Workplace Observation Essay Example

Workplace Observation Essay The workplace is a subject of many studies because it is characterized by rich diversity, communication practices, conflict management, organizational policies, technology, and so on. The three areas of organizational culture including communication, organizational diversity, and conflict management are challenging aspects in the restaurant business.I own an Italian restaurant named Gabbiano which offers pizza, salads, pasta, and sandwich to our customers. It is located near the ocean; thus, summer is the busiest time for the restaurant. The restaurant also employs 30 people, 10 of which are the dine-in workers, five delivery persons, three cashiers, and two cooks. As the restaurant is near the ocean, I require my staff to wear something for the summer such as comfortable shirts, black pants, closed-toe shoes and hats. The hats and shirts should be blue and must bear the logo of the store, which consists of a seagull and ocean. The word Gabbiano means ‘seagul.’Communicat ionCommunication is one of the most important aspects of every business. It is an essential component towards the organizational success at different levels (Northeastern University, n.d.). Communication is essential for organizing, coordinating, and controlling activities (Rouse, 2002, p.4).The success of the business is also largely dependent on the communication. Internal communication must be facilitated between the management and the employees and external communication between the company, clients, and suppliers. Having an effective communication in the workplace will result to job satisfaction among the employees and will reduce cases of underperformance. In addition, effective communication can spare the business from conflicts (Kondrat, 2009).In my restaurant, communication is an area that the employees and I strive to enhance. Even from the start of my staff’s employment, I make sure that they understand the importance of communication especially between the managem ent and the customers. Customers keep the restaurant in business, thus employees should learn to listen to what they have to say about the food and service. I have also taught my employees to communicate effectively with each customer because it definitely keeps them coming back to the restaurant. Most of the customers in the restaurant are only there for the summer. But there was this time when a customer told one of the waiters that he had been at the restaurant before and planned to return for his next vacation. Although we serve good food, I believe that establishing a business-customer relationship will attract and retain more customers.Communication is also important between the management and the employees and between employees themselves. During one time, a misunderstanding happened between one of the delivery persons and one of the cooks. The root of the problem was so solvable but it took days before the problem was finally settled due to lack of communication between the concerned parties. The delivery guy did not want to listen to the cook because he thought that he had been working at my restaurant longer than the cook. The cook, on the other hand, took the opportunity to talk away and gather the empathy of the other employees as back-up against the delivery guy. The problem could have been the cause of a rift between the employees had it not been for a one-hour man-to-man talk that required them to listen to each other.Organizational DiversityOrganizations are becoming more heterogeneous when it comes to gender, race-ethnicity, age, and national origin. There were studies which showed that diversity â€Å"have negative effects on social integration, communication, and conflict† (Pugh, Dietz, Brief, and Wiley, n.d., p.4). This can be explained by the fact that people coming from different cultures have different values, expectations, and communication styles. Despite these differences, an organization can be successful when these are unders tood by each employee and incorporated into the organizational culture (Workforce Diversity Network, 2008).My restaurant is home to cultural diversity. I have Vietnamese, Mexican, and American workers. During the hiring of my staff, one of my visions was hiring people from different cultural backgrounds. I have good friendships with people coming from race different from mine, and I believe that it can extend to my business. Although the start of the business with workers from mixed races was shaky, my staff finally came to befriend each other. However, it was not very easy. In fact, having employees of different races and ethnic backgrounds was a lot challenging than I thought it would be. Everyone had a hard time getting used to each other. However, effective communication was one of the key solutions in bridging the gap between the employees.Conflict ManagementConflict management is another aspect which can be very challenging. Conflict can arise from poor communications, differe nces in values, and leadership problems. If managed properly, conflict can lead to positive results such as participation of people, recognition and benefiting from their differences, and raising and addressing of problems (McNamara, 2008).In the restaurant, conflict has happened more than once. The likely causes were the differences between the employees and poor or lack of communication. For instance, the two cooks had a verbal fight about how things should be in the kitchen. Each wanted to have his or her way in the activities inside the kitchen. The conflict worsened because no one was willing to give in and did not want to settle the problem. Both avoided the problem by ignoring each other. Although after the verbal fight the cooks continued to work in silence, it affected the whole organization. The problem was only solved when I required them to talk it out like two grown up men and come up with alternative solutions.ReferencesKondrat, A. (2009). Effective communication in th e workplace. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from http://human-resources-management.suite101.com/article.cfm/effective_communication_at_workplaceMcNamara, C. (2008). Basics of conflict management. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from http://www.managementhelp.org/intrpsnl/basics.htmNortheastern University. (n.d.). The importance of effective communication. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from http://web.cba.neu.edu/~ewertheim/interper/commun.htmPugh, S.D., Dietz, J., Brief, A.P., and Wiley, J.W. (n.d). Looking inside and out: The impact of employee and community demographic composition. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from http://www.ivey.uwo.ca/faculty/Dietz_JAP_Diversity_08inpress.pdfRouse, S. (2002). Business communications: A cultural and strategic approach. United States: Cengage Learning EMEA.Workforce Diversity Network. (2008). The importance of diversity in 2008 and beyond. Retrieved April 2, 2009, from http://www.workforcediversitynetwork.com/news_0806_impt.aspx

