Professionalism and ethics Essay

The episode presented in this case study give rise to Moral Sense Test directed to analyzing human moral judgments. The issue of saving a large woman to save 22 tourists behind her, driving a boat faster to save life of five people from drowning and at the same time letting one person to fall of and drown, failure to give a drug to a terminally ill person in knowledge that he may die without it and his organs may be used to safe some other three persons, and suffocating your baby with aim of averting an enemy from finding both of you and kill and other eight hiding with you presents a moral dilemma situation directed towards scrutinizing psychological mechanism basic to social moral judgment. Situation leading to moral dilemma has been capturing human attention towards how people judge certain affairs, deciding on justified and unjustified situations as well as social views on right and wrong action. Debate on moral decision has been has been a contentious issue with philosophers speculating how people have been making moral decision in the society. Scenarios presented by this paper give a situation which has for long been pondered by philosophers as well other professional on whether to sacrifice one for a greater good. Utilitarian ethical theory support option of sacrificing one to protect many. Many societies seems to value the utilitarian option but there is a considerable emotional element given that verdict involves harming a human being. Any of decision made on these scenarios results to a moral tug of war between whether to kill one person as in the case of killing huge woman to save 22 tourist, sacrificing one person to save five from drowning, sacrifice on ill person to save three and sacrificing a child to save you and others with sympathy of killing a human being. Moral theories Egoism as an ethical theory entails individual’s self is the motivation and the goal of individual’s own accomplishment. Egoism has two folds i. e. descriptive and normative. Descriptive also called positive variant, define egoism as explanation of human affairs meaning individuals are motivated by self interest and desires while normative ethics elaborates that people should be motivated. Ethical egoism an individual have no duty anyone but to him/herself. Meaning that, every person should strive satisfy his or her individual interests maximizing own welfare. According to egoism, each individual has a goal of his own†¦This diversity of goals may endanger conflict. This is not an objection to ethical egoism, however. When people have goals in conflict, each individual ought, according to egoism, to maintain his or her goal. Ethical egoism is a consistent ethical theory, in competition with other ethical theories,† (Tannsjo 2002 pp 42). From the above quote we can say that according to egoism theory you act wrongly when if you do not strive to maximize your interest. Maximizing of interest means that an individual can go to an extent of doing harm in order to protect his/her interests. The egoist is prepared to kill, not only in order to save many lives but in order to save his or her own life. Therefore, in the scenarios presented in our case study when considering egoism ethical theory means that when doing any act you should consider your interests. For example an egoist would consider saving digging a woman and making 22 tourists to perish and sacrificing woman life to save tourist will depend on different interests according to egoism theory. That is can sacrifice the whole group or to save large woman according to whom we have interest in and vice-versa. Being a subject of Moral Sense Test based on egoism moral theory I would drown person in the falling from the boat to save other five based on my interests. If I am more affiliated to the falling person, according to egoism I would let five to perish and save the one I have interest in. In case my interest is more to the five people I would work to save them making the falling person to die. In the case where am to suffocate my screaming my screaming baby to save myself and other eight hiding with me would be a better option considering egoism theory. This is due to individual interest of living taking more priority than that of the baby hence saving other eight people. Faced with scenario of sacrificing failing to give drug to a terminally ill patient knowing that he will die but his organs could be used to save other three patient considering egoism theory would mean to fall the self interest in this scenario. Saving three persons to the expense of sacrificing one terminally ill patient means that my interest for example if patient is my relative. On the other hand if I have more interest to a more terminally ill patient I would not fail to give drug making other three to die according to egoism theory of maximizing of interests. Conventional morality can be described as a morality of established local practice or a part of morality that directs people day to day life. â€Å"Conventional morality defines responsibilities, gives direction to action, helps to organize social life. It establishes expectations and thereby give guidance for personal development† (DeMarco 1994 pp. 24). This means that it is a fixed pattern of individual or a professional governing a particular role, giving boundaries of action, dependencies as well as patterns of authority. That is society or individuals have moral responsibility based on conventions and violations of conventions mean individual actions are immoral. In the three scenarios presented in case study in this context conventional morality theory would looking at different laid down standard in trying to save different dilemmas. Incase of saving a five from drowning to the expense of saving the one falling and vise versa would depend on morals raid down. If my society moral dictates that saving many would be the most moral, according to conventional morality I would strive to save the five and let the falling person to die even if it is my relative since these are set convention and must be followed. In case it is refusing to give terminally ill patient drug making his to die and use his organ to save the three will depend on convention set by the hospital and act according to them. Suffocating my baby so that I can save myself and other eight persons from attacks of an enemy would depend on set societal convention which may favor suffocating my baby or letting all to die all together. For example if conventions dictates that I should strive to save many, suffocating of my baby may be an option and this would be morally upright according to conventional theory of morality. Moral dilemmas have presented various arguments making some of philosophers to argue that â€Å"†¦doing the right is whatever produce the greatest balance over evil†¦This view has been called ‘utilitarianism’ or ‘consequentialism. ’ ‘Utilitarianism’ tends to be associated with the view that ‘good’ means a balance of pleasure over pain†¦or perhaps some more sophisticated ‘happiness’†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hallquist, 2008 para. 5). According to Hallquist (2008), when applying utilitarianism theory of morality to moral dilemma where you have an option of killing one person to save many, an individual is requires to kill one and save many. This situation presents a greater evil or prevents a greater evil according to Utilitarianism theory of morality. There have been options when you can consider killing many and save one for example if killing the five would prevent a deadly riot would allow for saving one person instead. According to utilitarianism, killing someone harvest organ to save the five individuals would be a better evil. This means that the case presented in the case study in the context of this paper about refusing to give drug to terminally ill patient letting him to die and using his organ to heal other persons would be a better choice according to utilitarianism. Letting the falling person to die and save and saving five droning persons would be the better evil instead of saving one and letting five to die. Suffocating a my screaming baby according to utilitarianism theory of morality would be a better evil than letting myself and eight people accompanying me to die. Theory of duty ethics also called deontological morality theory view morality through probing the nature of actions and will of agents instead of results achieved i. e. looking at input instead of the outcomes. Incase of killing one person to save many for example a situation where the doctor would sacrifice life of one person and use his organ to save five, duty of ethics opposes this. â€Å"†¦the agent should not kill the one person because if he does that he will produce worse state of affairs, as seen from his position. That he should not kill is the result that deontologist endorse as well† (Kamm 1993 pp. 5). According to duty ethic correctness of an accomplishment is not simply reliant on exploiting the good, if that accomplishment goes in opposition to what is consider moral. This means that the scenarios where am require not to give drug and to let terminally ill person to die and save three from his organ would be immoral from duty ethics. This is because by refusing to give drug is immoral no matter the good it can contribute of saving three persons. Letting the falling from the boat to save the five persons from drowning is immoral according to duty of ethics. On the issue of suffocating my baby it may be immoral to do that because in the first place is illegal to do that hence letting the worst to strike. Virtue of ethics emphasizes that; morality should be guided by character rather than established rules or procedures. This theory is greatly dependent on wisdom to direct an individual to do what he/she feel is moral. Virtue of ethics encompasses trait like honesty and generosity in performance of a moral duty. In the case of moral dilemma of killing on person to save many will be judged from what the person in this situation feel is morally upright. Moral principles The above analysis of the moral theory do not give define solution and are inadequate when giving solution to various situations for example moral dilemma episodes. Seven moral principles give an alternative in trying to get solution on moral decision. Moral principles define the right and wrong accepted an individual or a society to a certain situation or are universal rules that guide an individuals or a society on what to do. That is, they are standard for good behavior in the society. Moral decision making process is the process in which an individual tries to implement a balance of the seven moral principles in a given situation. The seven moral principles are; Respect, Non-Malevolence, Benevolence, Integrity, Justice, Utility and Double Effect. The lists of moral principle incorporate many cultures to serve purpose of morality. According to the principles of morality a moral action should be guide by the application of the most appropriate principle(s). Principle of respect calls for treating everybody with respect together with application of dignity and importance of a person(s) not matter the diversity. Non-malevolence principle calls for avoiding harming people or even causing pain to them. Benevolence principle tries to promote well-being of others. That is it emphasize on responding in the needs of other. This should be consistent to promoting spiritual and cultural belief and values. Principle of integrity advocates for maintaining personal standards for example in the professional environment. In application to the episode of killing one to save many, moral principle provides with a range choice in coming with appropriate action. Conclusion Application of moral theory and moral principles should be directed by the intention of being morally upright in the social operation. There intention is to guide person and society at large to have a common way of handling their affairs for common good. Moral theories and principles are motivated greatly by the social need toward an upright society. Social life presents different circumstances in life and hence many moral theories and principle geared toward giving moral solution to different social circumstances.

