Long Term vs. Short Term Focus in Communication Essay

There are pragmatic differences between sales promotion and advertising, which marketers must bear in mind when attempting to communicate with the customers. The same case will apply when marketers attempt to communicate with customer by defining the appropriate media and non-media communications that are aimed at driving customer interest, demand and sale upwards. Brand value does not always increase the sale of the product depending on the price of the product and affordability. Instead, brand value may be more instrumental in customer retention. In the short term, discounts have the potential of increasing product sales, but in the long term, the customers’ perception of the product may be negative or positive as they ponder over why there was a discount. Primary Differences between sales promotion and advertising There are fundamental differences between sales promotion and advertising. Advertising is the form of communication via the diversity of media with the goal of persuading and making people aware of products or services. Advertising is equally a service to the target and consumers to inform them with truthful contents that are ethically generated in order for it to be accepted by the public. Advertisements are clear, truthful, tasteful, precise, original, reputable and ethical communications to the public. (Guideline Marketing, 1998). Sales promotion is the application of incentives to elicit a positive reaction by the consumer. Sales promotion gives the consumer advantages of using the product or service on promotion. Sale promotions are characterised by sponsorship, free gifts and vouchers, public forum of information, exhibited, educative and consultative. Therefore the fundamental difference between and advertisement and sales promotion is the on their acceptability by the consumers. (Guideline Marketing, 1998). Some media and non-media marketing communication that are typically employed to increase customer interest, demand and sales The media marketing communication that are typically employed to increase customer interest demand and sales are digital media, print media, pod casting , narrow casting and broadcasting, posting mails, telephone marketing, among others. (Promotion and integrated marketing communications, 2007) Non media marketing communication that are typically employed to increase customer interest, demand and sales are price discounts, non-media advertising, special offers, sales coupons, product and services sampling, product and service price rebates, competitions and raffles, games, product and service premium offers and counter promotions. (Promotion and integrated marketing communications, 2007) Does brand value always increase with increasing sales of the product? Not always does value always increases with increasing sale of the product. Perhaps it may help in customer retention. But in some instances, it can increase sales because more sales are a sign that the customers are crediting the brand as well as their perceptions to the product. This has implications that more sales are solidifying the brand value as long as the product is being sold for the purpose of brand building. Brand values that have increased sales due to high sale imply that the brand value is attractive. When the sales increase, there are signs that the customers are satisfied and are bound to make references to other over the value of the brand. (Bacak, 2006). How discounts have the potential to affect short term sales and long term brand value. Under a good marketing management, discounts have the potential of positively affective the short term sales and long term brand value depending on the perceptions of the customers on the brand following the discount. The understanding discount strategy is that the sale force is not overwhelmingly profit motivated. Instead, the priority is to create value that customer perceive as satisfactory. Most business would create a discount to enable more consumers interact with the product or service. (Lin & Lin, 2007, p. 1-131). According to Aaker (1991), discounts will provide short term sales competitiveness while customer benefit from the value that will be enhanced in the long term. During the time that a brand is under discount sale force, the consumers are given a chance to identify the product or service with their needs. (Lin & Lin, 2007, p. 1-131). An example of products where price discounts positive short term sales increase and long term brand value is the cosmetics. In this case the higher the discount the higher the sales as long as the brand image is highly placed. Thus as soon as the discount is initiated, the short term sales shoot up and the consumers perception of the brand shift and this may be positive or negative. If negative, the consumer could be expecting even more price discounts in the long term. (Lin & Lin, 2007, p. 130). Conclusion: This marketing communication paper has come out with very important lessons. First, in order to be successful in marketing communication, it is important to understand the fundamental differences between sale promotion and advertising so that the choice of media and non media communication can be rewarding to the marketing plan. Second, the possibility of an increasing brand value to increase sale is hinged on other factors like affordability. Finally, product price discounts have a short term effect of increased sales but a mixed effect on the brand value in the long term. Reference Aaker, D. A. (1991).Managing Brand Equity:Capitalizing on the Value of a Brand Name, NY: The FreePress. Bacak, M. (2006, March 18). The Benefit of Branding: Increase Your Sales and Promote Your Product by Building a Solid Brand. Retrieved April 10, 2009, from http://ezinearticles. com/? The-Benefit-of-Branding:-Increase-Your-Sales-and-Promote-Your-Product-by-Building-a-Solid-Brand&id=163889 Guideline Marketing, (1998). Guidelines for publicity, advertising, practice promotion and allied marketing activities. Retrieved on April 10th, 2009, available at http://www. capelawsoc. law. za/Files%20for%20New%20Website/Guidelines/Advertising%20E. doc Lin, N. & Lin B. , (2007, August). The effects of Brand Image and Products Knowledge on Purchase Intention Moderated by Price Discounts. Journal of International Management Studies. P. 1-131. Promotion and Integrated Marketing Communications, (2007). Marketing communications. Retrieved on April 10th, 2009, available at http://www2. cob. ilstu. edu/jsattaw/MKT%20230/Lectures/Lecture%209%20–%20Promotion%20and%20Integrated%20Marketing%20Communication. ppt

