History and Political Science Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History and Political Science - Essay Example History and Political Science Lenin beliefs on socialism stemmed from the idea that a democracy led by a hint of dictatorship, and held in support by the class of working citizens would help overthrow the government in power at the time, leading to a change of power from the rich to the poor. In this statement, he tries to emphasize that by choosing the working class as the bearers of power for the poor, so that proper governance would take place. Karl Marx believed that the poor and the rich were in a constant struggle for dominance thereby leading to strikes that were meant to fight for justice in areas of wages and proper working environments. He believed that the transition from capitalism to socialism happens as a result of changes in human history and it was inevitable. This was different from Lenin’s views dictating that certain working class of people should hold power so as to pave way for the lower class to gain a piece of the national cake. Question 3 Hitler believed that the Aryan race was much superior to all other races and thus he strongly opposed the Jews who were a minority race with no human rights to him and thus did not belong to the human race.This made him contemplate creating a Roman Empire in the 20th century as it had been before which was contrary to what his counterpart believed in the freedom of the Jews.In the late nineteenth century, there were no major historical events that were taking pl ace as was the case seen in the Great Depression. The term of service for the Presidents was very short as it consisted of only one year. Their responsibilities were very minimal at the time and consisted of small duties to the Congress and thus acted only as custodians of the State. Question 5 President Hoover did his part in curbing the effects of the Great Depression though his efforts were futile at the time. He took up the role of administrator rather than president of the people and even donated his salary to charity. He set up a program to assist the unemployed and added value expenditure to the public. He even increased aid for states in the form of monetary help from the federal government. Question 6 President Kennedy supported the fight against racial discrimination and the right to civil justice for all and it was for that reason that he supported the freedom riders by signing the freedom marshals and mediating for the release of the wife of Martin Luther King’s w ife. The latter had been arrested due to the ongoing racial segregation in departmental stores. He then made the famous civil rights address in support of the demonstrations that arose when an African American was denied public admission to school. Question 7 The terms of disagreement between the Soviets and Americans lay in the fact that Truman presidency claimed a breach of contract by Stalin on the Yalta promises. It was declared that the Soviet leader was on a mission of expansion in part of Europe and was contemplating to spread communism to most countries. Question 8 Richard Nixon as a supporter of foreign policy made some moves that were aimed at fostering good relations with the Soviet Union and the China republic. He was responsible for escalating the war in Vietnam by enacting bombs in Cambodia but later retreated which temporarily resulted in peace but a return of war without his involvement. He met with the Soviet

