Structure, methodologies and approach towards employee satisfaction and motivation

Structure, methodologies and approach towards employee satisfaction and motivation The case study traces over Volkswagen, (South Africas) organization overview highlighting the structure, methodologies and approach towards employee satisfaction and motivation. The entire backdrop of the case study is about Volkswagens internal organizational behaviour, management practices and their effective implementation. In this context, the assignment is focussed initially on the innovatory measures suggesting right direction to retain workforce allegiance and devotion towards an organization. Volkswagen is amongst the few organizations believed to produce world class automobiles, and stands out distinguish, hence the responsibility and related degree of expectations are higher. Considering the competitive environment, todays employee is intelligent yet demanding and hence it has become more complicated to meet their target expectations. The management of VW (SA) is diligently engaged to resolve the issues pertaining to employees financial stability, professional progression, compensations and benefits, challenging and highly equipped surrounding. In extension to this the company has tremendously transformed its cultural values. The introductory part elaborates the management and organizational behaviour practices of VW (SA), discussing the primary objectives, present situation and future prospects determining specific goals. Employee motivation is essential to keep progressive functioning of an organization. The intermediate portion of the assignment is emphasized on the significance of employee incitement and motivational procedures by discussing four substantial theories of workforce motivation and critical analysis of Volkswagen (SAs) initiatives towards employee motivation strategies. The later part concentrates on the importance of co-workers to amalgamate and function as a single unit. Team work introduces a healthy culture that values collaborative efforts and the team firmly believes in thinking, planning, discussing, deciding and functioning to gether with cooperation. Team efforts with positive attitudes and correct path are inevitable to succeed. Critical discussion is based upon the conceptions and innovative ideas by which VW (SA) can ensure their teams to produce efficient synergy and higher productivity. TABLE OF CONTENTS: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Introduction 1 2. VW (SAs) Management Organizational Behaviour 1 2.1 Overview 1 2.2 VWs Behavioural Management Practice 1 (i) In Context of Behavioural Management Theories 2 2.3 VWs Organizational Environment Practice 2 (i) In Context of Organizational Environment Theories 3 3. Motivation 3 3.1 Theories of Motivation 4 3.2 Analyzing VWs Employee Motivation Strategy 5 (i) Structuring Remuneration Package and Benefits 5 (ii) Stipulating Fundamental Equipment 6 (iii) Leadership Training and Development 6 (iv) Open Lines of Communication 7 (v) Professional Content and Indemnity 7 (vi) Company Values 8 (vii) Service Excellence Culture 8 4. Definition of a Proficient Team 9 4.1 Team Contribution to Enhance Productivity 9 (i) Credence on the Leadership 9 (ii) Solidarity of the Members 10 (iv) Articulate Objective 10 (v) Colloquial Ambiance Group Participation 10 (vi) Dissolving Perplexity 10 (vii) Constructive Criticism 10 5. Methods to Ensure VWs (SA) Labour Efficiency 10 5.1 Appropriate Selection 11 5.2 Specifying Codes of Conduct 11 5.3 Establish Substantial Goals 11 5.4 Praise and Appreciation 11 5.5 Developing Sense of Direction 11 5.6 Building Team Spirit 11 5.7 Employee Empowerment 12 6. Conclusive Remarks 12 7. Bibliography 13 8. Appendices 14 (i) Appendix A 14 (ii) Appendix B 14 (iii) Appendix C 15 Page # 1 1. INTRODUCTION: Modern global world is comprised companies and enterprises having highly skilled, knowledgeable, sophisticated and decisive workforce, with dramatically increasing role. Organizations performance and productivity is directly influenced by the commitment and loyalty of its employees. Todays competitive professional atmosphere has compelled the attention of the organizations to apprehend the significance of employee retention and thereby constrained them to develop strategies tailored to fulfil employee satisfaction. The sustainability of an organization is subjected to the overall periphery and circumstances which affect its growth and development. The exemplary employee oriented culture represents correct environment, challenges, individual development, recognition and accurate motivating artifice. Reconciliation of effective leadership and consistent workforce while applying the positive attitudes and correct mind set accounts for higher productivity of an organization. 2. VW (SAs) MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR 2.1 Overview: Volkswagen of South Africa was established in 1946, and is owned subsidiary of VW Aktiengessellschaft (VWAG) in Germany, located in Uitenhage. VW group is the worlds fourth-largest automobile manufacturer, and the largest car producer in Europe, consisting eight brands and operates 44 manufacturing facilities found in 12 European and 6 other countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Being aware of its prestigious affirmation in the automotive industry, the organization is focused and consistently engaged to heighten its profile. In order to achieve the desired level of productivity, internal and external customer satisfaction and indemnification has to be prioritised. VWs brilliant strategy makers have apprehended the situation and are continuously involved in developing policies for the inducement of employees to ensure their retention. 2.2 VWs Behavioural Management Practice: Employee positive or negative interaction with its organization and its management is based on the level of satisfaction. An individual is motivated to work proficiently when given appropriate Page # 2 work environment with sufficient equipment. The behaviour at work is directly affected by the overall atmosphere, the relationship with co-workers, job conditions and requirements, the remuneration package and professional stability. The management must habitually practice to evaluate and address constructively the needs and demands of its employees to gain satisfactory and productive employee behaviour. (i) In Context of Behavioural Management Theories: Behaviour analysis is the study of individual interaction with the environment and management of such behaviour is an essential element characterised to produce direct effect on the profitability of an organization. The frustrating behaviour of an employee is a clear indication of the system failure as the general workers behaviour is the reflection of the management policies. Sound policies addressing employees needs including job security, peaceful atmosphere, stipulated necessary equipment, equality and professional progression is more likely to produce the breed of workforce essential for an ongoing productive organization. Mary Parkers behavioural management theory focuses on the fact that influential leadership is the key to motivate employees and for that assessment of their job improvement capacity will benefit. A Hawthorne study highlights the importance of observing the frequency of behaviours and their outputs. An immediat e feedback on performance with sufficient information for self correction is necessary to improve functioning. VWs approach towards team building session is appreciable and is in correct direction. However, employees of today are not restricted to information instead willing to participate, share and discuss their own views and creative ideas for implementation. The worker is aware of the strengths and weaknesses relevant to the job and is the one who has excessive knowledge and command over it and hence knows how to control and improve the task. 2.3 VWs Organizational Environment Practice: Workforce of an organization is essentially compelled to work within groups where behaviour of employees may vary according to the relevant circumstances, work conditions physical or mental state. Provided the situation the environment of an organization is rooted in the behaviour of its employees. Organizational environment must be friendly, supportive and constructive by allowing the management and the common employees to discuss and share their opinions. Page # 3 Progressive organizations are inclined towards building excellent work status and valued atmosphere for their workforce in order to attain desired results. (i) In Context of Organizational Environment Theories: An organization is comprised of a group of people and resources brought together essentially for interaction and conscious coordination to acquire a common purpose or an objective. The survival of an exemplary environment is subjected to its equilibrium. There are several processes ongoing simultaneously within an organization and the major difficulty is with proposing any change of structure because once the structure is developed it deters to adapt to environmental changes. Understanding the difference between formal and informal communication becomes a difficult task for leadership. The organizational environment theories underline the internal and external relationships; external resources serve as inputs which are further processed into goods and services resulting in finished outputs in the environment. An open system is usually interacts with the environment while the closed system is self centred and usually fails to be a ccepted. VWs management is consistently working to develop a culture of excellence where freedom of speech, informal interaction, and service quality meetings can be carried out as casual practices. The concept is commendable yet challenging. The contingency theory emphasizes that the management must be flexible to react to environmental changes. Modern and technological organizations have likelihood to alter the conventional procedures rapidly, so the management must adapt to change with positive attitudes. There can be mechanistic structured organization where management is centralized at the top monitoring its employees and is stable, on the other hand organic structure of an organization is decentralized and reaching out to employees with a lesser control. Sound environment guarantees the motivated and efficient employees and leads to the higher productivity of the organization. 