtually all dramas focused on religious themes. Dramatic irony means that the audience knows something the character or characters dont. Humanists believe that life on earth is important in its own right. Shakespeares plays often contain puns, which are plays on words. Which statement would a humanist /most likely/ agree with? You only get one life, so make sure its a good and happy one. When reading a play, the reader has to imagine the details of setting and characters appearance. Before the birth of humanism, the most important goal a person could have was to live a sinless and holy life. Shakespeares comedies tend to end with a marriage. According to Renaissance philosophy, commoners often represent appetite. Regarding the nature of drama, which statement is /false/? Modern dramas, such as films, are not structured in the manner of stage plays. If this was helpful, feel free to donate to my paypal: paypal.me/orbiting

Discussion Board 5-1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Discussion Board 5-1 - Essay Example Specifically for this study, intimate partner violence counselors have faced numerous challenges in attempts to handle and suppress cases of spousal abuses. Despite the degree of the challenges faced, practitioners always have strategies to overcome presenting difficulties. Cultural issues constitute one of the challenges faced by counselors in assessing spousal abuses. Some cultures approve beating of women by men, making it difficult for the abused to report, take any actions or share particular details. Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2014) elaborate that language barrier is one of the common cultural issues that stumble counselors from performing effective assessment of spousal abuses. Religious beliefs have also presented problems to counselors when trying to assess spousal abuses. Some religions like Christianity urge women to obey and submit to their husbands. Most Christians have used the concept to punish women perceived to as incompliant. The same concepts have prevented abused females from disclosing much information about their suffrages. Socioeconomic issues also contribute towards the challenges faced by counselors in assessing spousal abuses. Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2014) discuss that most families in lower socioeconomic class are likely to experience intimate partner abuses. This has been due to scarcity of resources, unemployment, social isolation, substance abuse and pregnancy. Abuse victims from low socioeconomic classes may hold certain information or fail to corporate due to fear of further abuse. To deal with the challenges, counselors have to learn to appreciate cultural views and values of families affected by domestic violence. Here, appreciating means avoidance of opposing or faulting beliefs that perpetuate abuses and instead teach the affected society about and need to protect human rights. In case of abuses committed within low

Assess the hierarchical structure of the court system in England and Essay

Assess the hierarchical structure of the court system in England and Wales. To what extent does the common law doctrine of bindi - Essay Example The court system is a hierarchical structure that begins from the bottom at the County Courts and Magistrate Courts, the High Court and Crown Court, the Court of Appeal, and the highest court which is the Supreme Court (Jones, 2011). The hierarchical structure serves two fundamental purposes. First, it enables the formation of a lineage of consistent and uniform decisions through the binding system of judicial precedent, which requires judges at lower courts to consider and follow decisions of judges at higher courts in making their judgements. Second, it enables defendants to appeal against decisions made at lower courts by forwarding their appeals to higher courts. This paper discusses the hierarchical structure of the court system in England and Wales, and the extent to which it engages with the common law doctrine of binding precedents. The Structure of the Court System in England and Wales The court system in England and Wales is hierarchical in structure (Jones, 2011). This â⠂¬Å"means that certain courts are superior to other courts† (Jones, 2011, p. 17). The lowest courts, which are the County and Magistrate Courts, try civil and criminal cases that are not too serious respectively. At the second rank are the Crown Court and the High Court. The Crown Court tries criminal cases, while the High Court tries civil cases with a limited scope over criminal cases. This rank is followed by the Court of Appeal. This court hears appeals from both civil and criminal cases that have been tried at lower levels be it at Magistrate or County Courts, Crown Court or the High Court. At the highest tier of the system is the Supreme Court. This court is the ultimate appellate court and hears appeals for both civil and criminal cases (Jones, 2011). In this structure, Magistrate and County Courts are regarded as inferior courts, while the rest of the courts are regarded as superior courts (Jones, 2011). The courts in the hierarchy follow the doctrine of binding preced ent, and this can be seen from the way cases are handled between lower and higher courts. The following diagram shows the structure of the English court system: Cited in Jones, 2011, p. 17 Magistrate Courts Magistrate Courts are located at the bottom of the hierarchy. Within England and Wales, there are about 1500 Magistrate Courts (Jones, 2011). They are a crucial component of the criminal justice system, as they deal with cases that are criminal in nature. Magistrate Courts have three lay magistrates who hear the cases brought before the court and rely on the counsel of a Clerk, who is legally qualified in providing advice on the law, to make decisions regarding procedure and sentencing (Jones, 2011). The jurisdiction of a Magistrate Court in a criminal trial depends on the nature of the offence, often its seriousness. This is the yardstick used to determine whether a case should be heard at the Magistrate Court or Crown Court. When a case before the magistrate court is too seriou s, or when the sentence that the magistrates need to impose needs to be sufficiently severe, the case is forwarded to the Crown Court. County Courts County Courts also lie at the bottom of the hierarchy. There are approximately 220 County Courts in England and Wales, which deal with cases involving civil disputes (Jones, 2011). The bench of a County Court comprises of a Circuit Judge who hears more