The Uses of Drama and Enactment in Group Psychotherapy Essay Example for Free

The Uses of Drama and Enactment in Group Psychotherapy Essay The relationship between the use of drama and group psychotherapy remains fundamental. At one point dramatic activities such as enactment of scenes, role play, telling stories are fundamentally useful in developing group psychotherapy measures. Basically, group psychotherapy is a system of approach with which a therapist or even many of them provide their psychotherapy treatment to a group of clientele. Group psychotherapy is basically important and economical in cost parameter. Either, the togetherness of the clients produces often more productive results than using individual therapy. In group therapy, dispensation of a talk is highly put in place. The history of group therapy goes back to early 20th century. In the same, the clients come in a group under the leadership of one or even many therapists to spearhead their psychotherapeutic problems. Group psychotherapy will basically involve interactions between various individuals committed to the groups with an aid of a therapist to monitor their activities. During the interactions, the different personal elements are defined by what persons have to encounter in their daily life is pictured out. The kind of behaviour manifested by the clients within the group will therefore call for therapeutic approach where experiences are generated in the process and hence employed into real life translation. It’s theoretic approach is diverse and chooses to over look one theoretical approach. The diversity in the theoretical approaches is to provide an inherent method in which the clients can be served in different manner. (Carr, 2001) Group psychotherapy came as a refuge to weaknesses of single person therapy. Since clients are confined into personal contact with the therapist, such persons in single person therapy had their therapeutic environment compromised with. Personal interaction presents personal expression in a full context to the therapist than the social arena found in group psychotherapy where individual can socially interact with one another and bring out their complimentary issues. Generally, the applicability of drama to group psychotherapy is highly fundamental. Currently, dramatic scenes are employed as methods of creating engagement in psychotherapeutic situations. Through dramatic activities, exchange of therapeutic information has been easy and highly productive which provides the clients with a good environment to deal with their social issues. With the changing structures in the societal setting, artistic work has become an important tool in psychotherapy. Various forms of artistic works such as painting, dramatic scenes, spontaneous acting, and telling stories can effectively provide an adequate tool with which the human population can be served adequately in their therapeutic approach. Clients have had enormous developments from their dramatic activities or even that provided by acting group at the clinical sites. Theatrical concerts and plays have been used as tools for out doing the traditional therapeutic activities whose impact is less productive, costly and primitive to the clientele population. At the therapeutic scene, drama can be used as a tool with which people exchange their social life with others and the therapists. At the clinical therapeutic sites, various factional representations can form the benchmark of bringing together the clientele population and their therapists. The dramatic action can be combined with either dance or music. The musical part will involve personal dialogues spoken to the others or even making performances and singing songs on various social experiences. Through dramatic expressions, therapeutic clients are able to exchange fine social relations with the others. Drama within therapeutic activities can be used as a good source of entertainment in which clients come together in one understanding to talk and perform on a particular issue of effects to their life. It makes people to enjoy with one another in playing or expressing opinions as were for other people. Therefore, through therapeutic drama actions, teaching expressions, learning and also making foundations of personal growing form the others can be achieved. ( Thomas, 1997) Therapeutic drama actions provide the people with holistic methods of learning form other people’s expressions through dramaturgical understanding by the others (passive audience). Their activities will be personified to create interpersonal activation which helps the people interact continuously with one another and hence learn from one another. Dramaturgical expressions are more of reality than when reading from books and articles would provide. Either, this is a close way of joining and entering the other person’s life and hence gives horrible time for his/her exploration of one’s internal environment. This creates a personified environment with which one person can have the feeling of the other or situation. Dramatic actions and scenes will therefore help to create a clear cut understanding of what happens in the world around us, which involves the other person (client). Through dramatic activities, encounter with interpersonal expressions helps to give foundations for the creation of new more adaptive methods of appreciating one’s life. Clients will engage themselves in doing the activities in a more rationalized way and build an extended hope of personal expressions. (Brown, 1996) Therapeutic use of drama and enactment scenes is highly helpful in creating an environment for more personal enjoyment and interrelationship with the other people. Psychotherapeutic clients are usually socially impeded with the real life situation and the general nature of environment they are living in. Psychotherapy therefore seeks to formulate standards of approach in which people will have to be personified of the ways to deal with their social life and psychological problems. It seeks to create relations between the client and the therapist in which the client is able to understand to a greater depth the activity born in the situation he/she is in. Dramatic expressions in group psychotherapy provide support for standards of expressions in which the clients help to build a more coordinated approach of dealing with various psychological problems in their life. (Yalom, 1980) As an important tool within group psychotherapy, individual clients should field their personal expressions about the reality of their life. They should constantly participate in letting ones understanding between the other people. Everyone is delegated with role-play of full contribution to the group activities which involves expressions, performances, dialogues and other. Ones role-play is a highly important aspect to the resulting of such therapeutic activities. Dramatic expressions provide tools with which one gets the real imagination and expression of the other which allows personal pretence of the activities of the other. This helps to build conditions with which one person can have the thoughts of the other and expressed in personal outlook. Through such dramatic scenes, new ideas which affect and improve the life are developed in a performance action which is shared by all the people within the therapeutic group(s). A coordination between the people is rationalized to a great level with every person’s participation been uncompromised for the effectiveness of such groups. The thinking and development of affirmative actions is improved with every activity been personified to generate personal interest to those within the group. (Knap, 2004) Drama use in providing group psychotherapy can be highly attributable due to its social approach. It fundamentally provides standard of approach where personal expression can be solidly developed among the others within the group. The interactive phenomena between the group members and the therapist produces lucrative standard with which the clients can appreciate of everyone’s role and contribution. At pone point, such dramatic expressions are lucrative to provide an environment of support for standards which propagate adequate dimensions for Clientele Corporation between themselves and their therapist. Generally, the dramatic expression produces a pillar of expressions that help to promote a coordinated attribute in the activity performance and role play of each towards developing the others social stability.(Alpert, Fara, 2004) Firstly, group drama provides an environment for a detailed exploitation of other persons issues which is to be levied in a more upright context of social manner. Such social exploitation into the other person’s life helps to provide structures of an actual reflection into the reality of personal life. Through such group programs, clients tends to learn from the performance effects of the others which should even provide a stronger base for real understanding than formal reading and learning form therapeutic members. (Martens, 2005) Either, through dramatic expressions, the clientele population is fed with a greater opportunity of observing and reflecting one one’s personal life at the immediate level and the social skills owned by the other clientele population. Various expression of personal level can only be brought out into a clear image when dramatic expressions are fielded in the therapeutic context. Through personal interaction with the others, one is able to enjoy the lucrative environment which is provided to create a more definite system of appreciation to ones capability and weaknesses. The social portfolio borne by the others is also brought out at a real picture to provide a better environment for interaction between one another. This posits a condition with which the client population grows from the individual level before expanding to capture the contribution levied by the clientele neighbourhood. (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005) Elsewhere, dramatic actions in group psychotherapy provides adequate conditions for pursuing legitimate focus of personal inter-relationship benefit. Dramatic actions provide real life influence for effective support into one another’s contribution. This is through providing active structures where phenomenological interactions provide a pursuit of intervention into ones neighbourhood. Drama activities are both participative and tool for solid standards of observations. Through the active influence into one another’s life, the people are able to actively participate in exchanging learning tools across one another and sharing of psychological influence to the immediate life of each of them. Every opportunity of participation into the reality of the social life contexts brings with it a leeway of expanded horizons of appreciating the life partaken by the other. Within the exchange facility of the social phenomena, many variables of interest are featured in which are ideally of varied influence to the general livelihood of the clients. The clients will therefore learn through appreciating each other’s concern in the therapeutic environment. (http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002544146) Through dramaturgical expressions in group psychotherapy, the environment is vigilant in creating standards of environment with which clients gets an immediate feedback in their expressions, their concern, queries, issues put forward above the answer to the problems that are constantly of effect to their pragmatic life. Enactment scenes are like reality rehearsals on the physical situations affecting the client’s lives. Either, dramatic environment provides tools of expressions for better exchange programs between the therapeutic clients. (Wosket, 1997) These scenes are personified to address specific human life situations amongst which are born in the life of the clients. The exchange response is immediate and never a contemplation of the short run imagery. Feedback is therefore arrived at immediately through expressional exchange of imageries between the people. Either, personal interaction with the others provide a better environment for exercising conditions for a better treatment in a client friendly manner of the problem, concerns and also the issues that are of importance and affecting the other. Feedback expression is ridiculous and developed as a motivation to the clients out gone in the world of psychological wrangles. Through faster and immediate solving of the clients problems, they can bring forward immediate signs of appreciations which brings moral motivation and attribute of the professionalism of the therapeutic activities. Clients are more involved in soliciting for better standards of quantifying their social problems in the real life situations. (Kreeger, 1994) Consequently, the influence of dramatic expressions is high supportive to all the therapeutic clients. Generally, dramatic expressions are the best incentive for positive influence into the contributions to the clientele population. These expressions are at one level highly supportive since they help the client to develop an authentic knowledge about specific area of concern in their livelihood. Solving client’s problems through providing environment for explaining the various issues of concern to the client populations remains highly important. The environment is impressive and provides confidence in expression for those who are within the group. (Feather, Ronan, 2006) This is the foremost attribute to provide morale and an interesting environment for the clientele population to participate fully between one another to even provide better condition of expression for them. Since clients are seekers of therapeutic help, confidentiality within the dramatic scene helps them to adequately speak out the issues that operate within them. This provides a fundamental state of expression for each others problem. Their nature of the dramatic activities is entitled to provide a good environment where participatory authority is provided for all within the therapeutic groups. Since this equals personal exchange of ideas between one another, it is a concise method through which the problems of one another are shared fully by the others. (Martin, 2001) The environment (dramatic) is by itself viable for allowing litigant personal expressions to be operational and beneficiary. This is also good at reacting standards of support for each others understanding of the reality of expressions which provide the most adequate response for their social problems. Therefore through personal interactions, the clients learn from one another as they share and contribute towards the problem held by the other. (Spees, 2002) Basically, psychotherapeutic drama involves using of group dynamics and also symbolic plays for treatment of the group’s approach. These are tangible methods of solving various social problems. It involves learning and practising various social skills which form part of the important elements in formulating group success. Dramatic approach helps in creating a good environment for fantasies into the lives of the clients. The emphasis of using drama in psychotherapy has been effective sine 1938. It has been used as a basic medium for change in the broad scenery of the therapeutic situation. However, since many years ago, dramatic expressions have been used as a method o f providing support for dealing with psychiatric patients. Usually, this involves collecting the attributes provided by the general educational theory and putting down into real life practice to even be helpfully practicable to the general world. Through drama, the client’s personality is developed from the current situation of low performance. This will however involve the use of adequacy in the role playing by the individuals within the psychotherapeutic groups. (Weber, Haen, 2005) Either, it involves the use of various functional techniques in the interaction process which helps to provide structures for the most adequate tool of therapeutic control. These tools help in appreciating and increasing the state of contact with the other people within the therapeutic group. Dramatic expressions involve personal creativity where objective discussion of issues will involve the use of creative imaginations above the concentration tool that posts an advantage to the people. Dramatic activities have its discussion on the nature of therapeutic processes with the waging on the product/output of the dramatic activity. The processes and systems are waged under monitoring standard which provides a better environment for making up their social-life contexts. (Schermer, Pines, 1994) This is perhaps the best methods for use in dealing with clients. The creation of the dramatic activity is by the group of the clients which may even include the therapist. Through the activity, the therapist is provided with an adequacy in operation medium in which case he will evaluate the right cause of action to take in the therapeutic process. Generally, the clients will be imposed by greater impact into the activity of social life liberation than when at a single situation with the therapist. Dramatic approach is chiefly allied to the creation of fantastic notions. Elsewhere, the product output of the dramatic activity is highly important in regard to how it will be manifested in the therapeutic process. (Harding, 1996) Otherwise, clients are supposed to have a full support of the output which will depend on the manner with which the clients will be able to incorporate their output into adequate standards for help in their therapeutic process. However, in the spontaneous activities, there may arise some dangers when the clients seek to act on what they get from the dramatic context without internalizing the role of the therapist in such spontaneous activities. Direct action to group lessons may therefore be accompanied by various weaknesses. Dramatic action within therapeutic groups may be a chief source of problems that cannot be adequately handled by the therapists. Therefore, the output of any activity should be easily verified by the therapist before its flow is passed from their actions to the group in control. (Cooper, Smith, Upton, 1994) Through the general implication of drama in psychotherapy is the affiliate benefits allied to the role it plays to group clients. The basic critical for its use is the flow of fallacious and poorly benefiting behaviour to the clients. Consequently, many clients have taken poor behaviour home or school and other social institutions which end up negatively affecting their general life and that of the neighbours. Either, as much as dramatic activities is cost affective and also productive, this is not always practical. It may run weary and inefficient. This may be a catchment’s area for the poorest benefits which include poor behaviour development and more wrangles in ones social life which develops as collateral influence by the therapeutic influence. (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005) The general dramatic scene may be a source of negative influence to the contributor’s life. Some participants may be negatively affected by the positions and roles they are made to play in the therapeutic process. Since the scene provides that members within it participate in different roles, therapeutic drama may be a source of personal inability and negative influence when different members are given inadequate roles to play down. At the process of the dramatic activity, various behavioural imaginaries can then develop such as rivalry between one another, aggression and hatred. For young children, various therapeutic conditions and implications may negatively affect their nature of activity and actions to the external environment. Through various transfers of feelings and activities, this may negatively impact the clients to develop response protocols that do not adequately provide tools for the required therapeutic implication. Actions brought forwards in the therapeutic scene may negatively influence the clients when conflict rises up as an influence of disagreements between the clients. (Sonstegard, Better, Pelonis, 2004) However, dramatic expressions provide an adequate environment for self expression in which the client interact with one another adequately and in a coherent manner to provide support for their well being. This is fundamentally the first and foremost step in building the social prospects of the clients. Through such exchange programs, the clients are able to have an exchange of their social life activities and phenomenologies in which case this should provide a better understanding of the situations. Through a chose linkage with other clients, the general exchange of their activity and process is perhaps made easier and cheaper. Dramatic activity is highly adaptable to the clientele population of different levels. This helps to provide better standards of more effective capacity in which case individual expression help to build them more. Also, their may be a higher state of productivity between them. The method is voted to be highly effective in terms of cost expenditure. It provides standards of support with which individual role play within the group is promoted. Through dramatic groups, psychotherapeutic clients are provided with an impersonalised character of their social life contexts. (Mathiasen, 2005) Generally, the use of creative drama in psychotherapy helps in developing various sets of imaginations and also spontaneity which is supported by specific values above that of using the drama itself for creating subject matters. Through use of drama in group psychotherapy, perhaps the problems is more rationalized and ratified with the participation of the clients themselves building and developing different methods of modelling their social life. It helps to build up personal censorship which helps to provide the individual characters of the clients to even be shared among them in a group manner. Due to the social integration phenomenon of the clients in the scope of the dramatic environment, they will build more characteristic tools to address their problems in a more personified nature. This helps to break the inadequacies born out in individual person therapy where the client-therapist environment may not authenticate to provide standards of support for a better motive of social understanding. Generally therefore, dramatic actions and spontaneous activities would provide a coherent support in providing standards with which the clients would be absorbed more in the way of establishing their social life contexts References Alpert, J. E. Fava, M. (Eds.). (2004). Handbook of Chronic Depression: Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management. New York: Marcel Dekker. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=108952745 The American Psychotherapy Association the American Association of Integrative Medicine the American College of Wellness Present the Evolution of Health Care: Unifying Mind, Body Spirit. (2003). Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 6(2), 18+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002544146 Brown, D. (2001). King Lear: The Lost Leader; Group Disintegration, Transformation and Suspended Reconsolidation. Critical Survey, 13(3), 19+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000944271 Brown, N. W. (1996). Expressive Processes in Group Counseling: Theory and Practice. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=27985548 Carr, A. (2001). Abnormal Psychology. Philadelphia: Psychology Press. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=102914493 Cooper, P., Smith, C. J., Upton, G. (1994). Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties: Theory to Practice. New York: Routledge. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=103375001 Douglass, F. (1995). Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. New York: Dover Publications. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=97002080 Feather, J. S., Ronan, K. R. (2006). Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Abused Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 35(3), 132+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5019128485 Harding, C. G., et al. (1996). Using Live Theatre Combined with Role Playing and Discussion to Examine What At-Risk, Adolescents Think about Substance Abuse Its Consequences, and Prevention. Adolescence, 31(124), 783+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000453797 Knapp, J. V. (2004). Family-Systems Psychotherapy and Psychoanalytic Literary Criticism: A Comparative Critique. Mosaic (Winnipeg), 37(1), 149+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002649603 Kreeger, L. (Ed.). (1994). The Large Group: Dynamics and Therapy. London: Karnac Books. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=23107879 Martens, W. H. (2005). Shame and Narcissim: Therapeutic Relevance of Conflicting Dimensions of Excessive Self Esteem, Pride, and Pathological Vulnerable Self. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 8(2), 10+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5011704312 Martin, R. (2001). The Performative Body: Phototherapy and Re-enactment. Afterimage, 29(3), 17+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5000925188 Mathiasen, R. E. (2005). Moral Development in Fraternity Members: A Case Study. College Student Journal, 39(2), 242+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5010846042 Schermer, V. L. Pines, M. (Eds.). (1994). Ring of Fire: Primitive Affects and Object Relations in Group Psychotherapy. New York: Routledge. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=107698974 Sonstegard, M. A., Bitter, J. R., Pelonis, P. (2004). Adlerian Group Counseling and Therapy: Step-By-Step. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=108874252 Spees, E. K. (2002). Word Movies: Strategy and Resources for Therapeutic Storytelling with Children and Adolescents. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 5(1), 14+. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5002456946 Thomas, R. M. (1997). An Integrated Theory of Moral Development. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=106119516 Weber, A. M. Haen, C. (Eds.). (2005). Clinical Applications of Drama Therapy in Child and Adolescent Treatment. New York: Brunner-Routledge. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=109162644 Wosket, V. (1999). The Therapeutic Use of Self: Counselling Practice, Research, and Supervision. London: Routledge. Retrieved December 17, 2007, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=102911517 Yalom, I. (1980) Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books, ISBN 0465021476 Yalom, I Leszcz, M. (2005) The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. Basic Books, ISBN 0465092845