Case Study: Lakes Automotive Essay

1. How do companies combine methodologies?  Answer: Companies combine methodologies by conducting research to determine the fastest and most cost effective method to move product and satisfy the customer; criticizing both advantages and disadvantages; asking for the opinions of the employees and managers, and/or deciding which phase the company is willing to keep. 2. How do you get employees to change work habits that have proven to be successful? Answer: In order to get employees to change work habits that have been proven to be successful, management must ensure that the new, implemented work habits are just as good and will benefit the overall longevity of the company as well as the employees of the company. 3. What influence should a customer have in redesigning a methodology that has proven to be successful? Answer: The customer should have a lot of influence in redesigning a methodology that has proven to be successful because the overall goal of any company should be to satisfy the customer. The customer is essential in generating the company’s revenue. 4. What if the customers want the existing methodologies left intact? Answer: If the customers of both companies, Lakes Automotive and Pelex Automotive Products, desire to implement the existing methodologies than the board will have to agree on a standard methodology to satisfy both parties. Therefore, combining methodologies becomes a vital option. 5. What if the customers are unhappy with the new combined methodology? Answer: If the customers are unhappy with the new combined methodology than management should revisit the most effective way to satisfy the majority of the customer base. 1. Why was it so difficult to develop a methodology?  Answer: It was difficult because the employees were not trained and was not knowledgeable on the one particular methodology. 2. Why were all three initial methodology based on policies and procedure? Answer: The three initial methodologies were based on policies and procedure, because that was the only standard that information systems, new products, and new corporate clients have in common. It was used because everyone is aware of policies and procedures and have access to references. 3. Why do you believe the organization later was willing to accept a singular methodology? Answer: It is not possible for there to be any organization or success in doing business with using three different methodologies. It had to be chaotic. Moreover, the company â€Å"had a problem deciding how to assign the right project manager to the right project.† (Kerzner, pg. 5) 4. Why was he singular methodology based on guidelines rather than policies and procedures? Answer: In the beginning the company used policies and procedures as a map for the three initial methodologies it was using, because they probably thought that was a way to have some sort of organization amongst the three methodologies. Later when the company realized the strategy was not working, they decided to use one methodology. Furthermore, since everyone is trained in the only methodology the company is now using it made sense for everyone to follow the guidelines of the methodology instead of the policy and procedure. 5. Did it make sense to have the fourth day of the training program devoted to the methodology and immediately attached to the end of the three-day program? Answer: Yes, it certainly made sense to have the fourth day devoted to training the employee on the new methodology. It is important for the employee to learn the new methodology specially since the previous strategy of using three different methodologies did not work for the company. In order for a company to be successfully all the employees should be trained, practice, and be comfortable with the company’s culture and methodology. According to the PMBOK Guide, a methodology is defined as, â€Å"A system of practices, techniques, procedures, and rules used by those who  work in a discipline,† therefore a company will have a difficult time being successful if everyone doesn’t know the methodology the company practices. 6. Why was the consultant not allowed to teach the methodology? Answer: The consultant was brought in only to train employees on project management skills, therefore, as the text implies, the consultant’s expertise is only in that subject. Moreover, the new methodology was developed internally. Since it was created internally only an internal employee could have the knowledge to train employees on the new methodology. 1. What is the critical issue?  Answer: The critical issue is that the Clark Faucet Company has a non-cooperative culture; therefore, the engineering and marketing department is not encouraged to communicate. This causes friction between the two departments and many failed project management implementations. 2. What can be done about it?  Answer: The executive council should enforce better company structure. For example, good project management practices and mandate communication between the engineering and marketing departments in order to complete task effectively and efficiently. 3. Can excellence in project management still be achieved and, if so, how? What step can you recommend? Answer: Excellence in project management may still be achieved if the project manager follows the tasks identified under the planning, execution, and closing. I would recommend the project manager keep constant communication with the stakeholder to identify risk (issues) internally and externally that will prevent the project form progressing. 4. Given the current non-cooperative culture, how long will it take to achieve a good cooperative project management culture, and even excellence? Answer: The length in changing the project management culture depends on the executive decisions and implementation process. If all employees are made  aware of change and consequences of not adapting to change than the culture should transition quickly. However, if its not encouraged or practiced than a culture transition may take a while to achieve. 7. Should a singular methodology for project management have a process for the prioritization of projects or should some committee external to the methodology accomplish this? Answer: There should be a singular methodology for project management to have a process for the prioritization of projects because as a project manager, you are responsible for the planning, execution, and closing of the project. Therefore, the prioritization falls under the planning phase, which falls under the project manager.

Biology Unit 4 IP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Qualities of a good leader Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Qualities of a good leader - Essay Example He placed great effort on how to guide the sales team and the very obvious way is about closing a sale and hit their target. Hitting the target sales for the month or so is not easy because of some factors. However, the sales supervisor whom I have known has to motivate the team in order to achieve their target. He personally motivates his sales team through tangible and intangible matters such as financial or emotional support. Based on his functions, he is required to listen to his team. For instance, listening to his team allows him to better understand the specific response of the market to their product or service offerings. He is also required to have persuasive character not only because he needs to convince their customers, but above all his own team. Most of the time, he needs to execute things for the good of the team, but at some point it has become a challenge for him to do so especially in the implementation process. A good sales supervisor has to set everything clear in order for his or her team to follow the right direction just like what he exactly has been doing. In sales department, it is required of the manager or supervisor to guide, motivate, inspire, listen and persuade the whole team in order to close a sale and hit their sales target at the specified time. Today, this is one of the most obvious approaches done in varying organizations in order to be a cut above the other. People at the sales department are required to be business oriented more than the other personnel in an organization such as those in the technical and accounting department. In marketing activity, the manager or supervisor has to think ahead of everyone else and it is in this reason he or she moves ahead aggressively especially on how to create a need for their service and product offerings, and eventually close a sale. In order to effectively and efficiently do this, the sales manager or supervisor must be able to stand as good

Classifying talent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Classifying talent - Essay Example The first talent chosen for the analysis is playing the piano. It is really a talent for it involves performance of musical pieces with special ability of mind and hands and virtuosity. In other words, playing the piano as a talent requires physical, mental and psychological skills. The uniqueness of this talent lies in the ability to master the musical instrument and being able to perform the hardest musical pieces in front of the audience, under psychological pressure. It is complexity of musical pieces, hours, days and even months of hard work on the performance and virtuosity which make this talent admirable and great. Overall, a person who has this talent obtains such characteristic features as diligence, patience to work a lot of time and not to give up, love of the beautiful, and perseverance. One more relatively wide-spread talent is dancing. This talent lies in a person’s ability to use his / her physical abilities to perform eye-pleasing movements to music and both render and trigger emotions. Thus, this talent also requires mental, psychological and, more importantly, physical skills. The uniqueness of this talent is in a person’s perseverance and hard work to get particular physical skills to be able to perform very specific and complex movements. Very often, it is physical form and gracefulness that are usually praised in this talent. Just like any other talented person, one that has this talent is hard-working, diligent, patient, and passionate. Today, there are many actors but not so many of them have a real talent of acting, which lies in the ability to get into characters and perform in front of an audience or camera. This talent requires mostly mental and psychological skills which allow some kind of transformation and influence on the viewers’ minds. The uniqueness of the talent lies in the person’s ability to warm to the role so much so that other people

Why we can't wait-martin luther king Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Why we can't wait-martin luther king - Essay Example Martin Luther King Jr represented the African-American community, but in essence, this translates to all minority communities who lived an oppressed life. This oppression came about following colonization and the slave trade where the rights of those perceived to a weak community were subjected to a wide range of discrimination. Segregation and discrimination with regard to race, gender and education were outlawed following advocacy for civil rights. This marks a critical step towards generating independence among communities. This clearly illustrates that even as King fought for the rights of African-Americans, the benefits would be felt across different communities both regionally and nationally. King mounted a challenge to oppression by defying the status quo, which eventually got support from other members of the community other than African-Americans. However, there still exist a wide disparity based on ethnicity, race, religion and gender in modern America. This creates the need for more activism and effective leadership to bridge the gap, eliminating existing disparities. It is the tradition with most advocates of social justice to apply rhetorical strategies to engage their opponents in order to refute their claims beyond reasonable doubts. Martin Luther King is no exception as highlighted in most of his speeches, letters, and books particularly Why We Can’t Wait, which is the subject of this paper. The book was written following the conclusion of the Birmingham campaign and the Washington March in 1963.

Spring Framework with MVC web applications Essay

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Life Sketch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Life Sketch - Essay Example I know poverty, despair and suffering and what they do to a country as a whole and to the spirit of the people living through it. I vowed never again would I know such suffering. Since the day I arrived here I have worked very hard to get to where I am now. I have built a life for myself and my family. I am a full time student at ________________University working towards my Bachelors degree in _______________.I do not want pity or sympathy when I write these words. I am telling my story because I want you to understand it is not because of public assistance or handouts that I am where I am now, it is through my own hard work and determination. I now have four beautiful children and have them to love, care for, protect and teach. One of the most important gifts I can impart on them is the belief in themselves that they can achieve whatever they are willing to work towards. I want them to see that they are only limited by the constraints they place on themselves. I want to be a living example to them of what hard work, desire and belief in one's self can accomplish. Since arriving here I have gained a good grasp of the English language. From my limited knowledge and meager beginnings, I am now fluent in both oral and written English. As I previously stated. I am enrolled in college on a full time basis.

