Business management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Business management - Essay Example Luckily, the company I wish to work for i.e. GE was not on that list and the ethical report from GE as well as other data gathered from secondary sources about GE show that the company is on rather well footings when it comes to ethics. To conduct the audit, the first source was GE’s own report on their corporate ethics and their citizenship in terms of being a part of the business world (GE, 2006). As discussed by Carmichael et. al. (2008), elements such as ethical values, baseline ethics, social expectations and stakeholder analysis were used to create an ethical audit on the position of GE and to understand their current standings with regard to ethics. Additionally, secondary sources were also used that show that GE still has some trouble with regard to ethical treatment of certain minority employees which shows that there is room for improvement. The company itself is well esteemed and held in high esteem by business analysts as well as CEOs of other companies (Demos, 2006). It has a long history of global operations and has excellent in many sectors and fields of business such as administration, human resources management. According to Welch (2005), a large part of this admiration comes from the manner in which GE handles its business aspects of good leadership coming from the highest end of the company and the process of creating positive motivation for the employees of the organisation. As a global player, GE is certainly a giant with a history that goes back to the invention of the light bulb at the hands of Edison. Today, GE is the name given to a large group of companies work under the same umbrella with eleven different concerns. From finance, to technology to aviation to manufacturing, GE engages in a variety of business which require a large number of employees spread across the globe. More than 300,000 employees in a 150 countries work for the company with a unified system that has been

Pathological rationalism Essay Example for Free

Pathological rationalism Essay Perhaps being rational is relating a reason for a certain action. It is the act of trying to put meaning on an occurrence by which the details, the actions and the responses are being noted to make a sound conclusion. On the other hand, the term pathological implies that something is unreasonable or uncontrollable. When both terms are combined, it would simply mean extreme reasoning or uncontrollable act of putting reasons for a certain act. A situation wherein pathological reasoning is observed is when celebrities like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan are being followed by the media men only to cite their day to day activities that had caused them to be sued, imprisoned or accused of certain crimes that I think are not significant to the society of America or even the showbiz world. Like when Britney Spears shoved off her hair and when Paris Hilton was imprisoned because of disobeying traffic rules, I was thinking, what was with it that is worth the time and effort of the media men and its audience? Is it just for the laughter or do these media people recognize that there is more need in making the youth aware of their responsibilities to the state. All throughout the world, the media had been reiterating the situations of the three only to let the others know how tragic these young stars had evolved. For all we know, these three have been in the industry for so long, that their teenage and child lives had been opened to the public, and now, the media portrays that these â€Å"innocent-before† faces can go astray. The media only gives the youth the idea of becoming wild, law breakers and for some overly liberated women. If I am to be ask on what to so with these, it can be a good solution that the media features people that are with good background in order to enlighten the youth’s mind that they will be able to know the right things to do growing up and being given greater responsibilities as their age are being increased. Instead of featuring blunt and bad personalities, I think it will be better if there will be more issues on personalities that do charity works and other noble works.

Analysis of The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers :: Carson McCullers Literature Love Essays

Analysis of The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers is a story of love illustrated through the romantic longings and attractions of the three eccentric characters; Miss Amelia, Cousin Lymon, and Marvin Macy. McCullers depicts love as a force, often strong enough to change people's attitudes and behaviors. Yet, the author seems to say, if the love is unrequited, individuals, having lost their motivation to change, will revert back to their true selves. The allure of the different characters, which is never revealed by the author, seems to indicate that feelings of love and attraction are not necessarily reasonable or understandable to others.Miss Amelia is self-reliant, outspoken and very much a loner. She stands six foot one inch tall and has a strong, masculine build. Her grey eyes are crossed, and the rest of her features are equally unattractive. Yet, the people of the small, southern town of Cheehaw accept her quirkiness because of the equisite wine that she sells in her store and for her free doctoring and homemade remedies. Still, everyone is shocked when the handsome outlaw, Marvin Macy, falls in love with her.Marvin is a "bold, fearless, and cruel" man who changes his unlawful ways to win Miss Amelia's love. Rather than robbing houses he begins attending church services on Sunday mornings. In an effort to court Miss Amelia, he learns proper etiquette, such as "rising and giving his chair to a lady, and abstaining from swearing and fighting". Two years after Marvin's reformation, he asks Miss Amelia to marry him. Miss Amelia does not love him but agrees to the marriage in order to satisfy her great-aunt. Once married, Miss Amelia is very aloof towards her husband and refuses to engage in marital relations with him. After ten days, Miss Amelia ends the marriage because she finds that she is unable to generate any positive feelings for Marvin. Several months after the divorce, Marvin reverts back to his initial corrupt ways and is "sent to a state penitentiary for robbing filling stations and holding up A & P stores".Just as love had changed Marvin, so too did it change Miss Amelia. In the mid 1930's, several years after Miss Amelia's divorce, Lymon, a hunchback, comes to Miss Amelia claiming to be a distant cousin. She readily provides Cousin Lymon with food and board, and eventually any material object that he desires.

