Social and environmental reporting would benefit from greater stakeholder exclusivity. - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 21 Words: 6294 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? Social and environmental reporting would benefit from greater stakeholder inclusivity. REFLECTIVE THINKING The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is very modern and now applies to more and more businesses. This topic piqued my interest because a lot of companies in my country have begun to adopt CSR and adopt social and environmental reporting. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Social and environmental reporting would benefit from greater stakeholder exclusivity." essay for you Create order I am aware of the concept of corporate social responsibility, but I did not know its social and environmental dimensions. I mostly believed that corporate social responsibility is restricted mainly to charity. The more I read about it and discuss about it with other students, the more I realized its wider usefulness. Corporate Social Responsibility concerns actions that businesses do in order to solve problems involving the environment and society. In particular, companies in their business activities as well as in their contacts with other interested parties, bring together social and environmental concerns in a voluntary framework. A company to be qualified as socially responsible must take into account the problems related to the protection of the environment as well as to the development, rights and quality of life of its employees and the society within which it develops. With Corporate Social Responsibility, the business environment is voluntarily regulated, to ensure respect for the problems with the help of management systems regarding the impact on the environment, the support communities in the local context and the creation of a working environment which will ensure justice and security. Over the last five years, Corporate Social Responsibility plays an important role in both large enterprises and the European Commission, as well as in political and non-profit organizations. Several multinational or large companies try to prove that they have managed to integrate CSR in their strategy with great success. Two levels of implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility concern the companies. The first level, known as the initial stage of maturity concerns the big enterprises in Cyprus, where Corporate Social Responsibility is part of the activities of the department of public relations and particularly the field of charity and sponsorship. The second level, known as the maturity of the business, declares that Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of corporate policy and strategy. At this stage, there is a department or committee which is responsible for specific activities whose purpose is the achievement of strategic objectives as well as the annual Record of Social Report exclusively for Corporate Social Responsibility. In Cyprus, Corporate Social Responsibility is not at an advanced stage. This is because it may well be that Cyprus is a member of European Union, but the developments in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility do not show any significant progress. F or Cyprus, the environmental dimension of CSR is very important because it is very relevant to tourism, which is the heavy industry of Cyprus. For example, companies from Eastern European countries are more sensitized to Corporate Social Responsibility issues and there is indeed the desire to learn what Corporate Social Responsibility is, to see how they can adapt it to their philosophy, because they know that the global markets are asking for it. Nowadays, experts acknowledge that the Cypriot companies focus mainly on charity activities. The downside, however, is the fact that in Cyprus, there is no plan, no growth prospects and long term commitment for actions made. In addition, social responsibility is not limited to charitable giving, but it also covers the overall compliance with the international federal state and the local laws and legislative acts as well as with the ethical standards and procedures under which the company will operate. Great importance should be given to our awareness in order to function socially responsible, i.e. to approach the issue individually rather than corporately. Economic growth is directly related to the development of society and the environment. For example, if the sustainability of the environment is at risk, which is considered a business function, then this will directly affect the company and its financial results. The fact that CSR is an investment rather than a cost may be shown in the following way: Its a business practice that affects consumer attitudes, depending on their shopping choices. I believe that my involvement with this project helped me understand the importance of corporate social responsibility and how it can be applied to enterprises of my country. In particular, today the countries affected by the economic crisis and the developments that occur daily in the social and economic level, has created an environment of increased corporate responsibility. In this environment, companies seek to operate based on the developments occurring every day, while trying every way to reduce social risks. Based on the information available for liquidity in the economic and social level, firms must be able to understand, when they are able to avert a crisis (what happens when pop) and when to manage it successfully (this happens when the crisis is unpredictable). Corporate Social Responsibility is a strategic tool for managing the crisis. Today, most companies have social responsibilities. The directors think that a business to respond effectively and efficiently in social issues, corporate social policy must be integrated into corporate strategy. To assess how well the business operates in the fields of social responsibility, social auditing has been developed as a preliminary guide. The social audit consists of a series of systematic studies and the evaluation of social performance. It is interested in social influences on quality of life rather than in the economic quality of life. The social audit/reporting, leads to social performance. The benefits derived from a social audit are: It gives the information to assess the effectiveness of the programs on ecology and community development. The managers try to focus their attention on those activities where reports and evaluations are necessary. The existence of social audit seeks to promote concern for the achievement of social performance targets. It provides information that allows management to compare the effectiveness of different social programs. It gives the right to manage, provide information to external groups that rely on the company requirements for social performance (Cowton and Crisp 1998:120). Based on the results of this evaluation, the company can see where improvements are needed and what methods can be applied. I hope that this may be the issue of a future work. INTRODUCTION The field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has expanded significantly over the last decade both at the international and European level. More and more companies engage in serious efforts to define and integrate CSR into all aspects of their business. These efforts are supported by a growing number of evidence that proves that CSR has a positive impact on business economic performance. New voluntary standards and measurement tools of service are multiplied in number in parallel with the ongoing controversy about whether and how to standardize legal requirements for CSR from the business side. The interested parties now require from the company to apologize for its performance throughout the supply chain and for a set of issues of social responsibility. All the above take place in view of a complex global economy, where there are many social, economic and environmental injustices. In the past, the value of a company was only based on its financial performance. The interested p arties now begin to understand better how the way the operational behavior affects the social, political and natural environment. The consequence of this is a growing pressure from investors, consumers and employees to the businesses, to include social and ecological criteria when taking decisions. CSR involves two basic ideas, the responsibility for reporting (accountability and transparency). Conversely, different groups of stakeholders require from businesses to operate successfully in non-financial sectors, which include human rights, business ethics, environmental practices, corporate contributions, contribution to local community development, corporate governance and labor and discrimination issues (Edgley et al.2009) The social and environmental performance is considered now as most consistent with economic efficiency. For the economic development at local level up to policies on human Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary rights at the international level, companies need to apologize for their actions and their impact. In addition, companies are expected to disclose and communicate their policies and practices, which affect employees, communities and the environment. In the global economy, the companies that meet the requirements of the participants, namely the stakeholders are more likely to achieve long-term financial performance. CSR may be involved in every aspect of business activity. A company is considered a good corporate citizen when it demonstrates a sense of commitment to various stakeholders through socially responsible practices and transparent operations. DEFINITIONS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY At the international level, many practitioners in CSR seek to define the CSR concept. One of the most important of them is the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), a coalition of 175 businesses, which share a common commitment to sustainable development through three pillars: economic growth, ecological balance and social progress. CSR is defined as the continued commitment by the company to behave ethically and contribute to economic development, whilst improving the quality of life of employees and their families, local community and society at a general level (United Nations 2002). In addition, global non-profit organizations have been developed to promote the concept of corporate social responsibility by offering to their members (companies) information, tools, training, consulting services for the integration of CSR in their business operations and strategy. A significant institution is the Business for Social Responsibility, according to which CSR seems to be the realization of commercial success in ways that honor ethical values and respect people, communities and the natural environment. Through CSR, society address the legal, ethical, commercial and other expectations of the business and take decisions that fairly balance the interests of the interested parties. CSR answers why, when and how the company manages the social, environmental and economic objectives, performance and results, and the relationship among them. In addition, CSR Wire reports that CSR aligns social values with business activities (Kuratko and Morris 2002). It focuses on social, environmental and financial performance, the so-called triple basic principle. The aim is to make business success while having a positive impact on society. Likewise, CSR Europe in an effort to strengthen CSR in companies to achieve profitability, sustainability and human development, points out that CSR concerns the way in which the firm improves its social and environmental impact, so it adds value both for shareholders and for the interested parties. The European Commission in its Green Paper in July 2001 (European Commission 2003) in an attempt to open a public debate and promote a European framework for CSR, describes it as a concept whereby companies integrate, on a voluntary basis, in their activities and contacts with interested parties, social values and environmental worries. The Commission links CSR with the new strategic goal that was set in Lisbon for the current decade: to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. (European Commission 2003). From its part, the Economic and Social Committee (EESC), supports the European Commission. According to EESC, corporate social responsibility is a complex group of issues that must be addressed in different ways and at depth. The cultural specificities and the legal systems have a direct impact on its implementation. There are differences between geograp hic levels of action (local, national, European, global), among developing and industrialized countries, including large multinational companies, SMEs and small firms as well as among sectors. In addition, apart from the classic hierarchical structure within the company, there are new forms of structure and organization of work such as Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary part-time, telecommuting or online businesses. According to EESC, socially responsible action means that companies implement conscientiously the social rules and make efforts to build a spirit of cooperation. The voluntary decision by a company for taking action on CSR (whether this has to do with the adoption of a code of conduct or map or trademark) includes preparedness and commitment (European Commission 2004). In conclusion, it is noticed that the concept of corporate social responsibility is associated with other considerations and concepts, a fact that facilitates its clarification. Such concepts are the approach of participants stakeholders, business ethics, company culture, corporate governance and the status of corporate citizenship. As a new concept in the business reality, it has not yet acquired a specific, well-established definition. In this paper, corporate social responsibility is defined as the permanent, ethical obligation of companies to combine their contribution to economic growth with the responsible use of environmental and social resources (quality of employees life, respect for human rights, participation in the development of the local community