Athenian definition of democracy Essay -- essays research papers fc

Discuss the Athenian definition of democracy. Is the city state the only kind of state in which true democracy can exist? What happens to democracy when it is applied to a society with a large dispersed population? What are other examples of democratic societies besides Athens? Compare and contrast Athenian democracy with American democracy. Is the United States a democracy in the classical sense of the word? The ancient Greek word "demokratia" was ambiguous. It met literally "people power". But who were the people to whom the power of the long? Was it all the people -all duly qualified citizens? Or only some of the people -- the masses? The Greek word demos could mean either. There is a theory that the word demokratia was claimed by democracy's enemies, members of the rich and aristocratic elite who did not like being outvoted by the common herd, their social and economic inferiors. If this theory is right, democracy must originally have meant something like "mob rule" or "dictatorship of the proletariat". By the fourth century B.C.E. there were hundreds of Greek democracies. Greece was not a single political entity it was a collection of about 1500 separate poleis or cities scattered around the Mediterranean and black sea shores. The cities that were not democracies were either oligarchies or monarchies (often times called tyrannies). Of the democracies, the oldest, the most stable, the most long-lived, and the most radical, was Athens. The origin of the Athenian democracy of the fifth and for centuries can be traced back to Solon. Solon was a poet and a wise statesmen but not a Democrat. His constitutional reform package laid the basis on which an aristocrat called Cleisthenes could pioneer democracy. Cleisthenes championed a radical political reform movement which in 508 -507 ushered in the Athenian democratic constitution. Under this political system Athens successfully resisted the Persian onslaughts that victory in turn encourage the poorest Athenian's to demand a greater say in the ruling of their city. In the late 460's a radicalization of power shifted the balance decisively to the poorest sections of society. This was the democratic Athens that laid the foundations of Western rational and critical thought. &nb... ...laves and women were excluded today every resident of the United States can qualify for citizenship. Bibliography Martin, Thomas. R. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times. New York & London, Yale University, 2000. McEvedy, Colin. The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History. London, England, Penguin Books, 1967. - - - The New Penguin Atlas of Medieval History. London, England, Penguin Books, no publication No publication date. Oliphant, Margaret. The Atlas of the Ancient World., London, Ebury Press, 1992. Scholastic Inc. Scholastic Atlas of the World. U.S.A., Miles Kelly, 2001. Further information about the Greeks and Athens can be found at the following sites: http://thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/world/greece/greece/html. http://www.stoa.org.demos http://www.fordham.edu.halsall/ancient/asbook.html http://www.newton.mec.edu/oakhill/sixth%20grade.web/resources/geography/geoslide/geopix.html http://www,culture.gr/ http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/educational/lesson#1.html http://www.members.home.net/georgefrank/war/athens.html#democracy http://www.members.home.net/georgefrank/war/sparta.html#Monarchy

Music for survival or a luxury

Is music a luxury, or a necessity for humans? Even though we can live with out it, unlike food and water, I do believe music is a necessity. Even in countries where food and water are scarce, they will still find a way to make music. Some luxuries are necessary to live a peaceful life, music being one of them. So, with that being said, music not only helps us through the tough times, but also keeps us alive. Music Is like glue. It lets us keep our sanity. Music relates to us, thus letting us know, â€Å"Hey, you're not the only one going through this. Also, I'll bet my life that each and every one of o listens to music at least once a day. Weather It's on TV, or on the radio when you go to work, or even if you heat a street performer In a park, you've all heard music. If you haven't, then probably deaf. Music surrounds us, no matter what. Plus, music Is not only good for your health, It's good for your soul. For some people, music Is a distraction, but others, It helps them work, ex ercise, and even helps then remember easier. I know It dose for me. So many people suffer from depression across America, and across the world.An estimated 9. 2 million people suffer from depression. But, most of them seek out music that relates to them, makes them feel loved, or even just music in general. Music is their life, they live for music. And in some cases, music keeps them living. With out music, where would they be? But, this doesn't mean, â€Å"Unless your depressed, then you don't need music. † We all need music sometimes. Weather you're sad that your boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with you, or you got in a fight with your best friend, or you could Just be having a bad day.Music will always be there, waiting for you. Who doesn't Just want to curl up with a blanket and listen too loyalist of music you made when you're sad, maybe even bring your favorite book with you. Or, you're Just so happy, and you Just want to dance, you're most likely to put on a really good song, a Just dance till you can't. â€Å"Music expresses that witch cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent† – Victor Hugo Music is everywhere. It's on the TV we watch, on the streets we walk on, in the cars we drive, one could even say it's practically in the air we breath.No matter where you go, there's bound to be music. You might not be able to understand it, but it's still there. It's always has been, and always will be. In my life, personally, I listen to music for a good six hours per day. From the time my alarm goes off, to when my mom makes my take out my eat buds to go to bed. With out It, I don't know where I'd be. Music also brings people together. Whether It's at a concert, or someone Likes the same band as you. Music brings us closer then anything else on earth, expect love.I'd would have missed out on so many opportunities If It wasn't for music. To be honest, I met most of my friends thanks to music. Music brings us together, It's a fa ct. Some people consider music as a luxury though. Usually a luxury Is something that Is afforded my one group or person, but not by another, poorer group or person. But, that doesn't apply to music, as it is enjoyed across the entire planter, regardless of would want to? There is something special about music. It Just makes everything better. Music, at it's best moments, is a most miraculous expression of humanity.That's why I love it. For most people, music is a distraction. But for others, like myself, it actually helps them work. Music stimulates certain parts of the brain. When you're writhing an easy about, let's say, world hunger, you might want to listen to some music that you consider â€Å"emotional† while you write. By doing this, you could be more likely to be able to put more feeling into your easy. Also, collage students often listen to music while they study. That way, when you take the test, and the song pops up in your head, you'll remember what you learned.I f you listen to up-beat music while you exercise, it raises your heart beat, and making you work header. Up-beat music will also help you not fall asleep. Another good use for music is, when you hear a certain song, it might remind you of something. Like, the song that was playing when you had your first kiss. Or maybe you hear a song that was popular back when you were in gig school. Music works in strange ways. Music has the ability to make a person feel emotions, of course, we already knew that.The thing is though, one song could make a person feel so happy, and the person next to them could be in tears because of that song. It's weird how music has such an impact on our lives, and we hardly notice it. The same song you think sucks so much, could be the one thing that is keeping a person alive. Or maybe, that person could be you, who knows. But what we do know is this. The first written form of music can be traced all the way back to 600 AD, and can still be found and heard today all cross the world.If we didn't need music to survive, then why has it been around so long? Think about it. When the first song was sung, and the first instruments were played, who was there? Our ancestors were there, and I bet they were cheering on, and dancing, having a good old time. Enjoying life as if it would never end. Those first people past on their experiences on from generation to generation, and pretty soon, every one loved music. They couldn't get enough of it. It would be crime to take that away form us. Music is our history, music is our life. With out it, what are we?

