Benefits of the Ctrip Idea in the Future Life Case Study - 35

Benefits of the Ctrip Idea in the Future Life - Case Study Example Decision making will be easier for the traveling agencies due to the classifications of travelers (Mohinder, 2009). Â  This classification will be beneficial to the agencies in that they will be able to make decisions based on the ability of their clients and consequently treat a client fairly and thus increasing their customer base (David & Nancy, 2012). Â  This exhibit according to the case idea demonstrates the customer base beginning from 2007 when a new CEO is hired. Considering the vertical axis as the customer base in hundreds of thousands and the horizontal axis as the years moving forward, it illustrates that in the year 2007 the customer base was at 600,000. The figure increases to 800,000 customers in 2011 resulting from the acquisition of 16 percent by Tencent Company. This figure is predicted to rise in 2017 due to the recommendations made and the figure is projected to be at one million customers. This means the customer base in the projected future life will increase accordingly (Mohinder, 2009). Â  Considering exhibit 5, the case idea recommends that the increase in the customer base through the methods stated earlier will lead to increase in the profits due to increase in the travel activities above.

Immigrant Parental Involvement in Education Research Paper

Immigrant Parental Involvement in Education - Research Paper Example All these among others are evidence of how school systems in Canada devalue immigrant parents. The culture held by Canadians in most cases tend to conflict with the culture of immigrant parents. In most cases, immigrant parents come in with different cultures which in most cases they greatly embrace and appear less reluctant parting with them. According to Brake (1997), acculturation theory supports the idea that immigrants tend to hold tightly unto the values of their cultures. On the other hand, the migrants avoid cross cultural contacts due to their ability to aggravate anxiety and uncertainty. This therefore plays a major role in creation of cultural incompetence which greatly limits parental involvement in contexts that are increasingly important to their children, including school and the expanding extra familial social world (Duncan, 2008). The study also portrayed that there were several barriers which limited immigrant parents from minority groups and those with less education to fully participate in their children's schooling. This is mainly due to the fact that they felt uncomfortable in an institutional setting and also held the notion that they were not very resourceful in their children's education. ... Additionally, immigrant parents with lower educational backgrounds and income were less likely to volunteer in school activities such as parent interviews. This played a role in creating a disconnection between the parents and their school children. Vickshard (1999) indicates that parent's socio economic status has a positive association with their involvement in school. On the other hand, parents with higher educational attainment are more likely to be involved in the school affairs of their children. The teachers were also more likely to stereotype minority immigrant parents based on their schooling experiences, history and culture. George (2000), states that, the teachers should not at any point discriminate any student or parent based on his or her culture, gender, status, religion or race. Therefore, Canadian teachers should change their negative perception towards immigrant parents and instead focus on embracing them despite their shortcomings. The study also indicated that lan guage barrier was also a major disadvantage and inhibitor to the parental involvement of immigrant parents. Most immigrant parents were not well placed in terms of communicating in English and therefore communication barrier grew out of it. As a result, it prompted less parental involvement in their children's schooling. According to Janice (1999), language is an important requirement which normally facilitates communication, as well as increasing one's confidence (Allan, 2005). For instance, if the immigrant parents in Canada were familiar with all the languages used in the country, it would therefore have been easier for them to communicate and thus uplifting their confidence. Consequently, their involvement in their children's schooling affairs would also increase.

Statistical regression Statistics Project Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Statistical regression - Statistics Project Example s sustainable development through the prospering of economy is the key ideology of the United States because sustainable development is the road map to justify the economical growth. This means poverty issues, minimum wage rate and new employment would be the key factors to determine the prosperity of lifestyle of the population for any nation in the long run (Corsetti et al, 2011). The decay of economic growth in the United States has been believed to be of a product of different factors like unemployment rate, consumer price index and inflation control. The economical theory of any healthy market is to keep the flow of capital in the market and it would get stagnated or decline with reduced household disposable income, increased consumer price index and decreased wage rates and employee compensation(Corsetti et al, 2011). The various factors may be reviewed as under: i. GDP & Consumption: Gross Domestic product specifies the market value of the total accepted and recognized final commodities produced over a given time. It represents government spending, exports and consumption. Consumption the largest component of GDP includes the private or household expenditure on goods and private investments also. Investments indicate how the industries invest on manpower and machinery which might act to reduce unemployment and encourage cash flow and production. Increased household expenditure also means that people have the buying power and are maintaining that in spite of inflation. ii. Inflation & Wage rates: refers to the general price of the commodities and services in an economy over time. This means when inflation raises purchasing power of unit money will fall and unless the wage rate increases it will be difficult to purchase the same service over time(Corsetti et al, 2011)( Devereux et al, 2003). Econometric and Social analysis are done by time series data points. Time series is an array of data points which are measured at uniform time intervals to calculate

