The Link Between Social Class And Sheer - 1347 Words

Home Isn’t Where The Heart Is: The Link Between Social Class and Superficiality. Social class filters the rich from the poor†¦ However it does much more than that. Social standings often affects self image and worth. In the Victorian era one s position in this pre-defined social hierarchy affected their whole life. Observations from Charles Dickens’ classic book, Great Expectations, conceives a link between social class - particularly that of England - and superficiality. Generally, the lower a character was financially was often met with the corresponding level of how they are seen by others. These connections can be ascertained through Pip’s actions as a member of the lower class, his change in loyalty and feelings towards others ensuing his gain in fortune - specifically joe - as well as the style of narration in which the story is recalled. The way Pip conveys himself and acts as a member of the lower class represents the humiliation carried by much of the common-laborers in the Victorian era, â€Å"... I was so humiliated, hurt, spurned, offended, angry – sorry – God knows what it s name was – that tears started to my eyes† (Dickens 48). This reflects a strong sense of self depreciation and failure at a young age. These feelings was often imposed due to how strict and defined social boundaries were. The event occurs early on in the book when Pip is only beginning to be introduced to Miss Havisham and Estella and has not learned any gentleman traits yet, he feelsShow MoreRelatedA Rose For Emily Character Analysis1269 Words   |  6 Pagescharacter of Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens, The Great Expectation. The first look at Emily’s reclusive life of a lady clad in black long after her love is lost is so like Ms. Havisham that one cannot help drawing similarities between them. 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Natural Resource Requiring Intervention †Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Natural Resource Requiring Private Intervention? Answer: Introduction To register success on a start-up project, it is essential to have the support of the government and legal authorities. Sadly many the public has developed a bad reputation related to government departments and authorities due to rampant instances of corruption in the past but today many governments are changing their system of governance. The government actually offers many opportunities to entrepreneurs but to exploit them the individual or business must approach the government or department and pursue the projects. ABC ALOE GEL will be heavily dependent on the government and legal authorities to execute its business plan(Auerswald, 2012, p. 56). This is due to ABC ALOE GEL having identified an area which the government is searching for investors and stakeholders from the private and corporate sector to invest towards and assist the government managing the resource. Government Owned Natural Resource Requiring Private Intervention One of the biggest mistakes young entrepreneurs do while planning to start up a new business is looking at what others are doing and attempting to follow the crowd. This is the wrong approach to business, and entrepreneurs should be able to research the market and identify products and services which offer high demand then research on ways they can be manufactured, produced and supplied to the consumer. Business ideas which already have many entrepreneurs pursuing them are likely to fail due to low profits and limited customers. Instead one can research on areas which governments are seeking investors. Those areas and resources are usually ignored which makes it easier to establish a business and register higher success and profits as compared to conventional businesses(Sterner Coria, 2013). In ABC ALOE GELs situation the main resource is wastelands which are abundantly available and most government and local authorities are willing to lease them out for free so as to get them rehab ilitated and productive. Such resources require to be exploited as the number of investors in the field is limited thus reducing completion on the business and allowing for freedom to expand rapidly without the requirement to invest heavily on a project(Barbier, 2007, p. 300). Aloe Vera is a drought resistant crop which makes it a versatile crop which can be cultivated on the arid land using minimal compost, manure, water and labour and still be able to register attractive harvests. Licencing and Legal Paper Work Its important for all businesses to first register themselves and has all required paper work in order before starting up its operations. This makes the business a registered entity with the government and makes it legal of the business to approach the government and legal authorities regarding different projects and concerns(Steingold, 2017). ABC ALOE GEL intends to present a wasteland rehabilitation proposal to the government which shall be evaluated and reviewed before acceptance but this will only be possible f the business is legally registered. While the business may be able to gain access to wastelands for free under lease agreements with the concerned government ministry, taxation will still comply once income from the project begins being generated. Business Registration The first license ABC ALOE GEL would require securing is the business registration certificate. This certificate is very easy to secure and purposely kept affordable for all businesses. In certain countries, it is free of charge and aimed at registering businesses so the government can census the number, type, and income generated by businesses in the economy. Trade licence ABC ALOE GEL would then require securing a trade license which is important as it authorizes the business to trade in specified products and services. This license helps identify specific products and services which he business deals in thus allowing the government inspectors to monitor and inspect the businesses operation to determine if they are conducting business under their registered domain or are indulging in the trade or other products or services which may not be legal or authorizes. Trade licenses can always be