where they operate, protection of the natural environment, structure of consistent and responsible relationships with suppliers and the wider social contribution). Generally, CSR is the voluntary integration of social and environmental values in business activities within the framework of transparency and reporting required by society for companies in the modern world. DIMENSIONS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Initially, the concept of corporate social responsibility has its internal and external dimensions. The first relates to intra business environment and includes socially and environmentally responsible practices, the combination of which aims at improved competitiveness. Socially responsible practices include: investment in human capital following policies of responsible recruitment, equal pay and stock options to employees, as well as a more diverse workforce to combat discrimination. Their goal is to ensure employability and work, reduce unemployment and combat social exclusion. The health and safety of workers with voluntary control systems and certification schemes of management systems. Having as criteria health and safety, general procurement systems were created, based on uniform requirements regarding training and management systems, implemented by the contractors in the health and safety issues at work. For example, the procurement system of the Danish Social Security provides guidelines that determine the prerequisites for bidding tenders for cleaning companies. In addition, these criteria are included in the existing certification and labelling for products and equipment such as the Swedish system TCO Labeling Scheme, which is a voluntary label for the security of office equipment. The management of change in the operational environment, which now encourages the involvement of all stakeholders by providing information and consultation. The restructuring in a socially responsible manner means that the interests and concerns of all those affected b y the changes and decisions are taken into consideration. At European level, this phenomenon that usually appears as a reduction in personnel or closure of a factory, is evident in many industries, including the industries of steel, coal and shipbuilding. Through CSR companies are responsible for ensuring the employability of their staff (Crane and Matten 2005:167). The environmentally responsible practices are included in practices and policies that seek to reduce resource consumption or pollutant emissions and waste aiming at reducing the environmental impact. In this area, the environmental investments are recognized as double profit opportunities for both the company and the environment. Examples include the Integrated Product Policy, an approach that allows the government to work with companies and take into account the impact of products at all stages of their life cycle (introduction, growth, maturity, decline) and urges business and other stakeholders to discuss in order to find an approach with the best cost benefit analysis, having the effect of creating a strong framework for corporate social responsibility. In addition, EMAS ISO19000, a community management and control plan of the environment, which encourages companies to voluntarily set up management and control systems that promote continuous improvements in environmental perfo rmance. The environmental statement is made public, and it is validated by accredited environmental organizations that verify it. Regarding the second dimension (external), the corporate social responsibility of a business extends beyond the company to the local community. A wide range of stakeholders is involved i.e. shareholders, business partners (suppliers, customers, consumers, contractors), public authorities and NGOs, representing local communities or dealing with the environment (European Multistakeholder Forum 2004). CSR is the integration of businesses in their local environment. The way they contribute to it is through job offers, salaries and social benefits. They are involved in community problems, support charity events, sponsor cultural and sporting events. In addition, the existence of interaction with the local environment leads them to a greater awareness of the environmental protection, since a cleaner environment can facilitate the process, or attract more labour force. Through close collaboration with business partners, enterprises can reduce perplexity and costs while increasing quality. The creation of such relationships leads in the long term to a fair price, conditions and expectations, as well as to quality, reliable delivery or execution. CSR appears in business activities at the area where the business is located. It focuses on the CSR of its suppliers or the dissemination of CSR in small or new innovative companies locally (through venture capital). Finally, as part of CSR, the companies must offer products and services that consumers need in an efficient, ethical and environmentally friendly way. The lasting relationships with customers lead to more profitable enterprises. An important example of CSR is the concept of planning for all, even for consumers with disabilities. The external dimension of CSR is shown in the co-operation of the business with non-governmental organizations, trade unions and public authorities on matters of vital i mportance, such as respect for human and labor rights in international and global supply chains (Holme and Watts 2000). On the one hand, there are national, community, international laws and binding rules, which provide minimum standards for all. On the other hand, there are voluntary codes of conduct, which are voluntary initiatives to complement and promote international labor standards for those who adopt them, as it happens in the various productive sectors (textile, apparel trade). The effectiveness of the latter depends on the proper implementation and verification, and it should be based on ILO conventions (Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work) and OECD (Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises) (European Commission 2004). The verification should be carried out based on defined standards that apply to organizations and individuals that carry the social control. TOOLS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The growing interest of governments, society and the business world in the concept of CSR has led to a significant increase in the number of management tools, measurement, communication and rewards regarding the performance of corporate social responsibility. These institutions of CSR range from general guidelines and codes of conduct that set ambitious CSR principles, to complex management systems, control and communication tools or examination methodologies (filtration screening) of investments. All these play a key role in providing guidance for sustainable operation, for proper quality management of the processes, systems and practices aiming at sustainable development. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT It includes codes of conduct, management standards and reporting, which help the companies to integrate CSR principles in their strategy and business operations by offering principles, sets of procedures, implementation steps, indicators and methods of measurement, evaluation and reporting. The codes of conduct are innovative and important tools for the promotion of fundamental human, labor and environmental rights, as well as for practices against corruption, particularly in countries where governments fail to reinforce such standards (Holme and Watts 2000). They are an official statement of the principles and business practices of a company. They express statements of minimum standards and a promise of the company to maintain them and demand from contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and recipients to apply them as well. Some examples are (Crane and Matten 2005:166): Intergovernmental Authorities ILO Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy. ILO Declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work. OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises (MNEs). United Nations Draft guidelines for companies. Multilateral Codes of Conduct Ethical Trading Initiative. Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights for the extractive sector. Model Codes of Conduct designed by NGOs, trade unions and other organizations Amnesty International Amnesty International human rights principles for companies. United Nations UN global compact. The management standards are a set of frameworks, processes and practices for quality, environment, health and safety as well as the workplace itself (Denison 1990). They are internal tools for businesses and organizations to facilitate the integration of CSR into their activities on a daily basis. There are standards that focus on procedures and standards relating to performance measurement and reporting. Especially the management systems provide models and standards for the way of managing a process or an activity. Typically, large companies adopt them. The above tools improve the strategic management and reliability of the company. Examples of management models (Crane and Matten 2005:170): Standards for the workplace Social Accountability (SA 8000) (on working conditions) ILO-OSH 2001-IOC ILO Guidelines on occupational safety and health management OHSAS 18001 (health in the workplace and safety) Quality Management Standards ISO 9000 (International Organization of Standardization) EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) a model for achieving operational excellence. AA (AccountAbility) 1000. ISO CR MSS (management systems standards for corporate responsibility ISO). Environmental Management Standards EMAS (Eco-management and audit scheme) a voluntary program initiated by the European Commission. ISO 14000. The reports are documents, which announce the results of assessing the social impact of a CSR policy. The demand for greater transparency and social reporting from the business side has led to a recent increase of the interest in sustainability reporting, covering economic, social and ecological aspects. These reports exist since 1970s as a supplement of the annual report (Callaghan and Elkins 1981). Nowadays, with the recognition of the importance of the triple bottom line for sustainable development, social, ethical and environmental issues were added to the reports. Unlike financial reports, sustainability reports include a set of qualitative information, which is difficult to measure, especially in social indicators, which are still at an experimental stage. Regarding the concept of triple bottom line, it should be emphasized that it is the idea according to which the overall performance of a company is measured based on its combined contribution to economic prosperity, environme ntal quality and social capital (Crane and Matten 2005:169). The European Commission (2004) itself has given special attention in this matter. In its notification on Communication on the EU strategy for Sustainable Development - COM (2001) 264 it called publicly traded companies with at least 500 employees to introduce the triple bottom line in their annual statements so that shareholders can measure and evaluate its performance against economic, and social and ecological criteria. Some characteristic examples of initiatives in this area are: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) with the Guidelines for Reporting (2002), which included reference files, content of reports and indicators for performance. AA1000s AccountAbility Model of results validation (assurance) by the Institute of Social and Ethical Accountability (European Commission 2004). SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION In the context of socially responsible consumption social and environmental signals are used. These terms describe tools based on the market, aimed primarily at consumers and showing that the production of specific product and commercial transactions and procedures that are followed, have respected a given set of criteria and standards. However, consumers today are interested in issues of ensuring the environment, health and safety at work and respect for human rights, particularly on child and forced labor. Overall, these signs are a way to convert concern into positive action and direction of consumer behavior to social and environmental domains. In the modern, globalized economy, the terms fair trade and ethical trade are dominant. The first concept refers to fair procedures, aim at supporting marginalized producers in rural industries and handicrafts, in developing countries (Phatak 1997). These objectives, which are developmental, are achieved through better access to the marke t, ensuring fair prices in the negotiations and stability in the revenue, by providing direct payments or prepayment. The second concept refers to activities by companies aiming at highlighting their moral, social and environmental responsibilities and promoting human rights and decent working conditions in global supply chains and production of products. Some examples are the following (Crane and Matten 2005:170): Organizations FLO International (Fair-Trade Labeling Organizations) world-class organization that sets standards and certification of fair trade. IFAT (International Federation for Alternative Trade) a network of institutions, which aims to provide opportunities, information and technical support and better access to markets. EFTA (European Fair Trade Association) an association of importers aiming at achieving the most fair trade effective imports, promote cooperation and information, awakening of public opinion and decision-makers. Social Signals Belgium Social Label Legal Framework of the Belgian government in 2001 that gave the right to companies to acquire a sign which is used in products produced in a production chain that is compatible with the rules of conduct of the International Labour Organisation. Rugmark Label it concerns the production of carpets in India and aims to eliminate child labor. The participants agree to ban child labor and to allow non-communicated controls at their factories. Flower Label Program aims at ensuring fair labor and environmental conditions in the industry of flower trade, such as respect for the principles of the ILO and the non-use of toxic pesticides and chemicals. Environmental Signals EU ECO LABEL a voluntary programme that started in 1992 to encourage the production and consumption of green products in Europe. It is used in products with reduced environmental impact, in compliance with established standards. These ecological standards are determined by a committee (EU ECO-LABELING BOARD) and take into account all phases of the life of a product from the production up to its use and its dismissal. FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL the international non-profit organization has launched a global program, which covers forest products and provides a credible guarantee that the product comes from a forest, whose management is assessed and certified in accordance with the agreed social, economic and environmental standards. PAN EUROPEAN FORESTRY CERTIFICATION a voluntary private sector initiative which aims to promote sustainable forest management at the local and national level. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING Through socially responsible investment (socially responsible investment SRI) a variety of approaches, products and tools offered to the social responsibility investors is shown. The socially responsible investment has become very popular in ordinary investors, because it combines financial objectives with their concerns regarding moral, social and environmental issues. This way, it represents a powerful means to change business behaviour, by translating values into positive action and promotion of social and environmental procedures and practices (Holme and Watts 2000). The investment for social purposes supports a specific purpose or activity and their funding through investments. Unlike donations, investors for social purposes are interested in the return of the initial investment, either through reward (for loans) or through shares. In this kind of investment individual investors can be involved. These investors can be either individual investors who are interested in private capital investments or institutional investors for investments within a context which is shaped by institutions and organizations such as pension funds, banks, insurance and asset management companies. There are the following ways for institutional investors to follow their social and ecological values: Through filtering (screening) which concerns the inclusion or exclusion of shares in investment portfolios based on ethical, social or ecological criteria. This can be achieved either by excluding companies involved, for example, in the production of nuclear weapons, or by selecting companies based on the evaluation of their social and environmental performance. Through activism or the involvement of shareholders, where in this case, the investors by using their shareholder identity support their social and environmental concerns and seek ways to influence the behavior of the enterprise through consultation with the management of the company, through resolutions on the annual meetings of shareholders or through disinvestment. By investing in non-conventional financial institutions (banks aiming at developing local communities and other credit institutions), which offer low interest loans to people who would not have access to capital. In this case, economic efficiency is less than the social for investors (cause related investment) (Kuratko and Morris 2002). Products featuring the socially responsible investment (SRI) are as follows: Mutual funds that use environmental, social and moral filters for portfolio selection (Green, Social and Ethical Funds). More and more pension funds invest their money according to social criteria. A variety of indices of sustainability and ethical investment have been designed and launched in stock exchange markets. They reflect and create standards and benchmarks for the performance of the shares of socially responsible companies, that try to become more sustainable. The usefulness of these indicators is to understand the relationship between the socially responsible investment and financial performance and thereby to attract capital. Examples of such indices are the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FTSE4GOOD, Domini 400 Social Index and Ethical Sustainability Index. Listing Process. When companies wish via public offering to raise capital from the stock markets, they should issue documents such as brochures and business plans that will give to the investors the ability to evaluate the business they wish to invest. This process of revealing is essential for the fair and efficient operation of financial markets and is governed by extensive legislation to ensure that the business reports contain all information necessary for investors to recognise the risks associated with the business, including social and environmental perspectives. Procedures have been published in national and European level. More specifically, the EU Directive has been adopted in July 2003, which sets the framework for the standardization of information that should be revealed, but there is no reference to the disclosure of information regarding social and environmental issues. The socially responsible investment has grown into an emerging market with lots of specialized offi ces for investigation and evaluation of investments by non-financial analysts, and numerous tools and models of different content. For this reason, the European Commission expresses the need for standardization and harmonization of standards and transparency of the used tools. The socially responsible investments to contribute to the strengthening of CSR, should be developed by rating agencies, which can be independent consultants or investment banks SRI departments. Their criteria identify the reasons and factors according to which a socially responsible business achieved competitive advantage and business success. In addition, the creation of a multilateral forum on CSR (which was established in 2004) is proposed. This forum aims to promote transparency and convergence of practices and tools of CSR (Crane and Matten 2005:174). In conclusion, CSR is a concept which was originally associated with the concepts of charity and corporate philanthropy, and the principle of management. Through international, national and corporate initiatives, conventions, norms and codes of conduct, CSR acquired its contemporary form, which includes the internal (socially and environmentally responsible practices) and external dimension (interaction with local communities, business partners, authorities, non governmental organizations). Sectors of the company based on CSR are the socially responsible management (codes of conduct, management standards, reports), consumption (ethical and fair trade, environmental and social labels) and investment (mutual funds, investments of pension funds, publication procedures and indicators to sustainable social and ecological criteria). EPILOGUE GENERAL CONCLUSIONS In summary, the concept of corporate responsibility is difficult to pinpoint. In the present paper, it is accepted that corporate social responsibility is called the integration of social and environmental values in the strategy and activities of the businesses on a voluntary basis. CSR focuses on the triple basic principle , which covers both the financial as well as the social and environmental performance of a business. CSR refers to actions in areas as diverse as human rights, labor rights, environmental protection, involvement in community development and relationship building in the supply chain and with business partners. It is associated with several other concepts. Such are business ethics, which is related to the application of general ethical ideas in the business conduct, the notion of culture, namely the personality of each company, the status of corporate citizenship, under which the business undertakes to manage rights and cases relating to citizenship, corporate governance, which refers to the system of division of power within the organization and is associated with the need for transparency and social reporting and finally, the interested parties (stakeholders), that are involved with their actions to the operation and decisions of the company (Holme and Watts 2000). CSR appeared as a concept in the early 20th century. The fact that the company has a broader role in society was linked to the principle of beneficence and corporate philanthropy (the firm provides voluntary assistance), as well as with the principle of management (the company operates as a social guardian). It is noticed that there is an undertaking of a variety of initiatives by international organizations, businesses, countries and even individuals that are involved in the CSR by respecting human rights, providing guidance as well as to the involvement of companies in social reporting, fighting corruption, ensuring labor rights and protecting the natural environment. CSR has acquired an internal and external dimension. The first dimension concerns socially and environmentally responsible practices within the company, while the second is concerned with the interactive relationship that is created between the company and the various stakeholders such as local communities, business p artners or public authorities. In addition, the modern form of CSR includes three areas, or in other words, three basic tools, which can play an important role in achieving sustainable development. Socially responsible management includes codes of conduct, management and reporting standards, which offer principles, systems, procedures, Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary applications, indicators and methods of measurement, evaluation and reporting. Socially responsible consumption deals with ethical and fair trade, and includes social and environmental signals, that certify the integration of social and environmental criteria into the production process. Finally, the socially responsible investment-is related with mutual funds, investments of pension funds, publication procedures and sustainability indicators with social and ecological criteria (Edgley et al. 2009). The factors, that mainly boosted CSR are associated with the increasing demands of society and public authorities for transparency and social assessment by businesses, particularly after the outbreak of major accountancy scandals. The benefits for a company from the adoption of CSR practices are the improvement of financial performance and the reduction of operating costs, the increase in prestige and positive reputation, the increase of sales and consumer loyalty, the attraction of human resources, the potential for reduced oversight by regulatory authorities, as well as access to capital. For society, an important benefit is that by integrating CSR values the road to achieving sustainable development is opened, an approach that accepts the pursuit of economic growth today while protecting resources for the development of tomorrow and meeting the needs of future generations. On the other hand, CSR entails costs, which concerns the time and costs for investing in CSR policies and tools, particularly from small and medium enterprises, which lack the appropriate expertise and resources. In addition, the fuzzy boundaries of CSR as a new practice, coupled with the lack of legislation and uncertainty as to the credibility and effectiveness of the tools and political action can create additional costs for the company. It is notable that the criticism that CSR has received i.e. that it is a superficial practice, having as a sole aim to beautify the unbridled capitalism and increase corporate earnings without any substantial contribution to social welfare. However, more and more companies adopt CSR policies. It is noticed an integration of practices on the preservation of health and safety at work and on the protection the environment both in developed and in developing countries (Chiquita and Shell), to encourage sustainable farming methods and recycling (Starbu cks Coffee), gender equality and combating racial discrimination in the workplace (Deloitte Touche), campaigns against major diseases (Levi Strauss for the HIV virus), and policies to address ethical dilemmas in the management and corruption (Motorola) . The importance attributed to specific practices and social responsibility, is evidenced by the growing number of tools and measurement indicators, such as the FTSE4Good series of indicators of the well-known firm FTSE, but also to reward socially responsible companies through the lists and awards of organizations, the press and other key stakeholders such as the European Commission (List of 100 Best Workplaces in the EU) (European Commission 2004). Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary In conclusion, it should be noted that corporate social responsibility is at a crossroad. After a decade of development, a reasonable question as to what may be the future of CSR is posed. Is it a trend in the business world, which will soon be over? Will CSR reach full implementation and integration through its establishment in the business strategy and action? Alternatively, will it take another form, by changing the data in the business scene? The visualization of CSR future is a challenge of CSR, but also an opportunity for companies looking to maintain their economic prosperity in an increasingly complex business environment. At the same time, the question arises on how long-term benefit and prosperity for all stakeholders can be achieved. CSR appears as a reality, not just as an option. The future of the world is related to the future of the businesses. Today, corporate responsibility is a fact. The central question facing businesses is how to direct their potential in the service of public interest while preserving and strengthening elements, such as the innovation and competitive advantage. This fact constitutes to the central challenge of the idea of CSR, which in the coming decades should achieve the dual goal for successful businesses and thriving communities, by escaping from the unilateral satisfaction of the interests of shareholders. Listen Read phonetically Dictionary View detailed dictionary

