Edward Cecil Sumner Father Of Black Psychology - 1241 Words

hen spoken of, Francis Cecil Sumner is considered the ‘First’. Sumner was the first African American male psychologist, he was called Father of Black Psychology. Despite the odds Francis Sumner faced, he did what many felt was impossible to do. Sumner not only did the unthinkable, but he proved that no matter who you are, what you are, or where you come from you decide your destiny. Sumner is known to many as the ‘Father of Black Psychology’. Sumner was born in a segregated community, didn’t have an education pass junior high, and was looked down upon because he was black. Francis Cecil Sumner was born on December 7, 1985 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Too many Sumner was known as the ‘Father of Black Psychologist’ because he was the first black male to receive his doctoral in psychology. Sumner completed this degree at Clark University at Massachusetts in the year of 1920. A committed scholar regarding psychology, languages, and religion, Fran cis assisted with bettering education opportunities for African Americans for the reason that he was colored† (â€Å"Francis Cecil Sumner†). As a child Sumner attended elementary school and three different States Plainfield, New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; and Norfolk, Virginia. Sumner’s father was unappeased with the caliber of prep school offered to African youth in the restricted schools available to coloreds (Francis Sumner, Max Meenes). Sumner’s father who was self-educated decided to home-school his son from elementary up to junior high.

Epic of Beowulf Essay - 1531 Words

Beowulf Word has traveled across the seas to Geatland of a great disturbance in Heorot. A threatening creature has befallen on Hrothgar, King of the Danes, and his people. In no time, a Geat by the name of Beowulf arrives at Heorot. However, why would one man, an unpopular man at that, not known of possessing any strength or talent, travel a great distance to offer his services to the Danes? Textual evidence provides that Beowulf, although he proves himself brave and strong, expresses his ego through boasting of his epic deeds, illuminating on his strength and wit. In addition to feeding his ego, it can be proved that Beowulf is out to make a legend of himself since he comes from a broken lineage, and in the time of the Danes and†¦show more content†¦A young character by the name of Unferth challenges Beowulf and his boasts. It begins with Unferth, at the feet of the King, in response to a challenge, â€Å"Are you the Beowulf who took on Breca in a swimming match on the open sea, risking the water just to prove that you could win?† (p.43, lines 504-508). This statement not only challenges Beowulf, but also goes on to suggest that Beowulf is indeed a boaster (â€Å"risking the water just to prove that you could win?†). Beowulf goes on to confirm his boastfulness: â€Å"†¦when the going was heavy in those high waves, I was the strongest swimmer of all,† (p.43, lines 533-534). To top it all off, Beowulf insults Unferth and makes him out to be a coward, which helps Beowulf portray his strength and skills even further, which is to his advantage and thus satisfying his goal more. Now I cannot recall any fight you entered, Unferth, that bears comparison. I don’t boast when I say that neither you nor Breca were ever much celebrated for swordsmanship or for facing danger on the field of battle. You killed your own kith and kin, so for all your cleverness and quick tongue, you will suffer damnation in the depths of hell. The fact is, Unferth, if you were truly as keen or courageous as you claim to be Grendel would never have got away with such unchecked atrocity, attacks on your king, havoc in Heorot and horrors everywhere†¦But he will find me different. I will show him how Geats shape to kill, (p. 44-45,Show MoreRelatedBeowulf : The Epic Of Beowulf1027 Words   |  5 Pages To begin, Beowulf the poem has a unknown author, Beowulf is an epic poem. In Beowulf he is challenged by the murderous monster Grendel, Grendel is eating and slaughtering Hrothgar the King of the Danes men and people, the king needs Beowulf s help in defeating Grendel, Beowul f ends up killing the monster and is now tormented by the monster s mother that is much larger, she is no match for Beowulf and he kills her as well, lastly it is Beowulf’s last battle after he has been king of Geatland forRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf By Beowulf2577 Words   |  11 Pagesoriginal aspects of these different religions. Due to the construction of this Beowulf, students and professors are able to study and get a true understanding of a pagans’ demeanor and how life evolves through their eyes. Throughout the epic poem Beowulf, paganism is exemplified as this epic hero falls victim to fate while embarking on his journey through life fighting monsters and chasing after his fame. To begin with, Beowulf was composed in Old English by an anonymous writer between the sixth and seventhRead MoreThe Epic of Beowulf733 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf is the oldest anglo-saxon poem written in English. The poem describes the heroic deeds of Beowulf in his fight against monsters. Even if the events narrated in the poem take place in Denmark, the poem was transmitted by oral language between the anglo-saxon even 200 years after its creation. Anglo-saxons did not consider themselves british, but vikings, and their heroes were always from Scandinavia. The author of Beowulf is anonymous. The original poem was written on sheep tanned leatherRead MoreBeowulf as Epic823 Words   |  4 PagesWhat makes an epic? Is Beowulf an epic? ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · What is an epic poem, and how does it differ from other kinds of poetry or storytelling? How have epic poems traditionally been transmitted from generation to generation? How do tellers remember these long and complicated stories? According to Robert Harris’s Glossary of Literary Terms, he defines an epic as the following: Epic. An extended narrative poem recounting actions, travels, adventures, and heroic episodes and written in a high style (withRead More Epic of Beowulf Essay - Beowulf as Epic Hero844 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf as Epic Hero Epic heroes usually exemplify the character traits most admired in their societies, and Beowulf is no exception.   Beowulf is set in the Anglo-Saxon society, a time when war was rampant among the many peoples trying to take over the different kingdoms of England.   In this dangerous, violent time people lived in constant peril and jeopardy.   These conditions only allowed people of great bravery to survive and men of outstanding courage were admired the populous.   TheseRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero1519 Words   |  7 Pageswhisked away following a journey, you have most likely read an epic. An epic by definition is â€Å"a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation†. Every epic has a main character that undergoes the same archetypal journey as all other heroes, an epic hero. There are specific qualities one must have to be considered an epic hero. Each epic hero possesses superhuman strength, displays a strong senseRead MoreComparing Beowulf And The Epic Of Beowulf937 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Roman Empire. In the story Beowulf, his actions portray him, indeed be an epic hero. Both Christianity and Paganism are both portrayed throughout the epic Beowulf. Beowulf frequently speaks of God throughout the story, while there are also many Pagan elements that are evident throughout the story as well. In addition, It s hard to ignore the Christian and Pagan elements in Beowulf. These types of elements are what define the heroic warrior in the epic Beowulf(Vengeance the Pagan and ChristianRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero711 Words   |  3 Pagesthan the writer. These â€Å"epic heros† are protagonists that fulfill their potential of greatness through using their bravery, strength and humility for good. The near ancient tale of Beowulf is a classic example of an epic story that contains an epic hero. In this tale Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, has been terrorized by a beast known as Grendel. This beast has been murdering the king’s people and no one has come close to stopping this killer. A Geat warrior named Beowulf hears of the King’s predicamentRead MoreThe Epic : An Analysis Of The Epic Of Beowulf701 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf is one of the longest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. The epic takes place in the sixth century in what is now Denmark and Sweden. The poem opens with Hrothgar, whose successful rule is signified by a glorious mead-hall called Heorot. For 12 years, a massive man-like ogre named Grendel, a descendant of Cain, has raided Heorot and killed the kings warriors. Beowulf, a young warrior from Geatland (Sweden), comes to Hrothgar’s aid, bringing 14 of his best men with him. At a feast before the endRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words   |  4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristic

Improving Your Critical Thinking Writing

The importance of critical thinking in academic work can hardly be overestimated. On the one hand, assignments on critical thinking constitute a considerable part of any curriculum. On the other hand, even when an assignment does not belong to this category, you are still expected to exercise your critical thinking abilities to successfully analyze information sources, make correct assumptions, take informed decisions and efficiently work with information. It means that improving your critical thinking will have a much broader use than you might think. What Is Critical Thinking? Thinking about the subject matter critically means perceiving the reading material with open and enquiring mind, not accepting anything at face value, being unbiased in your judgment and drawing objective conclusions as to whether the presented points of view are persuasive and trustworthy, based on the received information. The most important features of good critical writing are as follows: refusal to accept the conclusions of the author unless they are backed by evidence, statistics or sound and logical reasoning. In other words, you doubt everything you read and consider everything that isn’t supported by facts to be false or at least unreliable; ability to clearly present the reasons why conclusions and arguments of another author or authors should be accepted or rejected. In other words, you should show the line of reasoning behind your