3. MOTIVATION: There could be a single or a set of reasons for human behaviour, engaged in certain activity for the desired outcomes, the ground for such activity is referred as Motivation. Every individual has needs and specific goals and human life is engaged in satisfying those needs and to acquire the desired goals. To attain the sense of fulfilment and feeling of achievement can be the prime motivating factors. Motivation refers to the initiation, direction, intensity and persistence of Page # 4 human behaviour Geen, (1994). Human nature can be simple yet too complex at the same time. Understanding of human nature is a pre-requisite for effective employee motivation which accounts for higher productivity. Regimentation of aims, purpose and values amongst the staff, teams and organization is the most fundamental aspect of motivation. The better the alignment and personal association with organizational aims, the better the platform for motivation. Work organizations offer a degree of satisfaction for an individual which may include financial support, social engagements, mental and physical challenges, self development, and sense of belonging and intellectual stimulation. It is said to believe that Best businesses have the best motivated workers. It has been observed that the overall productivity of an organization is increased with highly motivated employees in comparison to the organization with poorly motivated workers. 3.1 Theories of Motivation: Motivation theories are the combination of needs, inducement, goals and reinforces. Need Hierarchy Theory was put forth by Abraham Maslow, which is one of the most highly acclaimed and widely mentioned theories of motivation. He envisioned human needs according to a hierarchical structure of importance, from the lowest to highest, highlighting the five basic physiological needs, sense of security, social drives, self esteem and need of self actualization. The management must pay huge amount of attention to the needs of employees and as the needs may vary from individual to individual, hence it is essential to implement an efficient system to evaluate employees necessities and furnish feasible solutions. Herzbergs two factor theories in accordance with Maslows theory, proposed an idea that certain factors such as challenging work, responsible position and sense of recognition may contribute as prime motivators but on the other hand certain factors including desired salary, fringe benefits and appropriate environment, if absent may result as de-motivators. According to his theory as multiple goals and benefits serve as precursor of motivation, probability of de-motivation arises when perks and privileges do not exist. Page # 5 Hawthorne experiments of Elton Mayo focused on incentives, pay-cheques and financial satisfaction to be the primary motivation factor. People are motivated by pay and work conditions at higher level. Furthermore he believed that attitude of people at work are highly influenced by the groups and work environment. His theory concluded that human relations and the social needs of workers are crucial aspects of business management. Mc Rogers theory heavily emphasized on two basic kinds of managements which he categorised in Theory X and Theory Y. The management which falls under Theory X is believed to have a negative approach towards the employees considering them untrustworthy and incapable. Theory Y addresses the kind of management having faith in their employees and thereby recognising their needs positively. He concluded that managers view of the human nature is based on a certain grouping of assumptions and tends to mold their behaviour towards subordinates according to these assumptions. Numerous theories has been put forth addressing the benefits and moral value of an altruistic approach to treat colleagues and workforce as human beings and respecting their dignity in all its forms, developing a phenomenon to understand that people can never be forced to work, they will work positively only if they want to or otherwise if they are motivated. It has been observed that when an obvious likelihood is establ ished between performance and reinforcement, it leads to and maintains high levels of motivation. 3.2 Analysing VWs Employee Motivation Strategy: VW is a German manufacturer of automobiles which is the third largest car producer of the world. The name by itself indicates the value for people as Volkswagen stands for peoples car in German, (more literally, folks wagon). Within the past few years the intricacy and dynamics within and outside organisations have drastically altered. In this context, it has become prime concern of organisations to carry out future-oriented, active development which pursues an elementary goal i.e., Stand out as a winner. The organization must propose additional benefits for employees, clients and stakeholders because only then will its culture, values and products be responded to with commitment and interest. (i) Structuring Remuneration Package and Benefits: Volkswagen approach towards pay and benefits is commendable as it involves market research Page # 6 and salary surveys. There is a continuous effort behind structuring the salary packages and fringe benefits. However, there is an important aspect slightly ignored during the practice which is to involve the workforce by itself to comment on the remuneration structure thereby, visualising the basic needs and desires within the employees which in-turn will serve as a helping tool for developing effective payroll strategy by keeping in view of employees physiological needs as everyone desires to be financially secure. Payroll must be structured such that the income level of an individual well addresses the living standard. Pay scale must be determined by analysing qualification, experience and skills of the employee and must be reviewed according to the efficiency level as reported by the relevant department. While rewarding high performers, average and below average performers might feel neglected hence it is essential not just to recognise the efforts by high performers but to issue certificate of participation and non-monetary rewards to the rest, recognising their contributions and to keep them within the string. (ii) Stipulating Fundamental Equipment: Ceaseless review of the budget for essential materials and equipment is highly recommended. Necessary equipment is a pre-requisite as it enhances the work efficiency and performance level of employees thereby promoting professional satisfaction and rewarding appreciation. In absence of the required material it is imbecilic to expect efficient service by the workforce. It is appreciative that essential equipment can be furnished in accordance to a specific budget but smart management plan keeps control of the equipment handling and propose for a budget review where necessary. (iii) Leadership Training and Development: Leadership training is vigorous only when sensibly articulated into the corporate culture with its positive intents and values. Development of a leader is only focused upon an individual personal attributes, behaviour and approach whereas, leadership development is emphasized on the process unfolding interpersonal relationships, social influence process and team kinetics amongst leader and the team at the conjugation level. Volkswagens strong organizational structure do not require just managers but crave for smart leadership which is essential for workforce motivation and infusing energy in the team members. True leadership is what an ordinary employee will look up to, in order to comply with effectiveness and efficiency. A dynamic leader supports Page # 7 trains and develops his personnel, while increasing job satisfaction and genuine interest to do the job, within his team. Trusted leaders are likely to produce splendid motivating spirits.To keep people motivated, you need to display dynamic leadership, and make they feel they are working with you and not for you. Corelli (iv) Open Lines of Communication: Employees feel confident and equally responsible when they believe they are trusted. It stimulates a sense of incitement within the employees, resulting in a propitious work environment. If a supervisor or team leader approaches the workplace with a positive, upbeat attitude about the work projects, that enthusiasm should transfer to associates, thus creating a better work environment for all. Leaders and supervisors, who are serious about maintaining a productive work environment and motivating their staff to do their best, need to talk with the associates to find out what is important to them. For example, some associates may not appreciate public forms of recognition, while others will. Howell, (2000) (v) Professional Content and Indemnity: Highly trained and seasoned employee is an asset to a company. Remnant of todays face paced work environment is the increasing rate of job churn or employees switching one job to another within short time frames. Employee turnover is costly, causing workforce instability, reduced efficiency, lower effectiveness, and negative impact of the company. There could be variety of reasons in the background explaining the boredom, frustrated, discontented and least interested behaviour of the employees. Another important aspect is the lucrative job offers which tend to satisfy the needs and basic requirements but in some cases employees are looking for more than just compensation and rewards and are more inclined towards their visions and challenges. The underlying cause might differ due to the fact that humans act, think, behave and respond differently in accordance with the relevant circumstances, however, the issue remains unchanged. Volkswagen as one of the giants in the automobile busine ss world is relentlessly involved in figuring out possible solutions to this emergence. In order to retain employees it is required to offer a package that satisfies financial, intellectual and the career aspirations of an individual. Page # 8 (vi) Company Values: The value of a company represents culture, shared beliefs, attitudes, institutions, and behaviour patterns that characterize the members of an organization. Values of a company naturally emphasize continuous improvement of processes, transformation into a healthy workplace, satisfied customers, and a growing, profitable business. The level of employees commitment to their work is closely linked with the extent to which the company values are practiced. Ensure that the values of the company are strongly understood and equally treasured by the