Module 4 Case Assignment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Module 4 Case Assignment - Coursework Example e products of the company include basic food products as well as premium services like cooking recipes, labels and cooking lessons to the target and potential customer groups of the company. The outputs of the Whole Foods Market can be measured in terms of the revenues, goods and services, community impacts, job creation, shareholder value creation and service or policy outcomes. In this respect, the company shows high levels of efficiency and congruence. Additionally, the performances and the behaviors of the different departments, teams and business units of the company seem to be much effective in terms of maintaining standard, compliance and congruency. The main goals of the Whole Foods Market Company are to provide high quality and standard organic food to the target customer group in the market. Additionally, the quality of the food products marketed and sold by Whole Foods Market and the high level of social responsibility shown by the company add to the effectiveness of the company at the organizational level or topmost level of evaluation as per the Nadler and Tushman’s Congruence model. The main goal of Whole Food Markets as a leading organization in its industry of operation is to perform in a competitive, consistent and sustainable manner so that it can maintain its financial profitability and strong brand reputation in the markets of operation he outputs of the company seem to be sufficient in satisfying the corporate and strategic objectives set in the company. The Whole Foods Market is one of the leading organic food retailers and supermarkets in the world. The main mission of eh company is to promote the strength s of the organization and its individual entities by ensuring the delivery of high quality of products and services. Also, the company aspires to enhance the business to become the leading food retailer in the community as measured from the perspective of corporate social responsibility. The Whole Food Market is ranked 12th in the social

Events in Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939 Essay Example for Free

Events in Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939 Essay Ultimately, the events in Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939 played a major role in contributing to the outbreak of world war 2 as it ended the appeasement policy and led to Britain’s realization that war was the only solution. However, the nazi soviet pact is also a factor as it gave germany the confidence to invade Poland, a move that guaranteed war. After the anschluss, Czechoslovakia was next on hitler’s list of expansion. The Czech government felt threatened, and sought support from Britain and france should Hitler invade Czechoslovakia, and both Britain and france felt bound to help them. On 15 september 1938, Hitler told chamberlain that he would risk war to bring the Sudeten germans into germany. Chamberlain found his demands reasonable, and decided that areas in which more than half the population was germans should be handed over to Hitler. However on 22 sep Hitler stepped his demands and asked for the whole of Sudetenland. Originally, chamberlain rejected his demands. Eventually, in an attempt to avoid war, he, along with Mussolini and the prime minister of france decided that Sudetenland would be given to germany. This was known as the munich agreement (29 sep). Czechoslovakia was not consulted, and it had felt betrayed. Following that, Hitler then assured chamberlain that he had no further claims in Europe. However, in march 1939, Hitler took over the rest of Czechoslovakia, showing that he could not be trusted. Following that, Britain and france both abandoned the appeasement policy and announced that it would declare war on germany in event that Hitler invaded Poland. However, the nazi soviet pact was also an extremely important factor as it enabled Hitler to avoid a two frontwar, and allowed him to continue to provoke the western countries as stalin now secured his eastern border. Hence, Hitler could now channel all his resources to fighting the western front. Hitler learnt 2 important lessons from the First World War. Firstly, the importance of the involvement of Russia if a Slavic nation was attacked and next the strain of having to fight a war on two fronts. Therefore, the nazi soviet pact was signed on 23 august 1939 where communist Russia agreed to remain neutral if Poland was attacked. It also contained a secret protocol whereby germany and Russia agreed to carve up Poland between them, with germany getting the western parts and Russia getting the eastern parts along with Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. With this, Hitler felt assured and proceeded to attack Poland, which unleashed the second world war. In analysis, the events in Czechoslovakia played an extremely significant role in contributing to the outbreak of war in 1939 as compared to the signing of the nazi soviet pact. The events in Czechoslovakia had laid the foundation for the outbreak of war, and it was after the invasion of Czech that led to Britain’s realization that hitler’s aims went way further than merely just redressing the wrongs of the Treaty of Versailles. It showed that Hitler aimed to dominate central Eastern Europe and British knew that war was the only solution in stopping him. Furthermore, the invasion of Czechoslovakia was so unjust that it gave Britain the high moral ground to â€Å"defend the right† without regard to self-interest. This was the point when Britain and France announced that they would declare war on Hitler were he to invade Poland. Although the nazi soviet pact did play a small role, it merely acted as the trigger for the invasion of Poland. Hitler’s invasion of Poland was inevitable, and the pact merely sped up the process. Rather, the decision of Britain and france to abandon appeasement and to defend Poland was made after the events in Czechoslovakia is 1938-1939, thus making it more crucial.