Evidence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evidence - Research Paper Example In certain cases it can be essential to withhold convinced evidence from the protection in order to save the basic rights of another person or to protect a significant public interest. â€Å"Disclosure is one of the most important issues in the criminal justice system and the application of proper and fair disclosure is a vital component of a fair criminal justice system† (Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure, par.1). In the criminal law there is a responsibility for taking an action in order to give the full revelation of all the applicable data in its possession. The extent of this obligation is decided by the ideas of constitutional which has its due procedure in addition to the requirements of the constitution. The criminal duty of revelation and the civil idea of detection are two totally distinct actions and they exist for various reasons. In summery cases there is no right to disclosure. What is the purpose of this? The rules under evidence should be inter preted in order to administer all proceedings in a fair manner, eliminate all unwarrantable delays and expenses, and helping the growth of evidence law by finishing and determining the fact of protecting a just determination. In a criminal case, the court can accept evidence provided that it shows someone, except the defendant as a source of the injury and the other physical evidences. The court may accept the evidence of victims provided by the defendant in order to prove the approval or if provided by the prosecutor and the evidences whose rejections it will violate are the defendant’s legal rights. â€Å"In a civil case, the court may admit evidence offered to prove a victim’s sexual behavior or sexual predisposition if its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to any victim and of unfair prejudice to any party† (Federal Rules of Evidence par.3). The court may admit the evidence of a victim’s reputation only if the victim has place d it in controversy. What are the penalties for failing to do so? According to the laws with respect to disclosure of evidence, the courts have taken a strict view. It leads to the exclusion of the evidence. Even in the cases where the failure to disclose evidence was not intentional or malafide, the courts have used the rule in a strict manner. Therefore, the litigants are always well advised to reveal all the potential evidence and supplement all the needed discovery and disclosures in order to avoid the likelihood of having their evidence being excluded. â€Å"On the other hand, for litigants who have been prejudiced by their opponents’ failure to disclose, Rule 37(c) offers a remedy to offset the disadvantage of unfair surprise† (Stockholm par.2). If any person fails in giving information or identifying a witness, the person will not be allowed to make use of that witness or information in order to supply evidence on a motion, at a trial, or at a hearing until and unless the failure is proved to be harmless or justified. What is exclusionary rule? The exclusionary rule is a principle in law in the United States which comes under the Constitutional law which says that the evidence gathered and analyzed if it violates the constitutional rights of the defendant, it will be inadmissible in a court of law for a criminal prosecution. This rule was formulated by the judiciary

