How has leadership thinking evolved from traditional 'great man' Essay

How has leadership thinking evolved from traditional 'great man' theories to more contemporary theories of leadership - Essay Example The theories do not pursue a firm sequential pattern, although the models may be grouped by era. Leadership has evolved through eras of the Great Man theory, trait theory, behavioral theory, situational theories and contemporary theories. Great men theory suggests that some people were naturally born leaders. Trait theory looks at the elements that are common among famous leaders. Behavioral theories assert that behaviors are the single most characteristic that makes up a leader. Contingency and situational models uphold that the interaction involving leader’s characteristics and conduct and the situation at hand make the leader. Other contemporary theories focus on interpersonal elements that look at followership (Ballus, 2010, para 5). Great man theories/ Trait theories Trait theory was one of the systematic attempts to study leadership in the early 20th century. In the approach, traits of great leaders such as Winston Churchill were studies to determine what makes great lea ders. The theories developed were referred to as ‘great man’ theories as they focused on spotting the innate qualities and characteristics possessed by political, social and military leaders. Prominent leaders’ traits greatly contribute to the trait theory such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bonaparte napoleon and Abraham Lincoln. It was widely believed that people intuitive with these qualities and that simply the â€Å"great† people have them. Some of the traits put forward are such as intelligence, alertness, responsibility, insight, self confidence, sociability, motivation, persistence, initiative, tolerance, cooperativeness and drive. Others are such as cognitive abilities, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and social and emotional intelligence. In the mid 20th century, the trait theory of leadership was questioned on the basis of universality of leadership traits. It was held that no consistent set of traits differentiated leaders from non-leaders i n an assortment of situations. A person with leadership traits in one circumstance may not be a leader in another situation (Daft, 2008, p 22). Behavioral theories The limited ability of traits to forecast effective leadership led researchers to review a person’s behavior rather than personal traits as a means of increasing leadership effectiveness. Behavioral theories proponents believed that leaders may well be identified by what they do rather than what they have. Certain behaviors such as the degree of flexibility, extent of control, concern for task accomplishment and concern for the followers determine the kind of leadership to exercise. For instance, McGregor held that leaders treat subordinates depending on the postulations they hold with regard to what energizes workers. In his theory X, McGregor presents a pessimistic view of workers whilst theory Y presents a fairly optimistic view of human nature. Leaders who subscribe to theory X consider that workers need to be controlled and threatened to make them work, which results in adoption of an autocratic style of leadership. Theory Y style of a leader believes that workers are rational people who consider work as part of everyday life. As such, the leader uses a participative/democratic style of leadership. Leader attributes in behavioral theories morphed from inherent to particular and teachable. Apparently, leadership styles could be learned as behavioral theorists created training programs. Behavioral theor

International Human Resourse Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

International Human Resourse Management - Essay Example However, in the recent years, the relationship has improved. The mining deals between Congo and China are based on a win-win strategy whereby China assists the country to develop its infrastructure as China gains in terms of raw materials. Despite this, there have been controversies over the deals with some people seeing the deals as only beneficial to China alone. Investment in Congo by China through the state supported CHINALCO has been faced with controversies. The major issue is on the employment and management of human resources. In the recent years, China has grown to be a very ecumenically influential country. The economy of China has developed to one of the highest in the world. Its influence in manufacturing and technology is felt everywhere (Alden, Large, 2008, 67). Chinese products are found in every country. The economic development in China has come with challenges to the Chinese. To sustain the development, a lot of raw materials are required. The manufacturing industry in the country requires a lot of fuel in terms of oil. Unfortunately, China does not have enough raw materials. Thus, China opts to import the raw materials from other countries. Africa has been the best option for importing the raw materials from. Most of the African countries also have resources that have not been exploited. In addition, most of the African countries are underdeveloped, faced with poverty and without capital to develop their natural resources. Due to this situation, most African countries welcome foreign investment from Chinese firms. Chinese foreign investment is aimed at acquiring control over mining industries. The manufacturing industry in China requires a lot of minerals which amount to thousands of tonnes. These minerals are not available in the country and China has to source for minerals from foreign countries. The prices of minerals and other resources in most developed countries are high (Alden, Large, 2008, 78). Most Chinese companies that deal in the mining industry deal with minerals that are required in the manufacturing companies in the country. Thus, most of the foreign investors receive government support to invest in other countries. Most of the Chinese government's support to their foreign investors comes in form of subsidies. The government also invests in infrastructure in the host countries to make the environment for business to be better (BBC, 2008, 1). In addition, the Chinese government makes deals with the host country to make the business environment favourable. The minerals which China has been interested with include: Oil, Cobalt, Cooper, Diamond and other minerals. The success of China in the mining industries of other countries has been contributed to by their different acquisition approaches. The deals between Chinese companies and the host countries allow the Chinese companies to exploit the natural resources while the Chinese government assists in the development of the countries' infrastructures. The growth of the Chinese economy has led to the development of