revised but this will require the authorized government officer from the concerned department to undertake an inspection and approve the trade license application based on certain trade licensing criteria and guideline. Horticultural Licence ABC ALOE GEL intends on cultivating Aloe Vera which falls under the horticultural farm produce and therefore requires the business to also apply and secure a horticultural license. This required for the concerned officer to visit and inspect the cultivated area and assess the approached used to cultivate. This is also important as this would be a wasteland rehabilitation project thus the officer would require preparing a progress report which shall be monitored by the wasteland management authority who will report the projects progress. The inspection also evolutions and monitors the use of harmful and toxic chemicals which may be harmful the flora and fauna in the surrounding areas as well as the underground waterbed. Pollution Management Certification Pollution has become a major concern in the 21st century and ABC ALOE GEL will also have to comply with pollution management norms and guidelines. This requires for ABC ALOE GEL to identify and manage different environmental pollutants that may be generated on the project and ensure they have been properly disposed of. Petroleum products, polythene bags, compost, and fertilizer is all pollutants which would all require proper management to avoid damaging the environment further. Processing and Packaging Licencing To maximize profits ABC ALOE GEL would also be processing the aloe and packaging the gel for sale which would require the business to obtain the relevant processing and packaging licenses. Licencing certifies that ABC ALOE GEL has authorized machinery and technologies to process and package the Aloe gel while maintaining high standards. It also helps deliver assurance that ABC ALOE GEL is abiding by processing and packaging norms related to quality, measurement, storage, and labelling during the packaging process. Health and Safety Licences ABC ALOE GEL must comply with health and safety norms which ensure their employees and customers safety while working with or using the products. Hazards and risk management, health awareness and safety guidelines must all be followed making it important for ABC ALOE GEL to also get a Health and Safety inspection and license approvals so as to ensure smooth operations. Transport Licencing Once processed the finished aloe gel would also require being transported to the consumer, the transportation procedure can undertake by either ABC ALOE GEL or the customer. In situations where ABC ALOE GEL undertakes the transportation process, they would require having the relevant product movement permits and other applicable licenses to transport the gel. Utilize Government Department, Facilities, and Utilities Most governments have dedicated staff manning various departments scattering to different needs and operations(Georgopoulos, Hoekman, Mavroidis, 2017). ABC ALOE GEL must utilize and maintain communication and interactions with the entire department so as to improve their operations and performance. Ministry of Land and Natural resources One of the primary ministries and departments ABC ALOE GEL would be dealing with is the Ministry of Land and Natural resources due to the project intending to utilize wastelands. This would require the Managing Director to prepare a proposal and meet the concerned officials related to the wasteland reclamation proposal. ABC ALOE GEL will need to make a proposal and approach the ministry as well as report to the concerned department and officials regarding the set project goals and achievement throughout the entire lease period. This would also include applications of additional wasteland lease to expand the businesses operations making it the most important government department ABC ALOE GEL must retain communication and interactions with throughout the project Ministry of Agriculture The ministry of agriculture is another important department which ABC ALOE GEL would require to maintain constant communication with throughout the project. This is due to the ministry needing to evaluate and provide important insight and advice related to the aloe Vela plantations. It also allows the officials to study, research and monitor the project thus developing new agricultural approaches which can be communicated to farmers with regard to wasteland management and Aloe Vera farming. Revenue and Tax Department ABC ALOE GEL must also maintain close communication with the ministry of revenue and taxation. ABC ALOE GEL must be able to be accountable for income generated from the project and pay the relevant taxes. Other Government Departments and Facilities ABC ALOE GEL must be able to communicate and interact with all concerned department as each will have some connection to the business and project. All formalities and paperwork must be completed which would ensure ABC ALOE GEL operations are known and recognized by most government departments and officials. Conclusion For any business to achieve success and smooth operations it is critical that the business maintain a close relationship with government authorities and legal requirements. Governments institutions remain the cornerstone for every business thus it is vital that government ministries and department are directly involved in every project. It is also critical to ensure all government norms are addressed which makes the business legal and protected from nepotism which allows the business to operate and function freely and grow rapidly. References Auerswald, P. (2012). The Coming Prosperity: How Entrepreneurs Are Transforming the Global Economy. New York: Oxford University Press. Barbier, E. (2007). Natural Resources and Economic Development. Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. Georgopoulos, A., Hoekman, B., Mavroidis, P. (2017). The Internationalization of Government Procurement Regulation. New York: Oxford University Press. Steingold, F. (2017). Legal Guide for Starting Running a Small Business. Nolo. Sterner, T., Coria, J. (2013). Policy Instruments for Environmental and Natural Resource Management. Oxon: Routledge.