Home Furnishings bedding Essay

Home furnishing has many areas that furnish bedrooms with frames, comforters, sheets and dressers and much more. A home furnishing is a way to personalize the house whether it’s with the help of professionals or simple your own ideas. The company Polo Ralph Lauren founded in 1967 and their main headquarter is currently in New York. Ralph Lauren was the one who founded the company which he is the CEO, Chairman, and chief designer for the company. The company also sells products for men, women, and children, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings. It operates in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Ralph Lauren first launch his home collection in 1985 including bedding, including bedding, towels, area rugs and much more. Home furnishings include bedding and with the bedding department it has mattress size, pillows, sheets and blanket, and quilts. The mattress size is important because it depend the size of the sleeper and the dimensions of the bedroom. The smallest size of the bedding dimensions is the twin size which has a dimension of 39 by 76 inches. The next size is the full size mattresses measure 54 by 75 inches and â€Å"queens add an extra 6 inches to the full-size width and 5 inches to the length. Standard king mattresses have ample room with a 78 inch width and 80 inches in length. †(ProQuest) The pillows come in different size to match the bed and all the pillows are 20 inches in width and in length it varieties. Pillow cases and sheets are sold in pairs or separately. They are sold separately because it allows the customers to pick their own design, how they want their sleeping environment to look like. They sell separately because something consumers does not like the designs so they rather buy the design that they are comfortable. The construction of pillowcases, sheets and shams varieties and the most popular fabric use in this is woven. The next fabric is â€Å"Cotton and cotton/poly dominates the market. Cotton gives absorbency while polyester gives durability and wrinkle resistance. Most sheets are made with spun yarns. †(Hoovers) Muslin and percale sheets are the most common. Muslin sheets are made from carded yarns while Percale is made out from combed yarns. Other type of fabrics is sateen, satin, flannel, or knitted jersey or tricot. It’s important to pay attention the caring part because there are some sheets, pillowcases that can easily get damaged. The white sheets should be machine was only and dry according to manufacturer’s instructions. Do not combine dark colors with beach and only apply beach on white sheets. It’s good to rotated and avoid using the same set also using a mattress pad or covers to protect the sheets will extend the life of the bottom sheets. â€Å"Ralph Lauren has grown from being a mono-brand US centric menswear wholesaler to designer manufacturer and wholesaler of global luxury lifestyle brands for men, women and children. † (Business source Swot analysis). Ralph Lauren has many products that can offer to their customers because it’s a growing industry. Some of the brands and names of Ralph Lauren include Polo by Ralph, Lauren, Purple Label, Club Monaco, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Women’s Collection, Black Label, Blue Label and Lauren by Ralph Lauren, among others. The successes of the brands are due to the official outfitter of the 2008 US Olympic and Paralympics teams by the United States Olympic Committee in 2008. It has sign a five year contract with R&A to outfit all the members staffing and all the officials in the Open Championship up to 2016. Ralph Lauren distributes their products through and foreign and domestic network. It has a successful global distribution network which allows â€Å"its merchandises to be sold in a total of nearly 9,000 retailers worldwide, ranging from high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus to discount retailers such as TJ Maxx. † (Business source). Ralph Lauren is divided into three segments the first one is wholesales, the second one is retail, and the third one is licensing. Licensing is very important because any product whether in-house produced or licensed, have to be designed by Mr.  Lauren and his design staff. All of his home furnishings products are produce by his licensing partners who has the right to sell them whether it’s internationally or domestic. It has multiple channels where they distribute their products. Ralph Lauren has 201 factory stores worldwide and 178 full-price retail stores. It also has â€Å"474 concessions-based shop-within-shops, and six e -commerce websites. The full-price retail stores range in the size of approximately 800 to 38,000 square feet and are situated in major upscale street locations and upscale regional malls in large urban markets. (Business Source). Most of these factory stores are located in outlet malls. Some of the factories have a length of 2500 to 20,000 feet in the Americans 1,400 to 19,700 square feet in Europe and from 2,800 to 11,800 square feet in Asia. It also operates a concessions-based shop-within-shops that has around 209 retail locations dedicated to Ralph Lauren-branded products. Most of the shops-within shops are located in Asia and the size of this concessions-base is approximately 180 to 4,300 square feet. The company has a successful globe distribution that allows merchandise to be in 9,000 retails worldwide. Home furnishings by Ralph Lauren afford their customers a feature that has a â€Å"contemporary, creative style and also employs ticking-striped patterns, industrial accents and flea-market-inspired finds to create an unexpected rustic look. † (Ralph Lauren). The company wants their customers to be happy with their product and that’s way they offer the best quality with the best material so that their customers can come back to the company and purchase more. Polo Ralph Lauren’s status as a premier lifestyle brand supports higher product margins, product extensions, and consumer loyalty. The company long-term annually grow is 20% to 30 % on their distribution. This company has a price range to be higher because Ralph Lauren is one of the premier consumer lifestyle brands with considerable brand equity. The company has strong brand equity because it has â€Å"capitalized on its strong fashion design and effective marketing to build a premier lifestyle brand with global revenue exceeding an estimated $5 billion, including licensees. (Business Source). It also states that the company is one of the few† brands capable of developing a portfolio of products and brands ranging from the moderately priced Chaps by Ralph Lauren to the luxury priced Purple and Black Labels. † (Business Source). The company has many ways to merchandises their products which include websites, outlet malls, factories and much more. In addition to these, the company sells its products through three websites in the US, including ralphLauren. com, rugby. com and clubmonaco. com, the company has more websites in the European part. Only the Unites States the company has acquire new customers about 600,000 customers. Only selling from website in helps the company to reach wider customers and faster than any other companies. Not only do they sell their merchandise over the internet they sell it through catalogs, retail stores for example Macys and high ended department store. Not any department store can sell Ralph Lauren products because they must have a license with the company itself. The company chose high end department stores because they know their customers and also because they have loyal customers who love to shop in this high-end department stores. Also because the brand of the product will distinguish how the material is made and how good of a quality it is. There are many rules and regulations when it comes to â€Å"all products categorized as linens must be labeled in accordance with the laws that relate to the consumption of textile products. The Textile Fiber Products Act (TFPIA) requires that generic fiber names and fiber content be listed on the label and flammability standards for mattress†. (Hoovers). The company’s name is build around the highest ethical and legal standards.  Ralph Lauren is guided by the â€Å"California Transparent Act which states that all of its suppliers to prohibit the hiring of slave labor and prevent practices that could contribute to human trafficking. 1. verify product supply chains using third party auditors to ensure that our product supply chains are compliant with our Operating Guidelines and all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting slave labor and human trafficking; 2. conduct independent audits of our suppliers to evaluate their compliance with our Operating Guidelines and all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting slave labor and human trafficking; 3. equire certification by our suppliers that materials incorporated into our products comply with our Operating Guidelines and all applicable laws and regulations prohibiting slave labor and human trafficking in countries where our suppliers are doing business; 4. maintain internal accountability standards and procedures for employees and contractors failing to meet our Operating Guidelines prohibiting slave labor and human trafficking; 5. provide training for our supply chain executives and employees on the prevention of human trafficking and slave labor. †(RalphLauren. om) The company is always doing things to change the product and to promote new products to their loyal customers. Ralph Lauren will launch new lines and maintain brand strength. The company views the internet as the number one source of future growth that will increase very fast. They are advertising and marketing in a unique form associate with distinct design, luxury and quality. Retail stores are still very important because it’s the foundation and the growth of the company and it has given the â€Å"confidence to apply its expertise to wholesale business, including erchandise mix, visual presentation and excellent customer service. † (Valuation Reports). Ralph Lauren wants to expand to new products with new categories in different parts of the world. In conclusion the company has many things to offer to their loyal customers and expanding everything to new places and expanding new product will definitely have new customers. It’s important for the company to keep the good quality and good merchandise because it’s a way to stay in business for much longer.