Essay on Gandhis childhood and his travels all over the land

Mohandas Gandhi Mohandas Gandhi, Whom most people know as Mahatma, meaning Great Soul,; is one of the most prevalent images in the minds of those who think about great leaders, in the movement for human rights and non-violence. However, not much is known about his life as a child and his achievements in the early twentieth century. All the staging grounds in Gandhis stance towards non violence, human rights, and peace took place in the years leading up to the twentieth century and the first decade after. Gandhi was born in Porbandar, India on October 2, 1869. His family, which consisted of two brothers and one sister lived a rather good life. Gandhis father, Karamanchand Gandhi, was a government official for the†¦show more content†¦During the final hours of Karchands life, Gandhi left his side to be with his wife. This turned out to be a major regret in Gandhis life. His father died a few minutes after Mahatma left him. His wife was pregnant at that time and was sleeping in another bed room. Gandhi said, I saw that, if animal passion had not blinded me, I should have been spared the torture of separation from my father during his last moments. It is a blot I have never been able to efface or forget, and I always thought that, although, my devotion to my parents knew no bounds I would have given up anything for it, yet it was weighed and found unpardonable wanting because my mind was at the same time in the grip of lust (Dalton 147).; In 1892 Gandhi traveled to South Africa. It turned out to be a major staging point for his unwavering stance towards non violence and equal rights. Gandhi faced many hardships and obstacles in Africa. When he arrived in Natal he met with his employer and a week later was sent, by train, to Pretoria, Transvaal. This is were his strife began. Gandhi employer had purchased a first class ticket for his travel, but when a European passenger saw the little brown skinned Indian sitting in first class he called a railroad employee to throw the coolie; out of first class. Even though Gandhi had a valid ticket, Indians were simply not allowed in first class. Gandhi refused to leave first class andShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Life Of Mahatma Ghandi3308 Words   |  14 Pagesyoungest child of his fathers fourth wife, on Oct. 2, 1869, at Porbandar, the capital of a small principality in Gujarat in western India under British suzerainty. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, who was the dewan (chief minister) of Porbandar, did not have much in the way of a formal education but was an able administrator who knew how to steer his way between the capricious princes, their long-suffering subjects, and the headstrong British political officers in power. 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Between 1990 and early 1992, some 14 million people had visited Tokyo Disneyland, with three-quarters being repeat visitors. A family of four staying overnight at a nearby hotel would easily spend $600 onRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesMichael Adas for the American Historical Association TEMPLE UNIVERSITY PRESS PHILADELPHIA Temple University Press 1601 North Broad Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122 www.temple.edu/tempress Copyright  © 2010 by Temple University All rights reserved Published 2010 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Essays on twentieth century history / edited by Michael Peter Adas for the American Historical Association. p. cm.—(Critical perspectives on the past) Includes bibliographicalRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 PagesDowden is licensed under a Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. That is, you are free to share, copy, distribute, store, and transmit all or any part of the work under the following conditions: (1) Attribution You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author, namely by citing his name, the book title, and the relevant page numbers (but not in any way that suggests that the book Logical Reasoning or its author endorse you or your use of the work)

Essay on space free essay sample

Do aliens really exist? It could be true or false. Everybody knows that space is a big universe, full with many unknown creature and objects that people have never seen before. In order to gain more knowledge about space, scientists spend a lot of money on research. The money we spend on space exploration should be giving people many beneficial factors in return, but it only gives people problems to solve. Searching for unrealistic things can be a real waste of time. The government should concentrate on things that are more important and less dangerous than space exploration. Space exploration is not important and dangerous because the humans can damages the original form of space, giving people new diseases, and wasting important money. After people change the order of space, it can never be undone again. The natural form of the space will be gone forever. That is why exploring space is not a good decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay on space or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page â€Å"Weather mistreatment or suffer ever demand we may place on it† (Source E). Humans try to expand their presence into space like on Earth. The human presence caused extinction, unusual weather and soil erosion. These kind of results may happen in space too if human presence were to expand on space. But if the people reverent the way space is and leave the planets alone where we found them then nothing will worsen. The scientists that want to know more about space may be willing to do any necessary steps to get the information they wanted. New, living organism is found on earth. The astronauts that went to space, may have brought new diseases to Earth. These infectious germs may cause millions of death. â€Å"The hazard that some infectious extraterrestrial germ might be riding with them† (Source F). Space is filled with living organism that people never knew it ever existed. â€Å"Because extraterrestrial life may exist, planetary exploration could bring trouble if people are not careful enough† (Source F). Even though the scientists had sterilized the hardware that used in spaced and the samples that astronauts got from there, everybody should still be cautious about it. Everyone should pay attention on how the taxpayers’ money been spend. â€Å"All others, $0. 06†¦.. including†¦.. space and technology† (Source F) A part of the taxpayers money was spent on space exploration, which is a total waste of money. The money that had been waste on space exploration could be spent on things that could benefit the people and earth. For example, the money could be spending on Medicare programs. Many people need Medicare to cover their hospital fee. Since many people in the world need medicine to cure their illness. Another choice could be, investing the money into the NIH (National Institutes of Health). â€Å"NIH scientists investigate ways to prevent disease as well as the cause, treatments, and even cures for common and rare disease† (Source D) Health is more important than space. â€Å"Don’t tell me about all the spin-off Technology†¦.. Leave the money here on Earth. † (Source H). The government has more important things to focus on, other than space exploration. Investing into space exploration is not a good choice. Since space is involved with problems that we can never solve or maybe it will causes a huge ruckus on Earth. For instance: incurable illness, economy problems and ruining the nature of space. Space is full of disastrous things and surprise that you can never imagine that it ever exists. If alien really do exist it is not as important/interesting as what happening on Earth.