Translation Errors in the English Version of Tourism Publications free essay sample

Although many tourism publications have English translations interspersed between passages of Chinese, the quality of these translated texts is not so satisfying. Some postgraduates are often engaged in translating Chinese into English; therefore, as an English teacher, the author thinks it is necessary to discuss the errors in these translation works so as to develop good English taste among students. As for the errors in translation, there are linguistic errors and pragmatic errors. Linguistic errors, violating the language rule of English, cover such errors as spelling mistakes, subject-verb disagreements and so on. Linguistic errors are usually caused by the translator’s linguistic incompetence. In addition, each text is not purely a linguistic phenomenon, but â€Å"must be seen in terms of communication function, as a unit embedded in a given situation, and as part of a broader socio-cultural background† (Hornby, 2001,69). Since translation is regarded as an activity of intercultural communication, if the translator ignores the shift of the social and cultural situations, the transfer of pragmatic rules from his native language to the target language will lead to various pragmatic failures or errors during the inter-cultural communication. We will write a custom essay sample on Translation Errors in the English Version of Tourism Publications or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Therefore, pragmatic transfer is the main cause of pragmatic failures or errors, which can be classified into two categories: pragmalinguistic failure and sociopragmatic failure. Different from linguistic errors, the pragmatic failure or error conforms to the language rule and can be detected only in the context. In translation, pragmatic failures or errors are usually attributed to the ignorance of the translator toward the intentions of the source text sender and expectations and conventions of the target readers. Translation errors occur when a particular expression becomes inadequate with regard to the communicative function it is supposed to achieve. As to the English version of tourism publications, the translation errors can be classified into three categories: linguistic translation errors, pragmatic translation errors and cultural translation errors. 1. Linguistic Errors A glance at the English versions of these beautifully printed tourism publications will surely make you shocked by the numerous linguistic errors in them. Here the linguistic errors refer to no more than the lexical and grammatical errors, including misspelled words, inappropriate punctuation marks, misused words, and ill-constructed sentences as well, which are easy to be spotted. Lexical errors cover spelling mistakes, inappropriate punctuation marks, misused words and words collocations. Lexical errors are due to translator’s carelessness and ignorance; therefore they can be reduced without any difficulties. Grammatical errors cover the ill-structured sentences and all the other syntax structures that fail to function properly, such as subject-verb agreement errors, noun morphology errors, and verb-morphology errors etc. An ungrammatical sentence will cost readers more time to identify than a lexical error. At the same time, grammar mistakes always result in the unreadability of the text. Unfortunately, grammatical errors can be frequently seen in the English version of tourism publications, as displayed in the following short paragraph: Example 1 Forest resources is rich there with 120-odd plants, 600-odd herbs, hence a natural botanical gardens. Spread over hills everywhere, ever-green; In early spring is yellow; In may like snow is white; In late autumn is red; Like graceful maiden in summer is five-leaved chaste tree; In winter is red fruits. It is shocking that the short paragraph suffers so many mistakes that it completely lost readability. The first sentence violates the subject-verb agreement rule with the plural subject â€Å"resources† and the singular verb â€Å"is†. In addition, in common sense it is unmatchable between â€Å"forest resources † and â€Å"a natural botanical garden†. It is much worse that the following sentences are so ill constructed that they are unreadable and cannot be identified at all. 2. Pragmatic Translation Errors Most of the tourism publications are translated word for word and sentence for sentence. Therefore, even if a translation is lexically and grammatically right after careful correction, it often suffers pragmatic translation errors caused by inadequate solutions to pragmatic translation problems such as a lack of receiver orientation (which means the translator translates the source text without taking into account the target readers). The translator has to take account of the fact that a piece of information that might be â€Å"trivial† to the source text recipient, because of his source-cultural background knowledge, may be unknown to the target text recipient because of his target-cultural background knowledge-or vice versa† (Nord, 1991, 97). In the English version of tourism publications, the pragmatic errors are usually triggered by a bunch of cultural terms and proper names, which often hinder English-speaking readers from thoroughly understanding the text. 2. Pragmatic Translation Errors Caused by Cultural Terms Cultural terms, regarded as the vehicles of culture, refer to words and expressions peculiar to a certain culture, such as feudal emperors and dynasties, historical figures, idioms, allusions, etc. As the translator takes it for granted that English readers can understand the cultural terms concerned in tourism publications, he gives no further explanations or other references. As a matt er of fact, most of English readers, who lack the background knowledge about Chinese culture, are unable to appreciate these translations. The pragmatic translation errors are displayed in the following example: The carved stone is made up of the central parts of two characters â€Å"Wind† and â€Å"Moon†. Therefore the two characters are â€Å"without edges† or â€Å"boundless†. That means beautiful scenes here are boundless. The Chinese version, representing the uniqueness of Chinese culture, can be well enjoyed by Chinese readers. This part is also considered as a great challenge for translators, for foreigners don’t know Chinese characters and can’t understand the cultural connotations embedded in them. In the English version, though the translator endeavors to represent the original meaning of the source text by adding explanations, he still fails to make foreigners catch the cultural information embedded in the Chinese characters â€Å" †. After reading the English version, foreigners may understand that the view of this place is very beautiful, but may still have no clear idea about the carved characters on the stone, for they can by no means associate the â€Å"wind† and â€Å"moon† with â€Å"scenery† as Chinese people do. 2. Pragmatic Errors Caused by Proper Names Pragmatic translation errors can also be caused by the proper names translated into Pinyin, which, to English readers who know little about Chinese culture, would be no more than a mess of signs without any meaning. For instance: Example 3 There are many historical and cultural relics in Rizhao. The Ruins of Liangcheng and Donghaiyu are typical of the Longshan Culture more than 4,000 years ago. The pictograph of the Dawenkou Culture discovered along the Lingyang River was one of the oldest Chinese characters. The cliff inscriptions in Heshan were carved in the largest Chinese characters, and have been registered in the Guiness Records. Dinglin Temple where the famous literary theorist and critic Liu Xie, the author of Wen Xin Diao Long, proofread the Buddhist scriptures is situated inside the Fulai Mountain, known for its ancient culture. In the English version of 97 words (including punctuation marks) appears 10 Pinyins, only half of which can be understood as names of cities, rivers, temples, mountains or the literary critic in the text. The rest half of the proper names are inaccessible even to Chinese readers, let alone foreign tourists. For example, readers can find nothing in the text that can shed light on these two terms Donghaiyu and Liangcheng. The translation of proper names is a complex issue that can’t be tackled within a short chapter. However, as to the translation of proper names in the tourism text, it seems that Pinyin alone doesn’t work very efficiently. 3. Cultural Translation Errors Cultural translation errors are caused by an inadequate decision with regard to reproduction or adaptation of culture-specific conventions. Impacted by Chinese writing conventions, the English versions are always composed in a stereotyped way, which finds its expression in such aspects as cover-all contents and formal style, pompous diction and so on. Such stereotyped writings, unconventional to English readers, always result in misunderstanding. 3. Cultural Translation Errors Caused by Coverall Contents and Formal Style Cultural translation errors can be triggered by the coverall contents and formal writing style; namely, the English versions are inclined to cover all the things, necessary or unnecessary, in very formal languages. With detailed and formal description on every aspect of the place in question, ranging from locations, climate, transportations, food, facilities, hotels, to policies and economic issues, the English versions of tourism publications look like official repo rts lacking attraction. In addition, the stereotyped content and the structure of the text can be predicted even without reading it through. Such problems occur in almost every tourism publication issued by the official bureaus and agencies we have collected. However, due to different patterns of thought, these stereotyped writings cannot be well accepted by English readers, who, preferring the informal and succinct writing, would feel bored to read such long, flat and document-like texts. Thus the translator’s efforts proved to be no avail at all.

Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches

Extended Definitions in Essays and Speeches In a paragraph, essay, or speech, an extended definition is an explanation and/or illustration of a word, thing, or concept. An extended definition, says Randy Devillez, can be as short as a paragraph or two or as long as several hundred pages (such as a legal definition of obscene) (Step by Step College Writing, 1996). As B.F. Clouse explains below, an extended definition can also serve a persuasive purpose. See Examples and Observations below. 60 Essay Topics: Extended DefinitionDefinitionHorismus Etymology From the Latin, boundary Examples of Extended Definitions A Definition of a Gentleman, by John Henry NewmanA Definition of a Jerk, by Sydney J. HarrisGifts, by Ralph Waldo EmersonHappiness, by Nikos KazantzakisLists and Anaphora in Nikki Giovannis View of HomeThe Meaning of Home, by John Berger Observations An extended definition may explain the words etymology or historical roots, describe sensory characteristics of something (how it looks, feels, sounds, tastes, smells), identify its parts, indicate how something is used, explain what it is not, provide an example of it, and/or note similarities or differences between this term and other words or things.Introduction to an Extended Definition: FamilyWe are all aware that family is a word which eludes definition, as do other important things, like nation, race, culture, gender, species; like art, science, virtue, vice, beauty, truth, justice, happiness, religion; like success; like intelligence. The attempt to impose a definition on indeterminacy and degree and exception is about the straightest road to mischief I know of, very deeply worn, very well traveled to this day. But just for the purposes of this discussion, let us say: one’s family are those toward whom one feels loyalty and obligation, and/or from whom one derives iden tity, and/or to whom one gives identity, and/or with whom one shares habits, tastes, stories, customs, memories. This definition allows for families of circumstance and affinity as well as kinship, and it allows also for the existence of people who are incapable of family, though they may have parents and siblings and spouses and children. An Extended Definition of DamnedYoure all damned! Damned! Do you ever stop to think what that word means? No, you dont. It means endless, horrifying torment! It means your poor, sinful bodies stretched out on red-hot gridirons in the nethermost, fiery pit of hell, and those demons mocking ye while they wave cooling jellies in front of ye. You know what its like when you burn your hand, taking a cake out of the oven, or lighting one of them godless cigarettes? And it stings with a fearful pain, aye? And you run to clap a bit of butter on it to take the pain away, aye? Well, Ill tell ye: therell be no butter in hell!Composing an Extended Definition of DemocracySometimes, . . . particularly when we are thinking seriously about a complicated concept, such as democracy, we use a definition as the basis for an entire theme; that is, we write what may be called an extended definition.Purposes of an Extended DefinitionMore often than not, an extended definition informs. Sometimes you inform by clarifying something that is complex. . . . A definition can also inform by bringing the reader to a fresh appreciation of something familiar or taken for granted... Sources Stephen Reid,  The Prentice Hall Guide for College Writers, 2003 Marilynn Robinson, Family.  The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought. Houghton Mifflin, 1998 Ian McKellen as Amos Starkadder in  Cold Comfort Farm, 1995 Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren,  Modern Rhetoric, 3rd ed. Harcourt, 1972 Barbara Fine Clouse,  Patterns for a Purpose. McGraw-Hill, 2003

Euthanasia or mercy killing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Euthanasia or mercy killing - Essay Example If other people especially family members have greatly contributed towards one’s success, and one has not retaliated to improve their lives, you have a duty to die. When one becomes incapacitated to the extent that he/she cannot maintain the social fabric that has been holding the relationship together, he has a duty to die. For instance, if he has been making people happy by singing and he cannot sing any more due to illness or other factors, the relationship between him and the acquaintances is likely to weaken. In addition, in the event of living a reckless lifestyle such that nothing is saved for future medication or old age, one has the duty to die. It is irresponsible to be less concerned with one’s owns health only to rely on others when the disaster hits (Hardwig 12). Less likelihoods of the duty to die occurs when one can courageously cope with their own sicknesses or incapacitated condition rendering the patient less time, energy and resources in care giving. On the same note, some diseases will have to cost the caregivers despite the courage and strength the patient shows in trying to withstand the situation. When relatives or family members have to suffer or be very grieved because of the support you have been offering to their lives both material and moral, there is less likelihood on the duty to die. Hardwig, again, argues that the duty to die is very real and possible and wonders the bioethics dismissal of the claim. It is the individualistic fallacies that drive us to think that we have no duty to die. Human beings are held together by kinship ties and the decisions we make impacts others. We share houses, finances, successes, as well as... The essay refers to John Hardwig, who says that there is always a duty to die. There are circumstances that increase the likelihood of the duty to die; one’s illness, history and age. He gives several considerations that clarify the definition of the duty to die. First, if prolonging life will pose more burdens to relatives including loss jobs, financial challenges and emotional stress to the caregivers, there is a very high degree of the likelihood to die. The essay brings a contradictory point now. If people have lived a very poor and difficult life, they have not enjoyed a satisfactory share of what life has to offer, especially as a result of their own flaws, they have a duty to die. Less likelihoods of the duty to die occurs when one can courageously cope with their own sicknesses or incapacitated condition rendering the patient less time, energy and resources in care giving. The essay comes back to Hardwig, who argues that the duty to die is very real and possible and wo nders the bioethics dismissal of the claim. As defined earlier in this essay, the ultimate goal of euthanasia is an act that is intended to shorten the patient’s life medically with the aim of relieving his suffering. In conclusion, shows that the issue of euthanasia will continue to elicit widespread debate owing to its implications on religious, moral and ethical considerations. John Hardwig raises a fundamental yet weighty debate by claiming that people have a duty to die in spite of their common objection to such an idea.