The Synopsis Of Work Life Balance

The Synopsis Of Work Life Balance A literature review is a critical and in depth evaluation of previous research in a particular area. It allows anyone reading the paper to establish why you are pursuing this particular research program. The role of a literature review is to discover answers to a research problem. Machi Mc Evoy (2008 pp.3) explain an advance literature review as the foundation for identifying a problem that demands original research, and is the basis for the study of a research problem. Both authors even explain further that a literature review critically proposes further research which guides the problem into identifying research objective which then leads to findings and conclusion from the whole research. Therefore the literature review covers areas such as the synopsis of work life balance, the benefits, the approach of gender towards work and life, policies implemented and the best practice approach to balancing work and non-work demands. 2.1 The Synopsis of Work Life Balance Work-life balance is defined as the equilibrium between the amount of time and effort somebody devotes to work and that given to other aspects of life. http://www.healthatwork.org.uk/pdf.pl?file=haw/files/Work-lifeBalance.pdf. However Kaila (2005 pp.223) relates work life balance as creating supportive, healthy work environments for employees who are striving to better integrate their work and personal responsibilities. In the early nineteen century society had categorised working as dominant over life and personal commitments. However, in this new millennium of the twenty century, the changing patterns of individuals interest, gender, social roles and particularly the workforce have shifted where individuals are seeking personal values and managing the complexities of life expectations. 2.2 The Benefits of Work-Life Integration: The key business drivers for work-life balance in the workplace tends to foster positive outcome such as increase productivity, reduced turnover, raised morale attract and retain employees. Thompson et al. (1999 pp.14) indicated if an organization fosters individual work-life integration a central expectation is a positive impact on individual work performance. Professionals experiencing time stress or psychological stress because of their high workload and maybe because of the demands of private life that they cannot fulfill satisfactorily, will be likely to suffer from low concentration and in the end lower productivity. Conversely, Hudson (2005) analysis underlined that employees in organizations who dont have a balance of work and non work matters tends to experience and generate negative outcomes. In fact Hudson (2005) expressed further by implying that employees are more likely to be less productive, less committed and highly decisive of leaving the organisation once they are experiencing increased stress due to work/life conflicting issues and are perceived of having no control over balancing work and non-work demands. However Kaiser et al. (2010) believed that if one viewed balancing work and life concept as a means of lowering absenteeism, reducing stress and health issues, then one can safely relate that work-life integration can have a positive impact on employees performance and productivity. So based on what was stated above, it may appear that the organisations are the ones benefiting from work-life balance. However Kossek Lambert (2005) implied that employees also benefit from work-life balance outcomes where workers experience lower level of stress, reduce work and non-work conflicts and constrains and have greater autonomy and flexibility in achieving work-life balance. In light of what was stated above by relevant authors, it is prudent to point out that work-life integration can have a positive outcome which benefits the employees and enhance the organisation. 2.3 Organizational Behaviour towards Work-Life Balance: The present magnitude of viewing work life balance is to promote a healthy balance between work and non work commitments which should be the main idea for organisations to consider. However not all managers view work life balance as positive outcomes for the organization. In fact Rodbourne (1996) argued that the work/life culture can be perceived as a factor correlated to less job security and negative career progression due to the utilization of work/life policies. Conversely, Druker (2000) implied that it is corporation social responsibilities to encourage work-life balance within their organization. However more and more organizations are promoting and even offering work life balance programs in the workplace. Herlihy Maiden (2005) imply that successful organizations are where they are today because they invest in their employees since they recognised that people are capital assets of the organizations rather than a cost to be administered. Both authors also believed that in order for employees to be effective at work, they themselves need to be able to make unique contributions to the organisation that lies within the contexts of their own personal condition. In relation to Herlihy Maiden (2005), Powell (2010 pp 199) explained that individuals success in managing the work-family interface is influenced by the environments that their employers provide and the strategies they adopt. Powell (2010) continued further stating that employees who have family-supportive managers and work in organization that offers family-friendly initiatives tends to stay with the organization. 2.4 Gender and Work Life Balance The early version of working in society was composed that men were the dominant ones towards work while women were distinguished as housewives, however the structure of that conception has dramatically change where women are just as equal to men in aspect of professionals. Maron (2009) reported on Equal Stress signified that studies have found that women are contributing 44% of the household family income compared in the past and that childcare by men have increased in recent times. Friedman Greenhaus (2000) pointed out that long ago it was known that men was the breadwinner and women was the stay-at-wives, however changes has shifted in the composition of the workplace tremendously. Friedman Greenhaus (2000) noted that women make up half the workforce and is increasing in higher levels whereas there is fewer pressure on men categorized has the sole breadwinner. Korabik et al., (2008 pp.223) stated that the gender role ideology conceptualized the tradition that women should give priority to family responsibilities and men to work responsibilities. However Korabik et al. (2008) advocated the fact that the gender role ideology emphasizes a more stereotype role where it often produce a negative impact on both mothers and women and have developed a one-sided judgmental analysis. Instead the detriment effect of this should impact on men also so that women should not be expected to conform to the stereotype gender role. Despite the many variations of work and life roles for women, Cleveland et al. (2000) stated that the underlying assumption focuses that the model life-role for women was homemaker and that working women careers and work commitments would be interrupted by pregnancy and childcare. Cleveland et al. (2000) imply that yes women do stop working briefly due to pregnancy however majority of them do return to work after that short interruption. Reeves (2010) emphasizing that whether women are taking care of children, cleaning, cooking and dealing with errands, women of today has been and are working harder than before to meet the demands of work at home and on the job. Reece Brandt (2006) pointed out that most working men, just as women, need to balance work and personal life and now have choices which relate to marriage and family life concerns. According to Strober (2010) reported on US Banker News proclaimed that 40% of men wants to be employed by organizations that allows them to employ there managerial skills and at the same time still have time to be successful fathers and husbands. 