evaluation of the written work in questions; presentation of your own arguments and conclusions that shows that your line of reasoning is feasible;/li understanding that your own conclusions, evidence and arguments have limitations. What Does It Mean to Be Thinking Critically? Successful critical thinking requires a set of skills or, rather, methods of dealing with problems. All of them are trainable, so the next time you write an essay, do your best to exercise these approaches to improve your performance in the long run: Understanding the connections between ideas, concepts, facts and statistical data. When you read or hear something, you don’t simply accept the explanations given by the author but analyze what you read or hear and try to draw your own picture, creating links between ideas and facts that the author may have omitted. Ability to evaluate the argumentation of others and build your own. By analyzing the logical soundness of arguments, you should be able to make an informed decision as to whether they are to be trusted or taken with a grain of salt. Systematic and consistent approach to problem solving. Critical thinking presupposes objective, analytical approach to dealing with problems. When you encounter an issue, you study the situation carefully, evaluate different points of view and their validity and draw a conclusion only after weighing all pros and cons. Instinct, intuition and preconceived assumptions don’t come into play at all. Ability to detect any inconsistencies and mistakes in reasoning. The author may be trying to confuse you intentionally, following his own agenda, or accidentally, through genuine errors in reasoning. Either way, you should be able to find weak spots and explain what is wrong with them. Difference between Critical and Descriptive Writing One of the main problems students experience when dealing with critical thinking writing is too vague understanding of the difference between it and descriptive writing. Many students have trouble expressing their own thoughts, their agreement or especially disagreement with the original text. That is why assignments on critical evaluation of a text all too often turn into mere descriptions. Nevertheless, every critical paper is partially descriptive – a part of a critical paper is supposed to be dedicated to setting the background for your critical evaluation. The problem is that it is all too easy to let this part bloat and eat up most of your word limit. Therefore, when engaged in critical writing you should steer yourself in the right direction using following methods: evaluate the quality of proofs and arguments used in the text; mark the most important positive and negative aspects of the writer’s reasoning you can comment upon; define if they are relevant to the debate you are going to lead in your assignment; decide what would be the best way to introduce them into your own argumentation. When you try to decide on the balance between the descriptive and the critical parts of your paper, try introducing only things that are absolutely relevant. It means that if you introduce something that you believe is relevant to your line of reasoning, you should explain to the reader why it is relevant. You may think that it is only going to unnecessarily inflate the word count, but in truth, its effects will be diametrically opposite. On the one hand, it will make you think twice before introducing any descriptions – if you can’t explain why it is relevant, perhaps it isn’t relevant at all. On the other hand, by making a point of explaining how this piece of evidence contributes to your argument, you improve the critical part of your writing on the spot. The Structure of Critical Thinking Writing Critical writing doesn’t have any clear-cut, pre-determined structure – it is very dependent on the format of your particular assignment, its size and the subject matter. However, in most cases its structure can be boiled down to a more or less stable one: Introduction. Here you point out the basics of your topic. You should present the issue, explain why it is important, in what context it exists and what its potential consequences are. The introduction should close with a fragment outlining the following paper. Analysis. Define the concepts you are going to use and the method of analysis you are about to employ. Analysis is based on the examination of evidence you have at your disposal, breaking it down into constituent elements, defining their qualities and meanings and then reconstitution of these elements into a new whole. You should reconnect proofs scattered across the subject matter in a way that would prove your point of view. Remember, however, that healthy skepticism is the basis of critical thinking – question everything and don’t use it as a stepping stone for your reasoning unless you are sure you can prove it. Considering other viewpoints. Another important aspect of critical thinking is that you should never consider any perspective to be self-evident, however obvious it may seem to you. Neither should you expect it from your readers. Be ready to study the subject matter from different viewpoints, especially the ones that wildly contradict your own. Not only can other perspectives open up new vistas for deeper analysis, but it is also possible to uncover the weaker points of your own reasoning and patch them up at an early stage. If you know about points of view different from your own, study them. If there is any literature promoting these points of view, make sure to read or at least look through it. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PsLktb7HTA Studying the contexts. Study the contexts in which the subject matter exists and single out the assumptions that are based on these contexts. Interpretation of the same text may differ greatly depending on cultural, religious and ideological biases, as well as your own experiences and beliefs. During this stage of your work, you are supposed to single out the influence contexts exercise over the perception of the subject matter, so that your analysis can be more objective and independent. Defining your own point of view. Expressing your own position may be either put into a separate section of the paper or spread across its entire body. In the first case, you do things part by part and prepare the foundation for your own viewpoint until that moment. In the second case, you introduce your own voice as a member of a discussion between different viewpoints whenever you discuss these conflicting perspectives. Both approaches have their pros and cons. The first one allows you to keep your entire line of reasoning tightly in one place. The second one allows for a more dynamic debate between different points of view. Conclusion. Just like in any other type of academic writing, you should recount what you’ve found out in the course of your work and point out the importance of the results of your research. Bring all the groundwork you’ve done to a logical conclusion and accentuate the importance of your work. If it is appropriate and applicable, you may provide a short outline of further possible study on the subject. A Simple Algorithm to Set You Thinking Critically If you have trouble evaluating an idea, piece of writing or something else, try using this simple sequence of 6 questions – it will help you view every assertion in context and get a broader perspective. Who wrote it? Is the identity of the author relevant in this case? What is the position of the author? What is his relationship with the issue in question? Is he an authority on the subject? What was written? When boiled down to a minimum, what exactly was said? Did the author mention all the facts pertaining to the problem? Did he omit anything? Was what he said presented as a fact or an opinion? Where was it written? What is the source of the subject matter (book, speech, article, etc.)? What is its intended audience? When was it written? Is the time of writing relevant? Was the item written before, after or during an important event? Why was it written? What are the writer’s declared purposes? May he/she have another, hidden agenda? Does he/she try to make the situation (concept, idea, person) look in a certain light? How was it written? Does the author’s language, intonation, choice of words feel affected, emotional, sarcastic, angry or colored in any other way? Was it written in an obscure or cryptic manner? Was this way of writing intentional or not? Source: http://www.knowledgereform.com/ Following these simple steps you will be able to start putting the subject matter apart and notice previously unseen connections between ideas, circumstances and the personality of the author. Academic Voice for Critical Thinking Writing Finding an academic voice that would be your own while possessing a certain predetermined set of qualities is probably more important in critical thinking writing than in any other line of academic work. The problem is, this kind of work requires careful balance – it is all too easy to overdo things and pass as bitterly cynical rather than healthily skeptical, for example. Be skeptical but not cynical. There is a difference between refusing to accept any judgment at face value and gleefully looking for (and finding) ulterior motives in any assertion made by the author. Back up your point of view. When you express an opinion, make sure to back it with facts, evidence and logical reasoning. Your professor is not so much interested in your opinion as in how exactly you’ve reached your conclusions. Be confident but not impertinent. Opposing and taking apart someone else’s opinions and reasoning requires assertiveness, but make sure you do it in a polite and respectful manner. Be unbiased. When you analyze someone else’s writing, be sure to evaluate both its weak and strong points fairly. It doesn’t matter whether you agree with what is said or not, like the author or not, want to disprove what is said or not. Be fair and don’t omit relevant information to make your own reasoning or that of the author look in a more or less favorable light. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBPseiuLI8o Try to Imagine Yourself in Your Reader’s Shoes Try to imagine what it would be like for a stranger who doesn’t share your viewpoint to read your paper. Why should he/she believe you? Read your own writing just as critically as you read that of others. It can help you find logical gaps, faulty reasoning and just plain mistakes. If possible, ask somebody else to read your paper as well, just make sure to ask for as harsh critique as possible. In the long run, our own critical thinking is only as good as it is ready to withstand the critical thinking of others.