Should Students Wear Uniforms

Are Uniforms A Good Way to Improve Students Discipline and Motivation? AED 200 Introduction Uniforms have been a big debate for years. Some educators and parents believe feel uniforms are a great addition to the school system while others feel it is not giving student’s freedom of speech by expressing themselves in what they wear. Should Students Wear Uniforms? Should students wear uniforms is the big debate across school districts across the united states today. According to Eduguide. rg, school uniforms are one step that may break the cycle of violence; truancy and disorder by helping young students understand what really counts. Some feel students benefit from uniforms because it boosts their self-esteem. Students also have feel like they are in a fashion show dressing in uniforms makes students realize what on the inside that counts. Uniforms decrease the influence of gangs and are known to make things difficult for weapons being brought in hidden inside of clothes. Unifor ms improve learning.Uniforms reduce distraction and shapes focus on school work and making the classroom a more serious environment. Uniforms improve behavior and increase school attendance. Uniforms save families time and money. Parents report uniforms are cheaper than buying designer clothes or keeping up with the latest trends. Uniforms helps the administrators quickly identify outsiders who could be a danger to the students. Some people believe uniforms shows neatness by requiring students to tuck in their shirts, wear belts and wear shoes similar in color.Students dressing the same decreases teasing about clothing and shoe appearance. Uniforms prepare children for following a dress code for the future when they reach adulthood and join the workforce. Some children form their own groups in school in which wearing a certain thing or color or style. Some children use fashion trends to differentiate the popular ones from the unpopular children according to what they wear. Uniforms make it less possible for kids to be judged based on clothing choices. Uniforms prevent the competition to have the most fashionable clothes.Competition in school causes students to lose focus on schoolwork instead of on who is wearing the latest fashion trends. Uniforms eliminate clothes competiveness. Another article from Proffessorshouse. com states that some people claim that requiring a uniform increase graduation rates and also has an impact on children’s educational experience. Students performed on the uniform debate claim that uniforms encourage discipline, helps prevent social groups from forming opinions based on fashion status, gets rid of economic barriers and makes easily to identify persons at the school who should not be there.The article also talks about how some form of dress codes enforced around 75% of all schools dress codes are in place to outlaws offensive clothing being worn to the school. After reviewing another article from Ezinearticles. com uniform s create a source of identity and provides a sense of belonging according to the article the article some children’s believe the school chosen for them is a sort of achievement and the school uniform is a mark of inclusion, something to brag about and they feel proud and empowered wearing it.It eliminates the child having to worry about what to wear each day. Uniforms also relieve the parent of having to spend money to helping the child to keep up with the latest trends every day. Uniforms allow a sense of unified purpose to develop particular rivalry with other establishments. Uniforms reinforce children’s since of belonging to reassuring communities. In a 1996 Long Beach, Calif. speech, former President Bill Clinton announced his support of that district's uniform initiative.It didn’t get far in the United States but it also helped start the debate. Uniforms also closes the debate on what children are allowed wear to school, then that makes mornings easier for parents and for children. Everyone knows exactly what the kids need to wear, their regulated school uniform. This leads to a decrease in morning arguments. Some experts believe that when the entire student body is dressed in uniforms, they develop a stronger team mentality. When they are all dressed alike, their all-for-one-and-one-for-all attitude is boosted.With parents saving by not having to buy day to day clothes, they can let their children buy a few nicer and more fashionable clothes for weekends and evenings. Wearing a uniform five days a week can make children appreciate their weekend fashions more. Why Students Should Not Wear Uniforms Parents on the opposing side feel uniforms violate the right to freedom of speech and expression; a uniform cost too much for families struggling financially, uniforms are a band aid on the problem of school violence and does not address the real issues behind it.Uniforms hide warning signs that point to problems that maybe going on with th e child. Some feel that uniforms have not been able to prove wither the decreased discipline or violence and uniforms fail to allow children the ability to learn and make good choices based on their own values. Most feel that uniform are not allowing children to be themselves. Some believe that children cannot be themselves clothes are an expression of who they are. Parents feel that uniforms can be more expensive than regular clothes.Some parents may feel they are a big waste of money wither the school paid for them or not. Some feel uniforms made children uncomfortable and made them focus on the uniform rather than focusing on school work. Also uniforms do not change a child’s behavior in school. Wearing uniforms stop children from getting in trouble and acting out in school. Self-expression is an important part of a child’s development and curbing it with uniforms can be determined to children. Some feel if students are not able to express themselves will in another way by excessive make-up or hairstyles or jewelry.Uniform wear delays transitions into adulthood. Some experts feel teenagers to wear uniforms limits their ability to express in their own way in which can delay their transition in adulthood. Studies show uniforms can be a difficult to enforce in public schools. Conclusion Uniforms have many pros and cons, most believe uniforms are a good option for kids while others feel they can compromise who kids are through expressing themselves through the clothes they wear uniforms cuts down on violence and is a solution to economic problems parents may be facing today.My own personal experience with uniforms causes me to look at uniforms in both sides of the issue. I feel uniforms should be forced in middle or high school but voluntary in elementary schools. I feel most kids in elementary school do not notice what each other wear. Middle and high school is the times where students notice what the other person is wearing or form groups based on who they think are popular or the other. Uniforms are a choice based on school officials and it is up to the child or school if uniforms work. References Website: EduGuide. com Website: Ezarticle. com Website: About. com