Strategic Marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Strategic Marketing - Research Paper Example The analysis of the competitive environment of Skoda shows that, there is a very high threat of new entrants. The major competitors in the Super mini segment in the UK car industry in recent times are Corsa, Fiesta, Clio, 206 and Punto. Among the main competitors the inter-firm rivalry is very high. High competition gives rise to stiff rivalry. In this situation if we analyze the strengths of Skoda cars, we can know that the company has a very strong brand image. The brand image is created through its strong reliability and quality and good performance statistics. The strong brand image has resulted in increasing market share and profits. The following graph shows the growth in the market share of Skoda cars: The strong market position has resulted in a very low threat of substitutes. The image of Skoda cars has taken a drastic change, from a very dull model to a sexy car. Hence, this has made the bargaining power of the consumers very low. The strong product features combined with the effective advertising strategy has made the consumers turn their focus away from the price tag. The distribution network of the company is very strong because of strategic alliances and partnerships with dealers and suppliers. The strong market position has brought down the bargaining power of the suppliers and the company has benefitted by consolidating its supply chain which is very essential in maintaining the quality of the product. It is obvious that in any ... If the customer likes a product/ service, then the company starts to grow and its relative strengths also tend to increase and the company strives to serve the customer better and this becomes a cycle. In case of Skoda cars, the same argument holds good. The quality of the car speaks high about the company which is obvious in its financial results and this has increased its bargaining power of the company with its suppliers. Also the preference of the consumers towards the car has increased which has further increased its bargaining power with the consumers. But the point that has to be taken into consideration is that, there is a very high level of rivalry among the existing firms and also there is a high threat of new competition. The five forces suggested by Porter has to be combined with SWOT analysis, to adopt differentiation as its main strategy to stay ahead of competitors. The differentiation now planned by the company is regarding the research and development. Skoda has abou t 1300 engineers dedicated to develop new trendy designs taking into consideration the nature of Asian and Eastern Europe. In future the company has to focus on its strength of design and performance to have competitive advantage. Also it has to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of its competitors and has to combine with its own strengths to develop a differentiation strategy. COMPANY'S RESOURCES The analysis of the current resources of the company to develop a sustainable competitive strategy is very essential. The following are some of the resources that the company has which can be used to develop a strategy to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage: The company has a very long history of developing fine designs. Its

Conflict Resolution Essay Example for Free

Conflict Resolution Essay Merriam-Webster (n.d) defines conflict as, â€Å"the opposition of persons or forces that gives rise to the dramatic action in a drama or fiction†. Interpersonal conflicts, whether they are between family members, students and teachers, employees and supervisors, or groups, have certain elements in common. Coser (1967) asserts that conflict is a struggle over values and claims to scarce status, power, and resources, in which the aims of the opponents are to neutralize, injure, or eliminate the rivals. (p. 8) Coser’s definition grew out of the cold war, when conflict between the United States and the former U. S.S.R. dominated Western method to conflict. Conflict was viewed as a win-lose solution. According to Dana (2001) there are only three ways to resolve any conflict; power contests, rights contests, and interest’s reconciliation. Power contest is based on Coser’s (1967) win-lose situation. Each party views their point as right each wanting power over the other. Rights contest is an orderly system which has rules, regulations, policies, precedents and a hierarchy of authority which is used in order to â€Å"win† again this model is a win-lose resolution. The solution to conflict resolution is interest reconciliation. This approach enlists support from both parties to find the best solution. All parties win with interest reconciliation model as their solution. Conflict in the workplace is a condition between or among two or more workers whose jobs are independent, who feel angry, who perceive the other(s) as being at fault, and act in a way that causes a business problem. Conflict has three elements feelings (emotions), perceptions (thoughts) and actions (behaviors). â€Å"Psychologists consider these three the only dimensions of human experience. So, conflict is rooted in all parts of the human nature† (Dana, 2001, p. 5) some confuse conflict with indecision, disagreement, stress, or some other common experience that may cause or be caused by a conflict. However, those elements are not best handled by conflict resolution. The question many ask, is conflict normal? Conflict is a fact of any organizational life. On the job, conflict is a stubborn fact of organizational life (Kolb and Putnam, 1992, p. 311). Rather than seeing conflict as abnormal, Pondy (1992) suggests we view organizations as arenas for staging conflicts, and managers as both fight promoters who organize bouts and as referees who regulate them (p. 259). In addition, Pondy states that in the company, agency, or small business, conflict may be the very essence of what the organization is about, and if conflict isnt happening then the organization has no reason for being (p. 259). One study surveyed workers and found that almost 85 percent reported conflicts at work (Volkema and Bergmann 1989). With an increasing awareness of cultural diversity and gender equity issues, it is essential that employees become familiar with issues surrounding promotions and harassment. In fact, one can see training in organizations as a form of preventive conflict management (Hathaway, 1995). The recognition of the frequency of conflict at work has led to books on mediating conflict in the workplace (Yarbrough and Wilmot 1995), showing how managers can learn conflict management skills to intervene in disputes in their organization. As employees, daily work with clients, customers, co-workers, or bosses can be a struggle. Conflict is as Wilmot (1995) wrote, What