Organizational Behavior Taking Motivation and Teamwork Into Perspective

Organizational Behavior Taking Motivation and Teamwork Into Perspective Free Online Research Papers TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Declaration 1 2. Acknowledgement 2 3. Summary 4 4. Introduction 5 5. Findings 7 5.1. Teamwork 7 5.1.1. Creative Innovation 8 5.1.2. Cultural aspects 10 5.2. Motivation 11 6. Discussion 14 6.1. Teamwork 14 6.2. Motivation 15 7. Conclusion 18 7.1. Teamwork 18 7.2. Motivation 18 8. References 20 9. Annexure 21 9.1. Starbucks Corporation: Case Study in Motivation and Teamwork 22 9.2. Diagram of Maslows Needes Pyramid†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦31 9.3. The Saint Paul Hotel 31 SUMMARY This report is made with the intention of displaying how motivation and teamwork are two pivotal factors ensuring success in hospitality. Literature finding coupled with case studies like that of Starbucks and Saint Pauls hotel will be used to illustrate the above statement. Using GAP analysis, the difference in theory and practical working of the company will be seen. INTRODUCTION The evolution of economies worldwide showcases the fact that the hospitality sector is expanding the fastest. Contrary to this, the quality of service and product in this sector is declining. The success of the hospitality sector depends on various aspects. These aspects remain constant under any given circumstances. The application of these factors in an efficient and accurate manner is what dictates the success of the establishment. Due to a rapid rise in globalisation in the recent past, competitiveness has increased tremendously. This is even more so, between companies marketing the same product or service, as in the case of the hospitality industry. Researchers have found that it costs for more to attract new customers than to retain current customers (Oliver, 1999; Rosenberg Czepiel, 1983) Motivation and teamwork are two of these integral factors. Here, there is a constant connection felt by the patrons and the employees. This forms a potential situation where the glass can be viewed as half full or half empty. Optimists believe that this medium of connection is what enables companies to initiate and hopefully sustain a steady relationship. The initiation can be created. It is the sustainment that poses the potential problems. The entire burden of this endeavour lies in the hands of the employees. Motivation of the employees is one of the key factors to ensure augmented success. Rensis Likert, one of the pi oneers in the field of motivation theory, and after which the Likert Scale is named, said The greater the loyalty of a group toward the group, the greater is the motivation among the members to achieve the goals of the group, and the greater the probability that the group will achieve its goals. The hospitality sector, as mentioned above, attains success based on various factors, like motivation. One of the other key factors that assist this attribute is teamwork. Any unit in the hospitality sector relies on their employees working in a single, cohesive unit. Hoegl Gemuenden (2001) observed that the definition of teamwork is a social system including more than three people in an organization or context. These members identify others as one member of the team and they have the same goal. Robbins (2001) stated that the factors influencing teamwork are relation of leadership, roles, principles, status, size, composition and the power of agglomerate. This is true in case of the hospitality industry as well. Being dependent primarily on the abilities and capabilities of its employees, teamwork forms an important aspect. FINDINGS TEAMWORK Different hospitality units focus on teamwork in different ways. None the less, the motive is the same, which is to improve results for better customer satisfaction and better revenue. Few organizations, however, are totally pleased with the results their team improvement efforts produce. If a team’s improvement efforts are not living up to the organization’s expectations, there are self-diagnosing check points that may illustrate why. Successful team building, that creates effective, focused work teams, must lay emphasis on the following. Competence Clear expectations Context Commitment Charter Control Collaboration Communication Creative innovation Cultural change Coordination Consequences In this report, focus will be given to the creative innovation and cultural aspects of teamwork. CREATIVE INNOVATION In today’s world, the level of competition cannot be faced with primitive methods. To give the guest something that is not being offered by another organization is the prime motive. This is not a responsibility that can be successfully carried out by any one individual. In the hospitality sector, every member of each organization may have creative input that may not be replicated. Since group processes have been said to be an important predictor of innovative performance (West and Anderson, 1996) and creativity (Amabile et al., 1996), there has been an expanding focus in research on elaborating factors within teams that facilitate team and innovative performance. A comprehensive model is offered by Hoegl and Gemuenden (2001) as well as Hoegl et al. (2004) who link the success of innovation projects to team performance and holistic success. For successful team performance communication, its frequency, degree of formalization, structure, and openness is important. Communication contributes to team performance (Hoegl and Gemuenden, 2001) as well as to the achievement of exceptional outcome (Sethi and Nicholson, 2001). Coordination, the synchronization and harmonization of individual tasks, is fostered by aligned goals with clear sub goals as well as defined roles which do not overlap each other (Hoegl and Gemuenden, 2001). Shared objectives and vision are linked to innovativeness (Anderson and West, 1996; Pearce and Ensley, 2004). Also, including all team members in the decision making process without having individuals on a team, who dominate discussions (balance of team member contributions), has been found to be links positively to innovation (Anderson and West, 1996; De Dreu and West, 2001; Hoegl and Gemuenden, 2001; West and Anderson, 1996). Mutual support refers to intensive collaboration and cooperation between tea m members (Hoegl and Gemuenden, 2001). Collaboration is also one of the dimensions of Sethi and Nicholsons (2001) charged behaviour that is linked to innovation; trust and support is found one factor that enhances creativity (Amabile et al., 1996). Also, the finding that an equally high level of effort contributes to team work quality (Hoegl and Gemuenden, 2001) is in line with Pearce and Ensleys (2004) argumentation that social loafing is affecting innovation negatively. Feeling committed to the work of the group supports individual creativity (Amabile et al., 1996). Finally cohesion has been a topic of several studies around creativity and innovation (Craig and Kelly, 1999; Gully et al., 1995). It covers interpersonal attraction of team members, commitment to the teams task and team spirit. CULTURAL ASPECTS Within cultural concepts we concentrate on two different aspects. Hall and Hall (1990) identified three dimensions of culture though interviewing practitioners who are interacting with other cultures. In their communication model they suggest the following dimensions to differ between cultures: Various degrees of tabulating information via language. A different need for areal space. Dissimilarity in the applicability of time and working styles (monochronic/polychronic). Hofstede (1983) instead delivers less visible concepts than Hall and Hall. The cultural concept of Hofstede (1983) identified four cultural dimensions which refer to values as a guiding idea. Power distance, the acceptance of differences in hierarchical status. Uncertainty avoidance, an individuals motivation to keep away from uncertainties and changes. Individualism/collectivism, the importance of independence from ones company, and own activity. Masculinity/femininity, the importance of income, recognition and advancement as well as the degree of role allocation between men and women. Confucian dynamism or the long term orientation of a country was added to the concept (Hofstede and Hofstede, 2005). Throughout the term multi-cultural team it is seen that the considered teams have expansive cultural values and communication styles due to their affiliations to different nationalities and socialization in diverse cultural groundings. Through this approach, the fact that cultural values can differ within one country (Kirkman and Shapiro, 2005) and that only concentrating on a diverse national background ignores potential changes of personal behaviours which are culture related are take into account. MOTIVATION Motivation is a key factor that influences the daily operations of any hospitality unit. It is the key factor which influences an employee to go above and beyond the call of duty. The pioneering hospitality organizations in the world believe that in some way or the other, employee motivation plays an integral role in their success. â€Å"There is one key to profitability and stability during either a boom or bust economy: employee morale.† - Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines. There are various factors by which motivation can be attained. Many of these factors are based on models. Some of these models are:- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. -Dr. Abraham Maslow. ERG Theory of Motivation. –Clayton P. Alderfer. ARCS Model of Motivation. – John Keller. Motivational Theory. -Frederick Herzberg. In this report, Maslow’s theory will be used. This is done as they have some overlapping views, which will assist a simpler understanding. According to Maslow, there are general types of needs (physiological, survival, safety, love, and esteem) that must be satisfied before a person can act unselfishly. He called these needs deficiency needs. As long as we are motivated to satisfy these cravings, we are moving towards growth, toward self-actualization. Satisfying needs is healthy, while preventing gratification makes us sick or act evilly. As a result, for adequate workplace motivation, it is important that leadership understands the exertive needs active for individual employee motivation. Maslows model indicates that basic, minor needs like safety and physiological requirements have to be satisfied in order to pursue higher-level motivators along the lines of self-fulfilment. Maslows Needs Pyramid or Maslows Needs Triangle, shows how after a need is satisfied it stops acting as a motivator and the next need one rank higher starts to motivate(Diagram present in Annexure). To summarise the above theory, a manager’s goal is to ensure that his employees have a reason to be motivated at all times. The needs that will motivate employees, changes with time. To recognise these needs is the job of the manager. Given below are the various needs of the employees. Physiological Motivation: Provide ample breaks for lunch and recuperation and pay salaries that allow workers to buy lifes essentials. Safety Needs: Provide a working environment which is safe, relative job security, and freedom from threats. Social Needs: Generate a feeling of acceptance, belonging, and community by reinforcing team dynamics. Esteem Motivators: Recognize achievements, assign important projects, and provide status to make employees feel valued and appreciated. Self-Actualization: Offer challenging and meaningful work assignments which enable innovation, creativity, and progress according to long-term goals. There are a few limitations present in Maslov’s theories. In some cultures, social needs are higher on the priority list than others. Maslows hierarchy fails to explain the starving artist scenario, in which the aesthetic neglects their physical needs to pursuit of aesthetic or spiritual goals. Additionally, little evidence suggests that people satisfy exclusively one motivating need at a time, other than situations where needs conflict. DISCUSSION TEAMWORK Starbucks is an internationally recognized hospitality chain. A case study based on this organization will be taken into consideration. This establishment is known for its ability to sustain its customers and have a relatively low turn-over rate. Here, team work is given monumental importance as they believe it to be the reason for their holistic success. The managers of the establishment refer to their peers and the people working under them as â€Å"partners†. By doing so, the corporate gap of title is bridged. The managers of the unit work aside the employees at the front line of service. This shows no discrimination in work, leading to self respecting employees who love their job. This is transmitted via the employees to the customers, creating satisfaction and loyalty. Simultaneously, it creates an open environment that contributes greatly to expression of innovative thinking. Starbucks has invested in creating a place where its employees can rest and enjoy. This also for ms a platform for creative inputs which are valued. As has been mentioned before, creativity of a person may never be replicated. The cultural barrier is present in every organization. How it is dealt with, is subject to change. Starbucks’ managers have authority to reschedule work timings of individuals. This is done in accordance with an employee’s personal or religious needs. Furthermore, emphasis is given to understanding an employee’s needs and problems. By following such exercises, the cultural barrier is overcome. At a particular shift, there are 6-8 employees working. As the unit of people working together is relatively small, people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds converse and know each other well. This again is another manner in which the cultural barrier is overcome at Starbucks. MOTIVATION The Saint Paul Hotel is a four star hotel located in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. This will be the case study for motivation that will be used. The hotel believes, like many others worldwide, that employee motivation is an important aspect attributing to the company’s success. The Saint Paul Hotel will provide training both for job skills and safety. Standards-based training occurs weekly in each department. Managers and employees will spend about 15 minutes to talk about their ideas. It is an opportunity to fine-tune or learn new skills. This training provides an opportunity for communication within the departments. For the employees to have their ideas heard and processed (if valuable) creates a sense of belonging and motivates them, as they have instilled in them the fact that they are valuable. Given below is a list of benefits given to the employees with the intention of motivating its employees. Uniforms: provided and maintained on the premises. One meal a day in employee dining room at no cost. Health, dental and life insurance. Employees of the month/year Manager of the quarter/year. Paid time off program used for sick pay, day off, vacation. Departmental incentives for safety/revenue generation/expense savings. Higher pay than the other hotels: Salary increases will occur on a schedule for Union employees, or annually for non- union employees. The Saint Paul Hotel will reward longevity with a watch for five years and a diamond pin for ten years. That diamond pin then has a new jewel set in it at each subsequent five year interval. After twenty years with the Hotel, a pin would have a diamond, a ruby and a sapphire. The Saint Paul Hotel prefers to promote from within whenever possible. However, this can be frustrating because often employees assume they are entitled to promotion based on seniority. Sometimes attendance/performance issues preclude allowing transfers or promotions. Sometimes lack of required experience interferes. While the Saint Paul Hotel trains many individuals in their jobs, even if they have had no experience, certain jobs (sales, accounting, etc.) require a certain level of expertise that must be grown into, as opposed to handed over (Personnel Communication, October 25, 2001). As said by Maslov (1943), there are various needs, that when fulfilled, create a motivated spirit and environment to work in. Saint Paul’s hotel is providing their employees with various benefits and perks. It can be seen that basic psychological needs are being fulfilled. By doing so, the basic level of motivation is instilled. Safety needs, being the second level of Mallow’s Hierarchy of needs, is also being given, in the form of health, dental and life insurance. By doing so, it is visible that the hotel cares about its employees and their well being. Gina Soucheray, training and employee development manager at the Saint Paul Hotel, stated that â€Å"right now we continue to look at how to get better support in the transportation process. However, nowadays we would like every employee to take the bus. We are looking at providing a better support structure for people who have to 29 take the bus or people who have to drive. Moreover, we are looking for the opportunit y for childcare for both union and non-union employees. That’s two key things right now transportation and childcare. We have a lot of employees who have problems with a good childcare system and we have a candidate who has come down to fill out memo about not enough parking space what we should do, and who’s going to pay for parking† (Personnel Communication, October 25, 2001). This is the extent to which Saint Pauls hotel engages itself in employee satisfaction, which is grounds for motivation. CONCLUSION TEAMWORK Teamwork is a wide field of study. In this report, two aspects of teamwork have been dealt with. These aspects are creative innovation and cultural aspects. A GAP analysis has been shown by applying views of established authors, like Hoegl and Gemuenden, Hofstede and Kirkman and Shapiro, to a case study of Starbucks. The importances of the two aspects shown are explained in this report. It is shown how Starbucks, being a multi-national company, promotes creative innovation from its employees. It also focuses on overcoming cultural backgrounds of individuals. Two people hailing from different backgrounds are evident not to have everything in common. The aim is to understand the other individual’s culture and needs, and to compromise. By doing so, the employees and managers of Starbucks are able to work harmoniously. MOTIVATION Today, there is an irrefutable connection between employee satisfaction and financial performance. This is based on numerous studies that support the analogue. Therefore, companies have a rare opportunity to emolument competitive leverage and contrasting by domesticate their greatest asset which is their employees. Employees are the most critical point of differentiation for any company in today’s business environment. The correlations are evident. Satisfied employees transfer their joy to attain satisfied customers, who in turn build long-term relationships, and spend more money. This presents a finding for American corporations, most of which do not utilize their employee potential to the max. A major survey conducted by the Public Agenda Forum indicates that fewer than 25 percent of American workers are working to their full potential. And 75 percent said they could be significantly more effective in their jobs than they are. Plus, 60 percent believe they don’t work as hard as they did in the past. These are not the characteristics of satisfied, engaged and happy employees. With a closer analysis of the different models mentioned in this report, and practical implication of those guidelines, would open doors to financial growth and holistic betterment of the industry. REFERENCES 1. Hoegl, M Gemuenden, H G (2001) Teamwork Quality and the Success ofinnovative Projects: A Theoretical Concept and Empirical Evidence Organization science, Vol 12, No. 4, pp 435-449. 2. Nicholson, N (1998) Encyclopedic Dictionary of Organizational Behaviour Blackwell, pp 215 3. Robbins, S P?2002?Organizational Behavior America: Prentice-Hall, pp 335 4. Assessing the Work Environment for Creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 39(5), 1154-1184. 5. Hoegl, Martin and Gemuenden, Hans Georg, 2001. Teamwork quality and the success of innovative projects Organization Science, 12(4), 435-449. 6. Hofstede, G., 1983. National Cultures in Four Dimensions. A Research-based Theory of Cultural Differences among Nations. International Studies of Management and Organization, 13(1-2), 46-74. 7. Kirkman, Bradley L. and Shapiro, Debra L., 2005, The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Multicultural Team Performance, vol. 18. Elsevier Ltd. 8. Sethi, Rajesh and Nicholson, Carolyn Y., 2001. Structural and Contextual Correlates of Charged Behavior in Product Development Teams. Journal of Product and Innovation Management, 18, 154-168 9. West, Michael A. and Anderson, Neil R., 1996. Innovation in Top Management Teams. Journal of Applied Psychology, 81(6), 680-693. 10. Amabile, Teresa M., Conti, Regina, Coon, Heather, Lazenby, Jeffrey and Herron, Michael, 1996 11. Pearce, Craig and Ensley, Michael, 2004. A reciprocal and longitudinal investigation of the innovation process. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 25, 259-278. 12. De Dreu, Carsten K. W. and West, Michael A., 2001. Minority dissent and team innovation: The importance of participation in decision making. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(6), 1191-1201. 13. Abraham Maslows book Motivation and Personality(1954), formally introduced the Hierarchy of Needs. Websites 1. http://orgsci.journal.informs.org/cgi/content/abstract/12/4/435 2. www.netmba.com 3. envisionsoftware.com/articles/Maslows_Needs_Hierarchy.html 4. envisionsoftware.com/articles/ERG_Theory.html 5. uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2002/2002petcharakp.pdf 6. employeebenefits.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?h=365;category_cs=14;link_cs=2 7. articlesbase.com/sales-articles/using-incentives-to-effectively-motivate-employees-1169188.html 8. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Motivate-Employees-Effectivelyid=1864705 9. businessballs.com/employeemotivation.htm Research Papers on Organizational Behavior Taking Motivation and Teamwork Into PerspectiveResearch Process Part OneIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseThe Project Managment Office SystemOpen Architechture a white paperInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever ProductDefinition of Export QuotasEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenBionic Assembly System: A New Concept of Self