Popular Music and Lyrics in the 1950’s and Today Essay

Music has been known to express ideas in human emotion; music can be a release from the hectic world. But people in the 50’s did not sit back and relax to the sound of â€Å"Feel It N*gga† by 50 cent. In fact, the type of songs that 50 cent sings is far from what people in the 50’s used to listen to. Even though some elements of music haven’t changed such as pace and sentimentality in love songs, many styles of music have evolved into more aggressive lyrics and/or very explicit and vulgar wording to fit some American cultures in the year 2006. Words like â€Å"nigger†, the involvement of sexual intercourse, and the presence of violence has manifested itself into songs today, unlike the older musical generation. One of the very little unchanged aspects of music is the pace of love songs. Love songs have two kinds of pace: fast and slow. An example of a fast paced song in the 50’s is the song by The Platters, â€Å"The Magic Touch†. This song combined the thrill of love and a fast catchy pace. This ingenious aspect is also apparent in the song by Vanessa Carlton, â€Å"A Thousand Miles†. The pace for this song is even faster than â€Å"The Magic Touch† and it is seasoned with the playing of the violin, the second fastest played instrument known to man. Another bridge between the 50’s and today is the slow pace in other love songs. In the 50’s, â€Å"Only You† by the Righteous Brothers, the pace is slow. This is evident due to the chord put in C minor which is a line of successive notes that are use as a calming remedy. In Celine Dion’s song â€Å"My Heart Will Go On†, she prolongs the final notes in order to slow the pace. The use of the flute which calms or soothes the melody of the song also aids in the slowing of the pace or tempo. Although there are some similarities the differences out-weigh them by a great deal. In the 50’s, aggression was never used in song; it would be banned by the church and labeled as songs of the devil, because of the religious innocence in that time period. It would also be banned by the government because it did not uplift the mood and morale of the veterans who had suffered mentally and physically in World War II. On the other hand, today aggression is greatly used in many examples of music, such as DMX’s previous song â€Å"Blood of my Blood†, where he uses the quote â€Å"whitey wants die why you wanna try â€Å". This quote is aggression directed at white Americans  due to the racial discrimination in the past. One of the few similarities in music from the 50’s and the music today is the sentimentality in love songs. In the song by the Righteous Brothers â€Å"Only you†, it is very sentimental; it signifies the singer’s untold love to someone. The words â€Å"Only you can make this world seem right† explain the extreme sentimental feelings for that person because of the over romanticized imagery. Today we also have very sentimental songs such as the musical number by Mariah Carey â€Å"Life Ain’t Worth Liven Without You†. Here even the title of the song is enough to show the sentimentality that is expressed in this song. Finally, one important difference is censorship. In the 50’s it was impossible to find a song with explicit language, but today, songs are crammed with provocative language and subjects that can be offensive to many people. For example, the lyrics by Ludicrous in his song the 411 † I got h*s in different area codes â€Å"or in the song â€Å"Colt 45†³ by Afroman stating† I got a box o weed and a bottle of wine I’m gonna f*ck This b*tch just one more time†. Such profane language would never have been used in the 50’s. One would notice that there are more women’s rights today than in the 50’s, yet such profanity, which may be viewed as offensive in a feminist point of view, is still sold today. In conclusion, the musical styles and rudiments of North American music have been vastly changed to reflect some aspects of U.S society today. Musical aspects such as pace and sentimentality in love songs may not have changed; however, many styles of music, in comparison to the 50’s, have evolved into more aggressive or vulgar lyrics. Simple fast tempo music can no longer elevate the mood of the majority, and the vast differences will only change even more in the years to come. In the 50’s a simple â€Å"AWAP BA DA LU BOP A WAM BAM BOOM† was the essence of music that was â€Å"hip† .Today, very large amplifiers are used to magnify the sounds of â€Å"cool† lyrics.

Britain & Euro reivised

This paper looks at the definition euro, its origin, implications and reasons why it Britain should join it or not. There are benefits of Britain will gain by joining the euro rather greater than staying away. These include improved living standards, access to larger market, stabilization of prices, minimization of exchange risks and business risks, reduction of effect of investment loss and influence in the European Union. On the hand joining the euro may bring about difficulty in integrating to single currency, low flexibility in labor and migration movement as well as financial burden to be incurred when joining the euro.Thus it is better to join than to avoid. THE EURO AND BRITAIN The euro is the official name of the single currency which became operational from January 1, 1999. Then it became the official currency for thirteen countries in Europe referred as Euro zone or Euro Area. The name â€Å"euro† was adopted in December 1995 at the European Union Council of Minister s meeting in Madrid. The symbol for the euro was derived from the Greek letter epsilon. First letter E refers to Europe while Greece represents the origin of European civilization. The horizontal parallel lines in the euro symbol stands for stability.Banks started depositing cash in Euro currencies that is the euro time deposits of cash held outside the country of its origin in a banking system (Banking glossary 2006; European economic & monetary union, 2008 The introduction of the euro is of great significance to Europe because since the collapse of the Roman Empire there has been no common currency in Europe, trade with different currencies was difficult and travelers had additional fees when exchanging the currencies. There was a risk to the investors because there was unexpected profit that can turn into loss if the exchange rate fluctuated.Hence, the need for a common currency which will facilitate trade in Europe (Mitropolitski, 2003) Common currency makes EU foreign investors reduce risks for their investments. The market enlarges and the regional price imbalances are rectified. Consumers will have common currency to measure the different goods and services and the people from the Euro area feel closer and build a common identity. They have demonstrated that people can come together without foreign influence. The Euro is then counterweight to