management and individual employee. Demonstrate professionalism, respect, integrity and duty as the core values of the company. According to a key quote of Harvard Business Review Companies that enjoy enduring success have core values and a core purpose that remain fixed while their business strategies and practices endlessly adapt to a changing world. (vii) Service Excellence Culture: Volkswagen is amongst the very few organization which thinks through, work diligently and proactively to create the culture that will allow the company to succeed long term. Culture is the distinctive personality of the organization which indicates its strength, by which it understands the needs of the workforce and affects the value created for the customers. Therefore, organizations make effort to understand what motivates their workforce and give them what they need to perform well by providing them clear mandates, operating principles, resources, authority, knowledge, and tools so they can fulfil their responsibilities to bring out the best of their talents and recognize by rewarding them in ways they value. Volkswagen is among such high calibre companies demonstrating successful conceptual thinking and with the ability to see patterns among seemingly diverse phenomena and thereby strengthening their employees and motivating them with positive attitude. An effective organisationa l culture enables a two way process to occur where employees help to influence the direction of the corporate values system, through their individual beliefs and approaches they adopt. A service excellence culture is that which develops a sense of responsibility and achievement together within employees, recognising their contributions and considering themselves as an integral part of the overall reputation and success of the company. Motivation can either produce profitability to an organization or improve productivity if it is Page # 9 positive, on the other hand if employees are de motivated it is more likely to reduce profit margin and will hinder overall productivity. The core vision is to encompass human behaviours, needs, attitudes and demands, as machines can operate according to the desired level and mostly produce accurate results, but considering where human beings act as a major workforce it involves a thought process based on mutual understanding in between the management and the employees. It is highly recommended to understand associates yearn and necessities and fulfilling them to some degree and thereby motivating them to produce desired results in the best interest of the organization. The summation accounts for the fact that if appropriate motivation level is maintained within an organization, the management will gain productive associates. 4. DEFINITION OF A PROFICIENT TEAM A bunch of individuals possessing particular expertise, collectively working to attain a common purpose or goal; by collaborating and consolidating their knowledge and actively participating in healthy discussions. The essence of a team work is togetherness and the success lies within its concrete leadership, which accounts for the productivity of an organization. It is well addressed that When you break down barriers, misunderstandings, prejudices, insecurities, divisions, territories and hierarchies you begin to build teams. 4.1 Team Contribution to Enhance Productivity: Firm belief in the reliability and trust upon the honesty of the members are the prerequisites of a productive team. The level of cooperation and understanding builds strong bondage between individuals. Every member of an efficient and productive team is open to support and encourage the co-workers for the completion of required task. Following are the characteristics by which teams can contribute effectively in the success of an organization. (i) Credence on the Leadership: It is essential that a high level of trust and confidence is present within the team members upon the leadership. True leader make sure that each individual of the team is equally supported, respected, privileged and heard. The amount of patience and credible efforts for keeping the team members within a string enhances acceptance and faith of the members which results in high performance. Page # 10 (ii) Solidarity of the Members: Every team member must actively participate to explicitly discuss the team procedure and functioning to attain a common goal or a sole objective. The entire team tends to share mutually agreed approach, mechanics, norms, expectations and rules to follow. The unity of team pledge for its success. (iii) Articulate Objective: The team must set clear and focused objectives and translate into well-defined concrete milestones against any measured obstacles. Larger goals and objectives are easily accessible followed by a habit of practicing a series of small wins. (iv) Colloquial Ambiance Group Participation: Environment to function effectively as a team requires being informal, homely and comfortable enough for each member to open lines of communication with ease, but must remain pertinent to the purpose of the team. This encourages bringing about creative ideas and unique concepts and gives equal freedom of speech to all. Another important aspect is that the team members become easygoing with each other and believes that everybody is equally heard and respected. (v) Dissolving Perplexity: Where there is freedom of speech confusions and disagreements are most likely to occur. Agile and intelligent teams welcome disagreements and complexities to test their brilliance and understanding. Reasons are carefully examined and a midway is figured out to resolve the issues. In case of an opposition to a general agreement, an apparent consensus is practiced for a fair outcome. (vi) Constructive Criticism: Healthy and positive criticism is highly appreciated as it provides pivotal grounds to review and evaluate critical decisions. Criticism must be arbitrary and benefaction oriented toward removing an obstacle that is hindering the way of a team to achieve goals. 5. METHODS TO ENSURE VWs (S.A.) LABOUR EFFICIENCY Intellectual management serves as a catalyst to amplify work level and overall performance of the apprentice. Volkswagen approach towards reducing maximum doing from their teams is exceptionally good. However, there are multiple measures which can add value to the existing strategy of the organization to ensure high degree of performance and matchless effectuation. Page # 11 5.1 Appropriate Selection: While selecting a candidate it is ideal to analyse the qualities complementing the job nature. Selection must be based on the relevant skills, a blend of technical, problem solving and interpersonal skills account for effective performance. A right set of people at the right place on the right time are the key for a successful team and productive organization. 5.2 Specifying Codes of Conduct: Identifying rules is necessary for developing focus, receptivity, commitment and trust. Rules must be well-defined and strictly governed without discriminating position and genders. The most crucial rules may pertain to attendance, behaviour, confidentiality, contributions, positive confrontation and end product orientation which must be set as a code of conduct. 5.3 Establish Substantial Goals: The basic starts from the fact that each and every team member has a task to achieve. It is necessary to make every individual believe that the team has significant purposes and tasks and there is high level of expectation associated with their performance. There must be a sense of worth associated with the tasks apart from being easy or difficult. A strong team is build when every member knows that they are a vital part of a significant accomplishment. 5.4 Praise and Appreciation: This is a natural urge within human beings to be praised and rewarded upon successful completion of a project or a great accomplishment. Intelligent organizations never ignore this fact and develop strategies to encourage their workforce by appreciating their efforts. 5.5 Developing Sense of Direction: This is another important aspect of team building to develop sense of direction amongst the members. The team leader or the manager must efficiently distribute tasks and provide sufficient guidance by defining responsibilities and adopting clear direction towards the common goal. 5.6 Building Team Spirit: Assign performance oriented small tasks that will allow the subordinates to grow and take on additional responsibilities. The idea generated by such challenging but achievable goals is not limited to overall productivity but to evaluate the Page # 12 mobility of potential team. This will in return enhance the spirit of the team and build an effective bond of togetherness. 5.7 Employee Empowerment: A strategy which enables employees to decide for themselves is worth giving as it develops a sense of responsibility and helps them to take charge of their work and learn from their mistakes. It is a reliable process for enabling people to contribute effectively in the continuous improvement and ongoing success of the organization. 6. CONCLUSIVE REMARKS Positive and reinforcement and correct motivational strategies are the compulsion of modern organization in which employees are completely aware of their rights and understand the significance of their roles in the productivity and profitability of an organization. The growth level heightens when the structure of the organization is concrete and is based upon specific values and contemporary culture, where an employee is empowered and actively participating in the progression of the company. Volkswagen (South Africa) has successfully managed to develop a progressive atmosphere and the management has understood the need to focus on retaining employees loyalty and commitment. The efforts and strategies of the company towards maintain their internal environment is tailored with excellence and absolu

A Brief Description Of The Kuwait Culture