Cultural Impact Of The Columbian Exchange - 1153 Words

The Columbian Exchange brought direct changed that modified the cultural characteristics of many people. Though religion was a weapon of domination, it was food that created a great cultural impact. This paper will focus on the cultural impact that food had in the world, and how much Native American food contributed to the economy and culture of the entire planet. The Columbian Exchange started after Christopher Columbus’ â€Å"discovery† in 1942 of a New World. This discovery lent to the entire Western world to gain and to grow with years of expansion and discovery. The Columbian Exchange was a worldwide phenomenon that transfer plants, animals, technology, ideas and specially culture from Europe to America and vice versa. This exchange will†¦show more content†¦When La Pinta, La Nina, and La Santa Maria left Portugal for their voyage, it was expected to arrive to their destination in ninety days. They were looking for India and they found a new World. As they arrive to a small island, Columbus, in the name of the Kingdom of Spain, claimed the land and called it San Salvador. The moment that the Spaniards stepped in San Salvador the biggest cultural shock in history started. Culture is define in the Cambridge Dictionary as â€Å"the way of life of a particular people esp. a showing their ordinary behavior and habits, their attitudes toward each other, and their moral and religious beliefs†. When Columbus and his crew landed in America there was a â€Å"processes of change in artifacts, customs, and beliefs that result from the contact of two or more cultures† or acculturation as the Encyclopedia Britannica defines it. Though the changes were dramatic and many times cruel, the result of this exchange was the birth of a new culture. Spain stablished its dominance over what is now Latin America. Spanish influence expanded from the South of the now, United States to the most Southern tip of the Continent in Chile and Argentina. Many of the changes were brought to America through military conquest and political control. The Spanish Empire dominated the world for centuries. It was said that the sun never set inShow MoreRelatedThe Cultural Impacts Of The Columbian Exchange775 Words   |  4 PagesThe Columbian Exchange By definition, the Columbian Exchange is described as the transatlantic flow of goods, people, and diseases, beginning with Christopher Columbus’s voyages and discovery of the New World in 1492. (Give Me Liberty!) This interpretation, however, does not give this event the acknowledgement it deserves, as the effects of this complex transaction made a significant impact of the modern history of the world. It completely shaped the world humans live in today, from the languagesRead MoreThe Positive Effects Of The Columbian Exchange1643 Words   |  7 PagesThe term â€Å"Columbian Exchange† refers to the massive transfer of life between the Afro-Eurasian and American hemispheres that was precipitated by Columbus’ voyage to the New World . It was known as the widespread interchange of plants, animals, diseases, culture, human populations and technology between Europe and the Americas. After Columbus’ arrival to the Americas, the plant, animal and bacterial l ife began to mix between the Americas, which was also referred to as the â€Å"New World† and Europe,Read MoreWhat Was The Columbian Exchange? Essay1618 Words   |  7 Pagesresult of this was The Columbian Exchange in which there was a large trade of animals, plants, technology, culture, slaves, diseases, and even new religions. This exchange effected the way Europeans, Americans, Asians, and Africans lived their daily lives. The Columbian exchange was by far one of the most paramount events in the history of world technology, agriculture, culture, and ecology. In this research paper the following will be answered: What is the Columbian Exchange? Plants and animals transportedRead MoreThe Effects of Christopher Columbus Essay794 Words   |  4 PagesThe Effects of Christopher Columbus In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the new world; the Native Americans lives were altered through the introduction of the Columbian Exchange, Cultural changes and loss of their homeland. Columbuss discovery of the new world sparked colonization of the Americas. There was an ample amount of vast, arable land thus creating economic opportunity for the wealthy and the common-man. The people longing for this opportunity intruded on the Native Americans landRead MoreImpact Of Globalization On The World1262 Words   |  6 PagesThe impact that globalization provided to the world was a positive effect that expanded the influences from one country to another. Globalization is the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, products, ideas, and other aspects of culture. Similarities on how national markets established themselves in other countries which increases not only international trade but also cultural exchange. This increases cultural trade because it gives countries the abilityRead MorePositive Impact Of Christopher