Recrystallising acetanilide

Recrystallising acetanilide The aim of this experiment is to establish the most suitable solvent required for recrystallising acetanilide, and to exhibit the methods of vacuum filtration and recrystallisation. Experimental Method (for selection of a suitable solvent): Four solvents: dichloromethane, methylated sprits, petroleum ether and water were tested to see how appropriate they were for recrystallising acetanilide. Impure acetanilide (0.1g) was inserted into a small test tube and whilst continually shaking the test the solvent was added drop by drop. After 1cm3 of the solvent was added!!!!? the mixture was then heated till it was boiling using the water for the organic solvents bath in the fume cupboard once approximately 1mL of solvent had been added. As the acetanilide was dissolved the test tube was cooled to see whether recrystallisation occurred. The same method was repeated out for all four solvents. Experimental Method (for recrystallisation of acetanilide): Impure Acetanilide (4g) was weighed out using a rough balance into a conical flask (250mL). A suitable amount of the solvent from the previous method [water (1mL)] was used to wet the crystals. The mixture was then boiled gently, and more solvent was added until all the sold had dissolved. Using the filter paper obtained from the pre-heated funnel the boiling solution was filtered. This was done into a pre-heated container so that rapid cooling as avoided. The flask containing the hot solvent was covered and allowed to cool slowly. When a noticeable amount of solid had formed and the solution had cooled considerably, the solution was placed in an ice-bath to speed up the process. The filter paper was wet with the solvent then using vacuum filtration the crystals were separated from the rest of the solution. Using cold solvent (5mL approximately) the crystals were washed. The crystals were kept on the Bà ¼chner funnel until they were almost dry. The damp material was transferred to a labelled watch glass and then this was positioned into a vacuum oven of a set temperature lower than the melting of the pure solid. The dry purified product was weighed and packaged into a labelled plastic bag. Why I chose water for the larger scale recrystallisation: This is because when cooling, water out of the four solvents dissolved completely and the most crystals were formed. Also water is the most suitable solvent because it has the best polarity. The covalent bonding between an oxygen atom and two atoms of hydrogen form a water molecule. Atoms share electrons between these covalent bonds. The sharing of these electrons is not equal in water as the hydrogen atoms have a weaker attraction to the electrons than the oxygen atoms. Hence the distribution of charge in water is asymmetrical. Molecules are known as polar when they have ends with positive and partially negative charges. The reason for why water is able to dissolve a number is substances, is due to this polarity that enables water to separate polar solute molecules. Waters polarity makes gives it the property of being a good solvent. Water molecules surround polar or ionic compounds that enter water. One molecule of solute can be surrounded by many water molecules as the size of water is relatively small. The positive dipoles are attracted to negatively charged components of the solute and vice versa for the negative dipoles. The hydrogen bonds in water are always being formed and broken hence liquid water has a partially ordered structure. The high cohesiveness of water is due to the strong hydrogen bonds and this also results in high surface tension. This is why water remains together as drops when on a non-soluble plane. Additional reasons for why water was the most suitable solvent: i. It was cheap to use water as the solvent ii. When the water was boiled at a temperature below the acetanilide melting point. iii. At room temperature the acetanilide appeared to have low solubility when it was in water. iv. The water was also not toxic or flammable. v. When the acetanilide was heated to boiling in water it seemed to have high solubility. The main points in the procedure where the sample is lost: There are a number of ways in which the sample can be lost throughout the experiment: One of the reasons is whilst carrying out the practical some of our sample was spilt accidently by one of our neighbouring colleagues so our yield was less that what would have been expected.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The sample may have been lost during the transfer stages i.e. when the sample was transferred to the conical flask some of the sample may have remained in the weighing boat as it is unlikely you can get a 100% transfer. Further sample could have been lost when it was transferred from the conical flask to the Bà ¼chner funnel when washing the conical flask using distilled water. Furthermore, sample could have been lost by the transfer of sample from the Bà ¼chner funnel to the watch glass. Also when the crystals were transported into the glass plate as part of the sample may have got trapped to the pot and remained in the vacuum. When we used the filter paper to filter the acetanilide crystals some of the residue maybe have remained on the filter paper resulting in less sample.  · Why low boiling point solvent such as diethyl ether (BP: 35à ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ °C) or dichloromethane (BP: 40à ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ °C) are general les suitable for recrystallisation than higher boiling point solvents, such as water or ethanol, irrespective of their polarity: One of the technicians had said in the practical that Dichloromethane has an occupation explosive limit (OEL)..!!!. Both diethyl ether and dichloromethane are the best solvents to consider as they are both flammable which is a safety hazard. Dichloromethane (DCM) is not as suitable because it evaporates more readily at room temperature (due to its low boiling point) which does not allow time for the crystals to dissolve. Also the impure compound would not have enough time to dissolve as well as the DCM would evaporate before hand.  · Why the solubility of paracetamol in water is several times higher than that of acetanilide by looking at the structures: Because the paracetamol contains an OH group hence it makes it more polar than acetanilide so it dissolves more readily in water which is also polar. Conclusion: In conclusion, water was found to be the most suitable solvent to dissolve acetanilide out of the four solvents in investigation. The yield of crystals formed is greater with a larger scale of production.