determines the course of a relationship . . . is in a large measure determined by how successfully the participants move through conflict episodes (p. 95). Conflict resolution has five styles, giving in, avoiding, fight it out, comprise, and work together style. No style is right or wrong; however some do work better than others. Accommodation, giving in to the others wishes or smoothing waves sacrifices ones own goals for the sake of the other person. Accommodators often use phrases like: Whatever you want is fine with me. When one party in a conflict genuinely does not care about the outcome of the conflict, accommodation may be the right choice for that situation. However, if accommodation is the only style a person utilizes, he or she is advised to learn more skills. Avoidance is characterized by behaviors that either ignore or refuse to engage in the conflict. While avoidance is by some consider a negative style that shows low concern for both ones own and the other partys interests, there are sometimes strategic reasons to avoid conflict. For example, when the relationship is short-term and the issue is not important or when the situation has a potential to escalate to violence, avoidance may be the prudent choice. Fight it out, competition, or win/lose, style maximizes reaching ones own goals or getting the problem solved at the cost of the others goals or feelings. While always choosing competition has negative repercussions for relationships, businesses and cultures, it can occasionally be the right style to choose if the other party is firmly fixed in a competitive style or there are limited resources. While competitive strategy is not necessarily dysfunctional, competition can easily slip into a destructive situation. Understanding the methods and strategies of others who use competitive styles can assist conflict managers in neutralizing the negative consequences of competition and work toward a mutual gain approach. Compromise is a give and take of resources. The classic compromise in negotiating is to split the difference between two positions. While there is no victor from compromise, each person also fails to achieve her or his original goal. Finally, working together to collaborate is when parties cooperatively team up until a mutually agreeable solution is found. Compromise and collaboration are win-win solution where as the other styles are win-lose. Why do people avoid dealing with conflict? People have a natural instinct of fear and some let that fear overpower them. The fear of harm causes people to fight-or-flight. Individuals will choose the flight option when in a dangerous part of a city that they have never been in before in order to avoid danger, it shows wisdom or strength to get out a of physically abusive relationship, commendable to stay out emotionally abusive relationships. In spite of this, in some cases people have the response to flight to a false perception of harm. People overstress in their minds the emotional h arm that someone can cause harm. The same is said for conflict in the workplace, people will avoid conflict for fear of being harmed by others. Some avoid conflict because of a fear of rejection from others. These individuals feel others will withdraw their friendship or push them away causing more hurt. People have the perception if they do not risk rejection they can suppress their needs and feelings. Loss of relationship is the fear of rejection taken up a level they fear totally losing a relationship. Others avoid conflict to mask their true desires because preserving a relationship is more important than getting what they want. These individuals are trapped into believing their worth is dependant on another accepting them. People avoid conflict for fear of anger. These people do not like listening to someone who is angry. They believe another will hurt them, reject them, or leave them, and they just cannot stand to witness anger. However, anger is just anger and it is not necessarily directed toward them. Individuals do not want to be seen as selfish. In some situations people are not afraid of others reactions, but rather their interpretation of the situation. They fear that they will appear selfish. However, is it wrong to have a need, feeling, or want and to express it? Society has sometimes had it seem that way. Although, there is nothing wrong with asking for what individuals want versus feeling they are entitled to always getting what they want. The truth is if one never asks, then they are depriving people around them from being able give to them effectively. Still, people who feel their wants should not be fulfilled, regardless of what others want, fall into the selfishness category. Sometimes people avoid conflict for fear of saying the wrong thing or something they will regret. Individuals will avoid conflict rather than risk putting â€Å"their foot in their mouth† they contain their anger and frustration which often leads to that which they fear. When people have conflicts in the past that have failed so they avoid future conflict for the fear of failing those too and begin to believe the confrontation is not worth the em otional energy it takes to deal with others. The fear of failing can impact other aspects of ones life. The fear of hurting another is more than just saying the wrong thing. These individuals are extremely sensitive and caring. They would rather hurt themselves than risk hurting another. The fear of success is a fear that most over look. However, it is much like the fear of failure. Some people are afraid to get what they want; they believe they will never get it. These people feel they do not deserve what they want, the consequences of getting of what they want is regret, or the responsibility is more than they need or desire. The fear of intimacy is the most subconscious of the fears. People do not want to share their dreams, desires, and wants with others. They feel they are private and do not want to be exposed. People do not want to appear weak. If resolution involves giving in, avoiding, or compromise they may feel they appear as though they do not have confidence. People do not want the stress of confrontation. They feel it is better to avoid conflict rather than deal with the stress it will cause them in the workplace between co-workers. Our society tends to reward alternative responses to conflict, rather than negotiation. People, who aggressively pursue their needs, competing rather than collaborating, are often satisfied by others who prefer to accommodate. Managers and leaders are often rewarded for their aggressive, controlling approaches to problems, rather than taking a more compassionate approach to issues that may seem less decisive to the public or their staffs. Conflict resolution requires profound courage on the part of all parties: It takes courage to honestly