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Journal - Essay Example When asked about my proposed research topic, which is bilingual education, all respondents, except James, disclosed that they do not know anything about it. James, on the other hand, indicated that awareness on the topic was in terms of recognizing that by being bilingual, you can communicate with the other people easily. When asked if they have any opposition to the topic, all responded none. Likewise, their responses to my question: â€Å"what experience, knowledge, and background do they have in my field including both positive / negative experiences†, they all responded none. The audience analysis thereby revealed that the proposed research topic on bilingual education could provide ample opportunities for the audience to enhance their awareness and knowledge on this. Further, since there were no significant oppositions to the subject matter, it is therefore a viable topic. Their demographic factors further indicated that the topic could generally appeal to various ages, status, and

United States Managed care organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

United States Managed care organizations - Essay Example Despite the federal government having some public funds to compensate the public on sickness and death, there lacked public programs and legislations that would facilitate the realization of these efforts by the government. The raising concerns of wage loss were because of failure to be paid in the event of illness. This led to the introduction of insurance schemes (sickness funds) to cover against loss of wages due to illnesses by workers. There arose evolutionist reformers in the progressive era of the early 20th century whose motives were to address social concerns especially for the working group (Palmer para 4-5). The efforts of the reformers received great support by the government of Roosevelt who equally highly esteemed the health of the people. The early period of the century, saw combined efforts by the AMA (American Medical Association) and the AALL (American Association of Labor Legislation) design and formulate legislations and health care bills that were meant for effec ting the universal accessibility of health care to the U.S citizens. Shortly after these moves, the reformers introduced the concept of cost of illness as against concentrating on the lost wages through which they brought about the concept of ‘sickness’ insurance. Health sector regulations were not left behind as well in the reforms with the end of great depression (1935) marking the introduction of social security act. The great depression had serious implication to every American as well as the various departments such as the health care sector with general low finances in circulation within the entire economy. This therefore encouraged the insurance sector to introduce the medical covers through which medical expenses to the public would be easily met. Latter on some employers took to their role to provide health care to their employee, which equally marked great steps. By the mid century, over two thirds of the U.S citizens enjoyed some form of medical coverage over the private insurance schemes. However, the achievement of compulsory national health insurance as were the efforts of the reformers failed due to the opposition s that resulted from the doctors, business, insurance sector as well as some labor groups. However, by the year 1965, great steps had been taken within the sector and there was assenting to the legislation to universal health care in the United States (Palmer para 16-20). According to a brief by the Maine Health Access Foundation, the last thirty years have seen great efforts by the state government to improve on the accessibility of health care support through insurance especially to the uninsured. Notable efforts and progress has actually been experienced in three leading states in the efforts of reforming the health sector; Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine. The states have undertaken multiple roles in the health care provision system of America by serving as a regulator, administrator and a purchaser among other roles. The comprehensive health care reform has been a great phenomenon to be implemented within many of the U.S states. The guiding factor to these notable reforms has been to provide universal, quality and affordable services in health care to all her citizens. Therefore, individual states have been responsible in developing and

Floods in India Essay Example for Free

Floods in India Essay India, being a peninsular country and surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, is quite prone to flood. As per the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the major flood prone areas of India cover almost 12.5% area of the country. Every year, flood, the most common disaster in India causes immense loss to the countrys property and lives. India Flood Prone Areas The states falling within the periphery of India Flood Prone Areas are West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Gujrat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. The intense monsoon rains from southwest causes rivers like Brahmaputra, Ganga, Yamuna etc. to swell their banks, which in turn floods the adjacent areas. Over the past few decades, central India has become familiar with precipitation events like torrential rains and flash floods. The major flood prone areas in India are the river banks and deltas of Ravi, Yamuna-Sahibi, Gandak, Sutlej, Ganga, Ghaggar, Kosi, Teesta, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Mahananda, Damodar, Godavari, Mayurakshi, Sabarmati and their tributaries. Though the north-Indian plains prone to flood more, the India flood prone areas can be broadly categorized in three divisions: Besides the Ganga, rivers like Sarada, Rapti, Gandak and Ghagra causes flood in eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. The Yamuna is famous for flooding Haryana and Delhi. Bihar experiences massive dangerous flood every year. River Burhi, Bagmati, Gandak, Kamla along with many small rivers contribute to that. In West Bengal, rivers like Mahananda, Bhagirathi, Damodar, Ajay etc. causes floods because of tidal effects and insufficient river channels. * Brahmaputra and Barak Basins: The river banks of Brahmaputra and Barak gets flooded due to the Surplus water found in the Brahmaputra basin and the Barak basin. These rivers along with their tributaries flood the northeastern states like West Bengal, Assam and Sikkim. Jaldakha, Teesta and Torsa in northern West Bengal and rivers in Manipur often overflow their banks. * Central India and Deccan Rivers Basin: In Orissa, spilling over of river banks by Mahanadi, Baitarni and Brahmani causes havoc. The deltaic area formed by these three rivers is thickly populated. Even some small rivers of Kerala and mud stream from the nearby hills add on to the destruction. Southern and central India observes floods caused by Narmada, Godavari, Tapi, Krishna and Mahanadi due to heavy rainfall. Cyclonic storms in the deltaic regions of Godavari, Mahanadi and Krishna even floods the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu occasionally.

Analysis Of Ethical Egoism Philosophy Essay

Analysis Of Ethical Egoism Philosophy Essay Moral standards inform our actions, behaviours, and thoughts. The foundation of these standards stem from our cultural heritage passed on through generations. Introducing morals into the ego bears the philosophy of ethical egoism, which is a normative theory, based on the promotion of ones own good in accordance with morality (Moseley). Shaver avers that based on the ethical egoism theory it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right and that it maximizes own good. The promotion and pursuance of ones self-interest underscores the normative theory. It prescribes the motivation of ones thought, behaviour, and action. To understand the ethical egoism theory we must first know certain principles behind it. Ethical egoism is a normative theory, which means it prescribes how we should think, behave, and act. Shaver presents three features of ethical egoism as individual, personal and universal. He states that individual ethical egoism is notion that all persons should serve self-interest. Personal ethical egoism is the belief that one should act from the motive of self-interest (Shaver). Universal ethical egoism is the doctrine that all persons should pursue their own interests exclusively (Shaver). The foundation of a coherent theory of ethics is in truth, consistency, and completeness. In truth means that a statement of action is either true or false and not both. Consistency means that there should be no contradictions or incompatible statements. Completeness means that there should be no moral truth, which is not provable from the basic moral principles of the theory (Moseley). Shavers argument (qtd. in Rachels) in favour of the theory is that we are better position to know what is good for us. He further argues that since to seek out the good of others is to interfere, we should mind our own business. His point is that all of our commonplace practices from corporate social responsibility to a welfare system are borne of self-preservation and interest. Shavers other submission (qtd. in Rand) in favour of the theory is that a form of egoism was one of the thrust the American Revolution. He further argues that capitalism a 19th Century business model of the American history helped in rapid economic and cultural development that the nation also experienced. In opposition to the theory, Moseley (qtd. in Bayer) believes that it fails to provide the moral and arbitration framework to resolve conflicts. He holds that it is contradictory that pursuit of self-interest can be right and wrong. Moseley states that a successful pursuance of self-interest can be a deterrent if it prevents others from seeking their interest though perceived as a moral triumph. Finally, opponents say that ethical egoism is prejudicial because it divides people into two groups and discriminates against one group based on some subjective difference. Critics have touted this as best objection to the theory, for it provides the soundest reason why the interests of others ought to concern the interests of the self. The theory fails to answer certain fundamental questions of criteria of categorization, like the difference between self and others that justifies placing self in a special category. This makes the theory an arbitrary doctrine, in the same way that racism is arbitrary (Moseley). Some strengths of the theory are that, sometimes acting in ones self-interest often benefits others .e.g. going to college is in your self-interest, and it will help keep you off welfare, crime. In pursuing your self-interest, you will get a job, which will benefit others, or you start a business to make money, but you must have satisfied employees and a competitive product thereby helping others. In choosing your own interest, you must have the personal freedom to choose. Hence, as an egoist you must allow everyone to pursue his own personal interest (universal ethical egoism); consequently, egoism leads into a right-based theory where each individual has certain inalienable rights or a rule-based theory where certain rules of conduct are in the interest of everyone to observe. That is we are all better off if everyone obeys the law for we have to give up some good to achieve our maximum possible good. (Moseley). Notable weaknesses of the theory include the fact that it cannot be generalized or recommended to others because such a recommendation would be against ones self-interest; there is no way to justify the belief since it applies to just one person. Another problem is that it is difficult to figure out what own interests means. It cannot be ascertained whether the phrase mean short-term or long-term benefit, pleasure, happiness, preference, or something else, for what gives you pleasure might not be a benefit or in your interest. (Moseley). One thing is certain about all the arguments presented, that the theory is controversial, inconsistent, and incongruous and cannot therefore be used as a basis to guide and direct our actions, habits, and beliefs. It is imperative to state that a theory is but an opinion or point of view if not grounded in truth, consistency, and completeness.