A Brief Description Of The Kuwait Culture Culture consists of behaviors, beliefs, and language among other characteristics that are common to people who are members of a particular society or group (Peterson 2008). Through the culture, people conform to societys shared values, define themselves and contribute to the society that they find themselves in. every culture has its own distinct characteristics that differentiates it from the others. One of such culture of the world is the Kuwait culture. This culture exists in the Middle East which borders the Persian Gulf, sandwiched between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This research will endeavor to focus on cultural aspects of the people of Kuwait drawing similarities and differences with the Australian culture. The main aspects of culture that this research will focus on include religious beliefs, language and appropriate cultural behaviors governing interactions. A Brief Description of the Kuwait Culture The Kuwaiti culture is dominant in Kuwait where the people originate. These people have a unique culture especially given the fact that the country was never colonized. This means that the culture was never exposed to dilution that comes with colonization. The people have therefore been free with regard to managing their affairs and develop their unique cultural characteristics. Kuwait is therefore touted as the Arab worlds cultural city (Brown 2004). This culture places a lot of emphasis on the family units role in passing values from one generation to the next. This contributed in developing a close knit culture that has retained a distinct identity to this day. Similarities and Differences between the Australian and Kuwaitis Culture The Kuwait and Australian cultures have very differing religious beliefs. The Kuwait culture is dominated by the Islamic faith while the Australian culture is dominated by the Christian religious faith. The Islam faith governs the Kuwaitis personal lives. According to their religious belief, Prophet Mohammad was the last of Gods emissaries to bring revelation to all mankind. According to this faith, the people are supposed to fast and pray especially during the holy month of Ramadan. On the other hand, the Australian culture mainly practices the Christian faith. Prayer and fasting are not coordinated. Even though they engage in fasting, it is left on every individual to decide if and when to do it. There are no specific times when people are obliged to fast and pray. According to the Kuwaitis Islam faith that characterizes their culture people are obliged to pray five times a day. On the other hand, according to the Australian Christian religion that characterizes their culture, ther e are no obligations as to the number of times an individual is supposed to pray. The holy day for the Australian people is on a Sunday while that for people in Kuwait its on Friday. The other aspect that differentiates two the cultures is the language. The first difference relates to the dominant languages used in the two cultures. In the Kuwaitis culture, Arabic is the dominant language (NEA 2005). Arabic is used in usual conversations in social settings. Most importantly, the language is most important in the religion. Arabic is important to the people as they learn their Islamic doctrines through the language. On the other hand, in the Australian culture, the dominant language is English (Department of Foreign Affairs 2011). Unlike in the Kuwaitis culture, there is no heavy link between understanding the language and religion. The Australian English is heavily characterized by slang and shortening of words. The people have a penchant for shortening words and giving new names to people and animals. It may be difficult to get the meaning of their conversations if one is not conversant with the connotations attached in their slang language. The first example of their slang is You right? which meaning if you need any assistance. The other example of a slang that characterizes their language is good on ya. This slang means well done. One similarity with relation to language as an aspect of culture is that both cultures use English. The English language spoken in Kuwait is not characterized by abbreviation and shortening as in Australia. Even though Arabic is the main language of communication in Kuwait, English is sometimes used and is the second compulsory language in schools. The Kuwait people use English widely for business purposes just as their Australian counterparts. The other aspect of the culture relates to the manner of greetings. The two cultures have differences in their manner of greetings. To begin with, in the Kuwait culture, greetings in form of a handshake are normally restricted to people of the same sex (Maria Spilling 2008). This is different from the Australian culture where people of different sexes can shake hands. The other difference relates to the enthusiasm. In most cases, greetings in the Kuwaitis culture are given with a lot of enthusiasm. The greetings are supposed to deeply express an individuals pleasure of meeting again. This is different from the Australian culture where greetings with as much enthusiasm. The other difference relates to the exchanges that go with the greetings. In the Kuwait culture, the Kuwaitis take the time in the course of the greetings to find about the other persons family, health, acquaintances, mutual friends and all matters that are of general interest. This is different from the Australian cu lture where greetings are generally relaxed. Greetings may just entail a simple hello (Kwint 2011). In formal settings, greeting entails just good morning or good afternoon depending on the time of the day. One similarity about the two cultures in terms of greetings is the fact that a handshake forms part of their greetings albeit for people of the same sex in the Kuwaitis culture. The other key difference relates to gender separation among members of the society. There Kuwait culture has strict interaction expectations among the member of its community as opposed to the relaxed Australian approach. In Kuwaits culture, men and women gather separately during social functions such as marriage dinners and parties. This is different in the Australian culture as men and women are allowed to interact freely with each other. Among the Kuwaitis, people of the same sex constantly show a lot of affection and friendliness. In fact, it is common for a man to kiss another man in the cheek (UFL 2011). In contrast, among the Australians men cannot kiss another man on their cheek. This practice may be there among females but not in Australian men. In the Kuwaitis culture, it is considered impolite for a man to kiss a lady on the cheek. This is regardless of how much friendly they are. This is very different from the Australian culture when it is common for a man to show affect ion to a woman through a kiss on the cheek. In a nutshell, there are huge gender boundaries in Kuwait than in the Australian culture. The Australian and Kuwaitis religion culture guides the people in their every day life. Although the two cultures have different religions, the ideals they advocate are the same. In Kuwait, religion is based on respect and tolerance. This helps people to live and coexist in peace despite tensions that may arise in the course of their every day life. Religion guides the people in their social and even political activities. In the Australian culture, the church also emphasizes on tolerance on other people view points. The Australian cultural perspective in relation to God is that of a transcendent and perception of an interventionist. The perception of the Australian culture of God is based on the security and strength of the mateship myth (Porta 2007). This indicates reliance in God among the Australians in their day to day life. As a result, both cultures have a lot of reliance on religion in their everyday life. The family plays an important role in learning of its members of the Australian and Kuwaitis culture. The family offers the initial learning environment for the infants. In the Kuwait culture, the family is held with a lot of respect (Lairi 2009). The young are taught how to behave and respect the older people. This is the same with the Australian culture where parents and members of the immediate family have the responsibility of laying the foundation for their young ones. They have to ensure appropriate behavior that project positively to the whole society. Hospitality and contributions are esteemed values in both cultures and are nurtured right from the family level. It is the pride of the family when the child prospers. The similarity in learning environment in both countries is that their language of instruction is English. The main language among the Australian culture is English. The language extends to the learning environments. Instruction is carried out primarily in English which is the uniting language among all the tribes in the culture. Just as in Australia, English is the language of instruction in Kuwait. This is despite the fact that Arabic is the language that is widely used in the normal communications. This is because English is the most popular language in the world and as a result the Kuwait learning environment tries to prepare the learners in a way that they can fit in a world beyond their culture. The difference between Kuwait and Australian learning environment relates to cultural diversity. The learning environment in Australia is more culturally diverse than that in Kuwait. The Australian system has many foreign students from all parts of the world. As a result, there is a conglomeration of cultures in the learning environment. Students therefore have to learn to accommodate each other and be more adaptable. On the other hand, the learning environment in Kuwait is not as diverse. There are fewer foreigners and therefore the learning environment is dominated by people who share many aspects of the same culture. Conclusion Australia and Kuwait are two cultures that share some similarities and differences. This research has found that there are more differences than similarities between the two. One of the factors that define a culture is its religious beliefs. While the Kuwaitis culture gravitates towards Muslim practices, the Australian culture leans towards Christianity. The other aspect that distinguishes the two cultures is language. The main language among the Kuwaitis is Arabic that in the Australian one is English. Gender separation is the other cultural aspect that differentiates the two. While the Australian culture allows for free interaction of people of different sexes, the Kuwaitis one does not. The manner of greetings is also different between the two cultures. The salient thing is the enthusiasm in the greetings among the Kuwaitis something missing in the Australian culture. The first similarity between the two is the fact that religion advocates for tolerance and respect for others. Add itionally, the family plays a critical role in creating an environment for learning acceptable behavior.