2.5 Policies behind work-life balance: In many organizations there are a range of policy choices that have been put in place to accommodate employees in the field of work life issues. Polices implemented in organisations are intended to assist employees, especially caregivers and females, to manage work and personal conflicts. Supporters of policies argue that the policies in HR practices help people achieve balance of work and life issues. Sparrow Cooper (2003 pp.220) applied the situational theory framework quoting work-life balance policies are introduces where the organizations sees a direct link between them and a solution to problems of absenteeism, and staff turnover. He indicated that employers are implementing policies as part of a strategy in attempt to illustrate caring responsibilities for coping parents. However, according to Hudson (2005 pp.14), the mere availability of extensive and generous work/life policies does not necessary result in widespread utilisation by employees or subsequently improvements in work/life balance reductions in work/life conflicts. He explains that the complex nature of work-life balance policies is not being utilized because employees are afraid to use the programs as a result of fear of negative consequences. Coussey (2000) mirrored Hudson (2005) statement by implying that employers may believe that it is insignificant benefits of having these polices and that employees may be unable to afford to make use of these policies because of concerns that it may affect their career progression. However, according to Torun (2007 pp.5) the potential benefits of work-life programmes, can lead to real qualitative and quantitative benefits for the employer in terms of productivity gains, lower turnover rate, a stronger team spirit and loyalty to employer. His analysis of work life balance is associated with employees performance which provides evidences that a well structure programme can assist with time management benefits for both the employees and the employers in terms to increase productivity and at the same time personal life satisfaction. Conversely, to compliment to Torun (2007) analysis, Crouter Booth (2009) implied that organisation that has a supportive work-family culture is associated to positive outcomes that organisations benefit from such as increase commitment, higher job satisfaction, lower absenteeism, decreased work family conflict, decreased psychological distress, fewer somatic complaints and decreased role strain. Edwards, Scott Raju (2003) said that work life program have been created to assist with the managing of working individuals responsibilities of both work and personal matters. Galinsky Johnson (1998) argued that these very said policies are suppose to be seen as essential way of attracting and retaining best talent for organisations. Burke Cooper (2006 pp.149) have similar opinion to Galinsky Johnson (1998) statement by quoting that the provision of work-life benefits more clearly distinguishes an employer from its competitors and might have substantial effects on an organisations image as good place to work. Conversely to state, in this particular area all authors that have given their analysis about policies and work-life balance are simply emphasizing that organisations that implement work -life policies tend to attract committed employees to work for them. 2.5.1 The Characteristics of Work-Life Balance: The transition of work-life balance challenges the cognition that the demographic workforce has changed drastically in recent years. The fact of the matter is that the workforce includes dual-earner partners who are married and have the responsibilities to care for children and presently some are also burden with adult-care responsibility too. Because of these encounter, several legislation policies was introduced in the UK to accommodate the European workforce commitment, just to name few from the set are: Parental Leave Maternity Leave Flexible Time Time off for dependants 2.5.2 Flexible Working: The concept of flexible working has been commonly utilized by many organizations to assist employees with balancing work and life. Many employers understand the need for flexible working because of the growing diversity of women in the workplace, ageing population and young adults pursuing an education and wishing to work at the same time. In fact reporter Coughlan (2009) studies have found that every two person in an organisation there are now more than one person in education. According to Peper et al. (2005) employees need flexibility in the workplace that would assist them to balance the demands of work and family. Peper et al., (2005) implied further that employees no longer anticipate their jobs as long life, but do except to build self-opportunities from working. Specifically the ability to keep this in mind is very essential for managers. Robertson (2007) critically send a very important message stating that organizations that offer flexible working arrangements to employees offers employees to promote good balance between work and home life will evolve to healthy employees and healthy employees are good for business. To coincide with Robertson (2007), Konrad (2006) argued that studies have found that employees who have access to work-life flexibility demonstrate stronger organizational commitments and decreases employees intention to leave the organisation. 2.6 Best Practices promoting Work-Life Balance: The complexity of a best practice approach would be appealed by employees once offered by organisations. By exhibiting this context it would assist in develop strategic responses and positive concepts for employees and employers. Burke Cooper (2008 pp.229) best practices in the workplace are generally understood as a set of practices or actions which results in optimum outcomes, ideally benefiting both employees and the employing organisation. Burke Cooper (2008) further explains that the imperative of work practices increases the morale of meeting the dual agenda of employees well-being and workplace effectiveness. To mirrored Burke Cooper (2008), according to Taylor (2002) he indicated that organizational practices often assists companies to achieve competitive advantage in the marketplace. They argued that these practices usually enhance business performance in organizations that implement practices. However, another theorist Cooper (2005) disagreed with the statement above, she indicated that what is consider good practice in one organizations may not be appropriate in one another. According to Lewis Cooper (2005 pp.5) good practice in a specific context may be inadequate tomorrow, which is why an understanding of the process is more useful than just practices for sustaining long-term positive outcomes. The nature of best practice approach predominantly utilized in organisations is initially defined to support employees work-life responsibilities and commitments. Brown (2005) found that the utilization of best practice approach of work life integration does not only benefit employees, but also organisations and employers with an open mind to this approach somehow succeed in attracting valued employees and maintain a motivated staff whereby delivering positive outcome. In the interim to promote work life balance organisations should adopt best practice approach that would encourage flexibility and positive results in both employees and employers. So perhaps incorporating family-friendly policies and practices in the workplace could make a difference for employees with a lot of responsibilities, commitments and work life situations. However Hein (2005) argued that family-friendly policies and practices can assist employees with the complexity of work life issues. Hein (2005) explain further that even though policies and practices exist, however employees tend to be hesitant to proceed to use them because of career concerns or the fact that line managers discourage them from using it. All the authors here are simply emphasizing that employers should create a family-friendly organisational culture approach where employees and senior managers must be in favour of such practices and should be seen using the same practices. Summary Reviewing the literature studied indicated by various authors, foster the linked with job satisfaction and commitment to work life balance. The concept of this seems that the authors all have a one-sided view to work life balance and the effects to employees performances, commitments and at the same time organization effectiveness. The evidence illustrates supports that the propensity for negative outcome of performance to arise is expected to hinder productivity, especially when there are conflicts between managing time for non-work and work related issues. To present a link with the literature review, an evaluation of the methods of research carried out to conclude to findings of employees would be employed in the next chapter.