the US dollar in foreign exchange (Mitropolitski, 2003)The history of producing European currency as a financial pillar of EU is quite recent. In the Treaty of Rome (1957) that was the foundation of EU did not mention common currency. But subsequent Acts of 1986 and 1992 became the foundation of a single currency. From January 1, 1999 the Euro was introduced (Mitropolitski, 2003) The implication of changing to Euro is diverse as the benefits of joining it. By having a single currency, the European Economic Monetary Union (EMU) members aim at promoting a single European market, similar in the size to that of US mark et.By combing these countries like Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain under one European market the economy is capable of growing at a faster rate. This means increased job opportunities and a higher standard of living. Bowman 1999 The nationals in the countries had to shift their loyalties to the euro. Since people are usually emotionally attached to their money and feelings of nationalism being involved this would differ from country to country in varying degrees (Bowman, 1999)The businesses will have noticeable changes to the way they will conduct their business such that there should be transparent prices. Consumers will have easy choice to compare prices in different countries and businesses which used to exploit the difference in currency values through price discrimination will have to contend pricing in euros. Businesses will have to restructure their pricing policies for a much wider markets (Bowman 1 999). The euro will accelerate business efficiency; company costs will be reduced, consumers will enjoy low and stable price. Individual countries made specific adjustment in order to benefit e. g.adjusting their expenditure and taxes. Germany had to take economic measures by limiting their fiscal stimulatory policy when economic growth was slow while unemployment rate increased. These measures were taken in order to harmonize their economies and make it less risky to function under one currency (Bowman 1999). There were complex logistical problems which Europeans had to overcome in adjusting to the euro such as the financial institutions had to change their systems and train staff. Prices had to be adjusted in euros when national currencies were still circulating for three more years after introduction of virtual currencies.Parking meters, vending and cash machines had to be converted for the introduction of euro notes and coins (Bowman 1999). Other service sectors had changed thei r system operations e. g. Mail services printed new stamps and revenue collection and payment done new tax forms as well as in advertisement campaigns. However, it took more time before consumers and businesses had completely adjusted following their countries giving out authority on the exchange rate and monetary policies under one currency (Bowman 1999) For US companies doing business in Europe, the shift to euros brought many changes i.e. Business operation became easier and cost-effective, especially those with branches in Europe. They now have a larger market, consumers and customers billed in dollars were least affected by the change but as the euro's role grows internationally, pressure may be put on US companies to start pricing in euros. Then they would have to start absorbing the exchange rate costs and risks that their customers had experienced. Although doing business in Europe by American companies’ became easier competition increased as well (Bowman 1999). There are arguments for and against Britain joining the euro.We will first look at the reasons why the British should join. This is because in 1956 Britain failed to join the European Common Market and its economy failed to grow compared to other countries like France and Germany. When it later joined in 1973 the economy grew but did not close the gap between the Britain and those which entered earlier. The benefit of Britain joining the European market through the euro will be largely affected by the access in which it will enjoy of having large market and large economies of scale. In this case trade barriers are eliminated.The products of British companies will be able to reach a wide selection of clientele and operate in large scale. This will contribute to producing goods more efficiently as seen in United States. The companies will restructure and merge in order to benefit from single market and single currency. The large market will also make it easier for medium sized companies to get cheaper intermediate goods and raw materials from a wide range of suppliers (Layard et al. , 2002). Although Britain joined the free trade market it really did not make a single market because of different currencies used by those countries.Hence, prices of goods varied considerably between and within countries. For example, United Sates and Canada have a common language and culture but they have different currencies. Prices of goods vary significantly in US and Canada than between provinces in Canada. This makes the markets of these two countries significantly different mainly due to currencies (Layard et al. , 2002). When Britain joins the single currency market its nationals and companies will enjoy wide variety of goods and services at cheaper value. The living standards of consumers will improve.For an economy to grow of such nature like that of Britain there is need of single currency. This is because Britain has high tradable sector to European market. The single currenc y will have great effect on its economy. For example, before the introduction of euro in 1999, in the previous year, Britain had high percentage trading between countries of Euro Area. However, after the other counties joined the trade exchange of Britain decreased by -1% between 1998 and 2001 while those of countries in the Euro Area increased by 20%.See the table below (Layard et al. , 2002). Single currency is quite significant in trade and productivity because it leads to absence in currency fluctuation. Companies are able to restructure their systems so that they can achieve maximum efficiency and improve their productivity. Also single currency will ensure there is price transparency. Companies will have to change the price of their goods across all countries which may be relatively stable. Otherwise customers of business and consumers will cross the border for buying and shopping their merchandise.This will result in public outcry and a response will be inevitable. Thus, it w ill stimulate productivity of companies (Layard et al. , 2002). In joining the euro, capital market integration will occur and barriers between capital markets will breakdown. This is different from where previously companies within individual countries will hold their assets and liquidity in the same currency. But with the introduction of euro