Comparison of Four Poems about Loss Essay -- English Literature

Comparison of Four Poems about Loss I am comparing â€Å"On my first Sonne† by Ben Jonson (a pre-1914 piece of poetry, written in 1616), â€Å"My Last Duchess† by Robert Browning (a pre-1914 piece of poetry, written in 1845), â€Å"Mid-Term Break† by Seamus Heaney (a piece of poetry from the Heaney bank) and â€Å"Cold Knap Lake† by Gillian Clarke (a piece of poetry from the Clarke bank). The poem, â€Å"On my first Sonne† is about the loss of a close family member, Ben Jonson’s first son, who died at the age of seven. The poem is about the poet coming to terms with the truth, that his first son had died and he would never see him again. In the poem, the poet goes through different stages of grief and he is very emotional about his loss. The poem opens on an emotional note, â€Å"Farewell, thou child of my right hand, and joy; My sinne was too much hope of thee, lov’d boy.† Even though, in the 1600’s, the death of a child was very common, the poet expresses deep sorrow for his loss. He talks about how he committed a sin: of loving his son too much when his son was lent to him, and he paid the price (his son died). â€Å"Seven yeeres tho’wert lent to me, and I thee pay, Exacted by thy fate, on the just day.† â€Å"My Last Duchess† also deals with the loss of a close family member, the Duke’s wife. The Duke shows his visitor a portrait of his late wife, which is kept behind a curtain. The Duke tells the story of The Duchess who â€Å"had A heart – how shall I say? – too soon made glad, Too easily impressed.† The Duke explains how â€Å"she ranked My gift of a nine-hundred-years-old name With anybody’s gift.† He felt that he could not speak to her about it and the situation became worse. In the end, he says â€Å"I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped tog... ...w what Browning’s attitudes or feelings toward the Duke, the Duchess, or their situation actually were. Heaney, in â€Å"Mid-Term Break,† describes the scene in his household and it becomes obvious that the whole family is devastated by his brother’s death. The reader understands the emotions of each family member through the poet’s young eyes. At the end of the poem, when Heaney is alone with his brother’s body, we sense the poet’s acceptance of his brother’s death. Clarke, in â€Å"Cold Knap Lake,† paints a vivid picture of the dramatic rescue of the child from the lake. Through the poet’s words, we can feel the shock of the crowd, the pride in her mother and the relief when the child breathes again. We also sense Clarke’s astonishment when the child is â€Å"thrashed.† Finally, at the end of the poem, Clarke expresses uncertainty about the reliability of memory.

The Breakdown And Rebuilding Of South African Society Within The Novel :: essays research papers

The Breakdown and Rebuilding of South African Society within the novel Cry, The Beloved Country â€Å"...what God has not done for South Africa man must do.† (25)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel Cry, The Beloved Country, written by Alan Paton, some major conflicts follow the story from beginning to end. Two of these conflicts would be as follows; the breakdown of the tribal community and the power hope and faith pocesses to rebuild broken relationships. Kumalo, as an indivigual, demostrates the power of this hope which mends the broken relationships of his friends and his fallen tribal community. Throughout the novel one aquires the perfect perspective about the hardships the natives went through as a society. Cry is a story about a Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and how he sets out to bring his family back to the community in which he resides. Kumalo, dealing with his family and congregation straying away from the church, does show the power of hope and faith and how it can rebuild broken relationships throughout the novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The tribal breakdown starts to show in book 1, with the land that the tribe must use and how the poeple of Ndotsheni have used up the natural resourses that used to lay within the community. The whites pushed the tribe out of where the community used to reside. The land was so rich that it was decribed as â€Å" holy, being even as it came from the creator†(3). In the rural areas much of this decay came as a result of the tight confinned living areas that the blacks were forced to live upon. With such a mass population and such a small place to occupy it is only a matter of time before the land is no longer able to be farmed. The decay of the tribe was not only confined to the natural resources of the land but also resulted in a moral and physical decline of the entire population. In result of these conditions, many people left the tribe to go to Johannesburg where there’s a false hope for a new start in life. A hope that almost vanished when Komalo left. Without his strong moral belief in God the people where left with nothing but a decaying landscape. Even though it may seem as if all hope is lost for a decent life in the tribal community, it is within this time that the relationships between others are tested and drawn closer through the power of hope and faith.