Instructor Graded Assignment Essay Example for Free

Instructor Graded Assignment Essay Equations In this and future Instructor Graded Assignments you will be asked to use the answers you found in the Unit 1 Assignment. Note: For these questions you need to cite a reliable source for information, which means you cannot use sites like Wikipedia, Ask.com ®, and Yahoo ® answers. If you do use those sites the instructor may award 0 points for your response. The Assignment problems must have the work shown at all times. The steps for solving the problems must be explained. Failure to do so could result in your submission being given a 0. If you have any questions about how much work to show, please contact your instructor. Assignments must be submitted as a Microsoft Word ® document and uploaded to the Dropbox for Unit 2. Type all answers directly in this Assignment below the question it applies to. All Assignments are due by Tuesday at 11:59 PM ET of the assigned Unit. Finding the National Average Price for Gas These first few questions will require you to use the internet to search for the national average price for gas. Remember to use a scholarly site for information. List the website(s) you visited here: http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=287t=10(2 points): What was the average price of a gallon of gas 1 year from when your business math class started? I am confused with this question; my class began in August 2014 so 1 year from then will be 2015 so I have to go to the projected gasoline prices which for a gallon of gasoline are projected to be $ 3.38 as compared to $ 3.48 in 2014 down 10 cents a gallon. (5 points): You have $50 on hand and need to buy gas. How many gallons of gas can you buy (using the value you reported in Question 1.) @ $ 3.38 per gal. I would be able to purchase 14 gallons for $ 47.32 leaving $ 2.68 from the original $ 50.00. $ 3.38 x 14 = $ 47.32. 3. (5 points): If gas prices were to drop 10% from the current price, how much would a gallon of gas cost now? Current price per gallon of gasoline is $ 3.50 so a gallon would drop from 3.50 to $ 3.15 per gallon a drop of 35 cents per gallon which is 10% of $3.50. 4. (5 points): Using the average for 1 year ago, and the average for 6 months ago, calculate the  percent increase or decrease in the price of a gallon of gas over that 6 month time span. The average price per gallon of gasoline in the U.S 6 months ago May, 2014 was$ 3.66, the average price 1 year ago Oct. 2013 was $ 3.27, = ((3.66 3.27) / |3.27|) * 100 = (0.39 / 3.27) * 100 = 0.119266 * 100 = 11.9266% change = 11.9266% increase Finding the National Average for Food for One Person Questions 5, 6, and 7 will require you to search for the national average for food for one person. Remember to use a scholarly site for information. List the website(s) you visited here: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/CostofFoodAug2014.pdf5. (3 points): What was the national average for food for a month for one person, one year ago from the date the class started? Use the average for a 35-year-old male, and if multiple figures are given for that gender and age, use the highest number. $364.90 6. (5 points): If this person lives in a state with a 7% sales tax on all food purchases, how much will they need to spend on food for one year? $4,685.28 7% of 364.90 = 25.54 + 364.90 = 390.44 x 12 = $4,685.28  7. (5 points): Create an equation you could use to calculate the cost one person spends on food for a year (assume no tax on the food), using this site. Your equation must work for any age range, and any gender now. I went with the highest (liberal) cost for a single person per month which is $373.10 per month 373.10 x 12 = $ 4472.20 for one year’s food supply cost, I hope I understood this question correctly. Essay Question (15 points) 8. Using the internet, find a website where a linear equation is used. Using that website as a source, write a  ¾ 1 page essay response in which you discuss how the equation was used, if it was used correctly, and what solutions to the equation mean (in other words, why are you using the equation in the first place? What is the solution supposed to tell you once you find it). Requirements for essay Write your essay in this document – do not save it in a separate file. You must clearly state your position with well-structured paragraphs using  proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. This is not an â€Å"opinion† question – you must offer evidence to support your position, using properly cited sources. Your answer must be between  ¾-1 page in length. You must cite and reference at least one source (book, website, periodical) using APA format. The required website counts as one source. You may submit your Assignments to the Math Center for review. Tutors will not grade or correct the Assignment, but they will provide guidance for improvement. Tutors will not, however, help you find web sites for the Assignment. Be sure to submit Assignments early enough to receive feedback and make corrections before the Assignment due date (24 hour turn-around times Monday-Thursday and 48 hour turn-around times on weekends are typical). Email Assignments to: [emailprotected] Please put â€Å"MM255 Assignment Review† in the subject line of the message. Thomas Doyle Unit 2 assignment Essay MM255 Business Math and Statistical Measures If youve ever doubled a favorite recipe, youve applied a linear equation. If one cake equals 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of flour, 3/4 tsp. of baking powder, three eggs and 1 cup of sugar and milk, then two cakes equal 1 cup of butter, 4 cups of flour, 1 1/2 tsp. of baking powder, six eggs and 2 cups of sugar and milk. To get twice the output, you put in twice the input. You might not have known you were using a linear equation, but thats exactly what you did. http://classroom.synonym.com/real-life-functions-linear-equations-2608.htmlI use linear equations when I do my payroll, for example, If my foreman Chris works 2 hours at the rate of 20.00$ per hour, X = the number of hours worked and y equals the hourly rate so Y = 20x or 40.00$. I did not realize there were so many linear and nonlinear equations used in everyday life situations, they were always there I just never saw them for what they were. I use linear equations in the first example in order to increase the output and in the second to figure the correct payroll amount and these are the exact results I achieved.