Columbus s Discoveries1247 Words   |  5 Pages Positive Impact of Christopher Columbus’s Discoveries The world is a better place because of Christopher Columbus’ important discoveries in the New World. His explorations resulted in the vast expansion of property for Europe, the exchange of goods and cultures between countries and a change in the worldview of geography. Columbus’s explorations were the catalyst for unprecedented trade known as the Columbian Exchange, which started the exchange of goods and ideas that would last for centuriesRead MorePositive Impact Of Christopher Columbus Discoveries1249 Words   |  5 PagesPositive Impact of Christopher Columbus’ Discoveries The world is a better place because of Christopher Columbus’ important discoveries in the New World. His explorations resulted in the vast expansion of property for Europe, the exchange of goods and cultures between countries and a change in the worldview of geography. Columbus’s explorations were the catalyst for unprecedented trade known as the Columbian Exchange, which started the exchange of goods and ideas that would last for centuriesRead MoreThe Age Of Exploration : John Winthrop1546 Words   |  7 Pagesarrival of Europeans brought the ideas of conquest and greed, rather than cultural diffusion and peace between the newly discovered Empires and the Old World. Conquistadors killed and ravaged everything in their path to find gold and glory, having no opinion of the natives, and leading to ideals showcased in the quotes of the first Governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop. The Age of Exploration ultimately had a more negative impact on the New World because of the invasion of European plantlife, the spreadRead MoreChristopher Columbus Hero Or Villain1658 Words   |  7 Pagesinhabited by native people, who were used by the Spaniards to help navigate and understand the landscape of the islands and also as workers to find gold. Columbus has a mixed legacy because he had positive and negative attributes; he made the Columbian Exchange, which increased the amount of plant and animal species in the New World, and is an important explorer in American history, but also began the start of the African slave trade and caused population devastation due to slavery and diseases inRead MoreA Fundamental Rule Of Networks1093 Words   |  5 Pagesthat goods inevitably come with ideas and cultural practices attached to them. They have the ability to enter any cultural environment and change it completely. In this chapter Morillo divides the commodities into groups, and the three groups of commodities that I am going to discuss include â€Å" The Columb ian Exchange†, â€Å"High value luxury goods † and â€Å"Human Commodities(slave trade)† The Columbian Exchange occurred when Columbus came to the Americas.The exchange involved a transaction between the American

Why Africa Is the Poorest Continent Free Essays

Africa: The Poorest Continent in the World By Haile Hamlett You have just been kidnapped and the war lord has gotten you so addicted to drugs you’ll do anything for him to get them. Or you can’t go to school because you have to stay home and take care of your siblings because you parents died of AIDS. This is just some of the things the citizens of the poorest continent in the world go through every day. We will write a custom essay sample on Why Africa Is the Poorest Continent or any similar topic only for you Order Now Thirty six percentof people in Africa are living on less than a dollar a day. Sixty nine percent of the population in Africa is living with HIV. Another very overlooked reason is that there isn’t enough clean wate r. Those are just a few of the reasons that Africa has become the poorest continent in the world. The education in Africa is very poor, which leads to many of the problems in Africa. Only 52% of kids are enrolled in primary education and the percent goes down as they get older. The largest reason for poor education in Africa is because there isn’t many places fit to be a school or people to employ as teachers. Most people who do receive an education are in big cities or go overseas to get their education; people who live in rural areas find it harder to get a proper education. The poor education leads to issues finding jobs that could provide more money. If there was a better educational system there would be more job opportunities and more money being offered. Out of the estimated 31. 6 people who have AIDS/HIV worldwide, 21. 