Essay --

Humans have and always will affect the environment in some way possible. Every day, the everyday actions taken by humans are affecting the world more that which we reside upon. For years and years humans have been taking Earth for granted and by ignoring the damage caused to it. Our ways of life are destroying the very thing we live on and if continued, there may not be, in the near future, the world in which we call home. Many environmental issues happening today are caused mainly by human activities/human intervention. Some examples of these human activities, which are growing out of hand, are growing populations, industries and their emissions, fires caused by those who are unaware and so many more. These growing factors have contributed greatly to negative effects on the environment as well the CO2 emissions that they bring along side with them. Growing populations today have had devastating impacts on the environment. Food industries and food production companies have been struggling to keep up with the popular demand and with rising populations; the situation is only getting worse. According to Howmany.org it is estimated that there are 1 billion people added to Earth every 12 years which equals to 220,000 people per day being born, with food and water becoming more and more limited and the amount of space needed to live decreasing, it can only have negative impacts on our environment, which is destruction. As human population grows, more space is needed to contain them and to get more space; land must be cleared out. In order to achieve this need for land, trees are destroyed or otherwise known as deforestation. Nicole Lindell, geologist, said â€Å"we are also losing wildlife habitats, our natural environment, and most signi... ... ice caps were melting to the increase in temperature, global warming should’ve been an issue which has been neglected for far too long. However, it still isn’t too late to improve the situation. There have been so many technological advancements which can help slow down the rate in which global warming can be slowed down, if not stopped completely. From electric cars to renewable energy to solar panels, these advancements in science have the ability to change the course of life, but are not taken advantage of. Our natural environment is of extreme and crucial importance to our social and economic life. It also provides a resource for food supply and energy sources. There is always a limit on things we can and cannot do, the same applies to Earth. Earth cannot provide resources for eternity and it surely cannot repair itself from the severe damages caused by humans.