Theories of Compulsive Buying Behaviour

Theories of Compulsive Buying Behaviour Above all, it should be noted that shopping is big business. Shopping centers employ approximately 8% of the US workforce. These portion of the workforce helps drive the machine that creates about  ½ of each state’s tax revenues and there are currently more malls and shopping centers that US high schools (Farrell, J. 2003, pp. xi-xii). Seemingly powering this juggernaut of commerce is ever increasing and apparently insatiable appetite of the modern consumer. Behind the 4x growth in the number of shopping centers and the over 3x growth in retail square footage during the 30-year period of 1970 – 2000, is the fact that Americans (and likely other â€Å"civilized† consumers) are consuming goods at twice (2x) the rate as they did in 1950 and ten-time(10x) as just over seventy years ago (Farrell, J. 2003, pp. xii-xiii). It is also worth noting that this increase in consumption is evidenced across all income levels though not necessarily equally across all segments (Gini, A. 2003, p. 85). In fact, more severe cases are significantly correlated to a lower the level of income, a greater likelihood of having below-average income and spending a lower percentage of income on sale items, suggesting overall an inability to handle financial issues well (Black, D. 2001, p. 23) As a ‘counter-statistic’, Americans have a level of production that is currently at approximately 2x that of the same period (1950). This implies that, we could consume the same amount as in 1950 and work half as much or, as reality has it, work even more to consume over twice as much (Gini, A. 2003 p. 82). Similarly, in a predictably correlational fashion, the not only has the number of shoppers and shopping centers increased but there has been a sharp increase in the number of newproducts, particularly in the advertised â€Å"must have† category as wellas the emergence of the entirely new â€Å"disposable† category (Pooler, J.2003, p. 9). As shoppers and products have changed, the relationship that existed between them has also morphed into something new. With the proliferation of retail venues that profer an ever-increasing number of products and categories, the arrival of the â€Å"disposable† product should not go unnoticed. Though without question, many if not most products are very high quality and manufactured to very exacting standards, many products are less durable or are â€Å"designed for obsolesce†. Durability was the characteristic that was promoted while the products of today push a message of convenience. In a society rampant with such explicit and implicit messages, it is no wonder that the emotional connections to most any product are decreasing (Pooler, J. 2003, p. 10). Products such as cameras or contact lenses were highly contemplated purchasesthat were expected to last a significant period of time. Likely more important than simple the volume of shopping is its intensity†¦shopping means more than it did in the past. Previously,people shopped for items that they needed. Now, such shopping still occurs but it occupies a small fraction of the process. Studies estimate that as much as 2/3 of consumer purchases are â€Å"unnecessary†(Pooler, J. 2003 p.2). This excess is bought from a want rather than need. As an additional sign of the times, consumer research has even indicated that over half of all gift purchases are actually gifts forâ€Å"me† (Pooler, J. 2003, p. 11). Shopping â€Å"used to be† a more utilitarian and logical task in which purchases were planned and for the most part, the consumer-focused onâ€Å"needs†. Contrasted with the modern shopper for whom it has been estimated that only about 1/3 of purchases are â€Å"necessary†, it is clear that unfulfilled desire must play a very much larger role (Pooler, J.2003, pp. 2, 6). For example, as Pooler states, â€Å"†¦people have a need for a new pair of pants but a desire to buy designer-label pants is a want†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Pooler, J. 2003, p. 22). Today, brands are power, disposablecontacts are the norm and OTUC, â€Å"one-time use camera†, are almost always within arms reach. It is important to note these products arenot inferior†¦in many ways, they are functionally far superior toyesterday’s products, rather, simply illustrative of a pervasivementality that merits acknowledgement and consideration. Understandingthe mentality that these â€Å" wants†, in the minds of individual consumers,are likely felt to be â€Å"needs†. The eye of the would-be beholder isparticularly relevant. By utilizing the â€Å"Hierarchy of Needs†, it is possible to shed significant insight into how some of these psychological shifts are occurring. Developed by noted psychologist Abraham Maslow over 75years ago, this pyramid of hierarchically ordered needs is fundamental to many issues with psychological affect. At the base of the pyramid are â€Å"basic needs† such as food, shelter and clothing. Above the basic,physiological level are needs that could be classified as â€Å"safety† and would include anything that can provide psychological security and stability. Above this are â€Å"social† needs such as the need for friends and companionship. Nearing the top of the pyramid are needs under thelabel of â€Å"self-esteem† in which feeling such as pride and respectbecome important. Finally, the highest level of needs is characterizedas being â€Å"self-actualization† needs in which a person has the desire tomake the â€Å"most† of themsel ves and to â€Å"be† more. A key component of Maslow’s influence is his belief that higher needs can not be addressed until lower needs are satisfied. This is especially salient as most people living in â€Å"modern† civilized countries have all the more â€Å"basic† needs met. Consequently and with few exceptions, most can spend their days in pursuit of the satisfaction of â€Å"higher† needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization. As America or any modern society has evolved, psychologist and philosopher Eric Fromm indicates that society and its members have also evolved to a point at which â€Å"being† is confused with â€Å"having† (Gini,A. 2003, p. 84). Such as materialist possessive mindset will leavevacant the needs at the top of the pyramid and individuals will exhibitfeelings associated with not having these innate needs unfulfilled. Fromm further indicates that much of the symptoms of this empty questare typical of a â€Å"western† mindset and ultimately result in a mentalityof â€Å"to be much is to have much† (Gini, A. 2003, p. 82). To have a high standard of life means to enjoy a pleasure intensely and tire of it quickly. Simon Patten (Hine, T. 2002 p. 17) The fact that people, in general, are consuming more, that there are more products and more places to buy them go a long way in describing in somewhat imprecise yet accurate terms that context of modern society. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs also provides significant insight into the circumstances of the continuing patterns of increasing consumption that indicated a struggle to satisfy a need that cannot be satiated through the mechanism of acquiring things. At this point, a further differentiation between â€Å"needs† and â€Å"wants† can be drawn: a need is often physical and should be satisfied externally; a want is most likely a psychological, internally manifested desire. In the same way that you could not satisfy a real, physical hunger with psychological fish and chips, attempts to quench a psychological desire with a tangible object are likely short-lived and misguided and willend in psychological frustration. This misguided attempts to assuage one’s highest psychological needs is not unreasonable given the mixed messages in society of which there is a clear emphasis placed upon highly superficial qualities. Shopping is simply the process whereby one attempts to execute these omnipresent messages. As a cultural phenomenon, shopping is the procedural execution of economic decision-making. This decision-making takes places in a sea of in which image and emotion are perhaps more likely to take precedence of narrowly defined economic and functional utility. The price tag on an item reflects a certain value but the real value is in the eye of the consumer and is the item worth that much to me. Using economic terms such as opportunity cost and opportunity benefit are especially relevant as a purchase decision hangs in the balance: â€Å"what will my friends think?†, â€Å"does it make me more attractive?†, â€Å"does it make me happy?† are examples of what goes throug h the ‘new’ consumer mind. The fact that a product will do the job is, at best, necessary but not sufficient and, at worst, totally irrelevant. As noted above, the process of shopping along with the acquired resultant booty are a reflection of a changing culture and value system. â€Å"Shopping† is part of a manner by which a person defines who they are. What is bought, where it came from and the motives define a person for themselves and, probably in large measure, to others aswell. Just as important as what, where and why that someone bought something are the ‘facts of omission’: that they did not buy it at a certain store, etc. is as relevant as the ‘facts of commission’. Consider the following telling examples of self-expression: the shopper purchases prominently labeled Pampered Chef cookware in lieu of functionally equivalent store merchandise,the man who purchases a Polo sweater with its distinctive logo over the perhaps even pricier/better nondescript brand,the person who chooses name-brand drinks when company is expected over the undistinguishable other brand.While the rationale for purchases are intriguing issues, it is interesting to note that everyone thinks they are good at it (Pooler,J. 2003, p. 4). This is all the more interesting in light of how one might possibly define â€Å"good† or â€Å"success†. Certainly, in the mind of the â€Å"above average† or even â€Å"good† consumer, it would be a short-lived experience as the satisfaction of a successful hunt only fuels the thirst for additional quarry. That this ubiquitous activity is seldom relegated to being considered just a â€Å"functional† activity in whichâ€Å"functional† products are the goal is c onsistent with the fact that itis now something of a recreational pursuit in which objects of deep psychological desire are hunted with a relish most often associated with sports participation. As most activities in which there is the reward, shopping can go â€Å"tofar†. For many the allure of shopping can be a bit too much. The attraction of shiny products, sexy packaging, tempting displays, glamorous advertisements, ever-so-helpful service staff and the