Gender Differences: American and Chinese Culture

Gender Differences: American and Chinese Culture In the 21st century, a number of significant sociopolitical and technological changes have been witnessed, which have made the world a global village which is getting smaller by the day. The technological feasibility that has enabled the mass media to bring events and news across the world to schools, businesses and homes almost as soon as they occur has narrowed down the distance barriers between people, cultures and societies, such that the world is fast becoming one giant melting pot of cultural, ethnic, religious, linguistic and racial diversities. However, these changes have also resulted in the increase in international tensions between countries world wide, due to the increased interaction. The most significant of these tensions have been witnessed in the past between the United States and Northern Ireland, Eastern Europe and most recently, the Middle East. Thus in light of these developments, the need to develop competent and effective intercultural communication cannot be ov eremphasized. It is indeed a fact that such conflicts are usually of political origin, but are primarily caused by religious and ethnic differences that form barriers to effective communication. The term intercultural communication is sometimes used interchangeably with cross-cultural communication; and it is simply the engagement of concerted efforts at understanding how people who hail form different cultures perceive, act and communicate in their native environment. Intercultural communication plays important roles in fostering understanding in the case of communication between countries in the global platform. (Griffin, 2000). The focus of this paper will therefore be to demonstrate an example of poor intercultural communication between North Americans and Asians and how it affects the effectiveness of communication between the two cultures. Which are long term such as prospecting for oil or minerals; The Process Culture, which is seen in organizations that have little or lack of feedback altogether and the members of the organization maintain a strict focus on the procedures of executing and achieving targets, and is most evident in bureaucracies, with the main advantage of achieving consistency in results which is necessary in sectors like the public service and this fact effectively serves to undermine the massive red tape and overly cautious nature of these cultures. (Deal Kennedy, 1982). Edgar Schein has however come up with a method of classifying organizational culture, which is more in line with the present organizational set up. He defines organizational culture as the patterns of basic assumptions that are shared within a groups and that were learned in the during the solving of the problems of internal integration and external adaptation by the group, and which have produced reliable results that can be considered valid and have consequentially been taught to new embers as the correct way to feel, think and perceive when attempting to solve such problems. It will be important to outline the importance of intercultural communication in an organizational setting, before the importance of the impact of ineffectiveness of intercultural communication between two different cultures can be fully highlighted. Schein (2005) expounds that culture is the toughest attribute of an organization in view of change, and surpasses all other attributes of the organization such as the physical attributes, services and products, leadership, and founders. Schein states that the deepest cognitive level of the culture of an organization is where tacit assumptions exist. He expounds that these are the unseen cultural elements that are not easily identifiable in interactions between members of an organization on a daily basis. These elements of an organizations culture are often regarded as a taboo to question or discuss. (Schein, 2005). Organizational culture has various roles in the process of change in an organization. A number of methodologies have been proposed to elucidate this role, which include Burman Evans(2008) view that culture is more relate d to leadership than management .They elaborate that when an organization has the principle focus of transforming its culture, recognition has to be accorded to the fact that this project is long term. This is because achieving change in the culture of an organization ids a difficult endeavor that requires the allowing of employees to take adequate time to get used to the new strategies within the organization. Thus the stronger the culture of an organization, the more difficult it becomes to achieve the change. The six guidelines to achieving organizational change, as given by CummingsWorley(2005), are (i) The formulation of a strategic and clear vision,( Cummings Worley,2005, pg.490),(ii) display of commitment at top managerial levels( Cumming Worley, 2005, pg. 490),(iii) modeling of the change in culture at the top managerial levels( Cummings Worley, 2005, pg.491), (iv) organizational modification to aid change (Cummings Worley, 2005, pg.491) , (v) selection and socialization of terminate deviants and newcomers (Cummings Worley, 2005, pg.491) and(vi) development of legal and ethical sensitivity( Cummings Worley,2005, pg.491).In regard to the design of a model with methods and procedures for analyzing diversity in an organization, Taylor Cox, Jr. (2001) gives three types of organizations which adopt a particularly focused approach in regard to development of cultural diversity in the workplace environment. She outlines the monolithic, the plural and the multicultural organizations in t he journal, The Multicultural Organization. The three types of organizations, according to Cox, are distinguished by their level of structural integration, which Cox defines as the presence of employees from different cultural groups in one organization, with the monolithic organization having minimal structural integration. Cox goes further to outline that monolithic organizations in the United States are usually represented by a majority of white male employees with few women and yet fewer individuals who hail from minority racial backgrounds in the managerial jobs in an organization. The plural organization, however, has an improved level of structural organization, having a heterogeneous workforce which includes people from different cultural backgrounds, other than just one dominant group from a particular