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Contents MODULE 2 1 Scatter graphs 1. 1 Scatter graphs and relationships 1. 2 Lines of best fit and correlation 1. 3 Using lines of best fit Chapter summary Chapter review questions 1 1 5 6 10 10 4 Processing, representing and interpreting data 4. 1 Frequency polygons 4. 2 Cumulative frequency 4. 3 Box plots 4. 4 Comparing distributions 4. 5 Frequency density and histograms Chapter summary Chapter review questions 51 51 56 64 65 68 73 73 2 Collecting and recording data 14 2. 1 Introduction to statistics 2. 2 Data by observation and by experiment 2. 3 Grouping data 2. 4 Questionnaires 2. 5 Sampling 2. Databases Chapter summary Chapter review questions 14 14 16 18 20 23 27 28 5 Probability 5. 1 5. 2 5. 3 Writing probabilities as numbers Sample space diagrams Mutually exclusive outcomes and the probability that the outcome of an event will not happen 5. 4 Estimating probability from relative frequency 5. 5 Independent events 5. 6 Probability tree diagrams 5. 7 Conditional probability Ch apter summary Chapter review questions 77 77 79 81 84 86 88 89 92 93 3 Averages and range 3. 1 Mean, mode and median 3. 2 Using frequency tables to find averages 3. 3 Range and interquartile range 3. 4 Stem and leaf diagrams 3. Estimating the mean of grouped data 3. 6 Moving averages Chapter summary Chapter review questions 31 31 34 36 38 41 44 47 47 MODULE 3 6 Number 6. 1 6. 2 Properties of whole numbers Multiplication and division of directed numbers M4 6. 3 Squares, cubes 6. 4 Index laws 6. 5 Order of operations 6. 6 Using a calculator 6. 7 Prime factors, HCF and LCM Chapter summary Chapter review questions 97 97 98 100 101 102 104 106 110 110 Chapter summary Chapter review questions 124 124 8 Expressions and sequences 8. 1 8. 2 Expressions and collecting like terms Working with numbers and letters and using index notation M4 8. Index laws M4 8. 4 Sequences Chapter summary Chapter review questions 127 127 129 131 134 138 139 7 Angles (1) 7. 1 7. 2 7. 3 7. 4 7. 5 Triangles Equilat eral triangles and isosceles triangles Corresponding angles and alternate angles Proofs Bearings 113 113 114 116 119 120 9 Measure (1) 9. 1 9. 2 Compound measures – speed and density Converting between metric and imperial units Chapter summary Chapter review questions 141 141 144 145 145 ii 10 Decimals and fractions 10. 1 10. 2 10. 3 10. 4 Fractions revision Arithmetic of decimals Manipulation of decimals Conversion between decimals and fractions M4 10. Converting recurring decimals to fractions 10. 6 Rounding to significant figures Chapter summary Chapter review questions 147 147 149 151 154 157 159 161 161 14 Estimating and accuracy 14. 1 Significant figures 14. 2 Accuracy of measurements Chapter summary Chapter review questions 192 192 194 196 196 15 Three-dimensional shapes (1) 197 15. 1 Volume of three-dimensional shapes 15. 2 Surface area of three-dimensional shapes 15. 3 Coordinates in three dimensions Chapter summary Chapter review questions 197 202 204 205 206 11 Exp anding brackets and factorising 11. 1 11. 2 11. 3 11. 4 11. Expanding brackets Factorising by taking out common factors Expanding the product of two brackets Factorising by grouping Factorising expressions of the form 164 164 165 167 168 170 171 174 174 16 Indices and standard form 16. 1 Zero and negative powers 16. 2 Standard form M4 16. 3 Fractional indices Chapter summary Chapter review questions M4 207 207 208 215 217 217 x2 bx c 11. 6 Factorising the difference of two squares Chapter summary Chapter review questions 12 Two-dimensional shapes (1) 176 12. 1 Special quadrilaterals 12. 2 Perimeter and area of rectangles 12. 3 Area of a parallelogram 12. Area of a triangle 12. 5 Area of a trapezium 12. 6 Problems involving areas Chapter summary Chapter review questions 176 177 178 178 179 181 184 184 17 Further factorising, simplifying and algebraic proof 220 220 222 225 228 230 230 17. 1 Further factorising 17. 2 Simplifying rational expressions 17. 3 Adding and subtracting rationa l expressions 17. 4 Algebraic proof Chapter summary Chapter review questions 13 Graphs (1) 13. 1 Coordinates and line segments 13. 2 Straight line graphs Chapter summary Chapter review questions 186 186 187 191 191 18 Circle geometry (1) 18. 1 Parts of a circle 18. Isosceles triangles 18. 3 Tangents and chords Chapter summary Chapter review questions 232 232 232 233 236 237 MODULE 4 19 Angles (2) 19. 1 Quadrilaterals 19. 2 Polygons 19. 3 Exterior angles Chapter summary Chapter review questions 238 238 240 244 246 247 20 Fractions 20. 1 20. 2 20. 3 20. 4 248 248 249 251 253 Addition and subtraction of fractions Addition and subtraction of mixed numbers Multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers Division of fractions and mixed numbers iii CONTENTS 20. 5 Fractions of quantities 20. 6 Fraction problems Chapter summary Chapter review questions 255 256 258 258 7 Inequalities 27. 1 Inequalities on a number line 27. 2 Solving inequalities 27. 3 Integer solutions to inequalities 27. 4 Pro blems involving inequalities 27. 5 Solving inequalities graphically Chapter summary Chapter review questions 358 358 359 361 362 363 368 368 21 Scale drawings and dimensions 21. 1 Scale drawings and maps 21. 2 Dimensions Chapter summary Chapter review questions 260 260 262 263 264 28 Formulae 28. 1 28. 2 28. 3 28. 4 Using an algebraic formula Writing an algebraic formula Changing the subject of a formula Expressions, identities, equations and formulae 28. Further changing the subject of a formula Chapter summary Chapter review questions 372 372 374 376 378 379 381 382 22 Two-dimensional shapes (2) 266 22. 1 Drawing shapes 22. 2 Circumference of a circle 22. 3 Area of a circle 22. 4 Circumferences and areas in terms of 22. 5 Arc length and sector area 22. 6 Segment area 22. 7 Units of area Chapter summary Chapter review questions 266 268 270 272 273 274 276 277 277 29 Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry (1) 29. 1 Pythagoras’ theorem 29. 2 Finding lengths 29. 3 Applying Pythagoras’ theorem 29. 4 Line segments and Pythagoras’ theorem 29. Trigonometry – introduction 29. 6 Finding lengths using trigonometry 29. 7 Finding angles using trigonometry 29. 8 Trigonometry problems Chapter summary Chapter review questions 384 384 385 388 390 392 393 396 398 401 401 23 Linear equations 23. 1 The balance method for solving equations 23. 2 Setting up equations 23. 3 Solving equations with fractional terms 23. 4 Simultaneous linear equations 23. 5 Setting up simultaneous linear equations Chapter summary Chapter review questions 280 280 284 287 289 292 293 294 24 Percentages 24. 1 Percentages M3 24. 2 Increases and decreases 24. Use of multipliers 24. 4 Reverse percentages Chapter summary Chapter review questions 296 296 299 306 309 311 312 30 Ratio and proportion 30. 1 Introduction to ratio 30. 2 Problems 30. 3 Sharing a quantity in a given ratio 30. 4 Direct proportion 30. 5 Inverse proportion Chapter summary Chapter review questions 405 40 5 408 409 411 413 415 415 25 Graphs (2) 25. 1 Real life graphs 25. 2 Solving simultaneous equations graphically 25. 3 The equation y mx c 25. 4 Further uses of y mx c Chapter summary Chapter review questions 314 314 319 321 324 328 329 31 Three-dimensional shapes (2) 418 1. 1 Planes of symmetry 31. 2 Plans and elevations 31. 3 Volume of three-dimensional shapes 31. 4 Surface area of three-dimensional shapes Chapter summary Chapter review questions 418 420 422 427 430 431 26 Transformations 26. 1 Introduction 26. 2 Translations 26. 3 Rotations 26. 4 Reflections 26. 5 Enlargements 26. 6 Centre of enlargement 26. 7 Combinations of transformations Chapter summary Chapter review questions 332 332 332 336 338 343 346 351 354 354 32 Graphs (2) 32. 1 32. 2 Graphs of quadratic functions Using graphs of quadratic functions to solve equations 32. Using graphs of quadratic and linear functions to solve quadratic equations Chapter summary Chapter review questions 433 433 436 439 442 442 iv CONTE NTS 33 Further graphs and trial and improvement 33. 1 Graphs of cubic, reciprocal and exponential functions 33. 2 Trial and improvement Chapter summary Chapter review questions 445 445 449 453 453 40 Simultaneous linear and quadratic equations and loci 40. 1 40. 2 40. 3 Solving simultaneous equations Loci and equations Intersection of lines and circles – algebraic solutions Chapter summary Chapter review questions 30 530 532 536 538 538 34 Constructions, loci and congruence 34. 1 Constructions 34. 2 Loci 34. 3 Regions 34. 4 Drawing triangles 34. 5 Congruent triangles 34. 6 Proofs of standard constructions Chapter summary Chapter review questions 458 458 461 464 467 468 469 470 471 41 Similar shapes 540 540 544 547 550 552 554 555 41. 1 Similar triangles 41. 2 Similar polygons 41. 3 Areas of similar shapes 41. 4 Volumes of similar solids 41. 5 Lengths, areas and volumes of similar solids Chapter summary Chapter review questions 35 Bounds and surds 35. Lower bounds and upper bo unds 35. 2 Surds Chapter summary Chapter review questions 474 474 476 478 479 42 Direct and inverse proportion 42. 1 Direct proportion 42. 2 Further direct proportion 42. 3 Inverse proportion 42. 4 Proportion and square roots Chapter summary Chapter review questions 559 559 561 563 566 568 568 36 Circle geometry 36. 1 Circle theorems Chapter summary Chapter review questions 481 481 487 488 37 Completing the square 37. 1 Completing the square Chapter summary Chapter review questions 491 491 494 494 43 Vectors 43. 1 43. 2 43. 3 43. 4 43. 5 43. Vectors and vector notation Equal vectors The magnitude of a vector Addition of vectors Parallel vectors Solving geometric problems in two dimensions Chapter summary Chapter review questions 571 571 573 574 575 578 583 587 587 38 Quadratic equations 38. 1 Introduction to solving quadratic equations 38. 2 Solving by factorisation 38. 3 Solving by completing the square 38. 4 Solving using the quadratic formula 38. 5 Solving equations with algebrai c fractions 38. 