Educational Philosophy Essay Example

Educational Philosophy Essay Example Educational Philosophy Essay Educational Philosophy Essay How do educational philosophies and theories affect the statement of purposes and goals, curriculum, instruction, and values? Educational philosophies and theories help direct teachers in formulating their statements of purposes. For example, if a teacher believes that the constructivist theory is the best, then he or she will develop their instruction around activities that allow the students to bring their own experiences to the material they are learning. The teacher contends that the learner will assimilate new material into the context of former experiences. In essence, the goals and curriculum are centered on the learner. Discussions and kinesthetic learning activities will dominate instruction. On the other hand, if a teacher holds more value in the objectivist theory, then the instruction will be centered on curriculum goals and specific objectives. For the objectivist view, the teacher contends that the learner must learn through textbooks, rather than through student experiences. If this is the case, then the teacher will have specific goals and outcomes in mind which are independent of the learner’s background knowledge. For objectivist instruction, a teacher might choose to provide direct instruction, emphasizing key concepts that the learner must know. Other classical educational philosophies like experimentalism and existentialism also shape an educator’s statement of purpose. For instance, if a teacher believes in experimentalism, then a student’s reality will be based on the experiences they bring to the classroom. Of course, those realities and experiences are always changing; therefore, the experimentalist teacher will shape lessons that prompt students to understand society and its problems. For existentialist theory, the learner is prompted to discover how they fit into society. As a result, instruction is more like constructivist instruction where the student is encouraged to discuss freely and bring individual experiences to the classroom. Regardless, how teachers want the students to see the world will shape the direction their lessons take in the classroom. Either instruction will be goal-oriented or student centered.