Still Night by Li Bai

Key Words: poem, translation, comparison Text Introduction: â€Å"Still night thoughts† Is one of the most popular poems In china, for Its words are simple, sentences are easily understood, and Its meaning arouses sympathy. It depicts in a silent moon night, the author sitting on the bed saw bright moonlight on the floor, and then he raised his head and watched the same moon that was above him and also above his homeland, which reminded him of his home. After that, he hung his hand, missing his hometown.There are dozens of â€Å"Still night thoughts% translations, I pick up five of them and compare them as following to present the effect of recreation and word selection in the poetry translation. Comparative Analysis: Version one: Night Meditation In front of my flooded with moonbeam, I mistook for frost appears on the floor; Lifting my head trying to watch the moon, I dropped again for missing our home town. This version is from a veteran writer Line Juliann The length of se ntence Is almost the same that each sentence Is composed of seven or eight words.At this point, It resembles five character quatrains. Meanwhile, the meaning of every sentence Is very closely to the original one and there Is only a little adjustment of rod order In first two sentences. Obviously, Len tried hard to accommodate his translation with the original one. In terms of form, this version Is very faithful. However, the use of some verbs Is not proper. For example, â€Å"trying† means make an attempt or effort, but in the third sentence, the author raised his head spontaneously when he found the light from the ground.In the fourth sentence, the verb â€Å"drop† means Tall suddenly, out In Tanat scene, writer was adsorbed In nostalgia; odometer, according to common sense, he must not have made such a big movement. In addition, there are some commendable creations in this version. In the first sentence, Line used the verb â€Å"flooded† vividly to highlight t he brightness of the moonbeam. In the fourth sentence, â€Å"our hometown† instead of â€Å"my hometown† arouses association that someone in the author's hometown is also watching the moon and missing him. They are the translator's recreation of the original poem.In general, it is a good translation and expresses Lie Basis emotion accurately. Version two: Thoughts in a Tranquil Night Athwart the bed I watch the moonbeams cast a trail So bright, so cold, so frail, That for a space it gleams Like hoarfrost on the margin of my dreams. I raise my head -? The splendid moon I see: Then drop my head, And sink to dreams of thee -? My fatherland, of thee! This version is from the British gemologist L. Crammer-Bang. His translation is very different from the original poem in form and meaning. The sentences are complicated and the expressions are too far away from the original one.We can find no evidence in Lie Basis poem about â€Å"so cold, so frail† in the second senten ce and â€Å"on the margin of my dreams† in the fifth sentence. Also, in the last sentence, the noun fatherland† departed from the author's opinion, because the creation time of â€Å"Still night thoughts† was in the glorious age of Tang dynasty, Lie ABA wrote this poem to express his homesickness rather than patriotism. I suppose the translator was not familiar with the creation background of the original poem, yet the culture background is the important part to analysis the motivation of writer's work and to comprehend it better.Though L. Crammer-Bang tried hard to recreate â€Å"Still night thoughts†, his lacking of culture background led to improper change. As a whole, this version is not a successful translation. Version three: So bright a gleam on the foot of my bed, Could there have been a frost already? Lifting my head to look, I found that it was moonlight, Sinking back again, I thought suddenly of home. This version is from a Harold Witter Banner , an American poet. Though its form differs from the original one, it is a simple and beautiful poem.It began with the phrase â€Å"so bright† attracting the readers to read forward and distinctively showed ten Darlingness AT ten Mooney. In ten second sentence, ten translator a mention what the bright gleam was, instead he wrote a rhetorical question â€Å"Could here have been a frost already? † he did not used any words to express â€Å"R' in the original poem, his expression manifested it well. In the next sentences, he selected the word â€Å"lift† and â€Å"sink† to display the writer's movement. â€Å"Lift† and â€Å"sink† comported the slow movement which implied the complex emotion of he writer.In the last sentence, Banner utilized the adverb the â€Å"suddenly' which added the finishing touch the pen. Despite of no related words in the original poem about the word â€Å"suddenly', we can feel from the scene that Lie ABA watched th e moon which associated him with he homeland, and then the strong emotion of homesickness occurred to him, so the nostalgia was a spasm. Banner stretched his imagination moderately and added the hidden meaning into the translation. Overall, this version not only displays the beauty of â€Å"Still night thoughts†, but also showed the translator bilingual language skill.Version four: As by my bed The moon did beam, It seemed as if with frost the earth were spread. But soft I raise My head, to gaze At the fair moon. And now, With head bent low, Of home I dream. This version is also from a foreigner John Turner. This version and it is a typical English poem. There are various sentence patterns and some sentences are separated into different lines and different in size. For instance, in the last two sentences, â€Å"With head bent IoW' is an independent nominative sentence and â€Å"of home I dream† is an inverted sentence.All these sentences in picturesque disorder presen t the irregular beauty of the English poem. As for selection of words, Turner did a good Job as well. Since the translator has already mentioned the moon in the first line, it is proper to use â€Å"seemed as † to express Also, the verb â€Å"gaze† emphasized the writer looked at the moon for a long time that well displayed the complicated feelings in the writer's heart. The phrase â€Å"bent IoW' used by Turner accurately depicts the slowly and gently movement of the writer's head. Anther apparent characteristic of this translation is its rhyme.It adopts iambic pentameter that is â€Å"ABA CD b† rhyme which makes the poem full of beauty of sound. However, the word â€Å"beam† in the second sentence is not suitable, for â€Å"beam† is used to indict a line of light which is different from the scene that the moonlight covered the ground. Soft† in the fourth line is unnecessary, for the reason that the writer is not prepared to feel sad and he raised his head naturally when he saw the light on the floor. It is superfluous to add the word â€Å"soft† here to enhance the emotion of homesickness.In general, it is a good translation and displays â€Å"Still night thoughts† with the beauty of English language. Version Twelve: Moonlight before my bed, Could it be frost instead? Head up, I watch the moon; Head down, I think of home. This version is from Chaos Sheehan This translation is simple and easily understood, its structure is clear and lucid, and it is easy to read, sing and memory. At this aspect, this version is very alike the original poem. But this translation is a good poem, because the wording of it is rough.For example, â€Å"head up† and â€Å"head down† in the last two sentences express the movement of raising head and falling head of the writer too straight and directly that they can not present the subtle emotions implied in the movement. In the first two sentences, the translator o mitted all words about the brightness of the moonlight in order to keep the translation succinct. However, moon is the most important imagery in this poem in that moon as a special meaning in the Chinese culture that it often closely related to the family, hometown or motherland, and it is the key to arouse the nostalgia of the writer in this poem.Therefore, this omission is not desirable. Meanwhile, Chaos made little creative changes in the translations. Although this version gets on for the regular beauty of Chinese ancient poem, it is not a beautiful English poem and can not represent the splendor of â€Å"Still night thoughts†. Conclusion: Generally speaking, the criteria of poetry translation are according to three sections faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance. Without enough knowledge of the culture background and the accurate understanding of the original poem, it is hard to achieve faithfulness and will mislead the readers, as version two mistakes homesickness wi th patriotism.On the base of faithfulness, excellent bilingual language skill is a must; otherwise original poem will lose its beauty under the translator's hand, as version five is a plain and too direct poem. In addition, apt recreation is needed to cater for different language user and even add beauty to the poem. Version one, three and five are successful examples with the translator's ingenuity, including wording, sentence pattern and organization.

Processes and definitions of Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management Essay

Processes and definitions of Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management - Essay Example The consideration of the above factors does assist an entrepreneur in achieving success in the business venture he intends to get into. A business plan includes the business idea that an entrepreneur is considering venturing into. It also describes his reasons for venturing into the business, his financial ability to invest in the venture, the location of his business and the available sources of raw materials (Parker, 2004). Strategic Objectives These are the goals that a business sets to achieve in the short and long run periods. They assist in the formation of the long-term plans in order to achieve a specific purpose for the business (Wiklund, 2006).These objectives are made by the strategic management in a business. They formulate these strategies to achieve the objectives that the business first intends to achieve (Landoli and Landstorm, 2007).When coming up with the strategic objectives for the business, the management will need to consider their scope of operations, their fin ancial abilities, their target customers along with their levels of income. The adoption of a strategy involves the interaction of societal, intellectual, monetary, political and emotional forces (Wiklund, 2006). When formulating strategic objectives, the consideration of the above issues will greatly enable an entrepreneur to achieve success in his business endeavors. A business plan has to incorporate the objectives that the entrepreneur aims to achieve in the long run and the means of achieving them (Landoli and Landstorm, 2007). Market Analysis and Research Market analysis involves the carrying out of extensive investigations into the elements that affect the market of a certain commodity or product (Parker, 2004). The market needs to be analyzed in terms of the supply of the raw materials, the demand for the products and services and the cost and availability of the raw materials requires for business (Fischer, 2007). The market analysis can also involve the assessment of the a ccessibility to the business by the customers and an analysis of the target market. When a proper analysis is done on the above conditions, success is likely to come to the entrepreneurs venture. The analysis should provide direction on what are the strengths and weaknesses of the business, the growth opportunities the business has and the threats the business is likely to encounter (Parker, 2004). A business plan should include the type of customers a business will deal with, the overall market share the business intends to control, the pricing strategy to be put to use, and the sales, promotion and distribution strategies to use in the business (Parker, 2004). A statement of the research methods that a business plans to use is also on display in the business plan. Research helps in the creation of better products that assist in satisfying the customer’s needs in a more cost effective way. It also assists an entrepreneur in learning the newest methods of producing goods that are of more superior quality than those currently in use by the consumers. Research is very essential for a success to be achievable in the efforts of an entrepreneur. This is because it gives him or her greater insight into their market systems thus enabling him to build a