Billy Bonzai Essays

Billy Bonzai Essays Billy Bonzai Essay Billy Bonzai Essay Billy Bonzai I. Point of View The case was analyzed from the point of view of Mr. Hidayat. II. Objectives To provide the clients with excellent services. To allow the employees to work systematically and consistently. To establish a win – win proposition for both the company and its clients. III. The Problem What should the management do in order to lessen the unproductiveness of its employees and provide excellent services to its clients? IV. Facts of the Case Billy joined Kandapon in 1980 as a twenty-two year old casual hire. He was bright and personable as a working student and eventually completing a law degree. The occasional sale of a bekisar, as a side-line, could turn in a tidy profit. In 1980, Billy also began to pursue the growing of bonsai trees in earnest. Billy took advantage of any lull in the work to leave the office to attend to his hobbies. Mistakes in disconnecting lines which were up to date on their payments or delays in the reconnection of lines after payments had been made provoked noisy complaints. V. Alternative Courses of Actions . The management must conduct an employees’ performance evaluation regularly in order to measure the individuality’s effectiveness and efficiency to its tasks. Advantages: o Employees who are performing their respective tasks will earn merits. o Customers’ complaints will be lessen. o There is a sense of satisfaction. Disadvantages: o It is a long way and complicated process. o Some employees might find it bias. o Additional costs will be incurred. 2. Review the company’s policy in terms of employees’ code of ethics and customers’ relations. Advantages: o Employees will know its limitations. Thereby, unnecessary hobbies unrelated to the job description specified will be minimized. o Proper systems of work will be realized. o There is a room for improvement. Disadvantages: o Some employees will find it hard to implement the things listed on the company policy. o Resistance to change. 3. Take corrective actions on the unproductiveness of the employees. Advantages: o Employees will learn its lessons and eventually prevent themselves from committing the same mistakes again. Clients’ complaints will be minimized since corrective measures have been taken already. o There is an act of professionalism. Disadvantage: o Some employees might take it against the management. Thus, turnover rate might increase. VI. Recommendation Alternative number three will be chosen in addressing the case since it allows every individual to learn from the mistakes they have committed. Thus, professionalism, discipline and good customer relat ions will be established.