Seas and Oceans

Seas and Oceans Seas and oceans stretch from pole to pole and reach around the globe. They cover more than 70 percent of the Earths surface and hold in excess of 300 million cubic miles of water. The worlds oceans conceal a vast underwater landscape of submerged mountain ranges, continental shelves, and sprawling trenches. The geologic features of the sea floor include mid-ocean ridge, hydrothermal vents, trenches and island chains, continental margin, abyssal plains, and submarine canyons. Mid-ocean ridges are the most extensive mountain chains on earth, spanning some 40,000 miles across the sea floor and running along divergent plate boundaries (where tectonic plate are moving away from one another as new sea floor is being churned out from the Earths mantle). Hydrothermal vents are fissures in the sea floor that release geothermally heated water at temperatures as high as 750Â °F. They are often located near mid-ocean ridges where volcanic activity is common. The water they release is rich in minerals which precipitate out of the water to form chimneys around the vent. Trenches form on the sea floor where tectonic plates converge and one plate sinks beneath another forming deep-sea trenches. The plate that rises above the other at the convergence point is pushed upward and can form a series of volcanic islands. Continental margins frame continents and stretch outward from dry land to abyssal plains. Continental margins consists of three regions, the continental shelf, slope, and rise. An abyssal plain is an expanses of sea floor that begins where the continental rise ends and extends outward in flat, often featureless plain. Submarine canyons form on continental shelves where large rivers run out to sea. The water flow causes erosion of the continental shelf and digs out deep canyons. Sediments from this erosion are dumped out over the continental slope and rise onto the abyssal plain forming a deep-sea fan (similar to an alluvial fan). Seas and oceans are diverse and dynamic- the water they hold transmits vast amounts of energy and drives the worlds climate. The water they hold sways to the rhythms of waves and tides and moves in vast currents that circle the globe. Since the ocean habitat is so extensive, it may be broken down into several smaller habitats: inshore waters - the shallowest areas of the oceans that line coastal areas, formed by continental shelves. open sea - the vast deep waters of the oceans The open sea is a stratified habitat, with light filtering down a mere 250 meters, creating a rich habitat where algae and planktonic animals thrive. This region of the open sea is referred to as the surface layer. The lower layers, the midwater, the abyssal zone, and the seabed, are shrouded in darkness. Animals of Seas and Oceans Life on earth first evolved in the oceans and developed there for most of evolutionary history. It is only recently, geologically speaking, that life has emerged from the sea and flourished on land. The animal inhabitants of seas and oceans range in size from microscopic plankton to massive whales.

The Impact of Multinationals on Economic Growth and Prosperity in Essay

The Impact of Multinationals on Economic Growth and Prosperity in Developing Countries - Essay Example This essay offers a comprehensive review of the influence, exerted by multinational companies, on the growth of developing economies. In the paper, four examples of successful beneficial co-operation between Indian government and multinational companies are provided. Globalisation leads to liberalisation. In economic terminology, governments use the term liberalisation to indicate an open economy system. Governments attract FDI through attractive incentives and subsidies. Multinationals are encouraged to invest and produce goods and services for local and external consumption. There is an unimpeded flow of goods and services between economic jurisdictions. Multinational companies in their activities look for political stability, a strong skilled workforce, and profits, as prerogatives for investment. Countries that attract such investors look at capital investment flow, equity participation, and employment benefits for its workforce. Consumers also benefit from quality international products at low costs. The topic of globalisation became intense in 1990s, when major players began to debate on the benefits developing countries could have from it. Most third world countries were under pressure to clear debts, intense illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and infrastructural development. Most experts were unanimous that most developing countries required foreign direct investment to bail them out of their debts. This could be done only if the countries were willing to share the fruits of investment and provide equal leverage.

Atomic Weight of Magnesium Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Atomic Weight of Magnesium - Lab Report Example The ChemLab was used to simulate the reaction involving Magnesium and Hydrochloric acid, which produced hydrogen gas, magnesium and chloride ions. By measuring the amount of gas produced, the molecular weight of Magnesium was calculated. Using ChemLab, 30 ml 2M HCl was added to 300 ml H2O. 10 mg Magnesium was then added to the solution. After measuring the amount of Hydrogen produced, the molecular weight (grams per mole) of Magnesium was calculated. The calculation of the molecular weight using the weight of magnesium and the amount of hydrogen gas released was facilitated by the used of the balanced equation describing the reaction between magnesium and HCl: This means that a mole of magnesium needs two moles of HCl to produce a mole of hydrogen gas, a mole of magnesium ion, and a mole of chloride ion. This direct relation is applicable only when the parameter compared is the

Looking for Parity in the Gender Pay Gap Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Looking for Parity in the Gender Pay Gap - Essay Example The gender pay gap remains a major hindrance to gender equality. There are a number of theoretical explanations of this phenomenon that help identify the various forces contributing to the gender segregation process. These theories can be classified into three: institutional, structural, and individual. This essay discusses these three theories, but it is the contention of the author that no particular explanation is adequate to completely give explanation for the presence of gender segregation. Every theory provides a distinctive explanation of how gender segregation works. The first section briefly discusses the historical roots of gender pay gap, particularly in the UK. The discussion then focuses on the theories, the supply- and demand-side. Basically, this essay critically assesses the argument that gender pay gap is fair in that it reflects the differing work and care priorities of men and women. Historical Roots of Gender Pay Gap In the 1940s, the post-war welfare state in the UK was rooted in the idea that men are the breadwinner while women are the housekeepers. Both the occupational system and the benefit system relied on this idea of a male breadwinner. Nevertheless, the idea was subjected to heavy scrutiny in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by the evolving labour market conditions and by the demands of the Women’s Movement (Bagilhole, 2009, p. 11).... The differences between the occupational profile of men and women, the comparative gap between full-time and part-time employment, and the level of participation of women in the labour market are commonly emphasised as having a considerable effect on the GPG (Grimshaw & Rubery, 2007; Blau & Kahn, 2001). The discourse on the importance of individual objectives against structural limitations has an extensive history in the social sciences. This section discusses two theories of gender wage inequality: Hakim’s Preference theory/Rational Choice and the Human Capital theory. Hakim disputes what she believes is the prevailing feminist perspective on the patterns of female employment. She believes that part-time employment or career breaks are decisions made by women willingly because of their obligations at home and the inadequate availability of childcare services (Davis, Evans, & Lorber, 2006). Instead, the underprivileged position of women in the labour market manifests the conse quences of their changing work preferences. Hakim explains that both men and women are the driving forces in their own lives, hence â€Å"self-classification as a primary earner or secondary earner is determined by chosen identities, rather than imposed by external circumstance or particular jobs† (Davis et al., 2006, p. 255). Basically, the core assumption of Hakim is that the employment experiences of women are mostly the outcome of these women’s decisions. Hakim illustrates, more accurately, that part-time employment is preferred by women, referred to as ‘grateful slaves’, mostly committed to their domestic obligations. On the contrary, ‘self-made women’,

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Research Paper

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning - Research Paper Example Although the disorder is present in both sexes, it is most common in males. ADHD is a disorder where the child has problems with being highly impulsive, exhibiting over-activity or inattentiveness, or some combination of these three aspects (PubMed Health). ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children and the most well studied (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 1). Children with ADHD tend to have a much higher level of activity than normal children and often act impulsively. The principle of ADHD is heavily debated, as all children show some degree of this behavior, especially in early age (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 15-16). ADHD is a complex disorder and the exact symptoms that children show can differ significantly from one another (Lougy and Rosenthal 22). This case study considers Alice, a ten-year-old girl who has ADHD and experiences considerable learning difficulties and problems establishing friendships as the result of this disorder. Literature Review Diagnosis of ADHD ADHD has a range of symptoms, which are generally grouped into three categories. These are impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and lack of attention. There are nine diagnostic symptoms for inattentiveness, five for hyperactivity and three for impulsivity. ADHD is a difficult disorder to diagnose, as many of the behaviors can be associated with other conditions as well as normal behaviors that occur as part of childhood. The complexity of the symptoms means that there are many children who are incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD, and others who have ADHD but have not been diagnosed. One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that the symptoms are only evident at some points in time, most commonly during school hours. A child with ADHD generally does not show the symptoms during a physician’s visit, and so other people must be the source of this information (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 5). In fact, children are often first diagnosed with ADHD when they enter school because many of the behaviors associated with ADHD do not appear to be abnormal without the increased demands on attention, sitting still and following a direction that is present in the school environment (Lougy and Rosenthal 22). In addition, ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders, and some of the behavioral symptoms that are part of ADHD also occur as part of other disorders (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 20).To assist in diagnosis; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines. That child has at least six symptoms from either impulsivity and hyperactivity, or six from the attention category, some of which began prior to seven years of age.

Sustainable Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sustainable Development - Essay Example This paper seeks to discuss how the potential impacts of climate change affect approaches to development and sustainability. Climate change and sustainable development relate in that; climate change is a natural science, driven process while sustainable development is a social and political science, driven process. The impacts of climate change have interfered with the approach towards sustainable development; this is because the discussions on the global context features issues of adaptation concerns while the impacts of climate change take place at the local level. Communities from different geographical areas, which experience drastic effects of climate change, should participate in the implementation process of international policy that is directed towards development and sustainability. Understandably, enough the impact of climate change, which essentially brings about social inequalities, can only be addressed if equity and justice are observed when implementing remedial measur es. An immediate mobilization of political and financial wills, to address climate change is not possible since the impacts of climate change are not readily felt or experienced. ... The above issues are problems in developing countries because of their â€Å"climate sensitive economies and concentrations of urban poor† (Osbahr 3). The impact of climate change affects the natural resources, which developing countries rely on for survival, and thus hinders the approaches geared towards development and sustainability. The impact of climate change has made livelihoods come up with multiple ways that would aid in bringing about sustainable development. A further analysis reveals that the autonomous adaptation designed to instigate sustainable development is inhibited with issues of â€Å"poverty, poor infrastructure and market opportunities†, these are impacts of climate change. It is important for national government eyeing to implement adaptive strategies that will enhance sustainable development to learn from local experiences. Additionally, impacts in climate change call for studies to be conducted with the objective of establishing how best adaptiv e strategies would work. The study is conducted by asking the question â€Å"is it possible to characterize successful adaptation actions that reduce livelihood and community vulnerability to climate-related disaster and climate change and variability?† (Osbahr 8). The extent to which a livelihood will cope and adapt depends on the vulnerability of the livelihood to the climate change. Furthermore, the results realized from the adaptive projects should reduce the impact on climate change, not reduce the chances of sustainable development. For instance, â€Å"success should reduce risks, not reduce future options, and build livelihood resilience† (Osbahr 8). Sustainable