extreme ease by which one can proffer payment, it is no wonder that someâ€Å"over-succumb† to the retail sirens. Given a society that is behaviorally and cognitively conditioned respond to the stimulus of retail, it is no surprise that some spend beyond their means. Others may have the means to financially afford the habit but are continue to seek fulfillment in a venue that cannot provide anything else than transitory happiness until the cycle begins again. The idea of more, of ever increasing wealth, has become the center of our identity and our security, and we are caught by it as an addict by his drugs. Paul Wachtel (Gini, A. 2003 p. 81) The idea that shopping can get out of hand does not escape the attention of either popular press such as Essence or more scholarly tomes such as the Journal of Consumer Research or CNS Drugs [CentralNervous System]. â€Å"Behind the urge to splure† reads Essence, is often a person who some degree, find that they cannot help themselves. For some, a certain purchase is simply â€Å"merchandise†, even if a bit pricey and fashionable. For others, it may represent a conscious or unconscious â€Å"sense of entitlement† or it may be a form of self-medication that is termed in some circles to be â€Å"retail therapy†(Bridgeforth, G. 2004, p. 156). This so-called therapy is likely caused by the psychological frustration from the lack of lasting fulfillment of pasting attempts to achieve â€Å"self-actualization† via shopping as a compensation mechanism. While a problem in itself,‘shopping for psychological satisfaction’ may be masking serious is sues such as a ‘clinically-qualifying’ depression or just ‘regular’ issues for which shopping is simply a surrogate means to attain a bit of self-esteem through â€Å"good shopping†. Though many in the popular press refer to someone as being a â€Å"shopping addict†, it is important to note that there are different types of addiction. Commonly, when one refers to someone as an â€Å"addict†, the mind conjures up the person who is addicted to cocaine, methamphetamines or even alcohol. These types of addictions are undoubtedly very real and, because of their nature, are referred to as physiological addictions. The chemicals in the abused substanceshyper-stimulate certain receptors in the central nervous system and their prolonged use created a deficit in the body’s production of endogenous analog. Such a deficit is augmented by a strong desire for such chemical stimulation as well as certain psychological â€Å"needs† or perhaps more accurately, â€Å"compunctions†. If it were the case that shopping was addictive in the same way that drugs are, we might expect to find that purchases of various persons showed little trends in that the same types or categories of items did not construe a consistent purchase incidence. In actuality, items that tend to be moreâ€Å"emotional† in nature have a distinct tendency for a greater purchase frequency that items with than items with less potential for attachment(Pooler, J. 2003, pp. 24-25). For example, â€Å"duct tape† or â€Å"milk† are items that would not be likely to be on a shopping addict’s list whereas items such as jewelry, fashion items or â€Å"elegant† undergarments are strong contenders. Though not quite like a drug addiction, shopping for certain individuals can be maladaptive or pathological in nature. Though it can not be deemed a physiological addiction, as we will discuss in more detail later, there are physiological consequences and manifestations of what is otherwise a psychological presentation. For these individuals, the entire shopping experience is different: to someone who has not experienced it, it would seem almost inconceivable that a person could be â€Å"out of control† to the extent that those suffering from compulsive spending disorder report as being. As Black reports,â€Å"†¦compulsive shoppers often describe their experiences as being enhanced by color, lighting or the odor of stores, as well as the textures of clothing†¦ [with] some even describing the experience as being sexually exciting† (Black, D. 2001, p. 23). According to these same reports, 83% of compulsive shoppers report that it makes them feelâ€Å"happy† while 71% indicate a â€Å"powerful† feeling. This feeling persist in the face of the guilt and consequences following their purchases which, in many cases, are either returned or given away and not retained (Black, D. 2001, p. 23). In determining if someone should be fitted with the label layperson’s terms being of a â€Å"shopping addict† or a â€Å"shop-a-holic†, a key qualifier is the expression of consumer demand that could be considered to beâ€Å"irrational†. Such classification must be considered in the context of the consumer’s lifestyle and income. With this in mind, it is not the object of demand so much as an extreme emotional or otherwise inappropriate level of demand within a ‘reasonable’ framework of acceptability (Pooler, J. 2003, p. 26). For example, the strong desire of a comparatively wealthy person or perhaps the elite harrier who wants the ‘very latest’ in performance athletic footwear is insufficient to earn such a label. On the other hand, the individual who is not, by any stretch of the imagination, remotely athletic and whose income in inconsistent with shoe’s whose price exceeds ten hours wages would likely be labeled i rrational. Such information in conjunction with other facts and the overall context would be in line with consideration for such a designation. Another consideration in the determination of the appropriateness of anon-clinical label such as a shopping addict is the overall magnitude of the behavior. A common behavior is that people, when they feel they have done â€Å"a good job† with some task will â€Å"self-reward†. This construct is could generally be termed to be a more benign presentation of the â€Å"self-medicating† label often is implemented in regards to a work-related behavior. This â€Å"psychological pat on the back†, whether a alternative compensation mechanism or a pure positive reinforcement of a selected behavior. Regardless, there is an intuitive level of reasonableness in relation to the magnitude of the reward with the degree of difficulty or relative â€Å"greatness† of task achievement. Depending on a number of factors, one employee may seek self-gratification through treating themselves to lunch while another could give them a license to splurge and run up a dispropor tionately hefty bill. All in all, though it would be exceeding convenient if there were a blood test to determine if one were an addict, it is simply not the case. Despite this, there are certain patterns that do fit the criteria for shopping being an addiction. While there are diagnostic criteria for the determination that an individual is a â€Å"shopping addict†, it is quite likely just as useful to define â€Å"addictive† behavior as occurring when there is strong irrational desire based upon a perceived need for some stimulus despite, in the long run pathological or maladaptive. The addict may likely know that the pursuit of such a stimulus is not in their best interests or they may, through ignorance or extreme desire, be blind to the negative consequences of continued consumption. Defined similarly as beingâ€Å"behavior triggered by internal psychological tension and accompanied by relief and frustration†¦ performed repeatedly despite its negative consequences† by DeSarbo and Edwards in research conducted to more accurately ascertain related psychological factors, either definition seems to adequately capture the intuitive connotation for such an assessment (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 231). If 10% of the population have a problem and 9 of your friends are OK†¦Is it YOU? While it may not, in fact, be â€Å"1 in 10†, the incidence of compulsive buying disorder has been estimated to be between 2-8% with the overwhelming majority being female and with a comparatively young( Before plunging headlong into the issue of shopping as an addiction, itis important to differentiate between â€Å"compulsive† and â€Å"impulsive† spending. The distinguishing feature between them is the source of the impetus as being internal or external. Internal motivations such as anxiety or the seeking of increased self-esteem or gratification are the motivations for compulsive spending. Impulsive spending is differentiated by the stimulus for purchase is being driven by an external mechanism such as a blinking package, prominent placement such as an endcap or a â€Å"special† (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p.233). Such as differentiation is important as it is not uncommon for compulsive buyers to also be impulsive buyers yet there are discernable differences in their psychological makeup. Clearly, shopping can be addictive and merits attention and possibly intervention. While there are common sense guidelines to assessing the such behavior as indicated previouly, more standard criteria have been developed to aid both a person in determining that they ought to seek professional help as well as aiding mental health professionals in making a confirmatory diagnosis. Developed under the assumption that materialism is a pervasive and global human trait, the Diagnostic Screener for Compulsive Buying Behavior (DSCB) was developed with seven key items: I made only the minimum payments on my credit cards.I wrote a check when I knew I didn’t have enough money in the bank.I felt others would be horrified if they knew of my spending habits.If I have any money left at the end of a pay period, I just have to spend it.I bought things even though I couldn’t afford them.I bought myself something in order to make myself feel better.I felt anxious on days I didn’t go shopping (Kwak, H., G. Zinkman, M. Crask 2003, p. 166).These items had an approximate overall reliability of 0.75 and were significant at the p>.05 level. Despite this, in trials with multiple samples from both the US, represented individualized ‘western culture, and South Korea, representing more a community/group-driven eastern culture, the emergence of dimensionality in the data was observed. In US samples, the premise that the seven test items capture adequately the various psychological tensions and anxieties that a person who suffers from compuls ive buying issues is supported without modification. However, South Korean samples, though supporting the hypothesis this instrument can reliably detect such issues, revealed bi-dimensionality in two constructs of: â€Å"Financial outcomes† (items 1,2 and 3),â€Å"Unfettered spending† (items 4,5 and 6) (Kwak, H. 2004, p. 167).Such a finding indicates that, in some cultures, consumers may see that an certain issue has different or distinct angles. For