6 Problems that involve quadratic equations Chapter summary Chapter review questions 496 496 496 498 499 501 502 505 505 44 Transformations of functions 4. 1 44. 2 44. 3 44. 4 44. 5 44. 6 Function notation Applying vertical translations Applying horizontal translations Applying reflections Applying stretches Transformations applied to the graphs of sin x and cos x Chapter summary Chapter review questions Index Licence 591 591 592 596 599 602 605 608 608 611 618 39 Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry (2) Problems in three dimensions Trigonometric ratios for any angle Area of a triangle The sine rule The cosine rule Solving problems using the sine rule, the cosine rule and 1 ab sin C 2 Chapter summary Chapter review questions 39. 1 39. 39. 3 39. 4 39. 5 39. 6 507 507 512 516 519 522 525 527 527 v Introduction Welcome to Edexcel GCSE Mathematics Modular Higher Student Book and ActiveBook. Written by Edexcel as an exact match to the new Edexcel GCSE Mathematics H igher Tier specification these materials give you more chances to succeed in your examinations The ActiveBook The ActiveBook CD-ROM is found in the back of this book. It is a digital version of this Student Book, with links to additional resources and extra support. Using the ActiveBook you can: ? Find out what you need to know before you can tackle the unit ?See what vocabulary you will learn in the unit ? See what the learning objectives are for the unit ? Easily access and display answers to the questions in the exercise sections (these do not appear in the printed Student Book) ? Click on glossary words to see and hear their definitions ? Access a complete glossary for the whole book ? Practice exam questions and improve your exam technique with Exam Tutor model questions and answers. Each question that has an Exam Tutor icon beside it links to a worked solution with audio and visual annotation to guide you through it The Student BookEach chapter has a number of units to work th rough, with full explanations of each topic, numerous worked examples and plenty of exercises, followed by a chapter summary and chapter review questions. There are some Module 3 topics that may also be assessed in Modules 2 or 4. These are identified in the contents list with the symbol: M4 These topics are also also assessed in highlighted within the Module 4 chapters themselves, using this flag by the relevant unit headings: The text and worked examples in each unit have been written to explain clearly the ideas and techniques you need to work through the subsequent exercises.The questions in these exercises have all been written to progress from easy to more difficult. At the end of each chapter, there is a Chapter Summary which will help you remember all the key points and concepts you need to know from the chapter and tell you what you should be able to do for the exam. Following the Chapter Summary is a Chapter Review which comprises further questions. These are either past e xam questions, or newly written exam-style questions – written by examiners for the new specifications.Like the questions in the exercise sections, these progress from easy to hard. In the exercise sections and Chapter Reviews Recommendation specification Pentium 3 500 Mhz processor 128MB RAM 8 speed CD-ROM 1GB free hard disc space 800 600 (or 1024 768) resolution screen at 16 bit colour sound card, speakers or headphones Windows 2000 or XP. This product has been designed for Windows 98, but will be unsupported in line with Microsoft’s Product Life-Cycle policy. Installation Insert the CD. If you have autorun enabled the program should start within a few seconds.Follow on-screen instructions. Should you experience difficulty, please locate and review the readme file on the CD.   vi by a question shows that you may use a calculator for this question or those that follow. by a question shows that you may NOT use a calculator for this question or those that follow. Tech nical support If after reviewing the readme you are unable to resolve your problem, contact customer support: ? telephone 0870 6073777 (between 8. 00 and 4. 00) ? email schools. [email  protected] com ? web http://centraal. uk. knowledgebox. com/kbase/

Post-Apocalyptic Essay

Philip K. Dick leads his readers into understanding the relationship between humanity and the environment and how changes when humanity is struck with adversity. It is asserted that the human condition will continue to place importance on material possessions, although society and the possession itself changes in â€Å"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?† by Philip K. Dick. In the novel â€Å"Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?† by Philip K. Dick the only humans left living on earth are able to prove superior social status with the ownership of an authentic animal. The owners begin a relationship with animals because they symbolize what’s left of mother-nature in which heightens an individual’s rank. The protagonist in the novel is Rick Deckard who is known as a bounty hunter. Since there is little life on earth he owns an electric sheep, but his neighbor Bill Barbour owns a Percheron Colt. In the novel Deckard beliefs: Humans are able to radiate their s ocial status through living animals. In the novel owning an animal is essential because there rare and significant in comparison to modern times when we take animals for granted. One of the main themes in the novel is empathy and they seem to only have it towards animals. Since they have killed off possibly all living things they are trying to grasp the little life left on earth. Having the possession of a real animal is seen as an economic gain. Rick Deckard is not too fond of his electric sheep because it’s not real and he does not feel he could feel empathy for and electric sheep.: The aftermath of World War Terminius has made every character value the small things in life. Rick says he wants more than a domestic pet he says, â€Å"I want what I originally had, a large animal. A sheep, or if I can’t get the money, a cow or a steer or what have, a horse.† (14) He will not settle for less, he wants something he could be proud of and have to showcase just like his neighbor Barbour that owns a real s tallion. This aspect of the novel displays human relationship to the environment only exists due to the deterioration of animal life. If it were not for the limited living animal circumstances then perhaps humans would not have empathy for the animals. It is apparent that  they did not take precaution before the war since they did not realize the damage of the war would jeopardize the environment ecosystem. So much so that Rick states, â€Å"having two animals is more immoral than not having any.†(10) This shows how limited real living animals are in 2021 and that no one should have more than one. Some people are unable to at least have one and Rick’s neighbor was considering having two. Deckard is bothered by his neighbor’s greediness to want more than one real animal. Especially after the fact that Ricks expresses to how he wishes he could own a real animal. This also shows how people have become one for one. They seem to have lot the possibility to care for one another throughout the novel, what is important now is their social status. This novel tries to send a message early on about the importance of our priorities as humans. American values have shifted over the years. According to an article on PBS called The Rise of American Consumerism it states â€Å"After World War II, consumer spending no longer meant just satisfying an indulgent material desire. In fact, the American consumer was praised as a patriotic citizen in the 1950’s, contributing to the ultimate success of the American way of life.† Spending on material goods was more than just a want it was a way of life. Americans at this time were getting over the depression and so once the economy began to rise so did there spending habits. The problem was not that they were spending but they were over spending on everything and anything. Since then the way that Americans spend has only increased. In the novel Philip K Dick writes from the future and shows the horrid side to the ways of Americans, and the outcome of human’s values. Dick challenges our perception towards humanity and animal life and convinces to make animal existence a priority. Throughout the novel Rick Deckard is portrayed in different perspectives. Deckard is really motivated as a bounty hunter, so he retires androids for a living and he depends on his income in order to purchase an animal. This reflects that the novel is relevant to American consumerism and how we look forward for a better economic status. In the novel, Animal consumerism is key, but not to consume to nurture and protect. And Americans are so common to consumerism that they well purchase anything and eat anything. That being said, we as Americans tend to be careless about what arrives on our dinner plates without  realizing that it was once a living thing. Dick’s novel brings awareness to our mindset that we should acknowledge the value of things instead of making them secondary and neglecting them. Its main focus is to give importance to mother â€Å"nature†. Ideas that are claimed throughout this novel are very concurrent to present time. The idea of empathy and how humans must feel alive through other living things is very powerful. Owning a real live animal most certainly is a way to keep humans grounded. Phillip K. Dick gives a theoretical statement on how we as human beings should give more recognition towards life values, or prepare to pay consequences that will lead to animal shortage. Work Cited Ewe Robot: ‘Philip K. Dick and Philosophy’ Academia.edu. Anthology ‘Philip K. Dick and Philosophy’. 24 May 2011. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. Dick, Philip K., and Philip K. Dick. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? New York: Ballantine, 1996. Print. WGBH. â€Å"General Article: The Rise of American Consumerism.† PBS by WGHB EducacationFoundation.Web.1996-2013.