companies can invest across EU countries which will definitely stimulate productivity (Layard et al., 2002). The floating pound poses a disadvantage to British companies since the pound will fluctuate against the euro. This will make businesses lose profit and may later degenerate into bankruptcy. Their profitability will fluctuate with fluctuation of exchange rate thereby increasing business risk for exporters and importers. The companies cannot insure their companies against such risks in case they would want to invest in other EU countries where there is uncertainty in quantities and prices of goods to be sold.Therefore British companies w ill have to sell its goods in euro rather than in pounds (Layard et al. , 2002). The uncertainty in exchange rate deters the formation of unified market and investment. This is because of arbitrary fluctuation of exchange rates over a period of time against the allowable adjustment margin. This brings about economic shock where the independent exchange rate cannot offset. The dysfunctional movement of exchange rate will impact negatively on the economy because of large tradable sector compared to a large economy (Layard et al., 2002). The disadvantage of floating exchange rate may escalate making it unattractive of which it will continue to do so as a result of capital markets being integrated and more liquid. Optimal currency size is a reflection of balance between the benefit of independent interest rates and exchange rates in economic adjustment. But the danger lies in the flexibility of exchange rate which may induce economic shock or the larger financial markets integrating and becoming more liquid (Layard et al. , 2002).Britain has to join the euro because it trades more with it than any other country in the world. For example it trades three times more than in USA which is the second largest trading partner. See the table below showing trading shares in percentage for year 2000 It also necessary for Britain to join because of the currency for which goods and services traded is invoiced. For instance 44% are invoiced in pounds, 32% in US dollars and 20% in euros. Therefore to minimize exchange rate risks it will be important to join the euro rather than the dollar (Layard et al. , 2002).Britain stands to lose it investment from foreign investors who not only target sales in Britain but also Euro zone. Most companies will want to avoid currency risk associated with exchange rate e. g. Toyota and Nissan companies have intended to relocate to Euro area. The risk of London as a hub of business transaction associated with its dominance in bonds, mergers and a cquisition will be experienced if they do not join because the European Central Bank located in Frankfurt in which Finance ministers from Euro countries make decision that affect the whole of EU members can do so in their favor (Layard et al., 2002). Britain also stands to lose its influence in European economic decisions if it opts to stay out of the euro. This is because they view US influence to EU through Britain will be lost. But the fact remains that they can only influence more when they are inside than out. Layard et al (2002) explains a number of reasons for not joining the euro. These are; by joining euro, Britain will not fit well since its economy is more related to US than the rest of Europe. The single currency will require enormous European budget.The labor market will respond differently than the present because it will be less flexible and migration will be lower. Britain will lose the economic importance of exporting oil to European market. The euro will link Brita in to a failing economy because it will be surpassed by other countries. The tax policy of Britain will be altered and that the British financial system is different from the rest of Europe hence making single currency policy difficult. Lastly, Europe’s pension liabilities which are unfunded will be borne by Britain is unnecessary. CONCLUSIONThe above discussion gives elaborate reasons for which Britain will have to join rather than avoid. Since the world economy is going through transformation, the European Union economy has great impact to Britain economy. So it will be of best interest for Britain to join the euro. REFERENCES Banking glossary. Definition. 2006. 16 April 2008 Banking glossary. Euro currencies. 2006. 16 April 2008 Bowman, Jennifer J. Economic Implications. Ed. 1999. Western Pennsylvania International Business Newsletter. 16 April 2008 European economic & monetary union. Euro. 2008. 16 April 2008 Layard, Richard et al. Britain should join. 1 August 2002. 1 6 April 2008 Miltropolistski, Simeon. Euro is important. 26 July 2003. IRED. 16 April 2008

Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum

Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum Introduction Research Purpose In the 21st century, one of the recurring debates in the business field concerns the fundamental role played by employees in enabling organizations to accomplish their set objectives, including maintaining competitive advantage in the marketplace (Hakes, 1991).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A rapidly changing economic environment typified by such phenomena as vagrancies of the macroeconomic environment, globalization and deregulation of markets, shifting customer and shareholder demands, and escalating product-market competition, has turned out to be the norm, necessitating organizations to reformulate and restructure their practices and policies to remain relevant (Topolosky, 2000). The stakes are even higher in the oil and gas indu stry, which is inarguably affected by a myriad of events as they unfold on the world map (Stevens, 1998). One of the key priority areas that have been targeted by the oil companies as a matter of urgency is employee satisfaction and motivation, especially after the realization by leaders that people concerns are business concerns, and that success comes through people (Bruce Pepitone, 1999). This study is informed by the need for organizations to develop and implement processes and programs that will ensure employees remain productive and committed to the goals, objectives and aspirations of their respective organizations through embracing strategies, programs, and value propositions that enhance their productivity and commitment to the organization. More importantly, The present study will purpose to critically evaluate employee satisfaction strategies, including current motivation and reward system in Qatar petroleum, with a view to inform human resource policy on the underlying issues related to how employees could be further empowered to push the company’s agenda forward. Background to the Organization This particular study will be focused on critically evaluating employee satisfaction, current motivation, and reward system in Qatar