example, either an problem with the financial outcomes of behaviors or the fact that one may not be very restrained in spending is likely seen as the same issue by American consumers. In essence, the answers may be the same and the result the same but the meaning that a certain culture places upon one factor or another is relevant and only reiterates the changing nature and that interpretation of such instruments cannot be removed from the culture. Additional research by DeSarbo and Edwards published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology in which advanced statistical controls were utilized provide significant additional insights in the both the nature of the problem of compulsive buying and the discernment of the problem itself. In this research the authors cite numerous previous studies in which the behavior of compulsive buying has been linked to a number of psychological personality characteristics such as: Dependence DenialDepressionLack of impulse controlLow self-esteemApproval-seekingAnxietyEscape coping tendenciesGeneral compulsivenessMaterialismIsolationExcitement-seekingPerfectionism In addition, the factors of family environment, childhood experiences with money and spending, family communication patterns, as well as factors such as the number of credit cards regularly used,degree of credit debt and other compulsive behaviors demonstrated have been identified as potential predictors of compulsive buying activity(DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 232). Of all the factors indicated in assessing the issues that predispose an individual to compulsive buying behaviors, the â€Å"escape from anxiety† is most often labeled as the most influential factor. As multiple studies indicate, â€Å"†¦compulsive buyers react to stress with higher levels of anxiety than do noncompulsive buyers†. When ‘stressed out’, compulsive shoppers attempt to utilize purchases as a compensation mechanism or as an escape from the anxiety (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards2004, pp. 235, 236). Additionally, the following significant contributing factors are listed below: 1. Self-Esteem– Cited as the most common deficiency in those who are compulsive shoppers, it is easy to see how the act of purchasing an item can convey a sense of power and entitlement although it is one that is short-lived (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 236). This non-durable pleasure serves to enhance the vicious cycle in which the progressive qualities of the â€Å"disease† are exhibited. This cycle is virtually identical to many physiological addictions in which there is desensitization or habituation to a certain level of stimulus: which each engagement, the person wants/needs a larger â€Å"dose† or a greater frequency of stimulation. 2. Perfectionism – This trait is frequently associated with invididuals who suffer from addiction and is characterized as being â€Å"unrealistic† expectations whose unfulfillability can result in a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. By purchasing, individuals with this trait are seeking to assuage these feelings and, for a short while, they may succeed (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 236). 3. Impulsiveness– In the scheme of medical or psychological diagnosis, â€Å"compulsive buying behaviors† are close relatives of obsessive-compulsive behavioral disorders. The inability to control impulsive thoughts and/or the related ability to defer gratification are likely important contributors to this behavior (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, pp.236, 237). Also, as indicated earlier, there should be a distinction drawn between â€Å"compulsive† and â€Å"impulsive† buying behaviors in which the stimulation for action is internal or external, respectively. 4. Locus of Control –Much compulsive buying is likely related to a internal struggle to gainâ€Å"control† of a confounding and stressful external environment. When a person chooses to make a purchase, feelings of control are present as the person chooses the object, means, timing, location and, in some cases, the cost of their desires. This highly controlled situation could likely be contrasted to the context of the balance of their lives in which they are at the whim of others and exert no control and possibly even little influence upon the events and objects in their day. As such, those who are characterized as being compulsive consumers are likely to view themselves as â€Å"being controlled externally† as they have an inability to see themselves from the perspective that they are able to influence their lives internally(DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 238). In addition, addition personality traits such as â€Å"excitement seeking†, â€Å"approval seeking† or â€Å"dependence† issues as well as environmental factors or familial factors are considered to be characteristics that can contribute to or perpetuate cycles of compulsive consumerism. An example of an environmental factors that are potentially relevant are â€Å"isolation† in which the occasion of compulsive buying may provide a social outlet or â€Å"materialism† in which ‘keeping up with the Jones’’ becomes a compelling rationale for such spending (DeSarbo, W. and E.Edwards 2004, p. 239). With regards to familial factors, there are a great many learned behaviors that are internalized as â€Å"normal† in the context of the home. Additionally, most people first experience with money and managing finances come through the context of chores, an allowance and forms of rationed spending. These early experiences have a signi ficant influence upon adult behaviors as is the case in which children learn that â€Å"money is a reward† or perhaps are not taught that saving is a very important part of earning as well as spending(DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, pp. 239,240). One of the ultimate goals of psychology is to understand, predict and influence behavior. To more fully understand the role that these personality traits, environmental and family or sociological issues plays in the expression of compulsive buying behaviors, DeSarbo and Edwards utilized advanced regression techniques to â€Å"tease out†additional insights that would otherwise be â€Å"buried† in using simpler techniques. The basic idea behind regression analysis is to plot a line which represents the extent to which a certain factor or group of factors can explain the variance of measurable behaviors within a sample group. More basic regression techniques such as linear regression utilize a formula of y=mx+b in which y is the expected behavior and x is the independent variable in which there it is posited there will be a influence y. In its most basic forms, variables are â€Å"lumped together† and one can determine only is a certain combination significantly influences the outcome. In more intermediate approaches, differing variables can be accounted for by there relative contribution to the outcome. In the more advanced data manipulations, technology enables the rapid assessment of various combinations or â€Å"clusters† of variables can be examined in order to more fully account for the observed sample variability. It was such an approach, â€Å"clusterwise constrained and unconstrained step-wise regression analysis†, that was employed by DeSarbo and Edwards to predict the maximum likelihood of compulsive buying by grouping specific combinations of these factors which each iteration testing for deviations in outcome as various factors or groups of factors are included or omitted. Results from this manipulation confirm the difference between â€Å"compulsive† buying in which the behavioral stimulation is more due to internal psychological factors and â€Å"impulsive† buying in which key drivers are more externally biased. In this analysis, the study revealed the key predictors of compulsive buying to be self-esteem, dependence and anxiety. For impulsive buying, factors yielding statistically significant influence were determined to be denial, isolation, approval seeking and coping. Additionally, â€Å"impulsiveness† as a personality trait factor displayed a significan t degree of influence over internally- and externally-driven compulsive buying behaviors (DeSarbo, W. and E. Edwards 2004, p. 248). Though the assessment devices that can shed insight on such psychological concepts as are indicated above, when utilized by a trained technician, can provide a more â€Å"clinical† means by which compulsive buying issues can be gauged, many of the same indices are often incorporated in to what might be termed â€Å"user-friendly field assessment quizzes†. Such a screening tool may be especially helpful as a guide to help one self-determine if there is a potential likelihood of an issue that may need merit professional assistance. An example of this type of quiz is given below: 1. Do you hide purchases from your partner to avoid a fight?2. Are there garments in your closet from seasons past that still have tags on them?3. Do you â€Å"forget† about purchases made and then find yourself without the money to pay for them when the bill arrives at the end of the month?4. Have you consolidated your credit card debt or rolled it into a refinance?5. Do you travel at the drop of a hat and take additional trips before past trips are paid for?6. Do you tap into â€Å"emergency† savings regularly to make ends meet?7. Are you unable to contribute the maximum to your 401(k) because you need extra dollars to pay your bills?8. Have you withdrawn from or made loans against your 401(k)? (Bridgeforth, G. 2004, p. 158) Though these â€Å"yes or no† questions are relatively unsophisticated, they can provide significant insight into the issues identified by Kwak, et al., such as the emphasis on financial outcomes, unrestrained spending and activities that might be suggestive of behavioral patterns as opposed to single incidents. Grappling with the Gray Area†¦ A Continuum Approach to Pathology One of the key features of this â€Å"disease† is that, like many psychological issue, it typically begins almost unnoticed and gradually progresses. The initial cycle is likely to begin even innocuously yet the behavior of spending is reinforced by the association of the positive feeling that one has shortly after the purchase. Though this seems reasonable, there is a pronounced tendency on behalf of most people if not medical professionals are well to see illness in terms of a dichotomous perspective. While this is a convenient method, it is indeed too convenient to model the reality of a continuum-approach to this issue. Further, there are traits that seem to predispose one to compulsive spending such as personality or familial factor