Frankenstein V Bladerunner Essay

In what ways does a comparative study accentuate the distinctive contexts of Frankenstein and Blade Runner? The comparative study of texts, allows audiences to investigate the changing nature and interpretation of issues relating to humanity as they are interpreted in different contexts. Context allows audiences to relate to and understand the thoughts, decisions and actions of individuals within a text. Context provides the opportunity to develop and shape a new genre or interpret an existing genre in a new way. The comparative study of context allows for audiences to compare the changing values of societies over time. Literary techniques such as allusions, imagery and dialogue is used to shape context and can be used by composers to entertain, inform or persuade an audience or highlight and provide insight into interesting or noteworthy points. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1831) and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (Directors Cut-1992) individually utilise literary techniques to establish the context of their text within its time. The comparative study of these two texts highlights how texts are inevitably a product of their time however both texts present issues that explore the intricacies and complexities of all human experience. Shelley and Scott utilise distinctive contexts to explore the nature of humanity and ultimately question what makes us human. Frankenstein and Blade Runner exist to highlight how context affects the perceptions of the audience in regards to how a text is received over time thus highlighting how a comparative study of texts can accentuate distinctive contexts. The comparative study of texts depends on the context used to establish a relationship with the audience. Mary Shelley’s fiction novel Frankenstein (1831) is a hybrid product of 18th century Gothic-Romanticism. The text reflects recent challenges to the social order as a result of the English industrial revolution and the French revolution during the second half of the 18th century which highlighted the empowerment of the working class. Frankenstein is a work of epistolary prose fiction that is explored through multiple narrators such as the ‘monster’, Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton. Frankenstein exists as a didactic tale that explores the morality of trying to subvert god thus providing a lesson in patriarchal hubris highlighting the arrogance of scientific discovery without any consideration of the moral or ethical implications. Frankenstein consequently explores the nature of obsession in undermining parental and moral responsibility and evoking fear in the creation-fear of the world, fear of man. Subsequently the leading antagonist of Blade Runner, Roy Batty, further elucidates the arrogance of obsession as he explains his plight, stating, ‘Quite an experience to live in fear, isn’t it? That’s what it is to be a slave†. Batty provides insight into the failure of creators to understand the emotional development of the creation which leads to its isolation and fear, causing the ensuing destruction of the ‘natural order’. Frankenstein utilises the characterisation of Victor, ‘I have described myself as always having been imbued with a fervent longing to penetrate the secrets of nature’ to explore the obsession for knowledge that formed part of Shelley’s context. The text therefore reflects the influences of recent scientific development such as Galvanism and evolutionary thought. The comparative study of contrasting textual forms allows context to influence different interpretations of a text. Ridley Scott’s speculative science fiction film Blade Runner (1992) employs extensive mis-en-scene to subvert the audience’s sense of setting and history-a suspension of belief- enabling contextually dependant perceptions of the film. The films’ setting reflects its context as it echoes the concept of imperfect vision that conceptualises the short-sightedness inherent in the pursuit of perfection. The film juxtaposes the seemingly inherent ethical pretexts of discovery with the scientific community that seeks to create a perfect race, thus Blade Runner’s scientific context becomes reminiscent of fascist Nazi Aryan ideology, IVF programs and the Human Genome project. Conversely Frankenstein utilises its sublime Swiss setting to increase the plausibility of the themes which allow them to resonate with audiences as they relate to the texts context. Contrasting textual form is used to highlight how the context of each text enables their concurrent themes to resonate and remain relevant to 21st century audiences. Distinctive contexts are accentuated through similar theme content. Frankenstein and Blade Runner similarly indicate that efforts to ‘defy’ the natural order are responsible for the enduring sense of misery and alienation that sustains the overall melancholic tone of both texts. Animal Imagery is used extensively within Blade Runner to reveal the primal nature of raw, native emotionof the ‘replicants’, a reflection of parental neglect which renders them incapable of understanding their emotions. Similarly Frankenstein juxtaposes the idyllic nature of childhood with the abandonment of parental responsibility to highlight the confusion behind the monsters ‘ugly’ exterior, therefore provide insight into creations’ place as the ultimate innocent of both texts. Frankenstein and Blade Runner establish the creations’ as the victims of both physical and emotional negligence who ultimately confront their creator to correct the flaw which isolates them from the world. Frankenstein and Blade Runner similarly utilise content to highlight the creations as the source of destruction to reveal the true nature of monstrosity, the senseless creators. The pursuit of knowledge at the expense of a moral framework is identified as the creators’ ultimate fatal flaw. As the creations of both texts reflect upon and highlight their unnatural qualities, they reveal how their creators can no longer attain the sublime. Victor highlights his exile from the sublime as he recounts how his actions and subsequent inaction ‘deprives the soul both of hope and fear’ contributing to his demise. Frankenstein and Blade Runner similarly evoke a development of critical literacy and knowledge of genre at a macro level that enables distinctive contexts to gain prominence and influence the understanding or interpretation of their respective genres as a whole. The contextualisation of Frankenstein and Blade Runner is used to provide insight into the reception of texts as it challenges the contemporary values of the audience. Frankenstein draws parallels with Greek mythology as it establishes Victor as a modern Prometheus while also addressing elements of Jewish mysticism as the ‘monster’ exhibits qualities similar to the golem of Prague. The text is also reminiscent of Godwin and Wollstonecraft, however, is inherently less optimistic about society’s realistically attainable level of perfection, both physically and economically. In stark contrast, Blade Runner addresses perfection as achievable in a commercial sense ‘commerce is our goal here at Tyrell’ however as Deckard states ‘nobody is perfect’ he highlights the shortcomings of forgoing the moral obligations inherent in the pursuit of commerce which ultimately enable an evaluation of humanities moral boundaries. Blade Runner pays homage to the representation (particularly through film and television) of the 1950’s detective film-noir to reveal a rendition of post-modern expressionism. The reflection of commerce as a postmodern cultural imperative establishes the relationship between socio-economic status and pastiche consumption. Consequently, humanity is ‘created’ and traded with this ‘transformation of everything into commodity’ (Byers, 1990) becoming a reflection of the context of Blade Runner following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic strength of the United States during the films production. In essence the distinctive context of Frankenstein and Blade Runner reflects the interpretation and perception of the genre, textual form and content over time. The comparative study of these distinctive contrasting contexts allows audiences to reflect on the enduring power of parental and moral responsibility, deliberate action or inaction and the features that define humanity. The key reflections in which the audience understands how they are positioned by composers as a result of their context is especially important in allowing moral assessments throughout the text. Frankenstein and Blade Runner are two texts who successfully explore the nature in which humans interpret their humanity as a response to a contextualised stimulus. Blade Runner ultimately reveals the establishment of emotional understanding as a definitive characteristic of being human, while incidentally Frankenstein explores the features of humanities collective consciousness which enable an individual to belong through emotional dependence. The comparative study of Frankenstein and Blade Runner allows audiences gain a further understanding into the way contexts are accentuated through assessments of conceptualised fiction which explore the themes and issues which forms the unique identity of humanity.