petroleum. This state-owned company, which runs joint ventures with other international oil giants such as Shell and Petrochina, is responsible for all oil and gas exploration, processing, and marketing in Qatar and Abroad (Qatar, Petroleum, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Siddiqi (2009), â€Å"Qatar, the worlds leading natural gas exporter, is home to the third-largest gas reserves, after Russia and Iran. The offshore North Fields reservoir, covering a small area of 6,000 sq km, boasts more reserves than the combined proved figure for the Americas and Western Europe, as r eported by BP at 756 trillion cubic feet† (p. 49). The accomplishments of the Qatar Petroleum are mind-boggling, with industry players and published financial data portraying a company with proven verification of stellar growth in the past few years despite the volatility in the global economy occasioned by the 2008 financial crisis (Siddiqi, 2009). Presently, the company has managed to enlarge its international investment portfolio through prudent management principles, insightful forward investment planning, and strategic investments in oil and gas projects around the world. Consequently, the company â€Å"remains focused on achieving long-term strategic targets and objectives†¦and now plays an essential role in supplying gas to regional markets as well as those in North America, Asia, and Europe† (Qatar Petroleum Home Page, 2010 para. 2 ). The company’s management takes cognizance of the fact that these set of targets and objectives can only be realized a nd maintained through strategic investment in human capital. Towards the realization of this objective, Qatar Petroleum has invested heavily on strategies and policies aimed at boosting employee satisfaction to enhance their motivation levels. Some of the strategies the company has put in place to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward system includes visas/residence permits, relief cover, overtime eligibility, guaranteed overtime, unscheduled overtime payment, and standby compensation allowances, among others (Employee Handbook, 2010). Problem Discussion In the modern dynamic and competitive business environment, many managers are contemplating on which methodologies they can possibly employ to offer satisfaction and motivation to their employees. The ramifications of an unmotivated workforce are a huge expense to the performance and productivity of any organization. In terms of tangible organizational gains, employees can contribute fresh and innovative initiatives, put in more time and energy to satisfy a strategic customer, or have exceptional capabilities that no one else possesses. Organizations, therefore, stands to gain, productively, when employees are fully committed and engaged to the principles and core values set by management (Chen Kocaoglu, 2008; Alford, 2009).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Relationships between Aspects of Employee Satisfaction, Current Motivation, and Reward System in Qatar Petroleum specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Harrell Daim (2010), â€Å"managers need to make sure they are in tune with their employees’ motivators†¦Asking employees what motivates them and listening and acting on their responses is very important ( p. 23). Not all employees have the same needs or value the same thing in regard to satisfaction and motivation strategies and reward systems. Organizations stand to gain immeasurable benefits f rom learning and understanding what their employees’ value in regard to satisfaction and motivation strategies and reward systems. It is a well known fact that employees’ needs and goals are constantly changing and human resource strategies that may be in use today to satisfy and motivate an employee may not necessarily offer satisfaction and motivation some six months from now. It is against this backdrop that this particular study will aim to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation levels and reward system in Qatar Petroleum with a view to inform HR policies and strategies on the industry’s best practice and offer remedies that can be used in these areas to achieve optimal employee performance. Aims of the Study The general objective of the study will be to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. The following will be the specific objectives: Critically evaluate if the cur rent employee satisfaction and motivation strategies are in line with Qatar Petroleum employees’ needs, aspirations, and goals; Critically evaluate the role of Qatar Petroleum’s leadership in establishing processes and procedures that support employee satisfaction and motivation, including the current reward system; Critically evaluate the relationship between employee satisfaction on one hand and current motivation and reward system on the other in enhancing employee performance and productivity in Qatar Petroleum; Analyze and report on probable alternatives that can be used by management to enhance employee satisfaction and motivation; and Formulate conclusions on the way forward regarding employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. Review of Related Literature Introduction This section aims to look at literature related to employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward systems, including the study’s relationship to previ ous works, Qatar’s Petroleum experience, and formulation of key research questions. Employee Satisfaction The earliest employee satisfaction study took place in the decade of the 1930s (Lavigna, 2010). Since that time, significant progress has been achieved, both in applied perspectives and on theoretical fronts.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During the 1950s, established corporations were undertaking employee satisfaction research on habitual basis, and by the 1970s, some research analysts had already designed standardized employee satisfaction questionnaire tools for use by organizations (Sandler, 2010). Since then, thousands of research articles on employee satisfaction have been published (Topolosky, 2000). In her 1992 research article evaluating the various facets of employee satisfaction, E. Ostroff argued that â€Å"†¦it has been proposed that satisfaction and the happiness of personnel heighten organizational effectiveness†¦Organizations that alienate workers through their practices will be less effective and efficient† (Topolosky, 2000 p. 15). Other seminal research articles, including those of Drucker (1955) and Davenport (2000), have demonstrated the fact that satisfied employees are creative and productive employees (Allen Willburn, 2002). Yi-Feng (2009) noted that organizational productivit y and performance are achieved, to a large extent, through employee satisfaction initiatives, including focusing attention to employees’ physical and emotional needs. Employee Motivation The seminal studies of â€Å"†¦human motivation started as early as the Greeks, and is still intriguing many researchers today† (Harrell Daim, 2010, p. 23). To date, numerous theories of motivation has been developed, including A. Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation (1943), McGregor theories of X and Y (1950s), Herzberg’s Motivation –Hygiene Theory (1987), and Adams Theory of Inequality (2002), among others1. The most excruciating problem with employee motivation is that employers don’t discover motivated employees; they offer favourable environments for employees to become motivated. In her book on ways to motivate employees, Podmoroff (2005) wrote that â€Å"†¦even the sharpest and most refined recruitment and hiring strategies are no match for the culprits of employee de-motivation† (p. 9). The key for organizational management, therefore, is to show their appreciation for employees’ efforts at the workplace, not only through monetary remuneration2, but also through other benefits such as awards, training opportunities (Caligiuri Lazarova, 2005). Individuals are motivated by divergent value prepositions, needs, and aspirations (Irving Montes, 2009). However, a positive motivation philosophy in an organizational setting is always welcome since it assists employees to improve productivity, commitment, quality, and service. A 2002 Gallup study reported by Corporate Leadership Council (2003) revealed that highly motivated employees often demonstrate above average levels of the following attributes: Customer loyalty (56%); productivity (50%); employee retention (50%); safety records (50%); and profitability (33%). There is, therefore, compelling evidence for organizations to enhance strategies and processes tha t will facilitate employee motivation. Reward System Many organizational theorists are of the opinion that an effective and balanced reward system plays a fundamental role for the organization. In most cases, the reward system is used by organizations to, among other things, pay employees for their performance, generate and maintain positive behavioural change, act as incentives for employees, and lifts employee performance, thereby lifting the overall productivity and profitability of the organization (Wilson, 1994). An effective reward strategy should focus attention on facilitating positive reinforcement among employees because it motivates them to take actions in return of tangible or intangible benefits for performing their roles (Belcher, 1996). An effective reward system, according to Belcher (1996), should work on the basis of rewarding the energy and time commitments offered by employees as opposed to compensating them for their efforts. The Qatar Petroleum Experience Qatar Petroleum is undoubtedly a market leader in oil and gas industry in the Middle East and indeed in many other parts of the world (Al-Harthy, 2008). Such an outstanding feat can only be achieved through efficient management of the company’s strategic resources, including outstanding management of its systems and processes. In the company’s revised employee handbook (2010), an assiduous and conscientious industry analyst cannot help noticing the rich aura of systems and processes put in place to safeguard the interests of employees, including coherent recruitment procedures, working schedules and overtime, salary administration, employee benefits and allowances, provisions for annual leave and official holidays, absenteeism, employee relations, training and development, and provisions for terminal benefits, among others. The above provisions offer fertile ground for enhanced employee satisfaction and motivation. In particular, the social allowance, insurance schemes, hou sing allowance, furnishing allowance, location allowance, shift allowance, basic transport allowance, car loan, performance bonus, and social and recreational facilities (Employee Handbook, 2010), offers immeasurable morale and satisfaction for employees to perform and stay longer with an organization (Yi-Feng, 2009). Yet, employee needs, goals, and aspirations keep shifting by the day, hence the need to conduct such a study to inform policy and identify possible gaps in enhancing employee satisfaction, motivation, and reward system in Qatar Petroleum. Key Research Questions This study will be guided by the following research questions Does the existing reward system in Qatar Petroleum in line with industry trends, and is the system doing enough to facilitate employee satisfaction and motivation? What are the employees’ projections and expectations regarding ideal employee satisfaction and motivation strategies that could be used by the management of Qatar Petroleum to push the organization’s agenda forward? What is the role of Qatar Petroleum’s management in helping design, formulate, and implement policies that enhance employee satisfaction and motivation, including revising existing schedules to align them with industry trends and adopting new innovative procedures in the company’s reward system to facilitate employee satisfaction and motivation? What is the role of employees in ensuring long-term growth and sustainability of Qatar Petroleum? Methodology Introduction This segment purposes to discuss the research design, population and sample size, instrumentation, and data collection tools that will be used in this particular study. The segment will also discuss how data will be analyzed and relevant ethical issues relating to the study. Research Design The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative research designs to critically evaluate employee satisfaction and current motivation and reward system in Qatar Petroleum , with a view to inform the company’s human resource practice and policy on how it could be designed to alleviate possible gaps, thereby enhancing employee productivity. Hopkins (2000) notes that most quantitative research designs are concerned with evaluating the correlation between variables, and are either descriptive or experimental. It is important to note that this study will utilize a descriptive strategy since the participants will only be measured once (Sekaran, 2006). A survey approach using internet protocols will be utilized to collect quantitative data among selected employees of Qatar Petroleum. Qualitative data will be collected by means of telephone interviews, and will target selected managers of the company. Maxwell (2005) postulates that qualitative research approaches are predominantly ideal when the researcher is interested in assessing human behaviour, values, attitudes, preferences, and perceptions. Qualitative research designs can employ either the cas e study strategy or survey design to collect the necessary data (Maxwell, 2005). The researcher will utilize the survey design using telephone interviews. An