Hey Hey Hey Essay Research Paper The free essay sample

Hey Hey Hey Essay, Research Paper The Great Depression By: Raymond Torres Electronic mail: SableLvr17 @ aol.com The 1920 # 8217 ; s was a period of general prosperity for many Americans but the decennary ended with the most serious depression in United States history. When Herbert Hoover ( 31st president ) took curse into office in March 1929, trade was dining, industry was booming. Unemployment was low, rewards were up, monetary values were steady and corporations were doing large net incomes and paying fat dividends. Before the terminal of Hoover # 8217 ; s first twelvemonth in office, the stock market had collapsed. The state was get downing to skid into the worst depression in history. By the clip Hoover left office in 1933, many citizens had lost faith in their concern leaders. Some had begun to oppugn the American economic system and even democracy itself. The Roaring Twenties was an epoch dominated by Republican presidents: Warren Harding ( 1920-1923 ) , Calvin Coolidge ( 1923-1929 ) and Herbert Hoover ( 1929-1933 ) . We will write a custom essay sample on Hey Hey Hey Essay Research Paper The or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Under their conservative economic doctrine of laissez-faire ( # 8221 ; go forth it entirely # 8221 ; ) , markets were allowed to run without authorities intervention. Taxes and ordinance were slashed dramatically, monopolies were allowed to organize, and inequality of wealth and income reached record degrees. The state was on the conservative # 8217 ; s preferred gilded criterion, and the Federal Reserve was non allowed to significantly alter the money supply. During October, 1929, the stock market had some bad yearss. Then, all of a sudden, on October 24 [ otherwise known as Black Thursday ] , monetary values began to fall, and purchasers on border had to sell their stocks. The haste to sell made monetary values fall even faster. In the 1920 # 8217 ; s, after World War I, danger signals were evident that a great Depression was coming. A major cause of the Depression was that the wage of workers did non increase at all. Because of this, they couldn # 8217 ; t afford manufactu red goods. While the mills were still fabricating goods, Americans weren # 8217 ; t able to afford them and the mills made no money. There were serious failings in the economic system that had barely been noticed up to so. As we have seen, while the end product of American workers in creased steadily during the mid-twentiess, their rewards had non kept gait. At the same clip, concern net incomes and the incomes of the wealthy had shot up. In 1929, the 36,000 wealthiest households in America had a combine income equal to that of the about 12 million households with incomes of less than $ 1500 per twelvemonth. Yet the cost of necessities for a household was $ 2000 a twelvemonth. This meant that # 8220 ; prosperity # 8221 ; # 8211 ; the whole economic system # 8211 ; depended on the disbursement and reinvestment of their money by the wealthy and by concern houses. When the stock market terror frightened them, they stopped disbursement and puting. As for the staying mass of people, they could non pick up the slack. They had bought all they could on clip, and they had no trim hard currency. Most consumers could no longer afford to purchase the new autos and wirelesss and iceboxs. Inventories piled up. Factories laid away more and more workers. Another major cause related to husbandmans. Farmers weren # 8217 ; t making to good because they were bring forthing more harvests and farm merchandises than could be sold at high monetary values. Therefore, they made a really little net income. This deficient net income wouldn # 8217 ; t let the husbandmans to buy new machinery and because of this they could non bring forth goods promptly plenty. A new program was created called the installment program. This program was established because many Americans didn # 8217 ; Ts have adequate money to purchase goods and services that were needed or wanted. The installment program stated that people could purchase merchandises on recognition and do monthly payments. The one m ajor job with this thought was that people shortly found out that they couldn # 8217 ; t afford to do the monthly payments. In 1929, the stock market crashed. Many Americans purchased stocks because they were certain of the economic system. Peoples started selling their stocks at a fast gait ; over 16 million stocks were sold! Numerous stock monetary values dropped to fraction of their value. Banks lost money from the stock market and from Americans who couldn # 8217 ; t pay back their loans. Many mills lost money and went out of concern because of this great calamity. By the 1930 # 8217 ; s, 25 % of all workers [ 13 million workers ] , lost their occupations. The inkinesss and unskilled workers were ever the first to be fire. Farmers had no money and weren # 8217 ; t capable of paying their mortgages. Americans traveled throughout the state looking for a topographic point to work to back up themselves and their households. Another failing in the economic system lay in our deali ngss with the remainder of the universe. As a consequence of the war, many states owed the United States money. Yet our # 8220 ; duty # 8221 ; walls kept them from merchandising with us. So we had to do loans and investings abroad if the foreign states were to payt us. Once the flow of American money slowed down, these states could non pay their debts. And they could no longer afford to purchase American goods. This was another cause for mills to close down, throwing still more Americans out of work. The rise of # 8220 ; keeping companies # 8221 ; had created particular jobs that did non rapidly run into the oculus. During the 1920 # 8217 ; s more and more of these companies had been formed to keep the stock of other companies. Business power was being concentrated in fewer custodies. Besides, investing trusts were set up to seel their ain stock and so put the returns in the stock market. Naturally, the investing trusts and keeping companies depended on the net incomes of the c ompanies they held. If anything happened to those, the keeping companies and investing trusts would fall in. Then assurance in concern throughout the state would drop even more. The worst defect in the economic system of the late 1920 # 8217 ; s was the stock market itself. It provided a gaming sphere where caprices, baseless frights, and undue hopes could trip catastrophe. The stock market provided a phase where the whole state could watch the monetary value of Wall Street # 8217 ; s stocks travel blessing and the flop! This was difficult for citizens to recognize why the monetary value and non the value of the states merchandise were # 8220 ; roller-coastering. # 8221 ; Doubt and fright spread across the state. The Great Crash became the Great Depression. The mill proprietors who could non sell their merchandises slowed down their mills and laid off workers. Idle workers who had lost their nest eggs could non afford to purchase anything. Still more mills closed down. The prost ration of the stock market had signaled the prostration of industry and helped to convey on a terrible economic depression non merely in the United Sates, but in the developed states around the universe. Before the terminal of 1932 there were 12 million able-bodies Americans who were unemployed. Many who had occupations were working merely part-time. When they could non afford to pay their rent, they had to squash in with friends and relations. Thousands took to the roads, floating from topographic point to topographic point, urgently trusting that somehow in the following town they would happen a occupation. Respectable Americans who merely a few months before had lived in nice houses now had to seek shelter in shanty-towns of cartons and wood garbages on vacant tonss. These were a called # 8220 ; Hoovervilles. # 8221 ; The immature people with no money, no occupation, and no chances did non make bold marry. Within three old ages, the figure of matrimonies dropped by one-quarter. College registrations sank. Millions went hungry. Children cried for the nutrient their parents could non give them. Two-thirdss of the kids in New York City suffered from malnutr ition. Some parents went wandering around through alleys, rooting in garbage pails for scraps to try to keep their families alive. By the 1932 hundreds of banks had failed, hundreds of mills and factories had closed, mortgages on farms and houses were being foreclosed in large numbers, and more and more people were unemployed. The presidential campaign of 1932, in which the candidate was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was wages on the issues of Prohibition and the economic crisis. The democratic platform declared for outright repeal of the 18th Amendment and promised a â€Å"new deal† in economic and social matters to bring about recovery from the Depression. The republicans did not call for outright repeal and, in regard to the Depression, warned against the danger to business and the nation finances if the social and economic philosophies of the Democrats were substituted for the sound of conservative ideas of the Hoover administration. Secretary of the Treasury Andrew Mellon took the tradition approach that the government should do nothing to end the depression or ease its effects. But when the collapse came, President Hoover tried hard to help. He use all the familiar ways to relieve suffering. He called upon cities, states, and all private charities to help feed the hungry. He brought business and labor leaders together to the White House, where they promised to keep up wages and keep the factories going. He actually cut his own presidential salary by one-fifth. In November 1929, Hoover even took the daring step for those days of persuading Congress to cut income taxes. He hoped this would leave people some money to buy goods to keep the factories going. But for most people income taxes were still so low that a tax cut made little difference. A family with a $4000 income saw its tax decline from $5.63 to $1.88. The wealthy, of course, saved much more. But they were frightened of the future and so did not dare to increase their spending. President Hoov er tried really hard to make the times better for the unemployed first by setting aside almost $800 million for public works like the now Hoover Dam. Conditions, however, failed to improve. His other policies , the â€Å"Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC)† and the Home Loan Bank Act, also didn’t make much difference. When Franklin Delano won the election on the Democratic ticket, their was a hope for a change in lifestyle from the Depression. His promise of a â€Å"new deal† gave Americans hope for what he could do for them. Two days after his inauguration he ordered a â€Å"bank holiday† for all banks in the country to close. When they reopened, people felt more safe putting their money in banks with the government backing up. FDR’s â€Å"New Deal† became what started the nations turn around. With such programs as the CCC (employing single males from the ages of 17-28 to do community labor like road buildings), the FERA (used $250 mil lion to aid the unemployed, elderly, and sick) and the AAA (paid farmers to grow less), the NIRA (set up price controls), the WPA (creating as many jobs as possible), and others, Franklin Roosevelt became one of the most successful leader this country has ever had. Throughout his presidency, he almost single-handedly changed the fate of America. He turned this country around so we could be a great nation again. In May of 1933, the Agricultural Adjustment Act was passed. The aim of this act was to raise the farm prices by growing less. The farmers were paid not to use all of their land to plant crops. The money came from tax on millers, meat packers, and other food industries. In June of that same year, the Farm Credit Act was passed. This act helped farmers get low interest loans. With this act, farmers wouldn’t lose their farms to the banks that held the mortgages. The farmers who lost their farms already would also receive low interest loans. A great novelist, born in 1902, by the name of John Steinbeck, grew up during the Depression near the fertile Salinas Valley and wrote many books of fiction based on his background and experiences during that time and area of the country. One of his greatest works would be the Grapes of Wrath. In this book, Steinbeck describes the farmers plight during the Great Depression and drought. When the rains failed to come, the grass began to disappear. As the farmers watched their plants turn brown and the dirt slowly turn to dust they began to fear what was to come. In the water-cut gullies the earth dusted down in dry little streams. AS the sharp sun struck day after day, the leaves of the young corn became stiff and erect; then it was June and the sun shone more fiercely. The brown lines on the corn leaves widened and move in on the central ribs. The weeds frayed and edged back toward their roots. The air was thin and the sky more pal; and every day the earth paled (Steinbeck, 2-3). The farmers worst fears were reali zed when their corn and other crops began to die. The dust became so bad, they had to cover their mouths with handkerchiefs so they could breath (Steinbeck, 3). When the drought hit the Great plains and the soil turned to dust, many farmers moved to California because they could no longer farm their land. The drought began to affect other parts of the country. In 1930, Virginia’s belt of fertile land dried up. Ponds, streams, and springs all dried up and the great Mississippi River water level sank lower than ever recorded. Small farmers every where began to feel the drought. Their small gardens were ruined and their corn crops was cut almost down to nothing. The hay and grass needed to feed their livestock was no longer available. They now face a major problem – how to feed their livestock. The silos were rapidly emptying and the barns in many cases were empty. The farmers were terrified that the government feed loans wouldn’t be available to keep the livestock from dying. In many cases, the Red Cross was making allowances for deed to keep alive livestock. The small farmers of fruit trees and vegetable plants depend on others who ran canneries to bottle and can their produce. The people they depended upon were the same people that hired scientists to experiment on the fruits and vegetables to come up with better tasting and yielding produce. Thus, the small farmers were dependent on these same rich landowners for almost everything. They couldn’t harvest their produce on their own so they sold it to the rich landowners and thus made very little money on their produce (Steinbeck 444-447) The farmers found themselves in debt caused by the purchase of land, tools, animals and other items bought on credit. This credit was due to the bank and when the farmers found themselves unable to repay their debts the bank took away everything they had. The Great Depression was the end result of World War I. It affected the rich and poor alike, fac tory workers and farmers, bankers and stockbrokers. In short, it affected everyone; no one was left untouched. But of all the people hurt, farmers were the worst off. John Steinbeck chose to write about farmers hoping that Americans would recognize their plight and correct the situation. The Great Depression is known to be the worst economic disaster in United States History. For this reason, the Depression caused many people to change their ideas about the government and economy. As a great man once said â€Å"Those who can not remember the past, are condemned to repeat it.† Let’s pray that the United States people and government never have to go through what the people of the 1920’s – 1930’s had to go through.