ethnic background. The multicultural organization however displays the highest levels of workplace diversity, because it not only contains an evenly balanced workforce in ter ms of cultural diversity, but it also has an awareness of and utilization of its culturally diverse workforce for the benefits of the organization. Having sufficiently defined workplace diversity, it becomes paramount to outline its advantages to an organization and therefore point out why organizations should strive to achieve a cultural diverse workforce. Thus in order to implement these analytical results in a cultural diversity training program, it is imperative to outline that people have a higher degree of inclination to do business with organizations that employ a staff that they can relate to either socially, culturally or ethnically. Therefore, the ways in which a cultural diversity program can be implemented in organizations includes the methods that can be employed by organizations in ensuring that they end up with a culturally diverse workforce. Some of these methods are therefore outlined below. Recruitment Post-Hiring Job Placement Recruitment is basically networking with organizations to build strong relationships that go beyond just business relationships. For an organization to achieve workplace diversity, it has to have a well established method of recruitment of diverse talent across the area in which it operates, in most cases the native country or the region in general, but not just in a secluded locality. Most companies recruit through universities and colleges. Others opt to attend regional and local jib fairs , for example, the UNITY conference, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP) an the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications( NAMIC). Serious companies that have a high likelihood of employing a diverse workforce have strategic partnerships with these channels for diversity recruitment that aid them in the hiring of staff with diverse backgrounds, styles, skills, etc.( Fine 2000). Research has also revealed that companies which make heavy use of electronic postings for job vacancies have a high likelihood of having a diverse workforce. Thus the seriousness of companies in the utilization of electronic postings to recruit employees can reveal the extent of diversity that the company has in its staff. Very serious companies have Associate Referral Bonus Programs through which they give cash incentives to employees who refer job seekers to the company, and thus have a high chance of having a diverse workforce. Building Partnerships with Organizations the Community Companies have to recognize that to achieve competitiveness in a global economy; they have to forge relationships with other organizations and community members who have the common interest of promoting diversity. With the growth of the nation in terms of social, racial, ethnic and cultural diversity, organizations have to adapt in this environment and acquire an advanced level of understanding of the need to attain diversity in its workforce. Thus companies have to be actively involved in both local and national associations if they are to identify diverse talent pools from which they can benefit. The companies can also create innovative partnerships with institutions of higher learning so that they attract and increase the number of qualified minority employees in their workforce. In this manner, when they are job vacancies the institutions of higher learning are the first to know, and qualified students have a high chance of being employed by the company, with no predetermined cultural, ethnic or social inclination being a dominant factor in the recruitment process, thus effectively increasing the chances of the company ending up with a diverse workforce. Companies also need to organize outreach luncheons where the members of the community can interact directly with the human resources department representatives. In this manner, a broadcast recruitment process can be extended to the immediate community where the company operates, so that any talent that may benefit the company is obtained, and therefore e increasing the diversity of the workforce. The company can also use local business resource groups in order to solicit for the recruitment of a diverse workforce from the local community. (Cox 2001). Mentoring: Internally Externally Companies can form voluntary mentoring programs, which may operate either formally or informally. These mentoring programs can be established both within the company and in the surrounding community. The programs can be used in helping to assimilate new employees into the company culture, as well as to groom the future leaders of the company. In this manner, the chances of the company losing employees from diverse backgrounds due to their inability to fit into the company culture is significantly reduced, thereby fostering the development of a diverse workforce.(Cox 2001). Given the benefits of having a culturally diverse workforce, organizations should strive to attain workplace diversity, and in light of the disadvantages it may create if not properly managed, make it their priority to seek beneficial ways of managing a culturally diverse workforce In regard to diversity in business, the underlying theory outlines that in a global market place environment, a business, company, form or institution that benefits from the services of a diverse work force is in a better position to understand the demographic factors in the market place environment in which the business operates , and is therefore better placed to exploit its full potential in that environment, than a business which has limited diversity in its workforce. A diverse work force generally consists of employees, both male and female, who are of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as of different generations. (Fine 2000). Workplace diversity has also been stated as having the potential to improve productivity, employee satisfaction and retention at the workplace. In this regard, it is usually referred to as inclusion, and it deals with how an organization can utilize its diversities for its general improvement. (Fine 2000). Research has also established that despite a diverse workforce, the management of the company also needs to make concerted efforts at exploiting that breadth of wealth in terms of experience and knowledge inherent in the diverse workforce in order to convert this wealth in to monetary benefits to the company. Otherwise, a company with a diverse workforce will just fair as well as one which has a less diverse workforce. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to design an informed and well researched model with methods and procedures for analyzing diversity, and to further elaborate on how these results can be implemented in a cultural diversity training program. Workplace diversity can generally be defined as the extent of cultural mix in an organization; Cultural mix/ diversity includes the different ways through which employees in a workplace environment share a unique identity as a group, including the identity associated with the diversity of race, ethnic age , gender and sexual orientation. The culture of an organization is a determinant of it cultural diversity. (Fine 2000). However, workplace diversity in most senses brings many benefits to an organization. However, C.L Walck (1995) states that there are serious problems that arise from an organization inculcating workplace diversity into its culture, and therefore the responsibility of managing workplace diversity as a resource in an organizations workforce in order to fully exploit its potential to improve an organizations overall performance falls on the organizations management. In the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, C.L. Walck (1995) states that managing workplace diversit y implies the negotiation of interaction among groups which display different cultural backgrounds, and also contriving to foster understanding and cooperation in a culturally diverse environment. In regard to the design of a model with methods and procedures for analyzing diversity in an organization, Taylor Cox, Jr. (2001) gives three types of organizations which adopt a particularly focused approach in regard to development of cultural diversity in the workplace environment. She outlines the monolithic, the plural and the multicultural organizations in the journal, The Multicultural Organization. The three types of organizations, according to Cox, are distinguished by their level of structural integration, which Cox defines as the presence of employees from different cultural groups in one organization, with the monolithic organization having minimal structural integration. Cox goes further to outline that monolithic organizations in the United States are usually represented by a majority of white male employees with few women and yet fewer individuals who hail from minority racial backgrounds in the managerial jobs in an organization. The plural organization, however, has an improved level of structural organization, having a heterogeneous workforce which includes people from different cultural backgrounds, other than just one dominant group from a particular ethnic background. The multicultural organization however displays the highest levels of workplace diversity, because it not only contains an evenly balanced workforce in terms of cultural diversity, but it also has an awareness of and utilization of its culturally diverse workforce for the benefits of the organization. Having sufficiently defined workplace diversity, it becomes paramount to outline its advantages to an organization and therefore point out why organizations should strive to achieve a cultural diverse workforce. An international incident that posed potentially dangerous consequences across the world was witnessed some years back between the United Sates and China; with its primary cause being poor intercultural communication between the two countries. The incident was initiated on the 1st of April, 2001 by the collision of a surveillance plane belonging to the U.S navy with a fighter jet belonging to the Chinese. The collision occurred over the South China Sea, which is considered an international air space. The EP-3 surveillance and electronic warfare U.S. plane was extensively damaged, but due to the skillfulness of there, they managed to safely land the plane at an airbase in China. The Chinese military later declared their fighter jet and its pilot missing, and proceeded to detain the crew members of the U.S. plane; who were 24 in number. The two countries were later unable to reach a consensus on the cause of the collision and resolved to blame each other. In the days that followed, U.S and Chinese officials held a series of contentious negotiations to resolve the incident, with the U.S. officials trying to negotiate the release of the crew, and the Chinese officials demanding an acceptance of liability and a formal apology for the incident from the U.S. The U.S. flatly refused to yield to this demand and blamed the incident on the Chinese pilot. Pressure was meanwhile mounting on the then U.S. President, George Bush to secure the immediate release of the detained U.S crew. In the face of mounting pressure, the then Secretary of State, Colin Powell, issued a statement on April 4 expressing regret over the incident and the subsequent disappearance of the Chinese fighter jet and its pilot. The Chinese officials acknowledged the good faith in which the statement was issued, but simply summed it up as a move in the right direction and issued fresh demands for an apology. On April 8, Colin Powell and the then U.S vice president, Dick Cheney, issued a statement expressing sorrow at the disappearance of the Chinese pilot, but dismissed Chinas demands for an apology. On the same day, they wrote a sympathy letter to the wife of the pilot. Once again, the Chinese rejected these efforts and reiterated their demands for an apology. On April 10, the U.S. officials appeared to have been pushed to the corner and issued a statement declaring that President Bush was willing to write a letter of regret over the incident to the Chinese and an issue an adjoining statement admitting the unpermitted landing of the U.S. plane in Chinese territory. Nevertheless, the Chinese did not burge and still demanded an apology. Eventually, on April 11, the United States wrote a letter to the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs specifically asking him to convey to the Chinese people and to the family of pilot Wang Wei that we are very sorry for their loss. The later further stated that We are very sorry the entering of Chinas airspace and the landing did not have verbal clearance. However, the actual word apology was not anywhere to be seen in the letter. But the Chinese official who were charged with communicating the contents of the letter to the Chinese people chose to