6 million of them live in Sub-Saharan Africa. One main reason it’s so high in Africa is because it’s transmitted more often. This is because people don’t have enough money to get the medication they need, and have kids or pass it on, therefore infecting yet another person. Of course, AIDS isn’t caused by poverty itself, but caused by HIV. But poverty can be the reason that could make somebody more eligible to get it. Poverty can make it hard for people to get information on AIDS/HIV or how to properly prevent it. Also when you don’t have the money you can’t get tested so you could be living with HIV and not even know it. ______ has reported that about one billion people in Africa don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water. Without water you cannot grow crops which could help you feed your family or you could sell them for money to get other necessities. Without water you cannot stay hydrated while working tedious hours in the fields or out hunting. Often the nearest water source is miles away and you have to bring a jug and fill it with, often dirty, water, and carry it back to where you live. The water can create a healthier place and help slow down the spread of diseases. Although Africa is the poorest continent it could be considered â€Å"rich† with all the natural resources that can be found throughout Africa. Africa has a lot of natural resources including oil, diamonds, gold, coal, petroleum, and tropical fruits, and because its population is so spread out many of them have not even been touched. Africa is also rich with culture, even though many of the people are below poverty line they still find a way to have fun and live life. Africa may be poor in some ways but is rich in ways that can’t be taken from them. How to cite Why Africa Is the Poorest Continent, Essay examples

Leadership and Organizational Behavio

Question: Discuss about the Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Answer: Introduction The organizational effectiveness is an important part of the organizational behavior that is required to ensure the efficient functioning of the internal organizational operations. This assessment discusses the key components of the organizational effectiveness including open system perspective, stakeholder relations, learning perspective, and high performance working practices addressed by the organization of Wal-Mart to improve the organizational internal functioning (Champoux, 2010). Components of Organizational Effectiveness Learning Perspectives- Wal-Mart is a learning organization where the learning perspectives, such as training and development programs, seminars, and learning programs are important for improving the knowledge and learning experiences of the working staffs. The senior management at Wal-Mart provides a good learning environment including the adequate training and skills development through expert trainers and coaching staff, good supervision and learning from the senior team members support to assist in improving the skills, relevant job knowledge, values and abilities as well as in resolving the grievances and dissatisfaction conflicts among the staff members. At Wal-Mart, a pleasant and supporting learning environment is rendered to its employees for their skills development as well as job satisfaction that may lead to the improved employees performances and productivity outcomes. The new hire employees training program at Wal-Mart includes videos and information about the foundation and working of the company for providing the general and specific knowledge to the employees about the companys culture and expectations associated with this culture (Hellriegel and Slocum, 2012). The senior management and team leaders give directions for following principles, such as learn from the past, listen to colleagues and customers, to learn about the customers needs and preferences, learn from past, innovation and risk-taking, have clear goals and values, agree when you stand, employ the right people, admit your mistake, and enjoy while working are such fundamental principles that assists in creating a good learning and supporting environment to the working staffs at Wal-Mart store chains in Canada. The organizational learning theory by Argrys and Schon (1996) identifies the three levels of learning including single loop learning, double loop learning, and Deuterolearning for improving the learning processes and learning cultural understanding at all levels at organization. For ex- single loop learning is based on feedbacks or productivity outcomes in which an effective strategy is developed/ modified in response to unexpected productivity outcomes/results. E.g. sales falls, the marketing manager is required to investigate the root cause and tweak the strategy to bring back the sales on track. The double loop learning provides the learning to change in strategy through modifying the entire marketing or sales process after incorporate significant changes to values, strategies, and assumptions to create more efficient learning environment in order to achieve the expected results. The deuterolearning involves improving the learning processes and systems itself as it is composed of the behavioral and structural components to determine how the learning takes place within the organization. This theory could be applied to the Wall-mart retail stores in Canada to improve the learning processes, systems, and environment within the organization (Jones and Mathew, 2008). Another theory, cognitive learning theory promotes the knowledge management and information sharing system practices to create a leaning environment to all employees. This theory explains the