Dance Discourse Community Essay Essay Example

Dance: Discourse Community Essay Essay On May 13, 2016, was my last appearance dancing on stage performing in front of 550 people. I go back to this moment and realize, wow was I really in a discourse community this entire time of my high school career. A discourse community â€Å"testifies to the increasingly common assumption that discourse operates within conventions defined by communities, be they academic disciplines or social groups.† We’re living in a society where possibilities are endless.There’s greatness in every individual; however, one must realize that greatness requires a lot of dedication, sacrifices, resilience, and perseverance. I successfully uphold my role in a discourse community of high school dance drill team. Having the opportunity to express my discourse community within these three essential qualities, gives you a great amount of essence to flow into my mindset of my discourse community and why it dominates me as a person. Dance has transformed me into a leader during my high school years to express a quality of overcoming obstacles of being an inexperienced dancer, advanced terminology and expanding my learning qualities. Have you ever been in a community, or didn’t know 100% sure if you were in a community and asked yourself do you really have the necessary tools to possess qualities in this community? Well these were the numerous of thoughts that were going through a maze in my brain as I joined my community.As a freshman in high school, I tried out for the Illusions Dance Team. It was an exciting time for me, I worked diligently so that I can be part of an extraordinary organization. Although, I worked hard daily, there were dancers who had extensive training, such as ballet and gymnastics. These students started training at the age of 5 years old. They had a tremendous amount of experience. I had no prior professional training. However, I was determined to perform well. On the dance team, I had the opportunity to become an officer. We will write a custom essay sample on Dance: Discourse Community Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Dance: Discourse Community Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Dance: Discourse Community Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Jimi Hendrix vs Kurt Cobain essays

Jimi Hendrix vs Kurt Cobain essays History has always been marked by great music. Every generation has its own unique genre; from classical to swing, people have always found a song or a melody that seemed as if it was written just for them. However, truly great music is created by a certain type of genius. It takes more than the average guy to forge a classic like Stairway to Heaven. Two men in the late twentieth century were such masterminds: Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. While both will live forever in musical infamy, they will remain legends for different reasons. One of the most important factors in becoming a rock legend is bringing about a revolution, opening people to something bold and new. Kurt Cobain, along with his band, Nirvana, changed rock music forever. In a time when music was becoming mass-produced, emotionless muck, Cobain brought about something that was repulsively beautiful and alive. He introduced grunge rock to the world: music filled with screaming distortion, tremendous angst, and overwhelming passion rarely seen from the generation that invented the term whatever. Nevertheless, let us not forget a similar revolution, which took place over a decade earlier. In an era when hippies wandered free and drugs were just mind expanding, another such musical phenomenon occurred. A young black man caught the ear of millions with his awe-inspiring guitar tunes. This man was Jimi Hendrix. Unlike Cobain, Hendrix wrote music to support and inspire his followers, as opposed to creating a method of shock treatment through music . Hendrix created brilliant melodies along with lyrics that touched the hearts of all who would listen. One habit that both musicians shared was the ability to excite and invigorate listeners, especially live audiences. Cobain had the ability to make thousands of slackers stand up and scream for more. Throughout his many tours, Cobain always arrived to a packed venue fi ...

Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Music - Essay Example Mozart’s ability to deviate from this provided the listener a welcome sense of surprise and emotions of the unexpected when listening to his works. All of these factors helped to add to the new and fresh flavor that Mozart’s music brought to his contemporary audience. Likewise, in keeping with his ability to bend and/or break the rules of music, Mozart combined many different styles of music into his pieces, drawing from the breadth and range of contemporary and historical works to augment his ideas. Sonatas generally begin with an introduction. This is shortly followed by an exposition that explores a series of themes. Following this is the development of harmony and texture of the exposition. After a sometimes lengthy development, the piece refers back to a recapitulation of the original exposition. Afterwards the sonata is oftentimes concluded by a coda. Beethoven’s third piano concerto is interesting in the fact that it also broke many of the musical norms that existed at his time. What is of special interest about this piece in particular is the range and modality of the minor keys that are exhibited therein. For instance, the first movement of the piece begins in c minor, the second movement progresses to E major, and the third is in Eb major. What is unique about this is the fact that it is yet another example of how Beethoven broke the â€Å"rules† of composition and music as they existed in the 18th century. Instead of adhering to the rigid structure that defined the concerto, Mozart was able to break out from this and develop upon ideas that had not been previously explored. Although to us, his music is nothing new, to the audiences of that time, the piece was pushing the boundaries of convention. Likewise, as a direct result of his practices, Beethoven helped to shift the dynamic of how music was played and composed by his contemporaries as

Project Management - planning, conduct, administering, and closing Essay

Project Management - planning, conduct, administering, and closing supply chains [sap5] - Essay Example There are companies that successfully manage internal aspects of their supply chain plan. However, external issues create a greater problem, specifically for  small businesses (Kouvelis, Chambers and Wang, 2006). Small firms have smaller network of  suppliers by building relationships and increasing efficiency hence lowering risk. Ordinarily, certain industries experience higher  supply chain  risks. For instance, pharmaceutical and food companies have strong foundation and understanding of strategy for safeguarding against supply chain problems and interruptions. Effective strategies on supply chain management improve aspects of business like operations and customer service. Code of Conduct Responsibility for people and the environment affects supply chain operations. The role of supply chain includes verifying compliance, making demands, and creating long-term relationships with suppliers (Tyndall, 2004). Moreover, it has to support efforts for sustainable improvements. Cod e of Conduct forms the fundamentals of efforts for improving work environment and working conditions for manufactured products. The code comprises demands pertaining environmental impacts and human rights targeting operations, suppliers and manufacturers. The Code of conduct requirements are derived from the Rights of the Child and the UN Declaration on Human Rights. All manufacturers and suppliers should ratify the Code of Conduct so as to be part of the supply chain. The responsibility of Suppliers is in ensuring that their own manufacturers and suppliers adhere to the Code (Kouvelis, Chambers and Wang, 2006). Manufacturers and Suppliers who cannot or will not sign the Code or live up to organizational needs may not be allowed business. The Code requirements include prohibition of child or forced labour, non discrimination based on personal characteristics or beliefs. Workplace health and safety should be prioritized alongside safe and correct handling of waste and hazardous subst ances. Ultimately, the working conditions must be acceptable. Administering Supply Chain Administering supply chain requires performance of cost-to-serve analysis and regular demand. Fundamentals of segmentation are based on profitability of customers, products and demand dynamics. This analysis gives the required information meant to tailor supply chain policies and service concessions meant to raise the overall profitability of the portfolio. The change in the dynamics of demand and profitability in today's quickly changing business landscape has institutionalized a standard cadence. In the recent past, demand has been regarded as a single requirement to reactions of supply chain. Today, demand signals emanates from forecasts, orders, and safety stock coming from different channels such as Web, retail, enterprise and distributors (Kouvelis, Chambers and Wang, 2006). Furthermore, demand signals originate from different customer types where large, highly profitably customers are com pared to small, unprofitable customers. Besides, diverse customers have different fulfilling relationships depending on the service needed, the customer volume and profitability, and customer support channels. One of the problems facing supply chain managers is the dynamics of supply chain cost structures. There is a greater fluctuation on fuel costs, labor costs, and currency exchange rates for low-cost countries. Profitable sourcing strategies will change to