Free Fire Freedom Informative Essay

Free Fire Freedom Informative Essay Fire Freedom Freedom, as defined, is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants (Oxford, 2012) As followed, free speech is defined to be the right to express any opinion in public without censorship or restraint by the government (The Free Dictionary, 2012). Basing on how it is defined, free speech is not only significant in the society as a whole but also, it plays a more vital role in smaller organizations like universities and colleges. To many small organizations, freedom of speech is the key element to growth and development; new knowledge and prospected innovations are usually generated from a wide range of imagination that is then converted to words, whether in print or in vocal recordings. Thus, the non-practice of freedom of speech makes the society less liberated when it comes to criticism and changes. The narrow-mindedness that encompasses rules and regulations in these societies inhibits growth and development. When this is applied to our academic institutions, especially in higher education organizations, this would create even more unproductive minds in our worki ng society. Many academic institutions have misjudged the significance of free speech in our universities and colleges Many have thought that coming up with censorship rules would make communication in campuses more versatile and the students safer. However, these ideas have turned out wrong. The continuous censorship on almost everything, when it comes to speech, led to stunted growth and delineated spirit of being proactive among students. Supposedly, it is in college and universities where students are promoted to become more liberal in their thinking because this is one of the stages where rationality and critical thinking are necessary. As a stepping stone in preparation to the real world, what is invoked and inculcated in the universities become crucial factors as indicators of how we will be working out as part of the society. In instances that would allow free speech to be limited, if not removed, in colleges, we will just submit to the idea that we will be used to having our grievances and thoughts imprisoned in ourselves; we can never be able to express our angst, if we are suppressed and appreciation, if we are satisfied. The rationale that college will be fun because we will have the freedom to choose our class schedules and activities and we will have so many no-go in speech and in whatever we love doing (i.e. reading) is an irony. In the video presented in FIREs official site, a commentator even said that free speech is the key to campus life. We are in college to be free, in what we choose, in what we wear, in what we read and most especially in what we have to say about things we do and things around us. Zipping our mouth and chaining our hands is like blinding us from all the things around us. It is much understandable that speech needs cautions so that it shall be delivered harmlessly but there are also instances that what is cautious to us might not be very cautious to very conservative people. Eradicating free speech to any organization is eradicating liberty As part of being free, liberty should be observed. If this value shall be gone, what has been fought before for freedom will be forsaken. Aside from that, free speech is very important to colleges and universities because it is one of the few venues for intellectual freedom. We go to school, primarily, to learn and discover. We share ideas in school through our words and writings. We go to academic institutions to develop progressive thinking We all know that progressive thinking is what leads us to greater development. If free speech will be barred, how can progressive thinking continue? Are we ready to face the future with too many restraints because we always have to look after what we read, write and say? Declaring free speech is not acceptable to any college or university would only build up thoughts on how our academic institutions cannot accept criticisms among those who do not share the administrations ideologies. It is so funny that even the postings and likings in cyberspace becomes a reason for suspension or even detainment. How would the academic world flourish if even our educators are close to the possibilities of being told to have been wrong or biased on their thoughts? If criticisms will always be catered as something destructive, constructive criticism will never arise. Censorship to speech would only allow control of a one-sided administration to those who would want to be free in expressing their thoug hts and ideas. Censorship of speech in universities, later on, will only develop a community of fear among students. Fear, when heightened, will only destroy the valuable thoughts of our college students that will, in the future, be rulers of the nation. Free speech is a necessary ingredient in the society. Non-censorship of our speeches is what makes us different from North Korea. Our educators must always keep in mind that free speech is every Americans basic right.