Whatever you choice Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Whatever you choice - Term Paper Example Land was well subdivided and they adopted rotation of crops from one parcel of land to another. Rome used its might to conquer other to get food from other countries under its authority such as Egypt. Crops were grown on extensive farms called ‘latifudia’ and the main source of labor was by slaves from conquered empires (Frank 3). These slaves were placed in three categories with each category enjoying its unique privileges. Highly ranked was the steward who oversaw the management of the estates, below under them was the field foreman who oversaw the work done by the field workers. The region enjoyed adequate rainfall throughout the year, this facilitated growth of several varieties of crops. Despite the ample rainfall, farmers adopted water harvesting to facilitate farming during the summer season (Frank 5). The region’s hilly and mountainous landscape was disastrous to farming because soil erosion was very prevalent, in order to curb this the farmers devised various methods such as application of manure to improve soil fertility, and mixed farming to reduce the impact of runoff. Consequently, crop rotation was also embraced in order to reduce monoculture that threatened soil fertility because of excessive utilization of particular nutrients while others remained in the soil unutilized. Romans produced and traded with a variety of crops. The common trade goods around the Mediterranean ocean were olive oil, grains and wine all of which are farm products. They did not stop there, they continued engaging in domestication of new crops, by around 6000 BC they had embraced the farming of lentils, flax, peas, barley, wheat, grapes, fruits and nuts. It was important for crop farmers to establish permanent residences since there was need for storage of their farm products (Frank 7). The growth of different crops covered for chances of crop failure but they could also result into

Performance Analysis in Sport (Physiological profiling) Essay

Performance Analysis in Sport (Physiological profiling) - Essay Example This helps in creating training programs that are efficient and reliable in improving the performance of soccer players (Subic, Ujihashi and Fuss, 2008). The various tests done on soccer players must reflect the fitness requirements for these players, which includes speed, flexibility, aerobic endurance and speed endurance. This paper provides the physiological profile of a soccer player, and it focuses on the profile of a striker. A good body shape, weight, body composition and height is a physiological needs that professional football players usually need. Football players usually vary in height and weight, more so when ethnic backgrounds are considered. For example, research proves that Asian players are always small in size, when they are compared to European or African players. In soccer, mid-fielders are always smaller in size, while central defenders are always taller in size. In terms of weight, research denotes that professional football players normally have an average weight of 77.7kg, while their body shape is always muscular (Burke and Deakin, 2010). The body composition of these players is very important, because too much fat will affect their ability to move fast, and jump around. This is due to too much weight in their body. On this basis, footballers must always take care on what they eat, and the nutritional composition of their diets. Football players always need to have strong muscle strength (Gamble, 2012). Due to the muscular body shape of soccer players, they need to have strength on the upper parts of their bodies. In as much as this should be the case, research denotes that most of these players lack this type of strength. This is partly because most of their training programs do not have provisions on working on their upper parts of the body. Most of these programs concentrate on the lower parts of the footballers body (Madden, 2010). Need for an anaerobic power is an important need for

Business plan for entertainment seminar Research Proposal

Business plan for entertainment seminar - Research Proposal Example The company plans to repay the complete start-up debt by the end of the second quarter of the fourth year. Belter-Chan Entertainment, LLC; has been founded by the endowed and talented duo Betty Chan, who will act as the CEO; and Aaron Belter, the designated COO. Betty Chan holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Management from the University of Southern California (USC) Marshall School of Business, served as a Systems Operator for the US Navy, held a high security clearance while employed with the Governor of California Arnold Scwarzenegger, the US Department of State and the US Department of Labor and has prior production accounting experience with Paramount Pictures, the major motion picture studio located in Hollywood. Aaron Belter was a former Talent Agent with the largest talent agency in the world, the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills before becoming a Film Producer for his now dissolved motion picture production company Niboucha-Belter Films which was once located at Universal Pictures. After dissolving his motion picture production company, Mr. Belter re-entere d talent representation with Michael Ovitz's Artists Management Group in Beverly Hills as a Talent Manager and after this company closed in 2001, Mr. Belter formed Belter Management where he continued as a Talent Manager and Consulted for motion picture directors and producers in areas production finance and distribution. The new alliance of Belter-Chan will engage in Motion Picture Consulting, Development and Producer Training. Our primarily target audiences interested in advanced Motion Picture Producing Seminar Training Programs will be offered to students and professionals alike and shall include an in depth look to the art and science of producing motion pictures; complete from Acquisition, Development,

The different forms of energy that are in use in the United Kingdom Essay

The different forms of energy that are in use in the United Kingdom - Essay Example This essay discusses that like the other developed nations, various forms of energy are in use in the UK. The country is one among the countries endowed plenty of energy resources in Europe. The country has plenty of supply of energy resources like oil, gas, and coal. Other forms of energy like solar energy, hydro-electricity, wind energy, and bio-fuels are also in use in the UK. The country is highly industrialized and the expert and resources that are necessary in tapping and utilizing these energy sources are available. Nonetheless, due to the environmental impacts of coal and the petroleum products, the use of these products may be jeopardized as the government develops policies that encourage the use of renewable energy forms like biomass that are friendly to the environment. The reduced government support and the environmental policies may be the reason behind the reduced production and use of coal in the country. The country is also a producer of nuclear energy, even though it s production may be declining. The use of energy in the UK is also high with a substantial proportion of the consumer expenditure going for energy consumption. For instance, a total of â‚ ¤60.68bn was spent on energy and energy products in the UK in1999 with â‚ ¤28.63bn being derived from domestic use. The report, thus, provides detailed findings from the primary data collection and gives proper recommendations for market researchers and investors who would be interested in exploring the patterns in the UK energy market... uld be interested in exploring the patterns in the UK energy market The purpose of this MI report is to enable companies in the energy market make accurate decisions through identification of the market opportunities, the appropriate market penetration strategies, and the right market and marketing strategies. It aims at identifying the forms of energy that are in reduced production in the UK market but is currently receiving increasing demand. The research concentrated on energy for domestic and not industrial consumption. The information is particularly helpful to foreign companies that would wish to have establishment in the UK in the energy sector. By focusing on the different categories of energy producing technologies like the solar energy, geothermal/hydroelectricity, natural gas, oil and coal, the report becomes helpful to the managers in determining an environment-friendly energy investment that can survive not only in the UK but also in the global energy market. The marketi ng managers for the companies can use the information in this report to analyze the market trends and identify the key performance indicators. 2. Procedure In order to obtain the correct insight into the energy market in the UK and the appropriate marketing strategies that can be applied by a company that is willing to establish itself in the country, the researcher relied on both primary and secondary sources. The researcher also used both quantitative and qualitative data in describing the market patterns in this particular market. The author sought information on the energy forms that are used in the UK with a focus on those with declining need and those with increasing need. There was also a need to examine some of the factors that could have led to the changing patterns that are