Impact of globalization on the cultural environment of business China Essay

Impact of globalization on the cultural environment of business China - Essay Example China’s economy has shifted from being developing to being the fourth largest economy in the world. This is attributed to the high capital flows across its borders and hence, globalization. Globalization has had substantive impact on the business environment in Chinese organizations. The following paper critically investigates and analyses globalization’s impact on the cultural business environment in Chinese organizations. Globalization is viewed differently by economists and business leaders. According to Lui, Anti-globalists views capitalize on the cons of this phenomenon which include employment insecurity associated by production shifts. Another major minus of globalization is pay cuts due to increased competition associated to opening up local markets to global competition. Lastly, global companies are associated with social injustices in their business practices and unfair working conditions such as slavery and mismanagement of the environment. Pro-globalists maintain a strong view that globalization lead to higher standards of living. They argue that competitive markets lead to more efficiency in resource utilization, elimination of monopoly markets and how it promotes democracy all over the world. To understand what net impact globalization has, it is vital to appreciate that globalization refers to a process based on the formation of a single market of goods, services and factors of productions, including capital, labor, technology and natural resources, covering all the economic regions of all countries. The two main aspects which led to the sudden transformation were sophistication in information technology field and innovation of internet. In this process, national and international markets are combined in to a single complex whole. In the world economy, globalization lead to an increased dependency on different