A Critique of Chinua Achebe’s “An Image of Africa” Essay

â€Å"Certainly Conrad appears to go to considerable pains to set up layers of insulation between himself and the moral universe of his history. He has, for example, a narrator behind a narrator. The primary narrator is Marlow but his account is given to us through the filter of a second, shadowy person. But if Conrad’s intention is to draw a cordon sanitaire between himself and the moral and psychological malaise of his narrator his care seems to me totally wasted because he neglects to hint however subtly or tentatively at an alternative frame of reference by which we may judge the actions and opinions of his characters.† Although Achebe recognizes Conrad’s use of multiple narrators, he dismisses any intention on Conrad’s part of utilizing the narrators to introduce psychological depth in Heart of Darkness. I believe, however, that Conrad’s full objective was to establish a moral and existential tone in his novella; he accomplished this by incorpo rating a second narrator. Conrad introduces the narrator and his surrounding characters as they navigate the Thames River. As the narrator describes Marlow and the other Seamen the reader begins to question where Marlow stands in this social hierarchy. Conrad thus establishes a tone of uncertainty in the credibility and morality of both Marlow and the narrator. The entire novella is a retelling of Marlow’s tales in Africa, years after they had occurred, which leaves the extent of Marlow’s exaggeration and embellishment of his story up for question. 2. Disagree â€Å"Joseph Conrad was a thoroughgoing racist. That this simple truth is glossed over in criticisms of his work is due to the fact that white racism against Africa is such a normal way of thinking that its manifestations go completely unremarked† Achebe is not reading Conrad’s work on a symbolic level rather he superficially judges parts of the novella as racist. The novella Heart of Darkness is not a racial slur, nor is it an insulting depiction of the people of Africa in any way. It is an examination of the false pretenses the Europeans held over their assumed benevolent work in Africa. The purpose of Marlow’s story was to show the adverse effects of imperialism on white European tradesmen. Conrad is thus in no way a racist, as he set out to depict the malice of Europeans during this time period. He uses his experiences in the Congo during King Leopold of Belgium’s tyranny to show the malevolence greed instills in mankind. 3. Disagree â€Å"Africa as a metaphysical battlefield devoid of all recognizable humanity, into which the wandering European enters at his peril. . . . . Can nobody see the preposterous and perverse arrogance in thus reducing Africa to the role of props for the break-up of one petty European mind? But that is not even the point. The real question is the dehumanization of Africa and Africans which this age-long attitude has fostered and continues to foster in the world. And the question is whether a novel which celebrates this dehumanization, which depersonalizes a portion of the human race, can be called a great work of art.† Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a great work of art; is it a symbolic delineation of Western covetousness and the effects materialism has on mankind. Africa is not meant to be â€Å"devoid of all recognizable humanity.† Africa is a setting which could be moved anywhere white Europeans use phony moral objectives to carry out their greed. The novella is not specific to Africa but, is a representation of the degradation of man when he works on fake moral grounds. It is for that very reason that Conrad begins his novella with Marlow’s recount of man’s historical occupations -including Roman and British sieges- and the darkness that follows all acts of greed. 4. Disagree Unfortunately his heart of darkness plagues us still. Which is why an offensive and deplorable book can be described by a serious scholar as â€Å"among the half dozen greatest short novels in the English language.† Although Achebe’s defensive view is reasonable as he is of African descent and feels affronted by the opinion he believes Conrad holds, he misses the overall meaning of the novella. Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is not a plague, nor should it be regretted. This novella gave insight into the shameful acts committed by Europeans in search of fame and fortune. Heart of Darkness is not a slander on the African people; it is the exposure of European cruelty and man’s madness derived from greed and feeling empowered over another. 5. Disagree â€Å"I am talking about a book which parades in the most vulgar fashion prejudices and insults from which a section of mankind has suffered untold agonies and atrocities in the past and continues to do so in many ways and many places today. I am talking about a story in which the very humanity of black people is called in question.† Humanity is questioned in Heart of Darkness but, Achebe fails to realize Conrad’s intention. Achebe focuses primarily on the depiction of the Africans in this novella and disregards the contempt Conrad holds for the imperialists. Conrad’s objective was to unmask the â€Å"prejudices and insults from which a section of mankind has suffered untold agonies and atrocities† but, not in the â€Å"vulgar fashion† Achebe describes. The humanity of Europeans is instead called in question. Conrad had witnessed firsthand how the Europeans pillaged and devastated African communities and used his experiences to illustrate the obscen ity of imperialism. 6. Disagree â€Å"As a sensible man I will not accept just any traveler’s tales solely on the grounds that I have not made the journey myself. I will not trust the evidence even off man’s very eyes when I suspect them to be as jaundiced as Conrad’s. And we also happen to know that Conrad was, in the words of his biographer, Bernard C. Meyer, â€Å"notoriously inaccurate in the rendering of his own history.† In fiction it is often the author’s idiosyncratic perspective that makes a story intriguing. Factual recounting does not arrive in a fictional book. Whether Conrad’s portrayal of imperialism in Africa was entirely accurate or an embellished version of his own existential struggles, Heart of Darkness was a landmark piece for his time period. The atrocities committed during European imperialism were not a subject of conversation but, Conrad helped to bring the issues to the surface. Conrad did not aim to offend the people of Africa; he intended to expo se the Europeans of their veiled immorality.