What affect has the Internet had on our Cognitive abilities Research Paper

What affect has the Internet had on our Cognitive abilities - Research Paper Example is widely used as a means of communication around the world and therefore contributes immensely in developing the cognitive abilities of the individual. The authors Berson & Berson (2005) has denoted that the internet has caused a revolution in causing the environments to expand at a global level, the world has turned into a global village since the inception of internet, the people around the world have gained an easy access in interacting with others around the world. Internet has become one of the famous modes of communication around the world among especially youngsters as well as adults (Quigley & Blashki, 2003). The use of internet focuses on developing the cognitive abilities of the individuals. At the educational level the use of internet is considered compulsory as students need to be in touch with the latest happenings of their respective fields and internet is the easiest modes of being in touch with the latest proceedings. The cognitive skills of any being is the capability of implying the mental abilities of any individual at the basic level, and by this use of mental ability, the individual is able to conduct their thinking process, their learning process and their studying process (Keil, 1989). Cognitive Abilities is associated with mental processes in for instance evaluating the sounds that an individual has heard or the images and the information that an individual tries to recall. Also, cognitive abilities include the relationships that are made between different data and information. Cognitive abilities of any human being can be identified and also measured on an individual basis. The strength of the cognitive skill and its efficiency has direct correlations with the learning processes of any individual. There have been different research studies conducted and various theories have been derived for deducing the importance of cognitive abilities and resources so that the variation levels can be understood in the learning processes (de Haan,

The development of relationships is communication Essay Example for Free

The development of relationships is communication Essay One of the most vital componentsin the development of relationships is communication. It remains as one of the most important factors in people’s relationships, helping them develop in the attainment of their desired objectives as they form their own unique relationships. Similarly, it has been seen as a qualifying factor in the success of many important personalities. Thus, the process in which individuals communicate to one another is a critical process in determining sustenance and improvement in environments. I had always envisioned a borderless world, one where people will not be hindered by boundaries, language and color, without the presence of discrimination and prejudices. Despite the difficulty in tfulfilling this perspective, I know that by understanding and advancing our communication processes, such an instance can be possible. With these views and desires in mind, I would like to express my intention to apply for a communication major at the University of California. Given these facts, I will try to convince the admissions committee on the merits of my application. Given that there is a large number of applicants seeking acceptance in this prestigious learning institution, it is important for me to lay out good reasons how I can contribute and serve the purpose of the University, particularly in my relevant objectives and my short long term goals. All of this corresponds on the idea of what can reciprocate. My first interest in the communication process began in my early years in high school at the East Coast. Being an international student, I was faced with the everyday challenges that I have to deal with. New people, policies, environments, languages and cultures were all alien to me as I adjusted to my new surroundings. It was hard to learn when things just seemed to line up, waiting to be solved by a person who nary knew anything about them. By learning languages and cultures, communicating with people from different countries got easier, and from my first experience in resolving communication situations, the interest in the process of communication grew. I would like to seek admission to further develop my longstanding interest in the realm of communication. I consider it an amazing experience to know people from different cultures and languages. This was my same situation in my stay in the United States, dealing with different nationalities and a foreign language. As an international student living in the United States, a place with different kinds of people, learning their traditional cultures and styles is necessary to communicate with them. My wish is to gain the ability and knowldege to communicate with every single person. In my native Hong Kong, the relationships I had with friends and peers clearly established my intention to further grasp the process of communication, needing to understand the importance of both verbal and non-verbal styles. Similarly, I wanted to see how people’s behavior manifested in their interaction with others. This wide diversity of people’s attitudes and perceptions has given me the initiative in understanding their relationship with each other, kindling my interest in communication. Likewise, the numerous ways people engage with each other fascinates me. This setup, unique only to humans, has been the integral part in the formation of several communication and language theories. All of these are focused on one important goal – promote better understanding. With the development of new technologies, there are various methods and practices that can be exhausted in the process. Chatting, web conferencing, and emails has given the art of dialogue a new direction. Due to this, human beings have become closer amidst the presence of intangible and tangible boundaries. On the other hand, my academic study has given me substantial theoretical anchors essential to my understanding of the subject. Also, the relevant subjects that were facilitated during my academic years have been instrumental in giving me the necessary tools to accomplish my tasks, developing the training and enhancement of my personal capabilities and skills. With this, I can say that my study at Santa Monica Community College has given me the needed exposure to create my own interpretation of communication and dialogue. This understanding of communication has enabled me to create better and harmonious relationship with my peers. My inclination to both volunteer and civic activities clearly became a benchmark for creating my individual interpretation of dialogue. Also, being part of sports related endeavors, I understood the magnitude of communication. The thing about athletics is that it does not only focus on the values of sportsmanship and discipline. As a member of AGS at Santa Monica Community College, I saw the need to seek better opportunities. First of these was the value of service among different cultural and racial backgrounds. Back then, I only had to settle with a few minorities, our type t being the dominant one. Here at Santa Monica, I had the experience of being exposed to a wide array of cultures and beliefs. All these became integral to my overall perception of defining communication. Having said these, I feel that I am qualified to be included in the applicants list. I want to learn the knowledge of acquiring and learning new ideas and concepts. I feel the need to remove barriers within my personality and in others. From my expeience, it is to hard to talk to strangers. People think Im weird when I talk to them. But if given this degree, I can acquire the confidence and self esteem I need to convey my message. In the end, this communication degree is only a stepping stone of what I want to be as part of my goals in attaining my long term plans. Despite the challenges and hurdles that may come, I feel that I am ready and equipped with the necessary values and credentials to withstand everything.

Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Theory

Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Theory In the past decade of increased globalization and diversity, business across borders has increased. Although cross border business faces a lot of challenges not only from the political and socio economic paradigm but also from culture (Porter, 1990). National culture has gained importance, as it is significant in managing global operations. Multinational business strategy research has long acknowledged the importance of national cultural characteristics as determinants of management behavior (Cheng, 1989; Rosenweig and Singh, 1991). So now, what is culture? It is true that no two human would know the same things but they often have great deal of knowledge in common. This common knowledge or collective memory to a large extent make people work together, communicate and live together. This forms communities and if shared among enough people in a country, its characteristics are called national culture. The common knowledge constitutes one of the elements which make national culture uni que (The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 2nd edition, revised and updated, by E. D. Hirsch, Jr., and James Trefil, is reviewed). There are a lot of theories that attempt to explain culture like the ones proposed by Fons Trompenaar, 1993; Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, 1961, Edward T.Hall but Geert Hofstedes Cultures consequences has been remarkably influential and his work has provided the foundation for many studies on, intercultural relations (Hart, 1999), cross-cultural management control systems design (Harrison McKin- non, 1999), international business research (Chandy Williams, 1994), and psychology (Baskerville, 2003; Oyserman, Coon, Kem- melmeier, 2002; Schimmack, Oishi, Diener, 2005; Triandis, 2004), most often seeking to determine how differences on cultural dimensions (i.e., power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity) impacted work related values and behavior. (National Culture, Leadership and Citizenship: Implications for Cross-cultural Management, p 78) According to Geert Hofstede the culture is defined as collective programming of mind and explains that it lies between human nature on one side and individual personality on the other (Hofstede, 1991). Hofstedes cultural framework has been applied in a wide variety of contexts and his work has gained great support and is of prime importance to many researchers in various disciplines. As stated by Baskerville, Cultures Consequences demonstrates an average of 94 citations per annum in the last 18 years. Part of this level of usage appears to reflect efforts of researchers unaware of debates concerning the legitimacy of Hofstedes dimensions (R.F.Baskerville, 2003). So huge is the acceptance of hofstedes work. Geert Hofstede an expert of studies in culture from Netherland developed a cross- culture model. The five dimensions of culture are defined as follows Power Distance: the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) expect and accept that power is distributed unequally (Hofstede, 1991: 28; Hofstede Peterson, 2000: 401). Uncertainty Avoidance: intolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity (Hofstede, 1991: 113; Hofstede Peterson, 2000: 401). Individualism versus Collectivism: the extent to which individuals are integrated into groups (Hofstede, 1991: 51; Hofstede Peterson, 2000: 401). Masculinity versus Femininity assertiveness and competitiveness versus modesty and caring (Hofstede, 1991: 82-3, 1998b; Hofstede Peterson, 2000: 401) (McSweeney, 2002) Hofstede defined culture as a Collective programming of mind, his concept of culture promotes an image of the individual as merely a passive carrier of a predetermined cultural template (Ailon, 2007; Ailon -Souday Kunda, 2003). As much as Hofstedes work has been universally accepted as I was researching I came across a number of critics for his work (e.g Galit Ailon (2008); R.F.Baskerville (2003); McSweeney (2002)). It was then it dawned on me the validity of the theory that even I had used in my graduate dissertation like an unquestionably acceptable principle. As G.Ailon (2008) stated it is not he (Hofstede), the individual, who is of interest here; instead,the discursive practices that governed his text that predominated and ran through him (Foucault, 1972: 139)that are of interest. So here I am going to critically evaluate his theory within a certain degree of my personal understanding of it although heavily relying on the articles of McSweeney and Galit ailon. A significant aspect of national culture research of Hofstede is the transparency with which he related the cultural dimensions with other studies of country or national differences for the purposes of making international comparisons. Each of the dimensions of index was compared to seven other national measurements: GNP, latitude, economic growth, population size and growth, population density and organization size. So the socio economic data used by him does describe cultural dimension rather the historical origins of nations. (R.F.Baskerville, 2003). His study comes to show that a nations attributes are culturally influenced. And most of the critiques have remarkably questioned the simplest of facts that many have failed to think. As Mikael Sondergaard puts it , most of the debate on hofstedes work has been on the following aspects of his study: surveys are inappropriate instruments to measure culture unit of analysis of nations is not the best unit suited for studying culture One company cannot provide information about the entire nations culture IBM data is old and obsolete Four dimensions cant tell the whole story (http://geert-hofstede.international-business-center.com/Sondergaard.shtml). I am going to be discussing the above mentioned in detail now, though Hofstedes work has entailed substantial contribution in the field of cultural studies there are some pertinent issues that leaves doubt on the validity of the typology produced by him. It is not possible for national culture to be uniform, there is considerable diversity. An assumption of a homogeneous culture can only be made by assuming that culture is coherent, pure, stable, and nothing external like other cultures and non cultural factors influence a national culture.(McSweeney, Forthcoming) Which is hard to believe in reality because when a number of cultures and subcultures co-exist it is impossible for it remain independent and completely uninfluenced by the other. Otherwise we have to consider cultures as being tough enough to withstand any attempts to change them. Some of the issues are discussed in the due course. The surveys were the backbone of the study. The surveys were carried out on 40 IBM subsidiaries around the world between 1964 and 1973 and used about 117000 questionnaires. Most of the researchers state that a survey is not an appropriate instrument for accurately determining and measuring cultural disparity. This is especially apparent when the variable being measured is a value which culturally sensitive and subjective (Schwartz, 1999). Two surveys were carried out and results are a combination of responses from both the surveys. A closer examination revealed that not all questionnaires were used and that the average number per country was small and sometimes evens a minuscule. In only six countries () the number of respondents were more than 1000 and in Pakistan was only 70 The narrowness of the Hofstede surveyed research population radically compounds the scale problem (McSweeney, 2002). This leads to a doubt in the statistical integrity of the results obtained from the survey. A s Schwartzs (1992) puts it that one cannot derive the normative ideals of a culture from the average of individual responses (p. 51). The PD (Power distance) index was based on three questions in the IBM questionnaire. The first question was a five point scale , and it asked how frequently in their experience employees were afraid of expressing disagreement with their managers and second and third questions asked about their preferred leadership style (autocratic, persuasive, consultative, and democratic) and the style that closely matched their boss. G.Ailon (2008) states that in each stage of the research process an attempt of neutralization is visible. This begins with the standardized uniform questionnaire that has been used worldwide. In effect, how- ever, uniformity was, meant ot direct respondents in the paths determined by a Western, managerially oriented research team. The questionnaire coerced a western axis of comparison on non-western cultures. It had a egalatarian portrayal of western culture and ignored racial and colonial inequalities and defined racial power distance under uncertainity avoidance. Th is fact, enabled a country like South Africa due to apartheid to be represented in the sample by white respondents only whether partial in terms of population sample, questionnaire content, or both, it constituted a political act that, however unwittingly, neutralized racism and colonialism by excluding them from measurement.Hofstede also tried to neutralize certain aspects of the dimension by universalisation, stating that Hierarchial inequality is something we inevitably find, the essence of organsation and so the choices given on the questionnaire was already based on the notion of its universal inevitability thereby trapping the respondent in an invisible way to positively answer the neutrality and inevitability of the managerial power.