Economic thought from ancient societies

Economic thought from ancient societies INTRODUCTION The oriental school of economic thought basically deals with the study of the origin of economic thought from various ancient societies including the Hindu, Hebrew, Indian, Roman, Greek, and Islamic societies. It has been observed that the main area looked into by the Hebrews and Hindus was based on agricultural economics and all this information was drawn from the writing of the pious law givers who were present at the time. These ancient writings consisted of ideas on various economic aspects such as: division of labour, cottage industries, forest and mines, trade and trading practices, concept of wealth, transport, banking and loans, etc. Some of the writers who also played a role in the development of this economic thought include Roman writers such as Cicero, Pliny Gato, Varro and Columella. During this period, and until the industrial revolution, economics was not a separate discipline but part of philosophy. Its evolution into a distinct discipline of study in the social sciences can be attributed greatly to these early writers. Roman law also developed the contract recognizing that planning and commitments over time are necessary for efficient production and trade. This large body of law was unified as the Corpus Juris Civilis in the 530s AD by Justinian, who was Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. In Ancient India, Chulavamsa records that Parakramabahu of Sri Lanka had debased the currency of Ancient Sri Lanka in order to produce money to support this large scale infrastructure projects. Parakramabahu also pioneered free trade during his reign. Many of the topics discussed during these ancient times are still prevalent in modern economics, including discussions on the management of a solid and efficient economy and the ethics of economics. These ancient thoughts als o focused on issues of welfare, for instance, redistribution of wealth during a famine. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Ancient economic thought is very much wide and its study provides a broad basis for comparison of the ancient approach to economic issues as compared to issues arising in the modern world economies. The large number of ancient thinkers who contributed to this thought differed in beliefs and practices. Also, information on some of these ancient cultural-economic practices is very scanty and thus makes this enquiry into the oriental school of economic thought necessary so as to be able to get a better understanding of the underlying economic issues of both the past and present. JUSTIFICATION With the evolution of economics, many writers have come up with different theories about different areas in the subject. So as to be able to critically assess these different theories and understand the unity which connects us with the ancient times, knowledge on the origin of the early stages of economic thought is necessary for one to be able to take a well informed and unbiased stand on contentious economic issues arising today and hence the need for this study. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY To understand the principles and concepts of the oriental school of economic thought. To know the key contributors of ancient economic thought. To evaluate and criticize how the ancient societies carried out their economic activities. To find out the major contributions of the oriental school of thought to the body of knowledge that exists today. To get a clearer understanding of the position of economics as a distinct member of a group of social sciences. Ancient near East Economic organizations in the earliest civilizations of the Fertile Crescent were driven by the need to efficiently grow crops in the river basins. The Euphrates and Nile Valleys were homes to earliest examples of codified measurements written in base 60 and Egyptian fractions. Keepers of royal granaries and absentee Egyptian land owners reported in the Heganakht Papyri. Historians of this period note that the major tool of accounting for agrarian societies, the sales used to measure grain inventory, reflected dual religious and ethical symbolic meaning. The Erlenmeyer tablets give a picture of Sumerian production in the Euphrates valley around 2, 200 2, 100 B.C., and shows an understanding of the relationship between grain and labour inputs (valued in female labour days) and outputs and an emphasis on efficiency. Egyptians measured work output in man-days. The development of sophisticated economic administration continued in the Euphrates and Nile Valleys during the Babylonian Empi re and Egyptian Empires when trading units spread through the Near East within monetary systems. Egyptian fraction and base 60 monetary units were extended in use and diversity to Greek, early Islamic culture, and medieval cultures. By 1202 A.D, Leonardo Pisa Fibonacci use of zero and Vedic-Islamic numerals motivated Europeans to apply zero as an exponent, birthing modern decimals 350 years later. The city states of Sumer developed a trade market economy based originally on the commodity money of the shekel which was a certain weight measure of barley, while the Babylonians and their city state neighbours later developed the earliest system of economics using a metric of various commodities, which was fixed in a legal code. The early law codes from Sumer could be considered the first (written) economic formula, and had many attributes still in use in the current price system today, such as codified amounts of money for business deals (interest rates), fines in money for wrong doing, inheritance rules, laws concerning how private property is to be taxed or divided, etc. Ancient Greco-Roman world Some prominent classical scholars assert that relevant economic thought was based on metaphysical principles which are incommensurate with contemporary dominant economic theories such as neo-classical economics. However, several ancient Greek and Roman thinkers made various economic observations especially Aristotle and Xenophon. Many other Greek writings show understanding of sophisticated economic concepts. For instance, a form of Greshams law is presented in Aristophanes Frogs, and beyond Platos application of sophisticated mathematical advances influenced by the Pythagoreans in his appreciation of flat money in his Laws: (742 a-b) and in the pseudo-Platonic dialogue, Eryxlas. Bryson of Heraclea was a neo-platonic who is cited as having heavily influenced early Muslim economic scholarship. The influence of Babylonian and Persian thought on Greek administrative economics is present in the work of Greek historian Xenophon. Discussions of economic principles are especially present in his Oeconomicus, his biography of Cyrus the Great, Cyropaedia, Hiero and Ways and Means. Hiero is a minor work which includes discussion of leaders stimulating private production and technology through various means including public recognition and awarding of prizes. Ways and Means is a short treatise on economic development, and showed an understanding of the importance of taking advantage of economies of scale and advocated laws promoting foreign merchants. The Oeconomicus disc uses the administration of agricultural land. In the work, subjective personal value of goods is analyzed and compared with exchange value; Xenophon gives an example of a horse which may be of no use to a person who does not know how to handle it, but still has exchange value. In Cyropaedia, Xenophon presents what in hindsight can be seen as the foundation for a theory of fair exchange in the market which will result in the analysis of better fit or suitability to either party who wants to purchase the same item. Xenophon discusses the concept of division of labour, referencing specialized cooks and workers in a shoe making shop. Marx attributes to Cyropaedia the idea that the division of labour correlates to the size of a market. Roman law developed the contract recognizing that planning and commitments over time are necessary for efficient production and trade. Ancient India Chulavamsa records that Parakramabahu I of Sri Lanka had debased the currency of Ancient Sri Lanka in order to produce monies to support his large scale infrastructure projects. Parakramabahu I also pioneered free trade during his reign, a war was fought with Burma to defend free trade. Chanakya (c. 350 BC 275 BC) considered economic issues. He was a professor of Political Science at the Takshashila University of Ancient India, and later the Prime Minister of the Mauryan Emperor, Chandragupta Maurya. He wrote the Arthashastra (science of material gain). Many of the topics discussed in the Arthashastra are still prevalent in modern economics, including its discussions in the management of an efficient and solid economy. Chanakya also focuses on issues of welfare, for instance, redistribution of wealth during a famine and the collective ethics that hold a society together. The Arthashastra argues for an autocracy managing an efficient or solid economy. The qualities described are in effect that of a command economy. It discusses the ethics of economics and the duties and obligations of a king. Chanakya writes on the economic duties of a king: The king shall be ever active in the management of the economy. The root of wealth is economic activity and lack of it brings material distress. In the absence of fruitful economic activity, both current prosperity and future growth will be destroyed. A king can achieve the desired objectives and abundance of riches by undertaking productive economic activity. Ancient China Ideal and effective economic policy was long sort for in ancient China, one of the greatest early reformers being the Emperor Qin Shi Huang (r. 221 BC 210 BC), who standardized coin currency throughout the old warring states once he unified them under a strong central bureaucracy (which the Zhou dynasty had always lacked). However, one of the greatest reformists in China lived during the medieval Song dynasty (960 1279 AD), that being Chancellor Wang Anshi (1021 1086 AD). Wang Anshis political faction of the New Policies Group enacted a series of reforms that centered on military reform, bureaucratic reform and economic reform. The economic reforms included low cost loans for farmers who he considered the backbone of the Chinese economy in terms of production of goods and the greatest source of the land tax. Replacing the corvee labour service with a tax instead, he enacted government monopolies on crucial industries producing tea, salt, and wine, introduction of local militia to ease the budget spending on the official standing army of one million troops and the establishment of a Finance Planning Commission staffed largely by political loyalists so that his reforms could pass quickly with less time for conservatives to oppose it in court. Medieval Islamic World To some degree, the early Muslims based their economic analyses on the Quran (such as the opposition of riba, interest) and from Sunnah, the sayings and doings of Muhammad. Early Muslim thinkers, Al-Ghazali (1058 1111 A.D.) classified economics as one of the sciences connected with religion, along with metaphysics, ethics and psychology. Authors have noted, however, that this connection has not caused early Muslim economic thought to remain static. Persian philosopher Nasir al-Din-al-Tusi (1201 1274) presents an early definition of economics (what he calls Hekmat-e-madani, the science of city life) in discourse three of his ethics: the study of universal laws governing the public interest welfare: in so far as they are directed, through cooperation, toward the optimal (i.e. perfection). Many scholars trace the history of economic thought through the Muslim world, which was in a Golden Age from the 8th to 13th century and whose philosophy continued the work of the Greek Hellenistic thinkers and came to influence Aquinas when Europe rediscovered Greek philosophy through Arabic translation. A common theme among these scholars was the praise of economic activity and even self-interested accumulation of wealth. The influence of earlier Greek and Hellenistic thought on the Muslim world began largely when Abbasid Caliph al-Mamun, who sponsored the translation of Greek texts into Arabic in the 9th century by Syrian Christians in Baghdad. But already by that time numerous Muslim scholars had written on economic issues, and early Muslim leaders had shown sophisticated attempts to enforce fiscal and monetary financing, use of deficit financing, use of taxes to encourage production, use of credit instruments for banking, including rudimentary savings and checking of accounts, a nd contract law. The origins of capitalism and free markets can be traced back to Caliphate where the first market economy and earliest form of merchant capitalism took root between the 8th and 12th centuries, which some refer to as Islamic capitalism. A vigorous monetary economy was created on the basis of expanding levels of circulation of a stable high-value currency (the dinar) and the integration of monetary areas that were previously independent. Innovative new business techniques and forms of business organizations were introduced by economists, merchants and traders during this time. Such innovations included the earliest trading companies, credit cards, big businesses, contracts, bills of exchange, long distance, international trade, the first forms of partnerships and the earliest forms of credit, debt, profit, loss, capital (al-mal), capital accumulation (nama-al-mal), circulating capital, capital expenditure, revenue, cheques, promissory notes, trusts, startup companies, savings accounts, transactional accounts, pawning, loaning, exchange rates, bankers, money changers, ledgers, deposits, assignments, the double entry bookkeeping system, and lawsuits. MAIN FINDINGS After going through the history of the oriental school of thought in the previous section, the following economic aspects come out clearly as having been discovered and practiced by these early thinkers: The Concept of Production and Technology Ancient leaders stimulated private production and technology through various means including public recognition and awarding of prizes to successful inventors and producers. Economies of Scale Ways and Means was a short treatise on economic development written by Xenophon, which showed an understanding of the importance of taking advantage of economies of scale in production activity and advocated for laws promoting foreign merchants. Administration of Agricultural Land Agriculture was considered the most dignified occupation. In ancient India, the state took a leading part in developing agriculture and also demanded a fixed share of the gross produce. Price system The early law codes from Sumer were the first (written) economic formula, and had many attributes still in use in the current price system today, such as codified amounts of money for business deals (interest rates), fines in money for wrong doing, inheritance rules, laws concerning how private property is to be taxed or divided, etc. Grain and Labour Inputs Relationship The Erlenmeyer tablets gave a picture of Sumerian production in the Euphrates valley around 2, 200 2, 100 B.C., and showed an understanding of the relationship between grain and labour inputs (valued in female labour days) and outputs and an emphasis on efficiency in production. Output of Work The Egyptians measured work output in man-days. Monetary Units The Egyptian fraction and base 60 monetary units were extended in use and diversity to Greek, early Islamic culture, and medieval cultures. By 1202 A.D, Leonardo Pisa Fibonacci use of zero and Vedic-Islamic numerals motivated Europeans to apply zero as an exponent, birthing modern decimals 350 years later and hence the development of monetary units. Value Subjective personal value of goods was analyzed and compared with exchange value. Xenophon gave an example of a horse which may be of no use to a person who does not know how to handle it, but still has exchange value. Theory of Fair Exchange Xenophon presented what in hindsight could be seen as the foundation of a theory of fair exchange in the market which will result in the analysis of better fit or suitability to either party who wants to purchase the same item. Division of Labour Xenophon discussed the concept of division of labour, with reference to specialized cooks and workers in a shoe making shop who specialised in different tasks. Free Trade Parakramabahu I pioneered free trade during his reign, this is evident because a war was fought with Burma to defend free trade in ancient India. Welfare In India the leaders insisted on ensuring that the population as a whole has to be well looked after. For example, Chanakya focused on issues of welfare, for instance, redistribution of wealth during a famine and the collective ethics that held a society together. Standardized Coin Currency Emperor Qin Shi Huang of Ancient China, standardized coin currency throughout the old warring states after he unified them under a strong central bureaucracy. Low Cost Loans For Farmers In Ancient China Wang Anshis political faction of the New Policies Group enacted a series of reforms that centered on military reform, bureaucratic reform and economic reform. The economic reforms included low cost loans for farmers whom he considered to be the backbone of the Chinese economy in terms of production of goods and the greatest source of the land tax. Land Tax This was a source of revenue for the Ancient Chinese government from farmers, because during that period agriculture was the main driver of the economy. Fiscal and Monetary Financing The Muslim leaders enforced various policy measures including fiscal and monetary financing, use of deficit financing, use of taxes to encourage production and use of credit instruments for banking. Banking The early Muslim leaders had shown sophisticated attempts indlucing rudimentary savings and checking accounts, and contract law. Monetary Economy Between the 8th and 12th centuries, which some refer to as the period of Islamic capitalism, a vigorous monetary economy was created on the basis of expanding levels of circulation of a stable high-value currency (the dinar) and the integration of monetary areas that were previously independent of each other. SUGGESTIONS The social organization manifested by the ancient civilizations should be critically looked at and applied to solve some socioeconomic problems still present today, especially in the developing nations. The organization of government and formulation of policies during the ancient times leaves a lot to be admired. Governments of the modern economies should pick some of these values. The concept of politics being looked at separately from economics and policy formulation should be followed in todays modern economies for faster development and equality in the distribution of wealth. Welfare economics should be taken as seriously as it was taken in ancient times. For example, during periods of drought or famine, governments should not let particular groups of people suffer and instead they should distribute the available resources to the entire population. CONCLUSION Theres no question or doubt as to whether ancient economic philosophies are still in extensive use today. The modern economy has evolved over centuries to become what it is today. The study of the history of economic thought enables the student to appreciate the contributions various writers have made to development of economics as a discipline. Although ancient economic theories were sometimes unclear, contradictory, or presented in a rudimentary manner, they form the basis of economic analysis today. These theories are still being used today by the worlds largest and most complicated and sophisticated economies. BIBLIPGRAPHY Falgas, Matthew E.; Zarkadoulia, A. Effie, (2006). Arab Science in the Golden Age (750-1258) and Today. The FASEB Journal 20(10): 1581-1586. Hosseini, S. Hamid (2003). Contributions of Medieval Muslim Scholars to the History of Economic Thought and their Impact: A Refutation of the Schumpeterian Great Gap. S. Lowry (2003). Ancient Medieval Economics. In Biddle, Jeff E.; Davis, Jon B.; Samuels, Warren J.A Companion to the History of Economic Thought. Malden, MA: Blackwell pp. 11-27. Schumpeter, Joseph (1954). History of Economic Analysis. New York, Oxford University Press.