Son of Sam - Killer David Berkowitz

Son of Sam - Killer David Berkowitz David Berkowitz, better known as Son of Sam and the .44 Caliber Killer, is an infamous 1970s New York City serial killer who killed six people and wounded several others. His crimes became legendary because of the bizarre content in the letters that he wrote to the police and the media and his reasons for committing the attacks. With the police feeling the pressure to catch the killer, Operation Omega was formed, which was comprised of over 200 detectives; all working on finding the Son of Sam before he killed again. Berkowitzs Childhood Born Richard David Falco,  June 1, 1953, he was adopted by Nathan and Pearl Berkowitz. The family lived in a middle-class home in the Bronx. The couple loved and doted on their son yet Berkowitz grew up feeling rejected and scorned because of being adopted. His size and appearance did not help matters. He was larger than most of the kids his age and not particularly attractive. His parents were not social people and Berkowitz followed in that path, developing a reputation for being a loner. Berkowitz Was Plagued With Guilt and Anger Berkowitz was an average student and did not show any particular flair for any one subject. He did, however, develop into a decent baseball player which became his main outside activity. Around the neighborhood, he had a reputation for being hyper and a bully. Believing his natural mother died while giving birth to him was the source of intense guilt and anger inside Berkowitz. Some believe it was the reason for his anti-social and aggressive behavior as a child. The Death of His Mother Pearl Berkowitz had a reoccurrence with breast cancer and died in 1967. Berkowitz was devastated and became severely depressed. He viewed his mother’s death as a master plot designed to destroy him. He began to fail in school and spent most of his time alone. When his father remarried in 1971, his new wife did not get along with the young Berkowitz, and the newlyweds moved to Florida leaving 18-year-old Berkowitz behind. Berkowitz Reunites With His Birth Mother Berkowitz joined the army and after a disastrous three years, he left the service. During that time, he had his one and only sexual experience with a prostitute and caught a venereal disease. When he returned home from the army, he found out his natural mother was still alive and that he had a sister. There was a brief reunion, but eventually, Berkowitz stopped visiting. His isolation, fantasies, and paranoid delusions were now in full force. Driven by Demons On Christmas Eve 1975, Berkowitz’s â€Å"demons† drove him out into the streets with a hunting knife to find a victim to kill. Later he confessed to plunging his knife into two women, one which could not be confirmed. The second victim, 15-year-old Michelle Forman, survived the attack and was treated for six knife wounds. Soon after the attacks, Berkowitz moved out of the Bronx to a two-family home in Yonkers. It was in this home that the Son of Sam would be created. Howling dogs in the neighborhood kept Berkowitz from sleeping and in his deranged mind, he turned their howls into messages from demons that were ordering him to go kill women. He later said that in an attempt to quiet the demons, he began to do what they asked. Jack and Nann Cassara owned the home and in time Berkowitz became convinced that the quiet couple was in truth, part of the demon conspiracy, with Jack being General Jack Cosmo, commander in chief of the dogs that tormented him. When he moved away from the Cassaras into an apartment on Pine Street, he failed to escape the controlling demons. His new neighbor, Sam Carr, had a black Labrador named Harvey, who Berkowitz believed was also possessed. He eventually shot the dog, but that did not offer him relief because he had come to believe that Sam Carr was possessed by the most powerful demon of them all, possibly Satan himself. Nightly the demons screamed at Berkowitz to go kill, their thirst for blood unquenchable. The Arrest of the Son of Sam Berkowitz was eventually caught after receiving a parking ticket at the time and near the place of the Moskowitz murder. That evidence along with letters he wrote to Carr and the Cassaras, his military background, his appearance, and an arson incident, led police to his door. When he was arrested he immediately surrendered to police and identified himself as Sam, telling the police, Well, youve got me. After being evaluated, it was determined that he could stand trial. Berkowitz stood trial in August 1978 and pled guilty to six murders. He received 25 years to life for each of the murders. Berkowitzs Crime Spree July 29, 1976 – Jody Valenti and Donna Lauria were shot as they sat talking in a parked car outside Donna’s apartment. Lauria died instantly from a gunshot wound to her neck. Valenti survived the attack.October 23, 1976 – Carl Denaro and Rosemary Keenan were shot while sitting in Denaro’s parked car. Both survived, but Carl was struck in the head by one of the bullets.November 26, 1976 – Donna DeMasi and 18-year-old Joanne Lomino were walking near Joanne’s home after a late movie. Berkowitz followed them briefly, then shot them. Donna survived without suffering permanent physical harm, but Joanne was paralyzed for life.January 30, 1977 – 26-year-old Christine Freund and her fiance John Diel were shot as they sat in a parked car. Christine died and John Diel survived the attack.March 8, 1977 – Virginia Voskerichian, a Barnard College honor student was shot and killed while walking home from class.April 17, 1977 – 18-year-o ld Valentina Suriani and her 20-year-old boyfriend Alexander Esau, were shot twice. Both died as a result of gunshot wounds. Berkowitz left a letter at the scene, signed â€Å"Son of Sam.† June 26, 1977 – Judy Placido and Sal Lupu were shot while leaving a disco. Both survived although Judy was shot three times.July 31, 1977 – Bobby Violante and Stacy Moskowitz were shot in the car while parked at a lover’s lane. Stacy died from a gunshot wound to her head and Bobby lost vision in one eye and partial vision in the other eye. The Ressler Interview In 1979, Berkowitz was interviewed by FBI veteran, Robert Ressler. Berkowitz admitted that he invented the â€Å"Son of Sam† stories so that if caught he could convince the court that he was insane. He said the real reason he killed was because he felt resentment toward his mother and his failures with women. He found killing the women to be sexually arousing. Throat Slashed On  July 10, 1979, Berkowitz was giving out water to the other inmates in his section when another inmate,  William E.  Hauser, attacked him with a razor blade and slashed his throat. Berkowitz was too afraid to cooperate with the investigation despite that it nearly cost him his life. Hausers name was not released to the public until 2015 when the for Attica superintendent James Conway revealed it. Serving His Time Berkowitz is currently serving a life sentence at the maximum-security Shawangunk Correctional Facility in Wallkill after being transferred from Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York where he spent several years. Since entering prison, he has become a member of the Jews for Jesus religious group. Berkowitz had refused to attend any of his parole hearings since he became eligible for possible release in 2002. However, in May 2016 he changed his mind and attended his parole hearing. Berkowitz, 63 at the time, told the parole board, â€Å"I was constantly putting myself out there to help other individuals, with kindness and compassion,† he said. â€Å"I mean, I feel that’s my life’s calling, all these years. My evaluations, and so forth, should show that to be true. I’ve done a lot of good and positive things, and I thank God for that.† He was denied parole again and his next hearing is scheduled for May 2018. Today Berkowitz is a born-again Christian and described as a model prisoner.