The Many Eccentricities of Kim Jong Il Essay -- International Governme

Over the course of history, it can be determined that the most evil of dictators follow the same set of characteristics. Generally, these tyrants rule with an iron fist, deploying military power whenever they feel they should. They often funnel their state’s coffers into their own personal bank accounts, and it is common for dictators to force their people to treat them with the utmost reverence and respect. These traits are seen in rulers like Hitler, Stalin, Mugabe and Hussein. However, there is one dictator set apart from the rest--the North Korean former President Kim Jong Il. It is Il’s eccentricities, of which there are many, distinguish from the other members of Dictator’s Club. Kim Jong Il has been characterized by many renowned psychologists as narcissistic, antisocial, sadistic, paranoid, schizoid and schizotypal, as per what a â€Å"normal† dictator can be diagnosed with. However, he has also been typified as pteromerhanophobic, or deathly afraid of flying. This leads to his first eccentricity: his insistence of leaving North Korea only by armored train. The train spans seven rail-cars with two electric diesel cars to pull it along. Its windows are bulletproof, and though it does not seem to be armored, the fuselage of the cars is made from heavy metal plating. Though armored trains are not generally considered useful, and most are not in use, Il employed his regularly, using it to travel to such destinations as Moscow, Beijing and Siberia. A Russian emissary who traveled by the train described it as very ornate, and also disclosed that Il had had live lobsters airlifted daily to the galley car. Another traveler aboard the train said Kim Jong Il had multiple sets of pure-silver chopsticks stored aboard with which he might... ...w.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8965098/Kim-Jong-il-double-rainbows-fear-of-flying-and-Godzilla-10-things-you-might-not-know.html>. "No Motherland Without You." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2012. Web. 25 May 2012. . Fuller, Graham. "Mad for the Movies: On Kim Jong-Il's Insane Obsession With Hollywood (and Elizabeth Taylor)." Artinfo. 19 Dec. 2011. Web. 25 May 2012. . Savage, Mark. "Kim Jong-il: The Cinephile Despot." BBC News. BBC, 19 Dec. 2011. Web. 25 May 2012. "Pteromerhanophobia." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 May 2012. Web. 27 May 2012. .

Essay --

The indigenous rights in the America colonization Rights are the set of rules that regulate social coexistence and resolve interpersonal conflicts. Laws of Indies or Indigenous rights began since Europe is attracted by the exploration. A group of Spanish explorers’ representatives of the Catholic monarchs, commanded by Christopher Columbus began to travel for search of new routes of commercialization. In 1492 Columbus arrived for the first time in America and he was certainty that he had arrived to Asia. Then, more expeditions started since they found a very diverse ground and also began the first relationship with the Indians. Before the â€Å"Laws of Indies† were created, already were some entities, rights and responsibilities for the indigenous society in the conquest. The first right created for the new World was based on three principles: â€Å"Tierra De Nadie† that means the land of no one, was the right to the allocation of territories ignorance of indigenous property when it had,  ¨Tierra para la Cristianidad ¨ (land to Christianity) this was about spreading Christianity in America and the last one was  ¨Conquista de derechos ¨(conquest of the rights) that were the rights of European States on all native cultures. The American society was based on these three rights at the beginning of the conquest. As Spain, was a very conservative and Christian land, the people who came from Spain took the responsibility to promote Christian culture to the indigenous however the greatest responsibility that the Spanish people took with those rights was taking care of the relationships with the indigenous because they needed to progress their trade and business in this new resourceful land. In the second expedition to America, Columbus brought to Spai... ...cials, or persons without title of conquest; the limitation for the huge amount of taxes that satisfied the encomenderos; the abolition of any form of slavery that could be, and any other category of forced labor. The new Viceroy came to America with express orders that these laws were fulfilled, but this new laws was so devastated and created a war in Peru between the encomenderos and the loyalists. Unfortunately, the New Laws were not fully implemented. In Peru, they were taken as an excuse for a serious revolt, led by Gonzalo Pizarro, and this, coupled with pressure from various power groups, made Charles I eliminate the hereditary nature of the charges. This caused the Encomienda survived until 1791 in some areas.  ¨The Ordinances of Alfaro ¨ came that were rights and definitive regulations for all the Indies, it proposed a series of rules and that ended slavery.

Porters Five Force Analysis for Paint Induatry

For a dominant paint manufacturing company which is spread allover India, local players act as a very huge threat to them. With a small place for factory and an effective distribution system the local players may pose themselves a huge competition for these nationalized companies. As the local players do not mind quality but sell products for cheap rates they grab more attention of middle class people in India who are of majority. But if the major company has a huge brand name with quality product and some marketing gimmicks they can lure customers even if they have high prices. Power of suppliers As said above the local players are more or less who started as suppliers for the big companies. As the required number of raw material are more in preparation of paint if these suppliers come together and start making end products the pose themselves as huge threats. Power of buyers As this being a competitive industry with multinational players, national players, local players the buyer has a lot of options to his disposal. Switching cost is also not high. The contractors and painters also play their role, as they will tend to buy from people who give them incentives. So the companies should always be on toes in retaining the existing buyers by some effective reward or marketing system. Availability of substitutes The likelihood of availability of substitutes in this industry is less. But the varieties of products are more. This is where big players have an edge over local players. With different kinds of paints available in market to manufacture all kind you need huge factories but the local players will have a small unit which basically manufactures not mare then a few variants. Competitive rivalry As mentioned before the rivalry is very high with n number of makers in the market and n number of takers in the market. If the construction industry is on a downward slope then it affects this industry a great deal.

An Analysis on “American Gothic” by Grant Wood Essay

â€Å"Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.† This is a quote by Dutch painter and Etcher. There have been several painters who focused on the atmosphere of the locations or spots that they chose to draw on their canvas. However, some of the painters founded themselves mysteriously involved into the environments of places that they visited. One of those painters is Grand Wood, who painted the American Gothic. Wood made certain atmosphere the bases of his painting and through his unique style of painting impressed everyone who liked good artwork. As a result, the painting stands amongst the likes of Mona Lisa and other highly famous paintings today. American Gothic by Grant Wood American Gothic by Grant Wood is one of the most famous painting in the history of arts. The Art Gallery of Chicago is the place where American Gothic was displayed for the very first time and it is the very gallery that still keeps the painting. In search of visiting a fine piece of art, in person, I visited the Art Gallery of Chicago. There, along with many other paintings, American Gothic was also displayed for the visitors to see. Experiencing American Gothic through Computer VS in Person When I visited the gallery 263 and finally looked at the American Gothic painting by myself, I realized the importance of seeing an artwork by one’s own eyes instead of looking at in on a computer or in books. The painting made that was oil painted on Beaver Board was 78 x 65.3 cm in size and there was the signature of Grant Wood on the lower right corner on the canvas along with the year 1930. Since I was there just to see and analyze the American Gothic, I stayed in front of the painting after other visitors moved towards other paintings. Masterpiece Turned Into Senseless Parodies As we all know there have been countless parodies of the American Gothic out there, some of which are harmless parodies while many of them are totally absurd attempts. After looking at the painting for several minutes I got a bit uncomfortable because I found the two characters (Painter’s sister and his dentist) a bit creepy. The way the lady is looking at her father, who  seems to be a hardworking farmer, and way the farmer is looking at us holding a pitchfork in his hand is what gives the painting another meaning than just two individuals standing in front of a farmhouse made using Carpet Gothic style. However, creating parody after parody by different people is what I find disrespectful to the legendary art such as this one. If you praise something, you should respect it and not make fun of it or use it is a source of humor because I found everything in the American Gothic but humor. Existence of Conflict in Concern with the Expectations of Society Earlier we have discussed themes and roles of the artist that conflicted within the expectations of society. If we talk about whether or not the American Gothic had elements that conflicted within the expectations of society, we would have to say yes. For the reason that not everyone sees a particular thing in the same way, various people perceive certain things in different manners. Same is the case with American Gothic as Lunday, in one of her most interesting articles said that; â€Å"Some perceived the work as a scathing parody of the Midwest—one outraged farm wife even threatened to bite off Wood’s ear.† (Lunday, 2012) The Fame and Acceptance Earned By the Artwork There is a complicit that American Gothic holds within the expectations of society. However, the amount of praise this painting has received completely outweighs the negative remarks or reviews that it received. As Lunday mentions in the very article ‘Honest and Creepy, Satire and Homage: Grant Wood’s American Gothic’: â€Å"Meanwhile, Gertrude Stein and other critics praised the painting as a cutting small-town satire, the visual equivalent of Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street. Still others saw the painting as honoring the Midwest and its strong values.† She furthermore said; â€Å"During the Great Depression, the masterpiece gave hope to a desperate nation, and it helped shape the notion of the Midwest as a land of hard work and honest values. Today, the painting is firmly embedded in our cultural vocabulary.† (Lunday, 2012) Without Atmosphere a Painting Is Nothing It is apparent that Wood believed that the environment of a painting is the most important element of a painting. This particular painting proves this point as the painter chose his dentist and his sister as his subjects just because there was no other model available to pose for the painting in front of the wood farmhouse. Wood took help of his mother in making his paintings as she would agree to become the subject for many of Wood’s paintings. However, while Wood decided to paint the American Gothic, he realized that his mother won’t be able to stand in the field for that long while he paints, so he chose his sister instead. Wood chose his dentist and his sister because he couldn’t afford to lose the opportunity of painting the Carpenter Gothic style farmhouse that he came across while visiting the small town of Eldon in his native Iowa. This reminds me of a quote by Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn, which seems completely fitting to what Grant Wood was all about : â€Å"Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.† ― Rembrandt Harmenszoon Van Rijn Wood’s imagination was wide-ranging. He foresaw the fame and acceptance that this particular painting will get by analyzing the environs around the wood farmhouse. When he saw the house’s strange yet compelling arched window in the Carpenter Gothic style, the first thing that came to his mind was to find out what sort of people lived there. However, instead of knocking on the door, the painter decided to capture the farmhouse in paint and tease out the story for himself in effort to sort through the puzzle, piece by piece. (Lunday) â€Å"I imagined American Gothic people with their faces stretched out long to go with this American Gothic house. – Grant Wood. Final Words American Gothic doesn’t fall in the category of Primitive art as the elements it holds are usually found in such paintings and artworks that are related to modernism. Though countless individuals made parodies of American Gothic but actually the real artwork cannot be copied or reproduced to give another painter fame and fortune. The idea of anchoring a painting on the environs of a farm field and a farmhouse was the creativity of Grand Wood which cannot be repeated again in the history of arts. However, if one bases his art practices around the quote â€Å"Without atmosphere a painting is nothing.†Ã‚  there would be minor chances that we might see another painting somewhat as good as American Gothic.