and clearly express one’s needs, and it takes courage to sit down and listen to one’s adversaries. It takes courage to look at one’s own role in the dispute, and it takes courage to approach others with a sense of empathy, openness and respect for their perspective. Collaborative approaches to conflict management require individuals to engage in the moment of dialogue in thoughtful and meaningful ways, so it is understandable if people tend to avoid such situations until the balance of wisdom tips in favor of negotiation. People have certain perceptions in conflict when dealing with different situations. Culture shapes and frames each individuals interpretation of appropriate behaviors during conflicts. Conflict across cultures, whether across nations or across the diverse cultures within a country, exacerbates the routine difficulties of conflict management (Fry and Bjorkqvist, 1997). There is no clear conclusion about whether men and women actually behave in different ways while conducting conflicts. However, gender stereotypes do affect conflict behaviors when individuals act and react based on stereotypes of how men and women will/should act rather than selecting behaviors appropriate for the individual one is communicating with (Borisoff and Victor, 1997). Parties respond to conflicts on the basis of the knowledge they have about the issue at hand. This includes situation-specific knowledge and general knowledge. The understanding of the knowledge they have can influence the persons willingness to engage in efforts to manage the conflict, either reinforcing confidence to deal with the dilemma or undermining ones willingness to flexibly consider alternatives. The person sharing the message is considered to be the messenger. If the messenger is perceived to be a threat (powerful, scary, unknown, etc.) the message can influence others responses to the overall situation being experienced. For example, if a big scary-looking guy is yelling at people they may respond differently than if a diminutive, calm person would express the same message. Additionally, if the people knew the messenger previously, they might respond differently based upon that prior sense of the person’s credibility. People are more inclined to listen with respect to someone they view more credible than if the message comes from someone who lacks credibility and integrity. Some people have had significant life experiences that continue to influence their perceptions of current situations. These experiences may have left them fearful, lacking trust, and reluctant to take risks. On the other hand, previous experiences may have left them confident, willing to take chances and experience the unknown. Either way, one must acknowledge the role of previous experiences as elements of their perceptual filter in the current dilemma. These factors, along with others, work together to form the perceptual filters through which people experience conflict. As a result, their reactions to the threat and dilemma posed by conflict should be anticipated to include varying understandings of the situation. This also means that they can anticipate that in many conflicts there will be significant misunderstanding of each others perceptions, needs and feelings. These challenges contribute to our emerging sense, during conflict, that the situation is overwhelming and unsolvable. As such, they become critical sources of potential understanding, insight and possibility. How do people respond to conflict? There are three responses to conflict emotional, cognitive and physical responses that are important windows into our experience during conflict, for they frequently tell people more about what is the true source of threat that is perceived; by understanding the thoughts, feelings and behavior to conflict, a better insight into the best potential solution to the situation. Emotional (feelings) are the feelings we experience in conflict, ranging from anger and fear to despair and confusion. Emotional responses are often misunderstood, as people tend to believe that others feel the same as they do. Thus, differing emotional responses are confusing and, at times, threatening. Cognitive (thinking) are our ideas and thoughts about a conflict, often present as inner voices or internal observers in the midst of a situation. Through sub-vocalization (self-talk), people understand these cognitive responses. Physical (behavior) can play an important role in our ability to meet our needs in the conflict. They include heightened stress, bodily tension, increased perspiration, tunnel vision, shallow or accelerated breathing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. These responses are similar to those we experience in high-anxiety situations, and they may be managed through stress management techniques. Establishing a calmer environment in which emotions can be managed is more likely if the physical response is addressed effectively. Dealing with someone unwilling to negotiate can be difficult for the person who is trying to resolve the conflict. However, the 8 Step Model can be very beneficial, by focusing first on listening to the other person, and seeking to understand the sources of their resistance, the stage can be set for clarifying the conditions he or she requires in order to talk things out. This is not about being right or wrong in the situation, but a practical strategy for getting the other person engaged as a partner in the negotiation process. Another alternative is to focus on things we can do to influence conflicts in the future, rather than putting initial energy into understanding (or solving) problems we have had in the past. By remaining relatively flexible about the agenda taking on topics individuals care about, but not necessarily the most pressing issues – thus, creating an opportunity to reduce the fears associated with resistance. While the conflict may not be able to be truly resolved, some key issues that exist will be managed and will help to prevent the issues from getting worse. Power is an important and complex issue facing anyone seeking a negotiated solution to a conflict. Before negotiating clarify the true sources of power in the room: The boss has position power, associated with the carrots and sticks that come with the role. She or he may also have coercive power, supported by contracts or statute that compels employees to behave in certain ways and do certain tasks associated with the job. Some may have a great deal of expertise power, accumulated from doing your job over a period of time. Either conflict participants may possess normative power, through which they know the lay of the land in their department and, therefore, how to get things done. And either may possess referent power, through which others show respect for the manner in which the employee conducts