knowledge, understanding, ideas, thoughts, perceptions, and interpretation of the employees about themselves and the environment. This theory defines learning as the outcomes of the deliberate thinking on a cognitive problem or situation based on the facts, findings, and responses in an objective and oriented manner. This theory explains that the employees learn the objects, events, and responses from the environment depending upon the meaning to the stimuli. This theory could be used at Wal-Mart stores to improve the cognitive knowledge, learning attitude, and experiences of the workforce from the environment so that they could deliver the effective customer service. Stakeholder Relationship This is another important component that is majorly responsible for the organizational effectiveness of Wal-Mart. This is an indispensable part of the organizational planning that aims to achieve the good productivity outcomes by improving and maintaining the healthy working relationships with the stakeholders. Wall-Mart is one of the leading retailing stores chains in the world that works in accordance with the stakeholder theory by putting the stakeholders needs, interests, and expectations at front. The stakeholder relationships could be achieved through a long-term commitment to a structured process by focusing on identifying and understanding the needs and interests of the stakeholders, managing their expectations, monitoring the efficiency of the stakeholder engagement activities, and continuous review of the stakeholder community. It is also necessary for the firm to treat ethically with all its stakeholders by considering their needs, interests, and expectations while impleme nting the organizational planning and strategy (Chance, 2013). According to a stakeholder theory by Edward Freeman (1984), who emphasized the importance of stakeholder relationship approach in the organizations. This theory promotes good stakeholder relationships in order to attain the desired productivity and good perforce results. According to Freeman, the stakeholders relationship could be developed and maintained within the organization of Wal-Mart to develop the stakeholders competences. Along with this, the stakeholders competences could be achieved and maintained by making commitment to monitor the stakeholders needs and interests, develop the strategies to deal with the stakeholders and their concerns effectively, categorize the stakeholders needs and interests into manageable segments, and ensure good match between the organization functions and stakeholders needs, interest, and expectations. According to another stakeholder relationship approach by Clarkson (1995), the stakeholders participation in the team meetings and organizational decision-making is important for the stakeholders interests and satisfaction as well as long-term survival of the organization. This theory could be applied to Wal-Mart store chains to protect the stakeholders interests, expectations as well as working well their rights, responsibilities, and objectives ethically. Another stakeholder approach by Botan and Hazelton (1989) signifies the value of an on-going stakeholder engagement via two-way and dialogic symmetrical communication by inviting the stakeholders in the organizational decision-making process (Griffin and Moorhead, 2013). According to this, the stakeholder relationship management could be maintained at Wal-Mart organization by involving the stakeholders participation and consistent communication for consultation, measurement, auditing, and reporting with them that may improve the o rganizational productivity by improving their performance. Noland and Phillips (2010) identifies two recent trends in the stakeholder relationship-Habermasians (moral conversation by ensuring the pleasant conditions of communication where the ethical communication to be held by avoiding corrupted or unethical practices, such as power difference and strategic motivations) and ethical strategist (improving the stakeholders engagement in an ethical way). Conclusion From the above studies, it can be concluded that the learning practices, such as training and learning programs, e-studies, and senior management support are important for improving their skills, knowledge, and work experiences of the working staffs at Wall-mart store chains. The theories related to the stakeholders relationship approach will be significant for the organization for enhancing the corporate image as well as productivity outcomes of the company by meeting the needs, interests, and expectations of the stakeholders. References Champoux, E. J. (2010). Organizational Behavior: Integrating Individuals, Groups, and Organizations. UK: Rout Ledge Publication. Chance, P. (2013). Introduction to Educational Leadership and Organizational Behavior. UK: Rout Ledge Publication. Griffin, R. and Moorhead, G. (2013). Organizational Behavior: Managing People and Organizations. Canada: Cengage Learning. Hellriegel, D. and Slocum, J. W. (2012). Organizational Behavior. 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