The Process

How to make steak, mashed potatoes and green beans Growing up I was a very independent child. I always wanted to learn to do things for myself. When I was about seven or eight, I learned how to make steak. It instantly became my favorite food. Along the years IVe gotten better at making steak and many other foods. One of my favorite dishes to make is green beans, mashed potatoes and of course steak. It is simple to make and requires little preparation.It is very important to have all the ingredients before you start to prep and cook our meal. You will need: two pans, four potatoes, steak, one can of green beans, one pot, a potato peeler, can opener, pepper, garlic, seasoned meat tenderizer, onion and garlic powder, vegetable oil, butter, milk, salt, chives, and a standing mixer with a rotating bowl. Once you have all of that you can start to peel the potatoes. After you have done this, you can fill the pot up with water and bring it to a boil.You can now add the potatoes and let it c ook for about twenty minutes until they are cooked horoughly. You can tell if they are finished if you can stick a fork easily through them. You then drain the water from the pot and put the potatoes in the standing mixer. The standing mixer makes it easier to whip the potatoes and they come out with no lumps. After you have whipped the potatoes, you can put them into a smaller pot and turn on the stove. Now you add a cup of milk, sprinkle some pepper and salt into the pot, and add 3 to 4 table spoons of butter.You also add some chives for lavor and mix all the contents all together. Lastly you reduce the heat and cover your finished product. Now you can move on to the steak. First you cut the steak into pieces and place it into a bowl to be cleaned. You run it under hot water to get rid of any bacteria. After draining the dirty water, you start to season the steak. The seasonings you will use are pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic, and onion and garlic powder. After seasoning the meat you can dice the garlic and place it in a pan with vegetable oil.Once the garlic as browned a bit, you can place the steak in the pan with half a cup of water. The water will keep the meat soft and tender. The steak will be brown all the way through when it is finished. Finally, you can start with the green beans. First you open the can and drain the water. Then you dice the garlic like you did for the steak. In a small pan you add three teaspoons of vegetable oil and add the diced garlic. Next you add the green beans and turn on the stove burner to a low heat.Add some pepper, salt and garlic owder and mix it all together so that the seasonings can be evenly distributed. Once the green beans are hot, you are finished. You now have a delicious meal that is ready to eat. Cooking has become something that I enjoy doing. I love learning different ways to make the same foods and trying new foods and recipes. I love when I cook for my friends and family and they boast about how good the food was. It makes me feel good and want to keep cooking to get even better. I love cooking as much as I love to eat. Process Essay By ktcr

Personal Philosophy of Nursing

A definition of a Philosophy is â€Å"when someone contemplates, or wonders, about something that serves as the blueprints or guides that incorporates each individual’s value and belief system. † (Chitty & Black, 2007, p. 318) Personal Philosophy of Nursing is the core values and beliefs that a nurse upholds when taking care of another human being. It is the belief that each individual no matter what disease, race, or economic status they have will get treated with the highest regards to compassion, integrity, and respect that they deserve. I Melissa Fielding believe that my personal nursing philosophy on September 13, 2009 would be to treat others as I would want to be treated. I would like to think that each individual patient has earned my compassion, integrity, and respect that they deserve. I choose nursing as my profession, to be able to take my compassion, knowledge, values and beliefs and apply them to the very ones who cannot take care of themselves. I believe that the very core of nursing is to maintain a good relationship with my patient and to be a patient advocate and to treat every human being with dignity and respect. My main focus for nursing to â€Å"practice compassion and respect in all professional relationships, by valuing the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of the health problems. †(, 2001, p. 1). I will take into consideration each patient who may not be the most pleasant patient as a sign that the patient is afraid of not knowing what is going on with them and I will maintain a calm, professional and reassuring manner with them. My vision for myself as a nurse is to remember to â€Å"promote health and wellness. †(Core of Nursing, 1999) to those in need without prejudice. I would like to provide the best care to all patients remembering that they come from all different backgrounds. To live out my philosophy of nursing, every day I must remember about my patients that I will continue to treat my patients the way that I would want myself or a family member to be treated with allowing them to be involved in the decision making regarding their care, respect, care, compassion, and dignity. I will continue to involve the family members in the decision making by being sympathetic to their own sensitivities, needs, encouragement and fears. I will continue to treat my fellow colleagues with respect, knowing that they can be a help in my values and beliefs when taking care of patients. I will continue to take care of my own health by staying fit, eating right, and getting plenty of rest which will allow me to be the best nurse I can strive for thus being the best caregiver my patients can look forward to. In conclusion, I feel that the philosophy of nursing is a combination of core values, and beliefs that teaches us to treat each human being with the respect, compassion, dignity, and uniqueness, regardless of disease, social or economic status, or race that they deserve. My focus with each patient will be to allow them to have the right to be involved in the decision making of their care as well as allowing their family members to be involved in the decision making. I will maintain my beliefs and values by treating every patient, or coworker with respect that they deserve. I believe that each person has a calling in life and it takes a special person to become a nurse. Nurses have to have a very strong belief and value system in order to give patients the care and compassion they so deserve. I believe that by continuing education and always looking for new ways to learn is the very core and philosophy of nursing. Personal Philosophy of Nursing A definition of a Philosophy is â€Å"when someone contemplates, or wonders, about something that serves as the blueprints or guides that incorporates each individual’s value and belief system. † (Chitty & Black, 2007, p. 318) Personal Philosophy of Nursing is the core values and beliefs that a nurse upholds when taking care of another human being. It is the belief that each individual no matter what disease, race, or economic status they have will get treated with the highest regards to compassion, integrity, and respect that they deserve. I Melissa Fielding believe that my personal nursing philosophy on September 13, 2009 would be to treat others as I would want to be treated. I would like to think that each individual patient has earned my compassion, integrity, and respect that they deserve. I choose nursing as my profession, to be able to take my compassion, knowledge, values and beliefs and apply them to the very ones who cannot take care of themselves. I believe that the very core of nursing is to maintain a good relationship with my patient and to be a patient advocate and to treat every human being with dignity and respect. My main focus for nursing to â€Å"practice compassion and respect in all professional relationships, by valuing the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of the health problems. †(, 2001, p. 1). I will take into consideration each patient who may not be the most pleasant patient as a sign that the patient is afraid of not knowing what is going on with them and I will maintain a calm, professional and reassuring manner with them. My vision for myself as a nurse is to remember to â€Å"promote health and wellness. †(Core of Nursing, 1999) to those in need without prejudice. I would like to provide the best care to all patients remembering that they come from all different backgrounds. To live out my philosophy of nursing, every day I must remember about my patients that I will continue to treat my patients the way that I would want myself or a family member to be treated with allowing them to be involved in the decision making regarding their care, respect, care, compassion, and dignity. I will continue to involve the family members in the decision making by being sympathetic to their own sensitivities, needs, encouragement and fears. I will continue to treat my fellow colleagues with respect, knowing that they can be a help in my values and beliefs when taking care of patients. I will continue to take care of my own health by staying fit, eating right, and getting plenty of rest which will allow me to be the best nurse I can strive for thus being the best caregiver my patients can look forward to. In conclusion, I feel that the philosophy of nursing is a combination of core values, and beliefs that teaches us to treat each human being with the respect, compassion, dignity, and uniqueness, regardless of disease, social or economic status, or race that they deserve. My focus with each patient will be to allow them to have the right to be involved in the decision making of their care as well as allowing their family members to be involved in the decision making. I will maintain my beliefs and values by treating every patient, or coworker with respect that they deserve. I believe that each person has a calling in life and it takes a special person to become a nurse. Nurses have to have a very strong belief and value system in order to give patients the care and compassion they so deserve. I believe that by continuing education and always looking for new ways to learn is the very core and philosophy of nursing.