The Maltese Falcoln essays

The Maltese Falcoln essays The Maltese Falcon starts out with Sam Spade, a private detective in San Francisco in the late nineteen twenties, sitting at his desk in his office when a Miss Wonderly came in. She said she was from New York looking for her sister who possibly got kid napped and who is probably in the San Francisco area. Miss Wonderly said she met a man named Thursby at a parcel office who suppostedly had her sister. While Miss Wonderly was telling the story, Spades partner Miles Archer came in. Miss Wonderly said she had a meeting the man that night and that she wanted one of them to tail him afterwards to fine her sister. Spade asked if she could describe the man, and she did, a little too well Spade thought. Miss Wonderly offered two hundred dollars for the job and Archer quickly grabbed a hundred and said he would do it. After Miss Wonderly left, Spade told Archer to watch his back. That night, while Spade was sleeping, he received a phone call. It was the police telling him that Archer was murdered. Spade got up, made and lit a cigarette, and went to the scene. Spade got there and got the facts. Archer was found in an alley, probably shot at close range, with a British-made Webley revolver. Spade observed how Archers gun was in his holster and that his jacket was still buttoned. Spade phoned his secretary, Effie, and asked her to call Iva, his partner's wife, to break the bad news. Then he returned to his apartment. Spade sat awake drinking and smoking and thinking about his partners murder when the police knocked on his door. The cops informed Spade that Thursby had been shot. The cops wanted to milk Spade for information on this job Archer was doing and who it was for. Spade gave the police no information, and the police left irritated. The next morning Iva was in the office waiting for Spade. When Spade came in, Iva jumped to him and started kissing him. Spade told her that it wasnt a good idea for them too to ...

Flexibility in Information Systems Context Essay

Flexibility in Information Systems Context - Essay Example Cloud computing and its components are a further development of utility computing and in our discussion we shall often use cloud computing to encompass both concepts. The idea behind cloud computing if it could be simplified is that businesses will no longer have to focus on initial investment in IT hardware, upgrades, software licenses and fixed maintenance fees, but on the variable investment on IT resources based on consumption under pay-as-you-use models (Siemens IT Solutions and Services, 2009). The recent credit crunch has created a number of significant challenges especially with regards to capital availability. This has implied that businesses are increasingly finding it difficult to maintain operations and grow in the short term. Also, we cannot neglect the impact of globalisation for example the effects of the credit crunch are not uniform around the world. The emerging markets such as China and India have experienced less significant slowdowns compared to the developed countries yet globalization has meant that businesses must remain competitive regardless of their location (Verizon Business, 2009) because the world has become a single market. This necessitates that businesses have to be redefined if they are to survive today or in the future. Utility computing offers business the option to shift their IT investments and costs from fixed to variable costs. However, more importantly, according to Gliedman, Erickson and Brown (2004) utility computing offers businesses the much needed flexibility, scalability and adaptability to confidently face rapid business changes and future business uncertainties. The first phase towards flexibility for a business is where the organisation is referred to as the isolated enterprise. Here the enterprise is characterised by undefined assets, IT silos, incompatibility and lack of processes (Starkey, 2009). Silos occur naturally within

Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Business - Essay Example The scope and extent of a company’s contribution towards social and environmental causes, almost guarantees successful results, which is why, every other company, today proudly flaunts its commitment towards such causes, in its annual reports. Are the companies today, actually environmentally and socially conscious or is it a desperate bid to gain consumers’ trust through deliberate green-washing? This paper seeks to delve deeper into this aspect of business, and seek answers to the critical issue of social and environmental commitment of multinational companies, their corporate agenda and the impact of the same on their stakeholders. For the purpose of this study, the case of The Body Shop will be explored and analyzed. Corporate Social Responsibility: Fact or Farce? Contemporary multinational organizations today are caught in the middle of a heated debate, surrounding the legitimacy and credibility of their claims regarding their social and environmental commitments. In the process, they are being pushed towards including broader public good will, and beyond their conventional commitment towards their shareholders. ... The Body Shop exemplifies one such situation, where the company seems to have got it right in the beginning, but over the years, ended up in controversies, putting the company on the pedestal, and forcing its management to justify its actions, with regard to its mission and values, which boasts of environmental and social commitment and broader public good (Rosenthal, 1994, Pp. 15 - 17). This brings up the question, whether corporate social responsibility can go hand in hand with the core corporate motive – that of maximizing profits; whether commitment to social and environmental causes and contribution towards society can co-exist along with commitment to the company’s stakeholders; and whether CSR is a farce or a fact? The same is discussed through the case of The Body Shop International Plc – a UK based multinational cosmetic brand, which boasts of its commitment towards the environment, via its ‘green’ and natural products and its contribution t owards social and environmental causes. The Body Shop International Plc. The Body shop is a world renowned British cosmetic retailing firm, founded in the year 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick, and having a strong international presence (The Body Shop, 2011). The company adopted an environmental strategy from the very beginning and showed a strong commitment towards green causes and social issues, thus ideally being an advocate of ‘green’ business and a portraying a model corporate social responsibility agenda (Dennis et al., 1998, Pp. 649-653). The company boasts of an impressive range of environmentally friendly / bio-degradable range of products; endorses recycling and over the years, have shown an active involvement in social and