What are the main differences between hypothetical and categorical Essay

What are the main differences between hypothetical and categorical imperatives - Essay Example In reference to Immanuel Kant’s work, both hypothetical and categorical imperatives have been immensely and clearly differentiated. To start with, hypothetical imperatives are considered as instructions which direct one to act in a certain manner or way so as to achieve a desired result. For instance, if one considers owning an expensive car, then he or she must search for a good paying job to contribute in coming up with the funds. In most instances, hypothetical imperatives apply to individuals who wish to achieve the results. On the other hand, categorical imperatives are instructions which direct individuals on what to do irrespective of one’s desires. In other words, they are referred to as commands since one is left with no option but to act accordingly, an example: Though shall not murder. The results are normally good and of upright morals. Kant (vi) claims that the moral law can only be expressed in the form of a categorical imperative due to the fact that it is imposed by the reason itself but not externally. He also states that the moral law applies universally and should therefore have standard ordering principle in which everyone is expected to observe. Kant is therefore right because, when the moral law is expressed in terms of comparative imperative then the society at large works harmoniously and each member acts as a law unto himself. This then becomes an ideal place for a morally upright community. Q 2: How does Kant explain the difference between perfect and imperfect duties According to Kant, would it be permissible to tell a lie if the lie might save someone's life Explain Kant's position on this and whether or not you agree. According to the ground work by Kant (103), he focuses on two types of duties which include perfect and imperfect. Kant looks at perfect duties as the actions which when evaluated according to the first maxim, they bring about innate contradictions. To state it in clear terms, they are actions that produce innate contradictions when they are reasonably applied as worldwide laws. For instance, murder would be considered as a perfect duty since if murder was to be applied as a world wide law it would eventually lead to an inherent contradiction. Since murder cannot be rationally applied as a universal law, it is therefore not permissible under the first maxim. On the other hand, imperfect duties involve various acts that when evaluated according to the first maxim or when they are reasonably applied as universal laws; they do not bring about any inherent contradictions (Kant 104). According to Kant, lying is considered as an imperfect duty since if it were applied as a universal law, it would not raise any inherent contradiction. Lying is therefore not allowed under the first maxim despite its application as a universal law. In reference to Kant, it would therefore not be permissible to tell a lie even if it would save someone's life. In my opinion, a lie which would save someone's life is necessary since one will have played a role in saving a life which is very critical. However, lying should not be used as a form of defense or for purposes of obtaining favor. Q 3: People in distress often make "false promises" in order to alleviate their situation. According to Kant, is such action in accordance with the moral law or not Paying particular attention to his understanding of the categorical imperative and what it prescribes, explain Kant's position on this. Do you agree with Kant Why or why not According to Kant, making of false promises so as to alleviate one's situation is not in accordance with the moral law since it rests on a maxim that can be comprehensibly universalized. The moral rules normally require telling the truth and keeping of promises, therefore making of false p