elaborate review of literature will also be undertaken; including a critical analysis of documents and reports found on the internet or availed by the company’s HR department. Target Population and Sample Size The population for this study will comprise of managers or supervisors and employees working for Qatar Petroleum. The sample will comprise of 50 managers or supervisors heading different departments and 100 employees, also working in different departments of the company. The managers or their supervisors will be sampled, online, through purposive sampling approach while the employees will be sampled using convenience sampling procedure. Sekaran (2006) notes that participants in a purposive sample are selected based on their understanding of the topic under study, while a convenient sample comprise of participants i n the research framework by virtue of being in the right position or environment at the right time. Data Gathering Instruments Quantitative data will be collected using self-administered questionnaires while qualitative data will be collected using telephone interviews. Self-administered questionnaires are cost effective and can be administered with much ease, not mentioning the fact that they are effective when the researcher wants to collect confidential data from study participants (Sekaran, 2006). According to Maxwell (2005), interviews are advantageous in that not only does the method enable the researcher to create rapport with the subjects, hence achieving their cooperation, but it also permits the researcher an opportunity to explore and probe further for more information. Reliability and Validity Reliability Reliability can be described as the consistency of measurement. In research studies, reliability can be described as the degree to which a data gathering tool is able t o measure the variables or phenomena consistently when is used under comparable conditions (Handley, 2005). Internal consistency of questionnaire and interview items will be employed to ensure adequate uniformity in responses given out by the two sets of participants. Items measuring similar concepts will be grouped together to ensure reliability. In addition, elaborate guidelines on how to complete the questionnaires will be issued to the subjects to abridge data collector’s error, which, if unchecked, leads to unreliable results. Validity Validity is a term that is used to describe a measure or instrument that correctly reflects the phenomena it is intended to measure, thereby strengthening the conclusions, deductions, or propositions made from the study findings (Handley, 2005). Internal validity, which refers to the soundness of an investigation, will be achieved through employing appropriate sampling procedures and using a validated and reliable questionnaire schedule an d interview guideline for purposes of data collection. The same procedures will be used coupled with the involvement of an adequate sample size to achieve external validity, thereby ensuring that the project findings could be generalized to other settings. Ethical Considerations Saunders et al (2007) posits that â€Å"†¦ethics refers to the appropriateness of your behaviour in relation to the rights of those who become the subject of your work, or are affected by it† (p. 178). In addition to requesting for permission from the human resources manager in Qatar Petroleum to conduct the survey and interviews, the researcher will also take time to explain to the participants the nature and purpose of the study, not mentioning the fact that the researcher will keep the participants in the know about their rights, especially the right to informed consent and the right to privacy. Data Analysis Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, with the analysis encompassing data co ding, entry, cleaning, actual analysis, and interpretation of data. The software package will then be used to run univariate analyses purposed to generate frequency distributions. The data resulting from the distributions will be further harnessed, interpreted and presented using statistical procedures such as pie-charts, bar-graphs, and normal text. Qualitative data will be analyzed using content analysis procedure, whereby data will be reduced, presented, and finally, conclusion drawing and verification made (Sekaran, 2006). Stevens (2003) posits that, â€Å"†¦content analysis is the systematic description of behaviour asking who, what, where, why, and how questions within formulated systematic rules to limit the effects of analyst bias†¦It is the preferred technique for analysing semi-structured interviews† as is the case in this study (p. 143). Plan of Work The chart below shows all planned activities towards the successful completion of the research project. Planned Activity Begin End Actual Formulate and agree dissertation proposal May 29, 2010 July 21 Literature Review May15 Aug. 20 Develop and Refine Research Methodology July 21 Aug 14 Conduct Interviews Aug 18 Sept 18 Transcribe Interview Data Sept 18 Oct 18 Design, Issue, and Collect Questionnaires Sept 1 Oct 31 Contingency Period Nov 1 Nov 14 Data Analysis and Discussion of Results Nov 14 Dec 14 Write First Draft Dec 15 Jan 15 Proofread and Corrections Jan 16 Jan 31 Binding and Final Submission Jan 31 Jan 31 Resources Required Apart from the resource of time, which is fundamentally important in any research undertaking, financial resources will be needed to cover costs associated with conducting interviews and designing, issuing, and collecting the questionnaire schedules. List of References Alford, J (2009). Engaging Public Sector Clients: From Service-Delivery to Co-Production. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Al-Harthy, M.H (2008). Motivation: A Challenge for Oil and Gas Companies – An Omani Case Study. Web. Allen, D.R., Wilburn, M (2002). Linking customer and employee satisfaction to the bottom line. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: American society for Quality. Belcher, J.G (1996). How to Design and Implement a Results-Oriented Variable Pay System. New York: Amacom. Bruce, A., Pepitone, J.S (1999). Motivating Employees. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Books. Caligiuri, P., Lazarova, M (2005). Work-Life Balance and the Effective Management of Global Assignees. In: S.A.Y. Poelmans (Eds) Work and Family: An International Research Perspective. Malwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Chen, H., Kocaoglu, D.F (2008). A Sensitivity Analysis Algorithm for Hierarchical Decision Models. European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 185: 1, p. 266-288. Corporate Leadership Council (2003). Linking Employee Satisfaction with Productivity, Performance, and Customer Satisfaction. Web. Davenport, T.O (2000). Workers as Assets: A Good Start But†¦Employment Relations Today Vol. 31, Issue 2. Drucker, P.F (1955). Integration of People and Planning. Harvard Business Review, Vol. 33, Issue 6, p. 35-40. Employee Handbook (2010).Qatar Petroleum Human Resource Department. Hakes, C (1991). Total Quality Management: The Key to Business Improvements. London: Chapman Hall. Handley, C (2005). Validity and Reliability in Research. Web. Harrell, G., Daim, T.U (2010). HDM Modelling as a Tool to Assist Management with Employee Motivation: The Case of Silicon Forest. Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 22, Issue 1, p. 23-33. Hill, N., Roche, G., Allen, R (2007). Customer Satisfaction: The Customer Satisfaction through the Customers eyes. London: Cogent Publishing. Hopkins, W.G (2000). Quantitative Research Design. Web. Irvin, P.G., Montes, S.D (2009). Met Expectations: The Effects of Expected and Delivered Inducements on Employee Satisfaction. Journal of Occupational Organizational Psychology, Vol. 82, Issue 2, p. 431-451. [Academic Source Premier Database]. Lavigna, B (2010). Driving Performance by Building Employee Satisfaction and Engagement. Government Finance Review, Vol. 26, Issue 1, p. 51-53. Podmoroff, D (2005). 365 Ways to Motivate and Reward your Employee Everyday – with Little or no Money. Ocala, Florida: Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc. Qatar Petroleum Home Page (2010). Web. Sandler, S.F (2010). Employee Satisfaction: Key to Recovery Success? HR Focus, Vol. 87, No. 4, p. 10-15. Sekaran, U (2006). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4th Ed. Wiley-India. Siddiqi, M (2009). Qatar Stands Firm in the Face of Global Financial Storm. Middle East, Issue 402, p 45-49. Stevens, P. (1998). Introduction – Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options. In: P. Stevens (Eds) Strategic Positioning in the Oil Industry: Trends and Options. Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. Stevens, M (2003). Selected Qualitative Methods. In: M.M. Stevens (Eds) Interactive Textbook on Clinical Symptoms Research. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Topolosky, P.S (2000). Linking Employee Satisfaction to Business Results. New York, NY: Garland Publishing Inc. Wilson, T.B (1994). Innovative Reward Systems for the Changing Workplace. London: McGraw-Hill Companies. Yi-Feng, Y (2009). An Investigation of Group Interaction functioning Stimulated by Transformational Leadership on Employee Intrinsic and Extrinsic Job Satisfaction: An Extension of Resource-Based Theory Perspective. Social Behaviour Personality: An International Journal, Vol. 37, Issue 9, p. 1259-1277. Footnotes 1 See: Harrell, G., Daim, T.U (2010). HDM Modeling as a Tool to Assist Management with Employee Motivation: The Case of Silicon Forest. Engineering Management Journal, Vol. 22, Issue 1, p. 23-33. 2 â€Å"Money was never a big motivation for me, except as a way to keep score. The real excitement is playing the game† (Donald Trump).

Free Essays on The Genocide In Rwanda

The Genocide in Rwanda â€Å"Things whose existence is not morally comprehensible cannot exist† Primo Levi’s observation of the Jewish Holocaust. The Polish author Raphael Lemkin was the first to coin the phrase ‘genocide’. Lemkin was working as the Polish advisor to the United States War Ministry at the time. He took the word from the Greek phrase for race â€Å"genos† and the Latin suffix â€Å"cide† which means to kill. Lemkin gave the word the following definition: Genocide- the destruction of a nation or an ethnic group through the existence of a coordinated plan, aimed at total extermination, to be put into effect against individuals chosen as victims purely, simply and exclusively because they are members of the target group (Destexhe, 3). Of course he was referring to the atrocities that he was witnessing first hand committed against the Jews by the Germans during the Second World War. A new word had to be created to describe a crime like none other. Genocide was unique because of the motivation behind it (Destexhe, 2). Over 3 million Jewish people were killed by Hitler’s Nazi Germany between 1939 and 1945. Jews were the specific targets of Hitler’s malice. His goal was to rid the world of the Jewish race. This is by the far the most widely known example of genocide or mass murder in the world. What many people don’t’ realize however is that there were two other genocides in the 20th century alone. Throughout the 1930’s, the Stalin regime in Russia repressed the Kulaks of the Ukraine and directly caused the deaths of over six million people not to mention the Purges Stalin committed against government officials. In revolutionary China, Mao’s Great Leap Forward led to a famine that killed over twenty million people. This is not to mention Pol Pot’s Cambodia and Mengistu’s Ethiopia. Combined, these dictators were responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people (Destexhe, 8).... Free Essays on The Genocide In Rwanda Free Essays on The Genocide In Rwanda The Genocide in Rwanda â€Å"Things whose existence is not morally comprehensible cannot exist† Primo Levi’s observation of the Jewish Holocaust. The Polish author Raphael Lemkin was the first to coin the phrase ‘genocide’. Lemkin was working as the Polish advisor to the United States War Ministry at the time. He took the word from the Greek phrase for race â€Å"genos† and the Latin suffix â€Å"cide† which means to kill. Lemkin gave the word the following definition: Genocide- the destruction of a nation or an ethnic group through the existence of a coordinated plan, aimed at total extermination, to be put into effect against individuals chosen as victims purely, simply and exclusively because they are members of the target group (Destexhe, 3). Of course he was referring to the atrocities that he was witnessing first hand committed against the Jews by the Germans during the Second World War. A new word had to be created to describe a crime like none other. Genocide was unique because of the motivation behind it (Destexhe, 2). Over 3 million Jewish people were killed by Hitler’s Nazi Germany between 1939 and 1945. Jews were the specific targets of Hitler’s malice. His goal was to rid the world of the Jewish race. This is by the far the most widely known example of genocide or mass murder in the world. What many people don’t’ realize however is that there were two other genocides in the 20th century alone. Throughout the 1930’s, the Stalin regime in Russia repressed the Kulaks of the Ukraine and directly caused the deaths of over six million people not to mention the Purges Stalin committed against government officials. In revolutionary China, Mao’s Great Leap Forward led to a famine that killed over twenty million people. This is not to mention Pol Pot’s Cambodia and Mengistu’s Ethiopia. Combined, these dictators were responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people (Destexhe, 8)....