(G.Ailon, 2008).Though they had choices , and their answers did vary, these were again manipulated and labeled in such a way that hofstede tried to expropriate the meaning of the answers from his respondents, claiming, in so many words, that anyth ing they said proves his point-using their voices to turn his hypotheses into axioms (G.Ailon, 2008). The large power distance in France and Belgium (which were exceptions in Nordic, Anglo, Germany) he attributed to the cultural inheritance of Roman empire, likewise the small power distance in Pakistan he attributes to their Islamic religious background and belief that all are equal in the eyes of god. He used such exemptions to justify his claim that small PD countries are economically developed, large PD countries are less developed or developing.(Ailon.G, 2002). It emphasizes that those from small power-distance cultures are likely to accept responsibility, while those from large power-distance cultures are likely to be more disciplined (Triandis, 1993) The Uncertainty Avoidance (UA) index was based on three questions again and they were related to the frequency of nervousness and tension at work, the second was How long do you think you will continue working for this company? Please indicate the extent to which you personally agree or disagree . . . [that] company rules should not be bro- ken- even when the employee thinks it is in the companys best interest (Hofstede, 1980:76 -77, 405, 408 409). Hofstedes book states those in weak uncertainty-avoidance cultures may be very high in basic innovations, while those in strong uncertainty-avoidance cultures may triumph in precision manufacturing. (Triandis, 1993) Though Hofstede admits that better indicators could have been developed in ascertaining the UA, because it wasnt a familiar concept when they developed the IBM questionnaires, he very strongly and emphatically links a high UA to a number of socio-psychological tendencies. (G.Ailon, 2008) low UA, for example, is suggested to result from advanced modernization; older democracies; dense populations in poor countries and sparse populations in wealthy countries; tolerant religions that stress relativity; historical events marked by less legislation and more settlement of disputes by negotiation and/or conflict, as opposed to mere inheritance of developed systems of legislation; low mean age of population leaders; and smaller organizations (1980: 185). The suggested consequences of low UA include slower economic growth after World War II, weaker nationalism, less aggressiveness versus other nations, looser societies, stronger feelings of citizen competence, a casuistic approach to legal is sues, a stronger accent on lay competences as expressed by having more nurses per doctor, more religious tolerance, pragmatic or introvert meditative religions, rel- ativism, empiricism rather than theoricism in social sciences, more ambitious employees, managers who are more involved in strategy issues, and so forth (1980: 186-187). He is just forcing people to envision a world where everything is interconnected through simple logic (G.Ailon, 2002). At a point Hofstede states people from lower UAI cultures will tend to do better in cross-cultural contacts (1980: 398), I doubt this as it is something that is related to individuals personal communication skills and doesnt matter if he were from a country with a low UA index. Hofstede justifies the power of managers with a western background that they have a low UA and Small PD and so they are most suited for strategic and cross cultural management. So is that only the western managers have this skill which they imbibed from culture a nd their counterparts around the world lack this vital skill. (G.Ailon, 2008) The Individualism (IDV) index was based on work goal questions in which the respondents were asked to rate the importance of a variety of statements, in which high IDV were attributed to giving importance to doing a job leaving out personal and leisure time and, low IDV were attributed to having good physical skills and training opportunities at work. These tried to assess a person independence from organization and second to assess what the individual expected from the organization. (G.Ailon, 2008) As McSweeney put it power distance and individualism and collectivism were statistically identified by him only in nationally averaged data. At the level of individuals, they had near- zero inter-correlations (Bond, 2002; Schwartz, 1994) for those dimensions and thus no explanatory power at that level. Hofstede states that those from high-collectivism cultures may show employee commitment, while members of organizations from high-individualism cultures can profit from management mobility . Hofstedes book states that those from cultures high in femininity may be able to provide personal services, custom-made products, and be especially successful in biochemistry, while those in masculine cultures may excel in mass production, efficiency, heavy industry, and bulk chemistry; The masculinity index like the IDV was also based on work goal question and it attempted to measure the extent to which respondents endorsed ego goals (related to earnings and advancement) and social goals (related to cordial relations at work place and a friendly atmosphere). This index is based on the universal dissection relating to sexual character and goals, in which men are more assertive and tough and women are more nurturing and Tender. He states that the distribution of labor is affected by the goals of the organization. This according to me is true but he also goes to say that business organizations have goals of achievement which relates to the masculine index and it is not surprising they are run by men and their climate is set by men, which I as a girl would detest. Not just from a point of defending my own sex but from the common world examples, A study organized by the Finnish Business and Policy stated, Companies managed by women are on average ten per cent more profitable than those with a man as CEO. The study was conducted on atleast 14000 limited liability finish companies in 2003. (http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Study+companies+managed+by+women+more+profitable+than+those+run+by+men/1135230562325). Even in a country like US which has a fairly good masculinity index of 62, You have companies form the fortune 500 like yahoo, pepsico, New York Times and Kraft foods that are run by women ceos so it doesnt necessarily mean one has to be a man to be the big boss. Though national culture is not theorized as the only culture or a totality of cultures, within a nation, but by definition it culturally distinguishes the members of one nation from another. (McSweeney, 2002). Hofstede says that each country has a unique culture. I would slightly differ from that opinion, because that sort of unique cuture may be attributed to the cultural heritage and aspects like performing arts that may vary from country to country uniquely but on the basis of individual attitude and behavior it seems a little irrelevant. If you take India for example, it is culturally diverse and it does have numerous subcultures but the attitude and behaviors differ so widely even inside a subculture. Hofstede states that National culture is said to be carried by all individuals in a nation (1980a: 38) or a central tendency (1991: 253). The IBM survey responses within each country were characterized by radical differences. This now leaves doubt on his assumptions of national culture as being same in all individuals in a nation. He assumed that the average tendency of the IBM employees responses as the national representative. There seems to be no valid reason to prove it due to the complete ignorance on the background of those interviewed, who mostly well educated, middle class The samples for his study was exclusively from a single company called IBM. A study fixated on only one company cannot possibly provide information on the entire cultural system of a country (Graves 1986, 14-15; Olie 1995, 135; SÃ ¸ndergaard 1994, 449). The responses were also from only the marketing and sales executives of the company for which Hofstede claimed they shared the same organizational culture as that of all the other employees of IBM. The cultures carried by each respondent are effectively assumed to be three exclusively non-interacting and durable cultures: the organizational, an occupational, and the national. He assumes there is only one IBM culture and not cultures, which, as it were, possesses all employees and every occupation has a common worldwide occupational culture (McSweeney, 2002). Furthermore, McSweeney also evidences Hofstedes blind assumption that every individual in the company had the same organizational and occupational culture regardless of the commi tment and loyalty each individual had to his organization and also the duration of service by the employee to the organization which are all factors that lead to the bond that an employee creates overtime with the organization he works for. Though after a few years Hofstede did acknowledge that there is a variety of distinct cultures within and between units of the same organization and also redefined his statement on organizational culture so his assumption made in the first study wouldnt be invalidated (McSweeney, 2002). It is not known if the factors he redefined are supposed to be self evident. Regarding occupational culture, as McSweeney puts it, Hofstede assumes that members of a