Thread Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Thread - Assignment Example Thus, America was observed as a function of consciousness by the Frontiers (Shames, n.d.). According to Shames, America’s frontier provides opportunity and hence, brought the concept of more in order to bring about optimism and retain economic boom. Similarly, the typical consumer behavior suggests of engulfing more satisfaction. The greed for more beyond the satisfaction level of the consumers leads individuals and organizations of the country to be over ambitious for the achievement of goals and objectives. However, this over ambitious nature also leads to the creation of attitude amid people of the America. They had a notion that there is no worst thing than losing. Additionally, they developed an attitude of obtaining the optimum output from every resource (Shames, n.d.). Shames termed 1980s â€Å"an era of nostalgia† because prior to that period the young urban working people were considered as money-oriented. The sole motive of the people of America was that money is the ultimate requirement for them. Also it is to be noted that because of the greed for ‘more’ people did not adapt to e other values and desire that are essential for human being. People were less conscious of the personal lives and his/her social responsibilities. However, in the 1980s the people realized the importance of the social life through spending times with friends and family members. Moreover, in that era the coinage of the two terms namely, ‘hippie’ and ‘yippie’ was done. Thus, Shames rightly termed 1980s as â€Å"an era of nostalgia† (Shames, n.d.). Shames was ironical about the concept of ‘more’ from the American people. This is because he has been observing the people of America to be more inclined to the concept of ‘more’. The people in that period were so busy in their professional work that they had forgotten the social need and responsibility of every individual.