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Research Paper

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning - Research Paper Example Although the disorder is present in both sexes, it is most common in males. ADHD is a disorder where the child has problems with being highly impulsive, exhibiting over-activity or inattentiveness, or some combination of these three aspects (PubMed Health). ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children and the most well studied (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 1). Children with ADHD tend to have a much higher level of activity than normal children and often act impulsively. The principle of ADHD is heavily debated, as all children show some degree of this behavior, especially in early age (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 15-16). ADHD is a complex disorder and the exact symptoms that children show can differ significantly from one another (Lougy and Rosenthal 22). This case study considers Alice, a ten-year-old girl who has ADHD and experiences considerable learning difficulties and problems establishing friendships as the result of this disorder. Literature Review Diagnosis of ADHD ADHD has a range of symptoms, which are generally grouped into three categories. These are impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and lack of attention. There are nine diagnostic symptoms for inattentiveness, five for hyperactivity and three for impulsivity. ADHD is a difficult disorder to diagnose, as many of the behaviors can be associated with other conditions as well as normal behaviors that occur as part of childhood. The complexity of the symptoms means that there are many children who are incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD, and others who have ADHD but have not been diagnosed. One of the difficulties in diagnosing ADHD is that the symptoms are only evident at some points in time, most commonly during school hours. A child with ADHD generally does not show the symptoms during a physician’s visit, and so other people must be the source of this information (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 5). In fact, children are often first diagnosed with ADHD when they enter school because many of the behaviors associated with ADHD do not appear to be abnormal without the increased demands on attention, sitting still and following a direction that is present in the school environment (Lougy and Rosenthal 22). In addition, ADHD often co-occurs with other disorders, and some of the behavioral symptoms that are part of ADHD also occur as part of other disorders (Myayes, Bagwell and Erkulwater 20).To assist in diagnosis; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines. That child has at least six symptoms from either impulsivity and hyperactivity, or six from the attention category, some of which began prior to seven years of age.

Recommendation to purchase Southwest Airlines Research Paper

Recommendation to purchase Southwest Airlines - Research Paper Example It is not long ago in 2002, when United Airlines, in the wake of the downturn resulting from the September 11 attacks, was forced to file for bankruptcy. Further, American airlines is operating currently with over $18 billion debt in its balance sheets. During the concluding financial year, the three biggest airlines in the United States have posted combined losses to the tune of $15 billion. This is huge considering the millions of money belonging to shareholders, which is at stake (Kevin Freiberg, 2006). In contrast, Southwest airlines have earned a profit of $178 million in 2008, although this figure is substantially less in comparison to the preceding year (decline by 72.4%). As such, the airline happens to be one of the few airlines to post a profit despite the problems being faced in the sector. this puts its profit at a much larger margin than the performances of all the other airlines put together. In terms of passenger traffic, the airline boarded more than $88 million passengers, a figure which has not been surpassed by any other airline, as per the figures from the Department of Transportation. However, it must be pointed out that Southwest is still placed 7th in terms of revenue with close to $11 billion in 2008 (Charles OReilly, 2005). When considered in tersm of its fleet size, southwest emerges the front runner and is capable to carry more passengers especially when including even its overseas routes. All along, especially since the period after the terrorist attacks in 2001, industry analysts have been constantly questioning whether Southwest would be in a position to maintain its upward trajectory. However, it must be recognized that despite the recent decline in sales, Southwest is among the very few airlines that has posted a profit when other carriers are experiencing both decline in sales as well as passenger volumes (Kevin Freiberg, 2006). It is therefore no surprise that Southwest has time and again managed to be included in

The Origin of Theatre Essay Example for Free

The Origin of Theatre Essay â€Å"It is unlikely that anyone will ever know just how theatre emerged† (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 3). Though there is little certain evidence, strong indications, scattered throughout our history, point to theatre finding its origins in the ancient rituals of shamanism. One might argue that theatre finds its origins quite clearly in ancient Greek theatre seeing as they have many written and still surviving plays and strong standing theatres, but George Freedley (1941) would argue otherwise. The oldest records of plays, stage directions and possibly even scripts are found not in ancient Greece but in Egypt, and they date back till as early as 4000 B. C. in examples of drama such as the Pyramid Texts (Freedley, 1941: 2). We can even directly link Egyptian and Greek performance by noting that a historian of the theatre, Herodotus, recorded â€Å"the religious festivals and the origin of the worship of Dionysos(sic) which was later to be transferred to the dramatic festivals in Greece† (Freedley, 1941: 1). This suggests that theatre as we know it actually finds its roots in ancient Egyptian festivals and dramas preformed in celebration of the gods. A common element seen in both Egyptian and Greek culture, be it on stage or not, is the ritualistic nature of their performances. This fact suggests that the origin of their version of performance and theatre is found in ritual and its significant role in society. â€Å" the earliest information about the presence of such drama comes from the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean, most notably Egypt† (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 6). As the quote suggests, ritual as a means of drama is found all over the world, but clearly not in the same form as ancient Greek and Egyptian theatre. Therefore, one must look for other examples of ritualistic practises and performance in the world that predate even these ancient cultures. Left is but one known possible source from which theatre may have evolved; shamanism. To add, there are many similarities between recorded and modern theatre, and shamanistic ritual and the belief itself. Firstly, the definition of  Shamanism is: Shamanism can be defined as a family of traditions whose practitioners focus on voluntarily entering altered states of consciousness in which they experience themselves or their spirit(s), travelling to other realms at will, and interacting with other entities in order to serve their community (Walsh, 1990: 15). Further more, it is also important to note that shamanism is not a religion which adheres to specific rules of practise, it is rather a method used to interact with the spirit world (Harner, cited in Walsh, 1982: 12). For this reason we can at least theorise that shamanism and its traits, however few in common, may be the inspiration for later religious and/or non-religious beliefs and customs involving forms of theatre and performance. Greek theatre for example shares many similar traits with shamanism as seen in the following quote: In all three types of drama, tragedy, satyr plays and comedy, the actors were heavily disguised, much more than in the modern theatre. This was due not only to the fact that the female roles were played by men, but ultimately had its roots in religion. A complete disguise was the external sign that the actor had given up his own identity in honour of the god, in order to let another being speak and act through him. Dionysus, for whom the dramas were preformed, was the god of ecstasy. The word á ¼â€ÃŽ ºÃÆ'Ï„Î ±ÃÆ'ÃŽ ¹Ãâ€š means ‘standing outside oneself’; in other words the renunciation of individuality. An important medium for this in all three drama types was the mask. Simon, 1972: 10) When compared to shamanism we see that, as in ancient Greek theatre, the use of attire other than the common dress of the shaman was thought to be essential in the rituals they preformed. Whether the ritualistic costume is extreme clothing or even ritualistic nudity (as in the case of the Eskimo shamans), the important point is that whilst a shaman is wearing his everyday clothing, the experience will not take p lace (Eliade, 1964: 146). We also see that the trance-like state achieved allows for the shaman/performer to channel spirits so that they may communicate and act through him, however this does not necessarily mean that the subject is ‘possessed’. Although shamans are thought to be capable of allowing and inducing the possession of their bodies by spirits, their dealings with spirits primarily involve them ‘wielding’ the spirits with which they are dealing (Eliade, 1964: 15). Lastly, the ancient Greek dramas were performed in honour of the god Dionysus, the god of ecstasy. This is important to note as shamanistic practises are defined by the ecstatic experience a shaman induces as he engages in a trance through which his soul ‘journeys’ and leaves his body so that he may communicate with the spirits (Eliade, 1964: 15). In relation to modern theatre, shamans are known to have undergone not dissimilar training from modern day actors and performers in order to acquire many of the same abilities which are commonly used in theatrical performance. In order to induce the altered state desired shamans have been known to use techniques such as singing, dancing, and drumming (Walsh, 1990: 142). Shamans have even been described as â€Å"singers, magicians, actors and ventriloquists† (Thurn, cited in Narby Huxley, 2001: 43). Though the training a shaman endures is much more demanding and can even be physically damaging, such as when using techniques like self-induced vomiting, feigning nervous fits, and fainting (Levi-Strauss, cited in Walsh, 1972: 102-103), there is still a clear similarity in the level of discipline required of shamans and modern day performers to master their craft. The act of transformation, the ritualistic dress, the rigorous training, and the natural skill required to become a shaman are all traits which we today link to theatre and what is required of its performers, providing a strong indication that shamanism is indeed where it all started. Trying to search further back than this leaves one with little more to work with than what one might all ‘educated guesses’ as to what may have sparked its creation. A popular theory is that theatrical actions were the means by which we communicated before language had sufficiently developed as to convey detailed messages to one-another. As language became a human tool, early nomadic societies were still concerned with the needs of survival. Theatrical elements entered into the conveying of these needs among members of the group itself (Grose Kenworthy, 1985: 4). This theory can of course not be tested or proven, but nor can it be isproven, and therefore it holds weight relative to the view point of the researcher. The origins of theatre are hard to trace, as the pieces evidence to suggest where it truly came from are few and far between. However, based on accounts which have survived through history such as those mentioned above, and the clear similarities between Shamanism, shamanistic ritual and the theatre throughout history, it becomes clear that Shamanism is the most likely origin of theatre as we know it today.