themselves. Generally, referent power accrues to those who demonstrate a mature willingness to seek collaborative solutions. An impasse is the sense of being stuck. Impasse is the point within a dispute in which the parties are unable to perceive effective solutions. People feel stuck, frustrated, angry, and disillusioned. Therefore, they might either dig their heels in deeper, anchoring themselves in extreme and rigid positions, or they might decide to withdraw from negotiation. Either way, impasse represents a turning point in our efforts to negotiate a solution to the conflict. As such, rather than avoiding or dreading it, impasse should be viewed with calmness, patience, and respect. Multi-party disputes are complex situations, and they require careful attention and persistence. However, the same 8 Step Model can be applied to the disputes. In spite of using the same process expect everything to take a bit longer than if there where only two or three people. Patiently make sure that all points of view are heard, that issues are clarified for all to see, and that all members in the group accept the agreements being negotiated. If there are limits to the groups decision-making power, then it is important to acknowledge those limits and understand how they are perceived by all members of the group. There are many different ideas of the steps for resolution, some claim five steps while others claim six or seven for the purpose of this paper Weeks (1992) eight step resolution style is identified. Step one – Create an Effective Atmosphere Creating the right atmosphere in which the conflict resolution process will take place is very important, yet most overlook its importance. The atmosphere is the frame around the canvas which will be painted the negotiations and building of better relationships (Weeks, 1992). Step two – Clarify Perceptions Perceptions are lenses through which a person sees themselves, others, their relationships, and the situations they encounter. Perceptions have a great influence on behavior of people. Once people perceive something in certain way, even if the perception is wrong, in the mind it is that way, and often base behaviors on that perception (Weeks, 1992). Step three – Focus on the Individual and Shared Needs This step builds on the previous step as needs as the conditions people perceive they cannot do without, those conditions critical to each persons wellbeing and relationships. However, step three focuses more on skills involved in the conflict partnership approach. There are several key points to keep in mind in this step. 1) Needs are the foundation of relationship and are an essential part of that foundation. 2) People sometimes confuse needs with desires. 3) Personal needs in relationships perceived by individuals must allow for respect of the needs or the relationship (Weeks, 1992). Step four – Build Shared Power Power is a part of every relationship. However, the way people perceive and use power is seen frequently as a dirty word. Such as when people use power as means to control or to manipulate some else to get what they want. Although, power is and of itself not corrupt, it is the way in which people use their power and whether they allow such power to corrupt. Developing positive self power through a clear self-image means that we base our perceptions of ourselves not on what others expect of us or want us to be but what we believe to be our own needs, capabilities, priorities and goals (Weeks, 1992, p. 152). Step five – Look to the Future, Then Learn from the Past. All relationships and conflicts have a past, present and future. Resolving conflicts requires dealing with all three. The conflict partnership process encourages the use of positive power to focus on the present-future to learn from the past. The past experiences people face set the landscape for present and future decision making and how relate to others (Weeks, 1992). Step six – Generate Options People have the ability to discover new possibilities in their relationships as well as conflict resolution. However, both are often impaired by the packaged truths and limited vision people hold onto in times of stress, insecurity, and conflict. Generating options breaks through the predetermined restrictions brought into the conflict resolution process. Generating options imparts choices which specific steps to resolve conflicts and enhanced relationship can be agreed upon (Weeks, 1992). Step seven – Develop â€Å"Doables†: the Stepping-stones to Action Doables are the necessary stepping-stones taken along the way to resolve conflict. Doables are explicit acts that stand a good possibility of success, meet some individual and shared need, and depend on positive power, usually shared power to be carried out. Working on and accomplishing some doables can help the conflict partners see more clearly where they need to go. Many conflict partners have changed their preconceived definitions of both the conflict itself and the expected outcome due to the lessons learned and clarified perceptions through working with doables (Weeks, 1992) Step eight – Make Mutual-Benefit Agreements Mutual-benefit agreements are the next step on the pathway to conflict resolution. Conflict resolution agreements must be realistic and effective enough to survive and the potential to develop further as challenges arise in the future. Mutual-benefit agreements replace the need or want for demands, see the others needs, shared goals, and establish a standard wherein power is identified as positive mutual action through which differences can be dealt with constructively (Weeks, 1992). Conclusion Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of everyday life whether it is with family, teachers, students, friends, or an organization. The best approach to resolving conflict is interest reconciliation. It joins both parties of the dispute to find the best solution. In so doing, all parties win. People respond to conflict in three ways emotional (feelings), cognitive (thinking), and physical (behavior). All are important to the conflict experience. They allow a better awareness to best furnish a solution to the situation. An important tactic to conflict resolution is to develop persuasion skills with the ability to clearly explain one’s point of view and to argue for their conclusions and convictions. Week’s Eight-Step Process is a valuable tool in helping people to become more strategic about resolving conflict. References Borisoff, D., and D. A. Victor., (1997). Conflict management: A communication skills approach, 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Conflict, (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conflict Coser, L. A. 1967. Continuities in the study of social conflict. New York: Free Press. Dana, D. (2001). 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