Utilitarianism Theory Essay Example for Free

Utilitarianism Theory Essay Utilitarianism is a moral theory generally considered to have been founded by Jeremy Bentham, a 19th century English philosopher and social reformer. It is centered on the concept of happiness, and those who seek it. The idea is that all people seek happiness, and that it is the ultimate goal of all human beings to be happy. Therefore, according to classical utilitarianism, when a person wishes to act in an ethically sound manner he or she should strive to bring about the greatest possible amount of happiness for the greatest possible amount of people. This is known as the greatest happiness attitude. Another, similar idea is that a person should always strive, if incapable of producing happiness, to reduce unhappiness. As the theory is wholly focused on the outcome of a person’s actions, it is classed as a â€Å"consequentialist† theory, i.e. a theory that concerns it with consequences and not actions in themselves. Utilitarianism can be seen as a highly mathematical theorem, looking at the total units of happiness that a particular action gives rise to. For instance, I might want to go out and have drinks with some friends and my boyfriend or I could find something more family oriented and do something fun with my son and my boyfriend. Consider that my son is only little for a short time, would I rather have drinks and regret the hang over later or share a memory with my little boy. Taking my son out for a night might add 10 units of happiness to the world’s total stock, whereas going out for drinks would only add a total of 6. Certainly, the latter would make a greater quantity of people happy (the former only benefiting one person), but it is the quantity of happiness produced that is of the first importance to utilitarianists. But let us look more closely at Bentham’s utilitarianism. To understand his approach more fully, it is vital that one come to an appreciation of exactly what he meant by â€Å"happiness†. His ideas here are, really, quite simple. Bentham thought that we should look at happiness as being based on pleasure. Naturally, it follows from this that he also felt that we should treat unhappiness as something consisting of pain. This view on happiness has led his particular brand of utilitarianism to be seen as a hedonistic theory. Furthermore, Bentham did not distinguish between different forms of pleasure. To him, anything that gave rise to happiness – be it drugs or reading – was fundamentally good. Other philosophers have striven to develop Bentham’s  theories further. One of the more notable of these is John Stuart Mill, who sought to distinguish between what he termed â€Å"higher† and â€Å"lower† pleasures. Mill disagreed with Bentham’s all-inclusive view on pleasure, feeling that there was a fundamental difference between the varying forms of pleasure available to people, and that some had a finer quality than others. It was Mill who put forth the notion that it is â€Å"better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied†. Mill’s idea was fairly straightforward, namely that while there are many simple, sensual pleasures in life, such as eating or drinking, there are also certain pleasures which are of a more cerebral nature, such as listening to classical music or reading poetry. According to Mill, these latter pleasures are of a greater quality, and should therefore be considered more important. He posited that someone who has experienced both forms of pleasure would naturally feel inclined to choose the higher pleasures. For instance, a man who is familiar with both tasty food and good poetry would view the latter as something more valuable than the former. This is a fairly straightforward exploration of the most common forms of utilitarianism. The most important thing to remember about these theories is that they are consequentialist and, above all else, that they are concerned with the greater good. Utilitarianists don’t care about your personal agenda or whether your actions happen to hurt some people. As long as the eventual results of your actions lead to more pleasure than pain, you’re in the clear. There were a number of things Mill did to change Utilitarianism. Mill said: â€Å"Better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be a Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.† Mill also linked Utilitarianism with Christian morality. He connected the theory with the teachings of Jesus. He said that the ‘ideal perfection of utilitarian morality’ was abiding by the ‘Golden Rule’-‘Do onto others as you have them do to you.’ This made many more people accept Utilitarianism as it linked with their religion. Rules were introduced into Utilitarianism by Mill. The rules introduced were ones that generally brought about the greatest happiness for the greatest number. For example, Mill argued that society needs the principal of truthfulness as it brings the most happiness on the long run. Utilitarianism is a theory that Christians can relate to. Mill brought it closer to the Christian church by introducing Rule Utilitarianism. This would be closer to the principals Jesus lived by. For  example, it was against the Jewish law to work on the Sabbath but when people were in need, Jesus bent this rule and healed them. The largest connection Christianity has with Utilitarianism is the death of Jesus. He was crucified and died for the sins of mankind-sacrificing himself for the majority. However, Utilitarianism does accept evil where Christianity most certainly does not.

Free College Essays - The Father/Daughter Conflict in Shakespeares Othello :: GCSE Coursework Shakespeare Othello

Othello: The Father/Daughter Conflict Brabantio, father of Desdemona in William Shakespeare's "Othello," is not happy that his daughter is marrying the title character. This father/daughter conflict impacts the work significantly by foreshadowing the climax, giving antagonist Iago material for his evil plot. Brabantio is a Venetian Senator with definite ideas on the subject of his daughter. He wants to choose a husband for her who he feels is of her caliber and who can provide her a good life, as well as raise the family's esteem in Venetian society. At that time, this was his right as Desdemona's father. Then, when life expectancy was short, Brabantio would have wanted a son of a rich house who could inherit the family wealth, and was only a couple years older than his daughter, so she would not be widowed or have to return to her father's dependence. Desdemona acts contrary to these plans by choosing to marry Othello who is a Moor, not a Venetian, which automatically lowers his stature. He is also an army general; he does not have a lot of money, only some prestige. In addition, he is old - he could be Desdemona's father nearly; in fact, he is Brabantio's friend. Army life would keep him (and her) out of Venice, and prevent Brabantio from seeing his daughter, or future grandchildren. Consequently, Brabantio is extremely upset when he learns that they have eloped. Brabantio's anger at Othello's "thievery" leads him to entreat the Duke and Senate to annul the marriage. It is also true that the scene involving Iago and Roderigo telling Brabantio of his daughter's eloping does much to develop the character of Iago as a meddling weasel early in the book. The scene in which Othello and Brabantio argue their cases before the Duke is the culmination of the underlying conflict between Desdemona and Brabantio. Desdemona's direct part in the saga is less important than the effects of this conflict on Othello, who emerges an honorable and lawfully wedded man after his appearance before the Senate. However, the dubious nature of the marriage is to cause conflict later in the story, as Brabantio effectively disowns Desdemona and gives fuel to the gossip machine. Several times the fact that Othello stole Desdemona is given as proof that she can be stolen from him.