translate the words very sorry, which appeared twice in the letter, to shenbiao qianyi , A Chinese statement that implies a deep apologetic expression and is only used when one is accepting liability for wrong doing and its consequences. Based solely on the translation of this letter, the Chinese released the U.S. crew. One thing that clearly emerged from this incident is that it was a matter of what the U.S. chose to say and what the Chinese chose to hear that ended this impasse. This matter was resolved by the exploitation of the loss of meaning inherent in translation from one language to another by the United States officials who were involved in the negotiations. Bates Gill, the North East Asian Policy Studies director at Brookings Institution states that U.S.negotiators have in the past exploited the use of such words as acknowledge which upon translation stand for to recognize or admit, so that the Chinese can take such words to mean an admission of guilt, when this is not really the case. (Griffin, 2000). There are several cultural differences between the Chinese an Americans, which has necessitate the need to develop a meaningful intercultural communication network so as to foster understanding between these two countries with the ultimate aim of creating a better relationship between the two countries. The benefits of an effective intercultural communication network include, but are not limited to creation of healthier communities, reduced friction and conflict, improved international, regional and local commerce and increased tolerance which results into personal growth. (Griffin, 2000). The cultural differences between the two countries that necessitates the employment of effective intercultural communication networks. Some differences particularly in the societal and institutional organization of American and Chinese societies that significantly played a role in the development of the highlighted incident to the stated proportions include; ethnic culture, whereby the Chinese are generally a reclusive people, preferring to mind their own business and center their cultural values in building of healthy relationships with each other at individual level. They keep to themselves and isolate strangers, while Americans are individualistic and do not believe in strong cultural ties and generally operate under an attitude of saving the world and thus meddle in all affairs unfolding around them. In terms of source of trust, the Chinese believe in trusting the people who surround them and dread losing credibility as a result of failure to live up to oral agreements. The Ameri cans on the other hand, belie in trusting the terms of the contractual agreement and not the people they deal with. Their only fear is getting into legal hassles as a result of contravening the contract, and show little respect for oral agreements. (Griffin, 2000). In terms of business culture, the Chinese are genially clumsy in their communication and operate with quietness and reservation when doing business. The Americans are the exact opposite; being effective and eloquent communicators who are in most senses very outspoken. In regard to the style of negotiation, the Chinese make group decisions, but the final decision lies with the boss. Americans believe in the giving of more individual authority to the stake holders, with the decision making process evenly distributed among the major players. When it comes to dealing with business counterparts, the Chinese are courteous and deal with their clients at a personal level, such that if there is a breach of contract then arising issues are taken up strongly, with the bad experiences being committed to long term memory. Americans, on the other hand, keep it strictly business, and adopt a matter-of-factly approach. They are also always willing to negotiate with the enemy so long as there is something to gain. (Griffin,2000).Finally, the Chinese exhibit a serious weakness in the ability to make quick decisions in the heat of the moment, while their American counterparts have a strong sense of resolving serious issues as they present themselves. (Griffin, 2000). Being that the negotiations for the release of the detained U.S. crew was taking place between officials representing two countries, it was very necessary that careful and appropriate diplomatic approaches be employed, lest the situation get out of hand. Therefore the choice to use letters to communicate official positions presented an appropriate communications device. Letters, as communication devices, are effective in that in they leave no room for ambiguity and contention. They are also formal and can be easily stored and retrieved fro reference in case a clarification is required. An appropriate communication theory that was at play in these negotiations was the stand point theory which outlines that knowledge, communication behaviors and individual experiences are largely under the influence of the social groups to which they belong. (Gudykunst, 2003).This is because by carefully exploiting the loss in meaning due to translation of words from one social setting to another, the United States officials who negotiated the release of the U.S. crew managed to establish a delicate balance between yielding into the demands of the Chinese, and maintaining the sovereignty of the United States through avoiding being arm-twisted into issuing a public apology to China. Had this issue not been resolved amicably, the situation could have rapidly degenerated to unimaginable proportions. This is an example of how effective intercultural communication can play important roles in achievement and maintenance of good diplomatic relations in the face of a potential crisis. References. Burman, R. Evans, A.J. (2008) Target Zero: A Culture of safety, Defence Aviation Safety Centre Journal, 34 (2), 22-27. Retrieved, 10 March, 2010, fromhttp://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/849892B2D6D24DFDB5BD9A4F288A9B18/0/DASCJournal2008.pdf Charles, W.L. Gareth, R.J.(2001). Strategic Management. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Cox, Jr., Taylor (2001). The Multicultural Organization. Academy of Management Executive, 5(2), 34-47. Cummings, Thomas G. Worley, Christopher G. (2005), Organization Development and Change. New York: Thomson South-Western. Deal T. E. and Kennedy, A. A. (1982) Corporate Cultures: The Rites and Rituals of Corporate Life. Massachusetts: Penguin Books. Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D.A. (2007). Organizational Behaviour: an Introductory Text. Michigan: Prentice Hall. Montana, P., and Charnov, B. (2008). Management. New York: Hauppauge. Schein, E.H. (2005). Organizational Culture and Leadership. New Jersey: Jossey-Bass. Fine, Marlene G.(2000). Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: The State of the Field. Journal of Business Communication, 33(4), 485-502. Griffin, E. (2000). A First Look at Communication Theory. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. Gudykunst, William B. (2003), Intercultural Communication Theories, in: Gudykunst, William B (ed.), Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication, 1(3), 167-189. Huczynski, A. and Buchanan, D.A. (2007). Organizational Behaviour: an Introductory Text. Michigan: Prentice Hall. Montana, P., and Charnov, B. (2008). Management. New York: Hauppauge. Walck, C.L. (1995). Editors introduction: Diverse approaches to managing diversity. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 3(1), 119-123. The Movie: The Devils Advocate The Movie: The Devils Advocate I had a chance to watch the movie The Devils Advocate that was directed by Taylor Hackford and released in 1997. This movie is one of the best films that have some deep theology over the doctrine of God and the philosophical problem of evil. In fact, the problem of evil has been discussed over the long centuries, and the debate still rages on today. After watching the show I really got thinking whether I am on a right way in my life and reconsider my life priorities. Basically, the film is about the law company run by John Milton who represents the Satan. I believe that the author chooses the lawyers as the main characters intentionally because they have this power to judge the others and decide on the lives of the accused. The show reveals different kinds of issues that all humans from different parts of the world struggle. Also, the movie proves how sin leads to falling and destroys the human life. The most interesting thing is that in the show it is presented as the Satans plan. However, there are certain moments where it is obvious that the humans have a choice and go for sinful one. What is so dangerous about the humans? Why are we always destroying ourselves and the world around us? The answer cannot be simple explained by the original sin and human weakness. Actually, the reason is the loss of ethics and concerns for the others. People obsessed with vanity, greed, lust and the list can be continued. The reason is that they merely violate the Ten Commandments written in the Old Testament, or put it differently, Gods law. The illustration of vanity is an episode when John Milton asks whether it would not be better to take care of wife and give up one case. Kevin Lomax responds that You know what scares me? I quit the case, she gets better and I hate her for it. I dont want to resent her, John, Ive got a winner here. Ive got to nail this fucker down, do it fast, and put it behind me. Just get it done. Then put all my energy into her ( The Devils Advocate (1997) Memorable quotes, n.d.). It is worth to admit that this choice is the significant moment that led to the ruin of Kevins family and life. Therefore, this passage highlights basic, fundamental beliefs at play. This is a great example of how fast the humans get possessed with power and exchange biblical moral beliefs to follow fleeting sinful desires. It seems that with each step we take away from these beliefs, we each step become closer to true evil. The strongest point in the show is presented by Kevin Lomax who asks, Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven, is that it?( The Devils Advocate (1997) Memorable quotes, n.d.). Then, John Milton responds, Why not? Im here on the ground with my nose in it since the whole thing began. Ive nurtured every sensation mans been inspired to have. I cared about what he wanted and I never judged him. Why? Because I never rejected him. In spite of all his imperfections, Im a fan of man! Im a humanist. Maybe the last humanist. (The Devils Advocate (1997) Memorable quotes., n.d.). This approaches to the doctrine of God. I mean that God has integrity; he is truthful. God is concerned for the welfare of those whom He loves for their best interest. God has unconditional love and unselfish interest in us for our sake. As in the Bible John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. In contrast, Satan always hated the humans from the existence. The problem of evil challenges Christian faith, but we should not forget that the Lord promises us the blessing in our life, and all we need just obey and be faithful to God. Even though all people are sinners as we are born with it, God is generous to us because in his plan he gives us a chance for redemption and salvation. I remember from the class lectures that, according to Augustinian theodicy, there is no evil but the lack of good. God created us as good beings in His image. However, we have a free will, and we have to make the choices that will define our life, our surrounding, our ethics, our relationships, and our faith. When the humans put themselves over the Creator, we separate from God even if He loves us. I see that in the choice that God gives us we have to take responsibility for our actions. As a matter of fact, this responsibility is repentance. What worldview is assumed in the show? The show The Devils Advocate paints a clear picture of different worldviews with its consequences. Some have faith in the government or in a hope for world peace. Others have faith in their money, their education or their employment; however, it can all let them down. Our health can fail, we can lose our job, and we can end a meaningful relationship with someone we care about. In contrast, I am convinced that all of those things are temporal, and they can be changed. I am a believer, and I agree that only Christian worldview produces a way of living that is fruitful and creative. There is no doubt that the Christian faith makes sense in this world that has lost its moral. I believe that the truth is absolute, and it can only be understood by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We all live by faith. To sum up, I have to say that I really enjoyed the movie because it made me to think what is really destroying our world, and what our part in creating better future is. We should start from the choices we make every day. Gods will do not have power unless we allow evil to seep in our hearts.