single occupation around the world share the same occupational culture. Clarification regarding his acknowledgement of cultural heterogeneity in organizations is needed i.e. it lacks clarity. Another instance where we might raise a brow is authenticity of replies by the questionnaire respondents, thou gh the answers were confidential, the respondents prior knowledge of the end purpose of the survey might have influenced their answers so as to improve theirs or their divisions position (McSweeney, 2002). Yet hofstedes reliance on his supposition that the answers are immune to respondents gaming and were the pure outcomes of unconscious pre-programmed values (1980a,1991; Hofstede Peterson, 2000). Another aspect is the comprehensiveness of the questionnaire to elicit all the necessary inputs to assess a culture. As McSweeney stated in any circumstance the IBM subsidiary had many nationally atypical characteristics. When initially IBM had centralized control and its US ownership during a period in which foreign direct investment was comparatively new. In instances where working for high technology was rare in third world countries like Bangladesh and India than in an industrialized nation like United states. What happens when countries are integrated, for instance the integration of Hongkong into the Peoples Republic of China (McSweeney, 2002).Does the national characterization change? Does the attitude and behavior of people at work place change immediately? Do we immediately consider a nation with a larger sample to portray the national culture of two countries? Political influences and social institutions, law are the non cultural feature that influence culture in a large way and that Hofstede excludes and denies having a link with national culture. For example, Christmas was once illegal in England, during 1647, during which singing Christmas carols could end a person in prison for almost six months but it was later reinstated in 1660. Dont you think this must have has an obvious effect on the culture (mental programming) that children born and raised in that 22 year period developed. Though this is dated way before the study was undertaken I have quoted it as an example to say there might have been other consequences that might have likely influenced any cultural feature. Hofstede might acknowledge these as exceptions but they have to considered when drawing conclusions about a nations culture. Has Hofstede really identified all the primary cultural level dimensions? Many others like Schwartz have tried to identify some national cultures using different questionnaires and have produce very different descriptions. In fact Schwartz(1994) found seven cultural level dimensions which indeed was acknowledged by Hofstede as simply not being identified because questions related to those dimensions /descriptions were not asked in his survey. Hofstede gave a bipolarity to each of his dimensions for example the individualism and collectivism , but as Triandis (1994) puts it , the two can coexist and are simply emphasized more or less depending on the situation. But Hofstedes dimensions do not consider such co-existence and blindly ignores such important cultural qualities.(McSweeney forthcoming) Another obvious flaw I found on the credibility of his typology is his addition of the fifth dimension: Confucian Dynamism (1991) or long versus short-term orientation'(1999). He extracted this from a Chinese Values Survey (CVS) by the Chinese culture connection group which identified hofstedes fourth dimension (Uncertainty avoidance) as irrelevant to their population and downgraded it to a non universal dimension.(Bond,1988;lowe Oswick,1996).As stated by Mcsweeney(2002) from the wide literature of culture , it is still essentially a thing to be grasped and cannot be described by dimensions and units. Another consideration advanced by researchers is if Hofstedes model reflects the present day (Roberts and Boyacigiller, 1984; Sondergaard, 1994). Hofstede (1980a, 1991) assumes that cultural values are stable over time. But is his work out of date after thirty years? Hofstede claims to have identified entire nations culture and not that which is specific to workplaces (McSweeney, 2002) and Producers of scientific knowledge, it seems, not only misrepresent the Rest (the primary emphasis of postcolonial writing; e.g., Said, 1978) but also misrepresent the West. (G.Ailon, 2008) There is no denial that Hofstedes work has given substantive findings. His findings do tap some of underlying significance of nations culture. However interpreting them and using it to deal with other nations requires a certain degree of caution. Hopefully, these findings eventually lead to a valid measure that captures the richness of the various cultural dimensions and can be deployed at an individual level. Given the diversity of the world marketplace, it is essential for marketers have a proper measure of culture in order to understand consumer behavior. (Blodgett et al, 2008) As McSweeney puts it Hofstedes research can legitimately be called a cross-national opinion comparison only from the point that data from organizations in different countries were compared Culture is conceptualized as a force, as a determinant, but descriptions of it are based on analysis answers to fixed-choice questions.(McSweeney, forthcoming), which I think were manipulative enough (even if it wasnt in certain cases, they were justified by researcher to correlate with his findings) to extract the desired answers of the researcher. It was argued that what Hofstede identified is not national culture, but an averaging of situational specific opinions from which dimensions or aspects of national culture are unjustifiably inferred. Hofstedes claim to have empirically measured national culture differences relies on crucial but unwarranted assumptions. (Mc Sweeney, forthcoming). Hofstede has given bipolarity to each dimensions for example his masculinity and Femininity any culture will present a number of contrary adages (All good things come to those who wait and time and tide wait for none as a part of its repertoire (Mcsweeney, 2002) Hofstede miserably failed to identify that theses bipolarities could co-exist in any situation. Hofstedes replies to McSweeney were evasive and non-adhering to the main aspect of the critique. As G.Ailon (2008) put is If one accepts the framework, it basically follows that one must also accept the logic of the critique. Generalizations about national culture are no good. Him identifying a nations culture with the responses from a very small sample in each country (compared to the countrys population except for those 6 countries with more than 1000 respondents), and also using the questionnaires that werent created purely for research purpose is a very visible flaw. He tried to expropriate the meaning of the answers from his respondents, claiming, in so many words, that anything they said proves his point and used their voices to turn his hypotheses into axioms (G.Ailon, 2008) The analysis throws light on the dominance of western theories, regardless of intentions, it reinforces a certain set of values of managers, Westerners, Europeans while at the same time devaluing the Rest. Though he tried to compensate and praise the east by adding his fifth dimension. I would say Hofstede tried to provide like a Single Magical formula (Elman Service, 1968:409) and easily valued culture using statistics and scientific stamps and Xs and Ys. Just so that this would allow research to be completed more quickly and easily through employment of his prefabricated depictions of causal national culture. This actually in my view devalues culture that has a myriad of ethos. His employment of very unusually sophisticated statistical techniques in the late 1970s probably were a reason for his models legitimacy (Oyserman et al. 2002a, for an overview) To conclude, from what I infer from all the readings, more research is needed to give a tough measure of culture and also identify the shifting cultural maps which is greatly influenced by, and influences, globalization and technology, however this is difficult to achieve and may have temporal value due to the dynamic nature of culture. References: McSweeney, Brendan. (2002) Hofstedes Model of National Cultural Differences and Their Consequences: A Triumph of Faith a Failure of Analysis. Human Relations. 55, no. 1: 89-118. Ailon, Galit. (2008) Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Cultures Consequences in a Value Test of Its Own Design. Academy of Management Review. 33, no. 4: 885-904. 3. Blodgett,Jeffrey, Aysen Bakir, and Gregory Rose. 2008. A Test of the Validity of Hofstedes Cultural Framework. Journal of Consumer Marketing. 25, no. 6: 339-349 Baskerville, Rachel. (2003) Hofstede Never Studied Culture. Accounting, Organizations Society. 28, no. 1: 1-14. Testa, Mark. (2009) National Culture, Leadership and Citizenship: Implications for Cross-cultural Management. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 28(1): 78-85. Jones, M. (2007) Hofstede Culturally questionable?. Oxford Business Economics Conference. Oxford, UK, 24-26. Triandis, H. (1993) Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. Geert Hofstede. , 38(1), 132-134. In my opinion Mikael SÃ ¸ndergaard on Cultural differences by Mikael SÃ ¸ndergaard.Available: http://geert-hofstede.international-business-center.com/Sondergaard.shtml, (Accessed:2009, December 27) McSweeney, Brendan. (Forthcoming) Dynamic Diversity: Variety and Variation Within Countries , 1-25.