The U.S. and The S.O.A. :: Essays Papers

The U.S. and The S.O.A. In its dealings with foreign nations, the government of the United States has repeatedly rushed past seeking diplomatic solutions to problems and utilized its military superiority or money to achieve the outcome it desires, regardless of civilian casualties that might occur along the way. Time and again, it has violated human rights or contributed to such violations. In some cases, the actions of the government have backfired and an ally that the U.S. was assisting at one point in time to achieve its own ends reverses itself and becomes an enemy. Whether that happens or not, many well-informed citizens are concerned for the welfare of the peoples in other nations and what the United States government is doing to them. In a democracy, where majority rules, issues such as U.S. involvement in human rights violations needs to be brought to the attention of more citizens. For issues pertaining to Latin America, this is all too apparent. It is too often overlooked, yet the U.S. maint ains a strong influence on most, if not all, of its nations. All over the world, the United States government uses its influence to achieve its own goals, even when those goals harm the peoples of foreign nations. The solutions which the U.S. uses to solve its foreign problems are generally temporary and have many negative consequences in the long run. The two most noteworthy occurrences which show these results are the two most difficult issues facing America in the present day. The opponents that the United States now faces were originally assisted by the U.S. during the 1980s. The two foes are Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Osama bin Laden gained assistance from the CIA in 1979 in what has been called â€Å"the largest covert operation in the history of the CIA.†[1] This was during the Cold War period when the Soviets had invaded Afghanistan, causing an uproar by the Afghani people, who began a jihad against the Soviets. In order to stop the spread of Communism, the United States wanted to rid Afghanistan of the Soviets.[2] So, the CIA, using the Pakistan's military Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as a middle-man,2 assisted the Afghani fighters by dramatically increasing arms supplies -- a steady rise to 65,000 tons annually by 1987, by training them in guerrilla techniques, and by maintaining a "ceaseless stream" of CIA and Pentagon specialists who traveled to the secret headquarters of Pakistan's ISI.

Children Literature

Children Literature in a Pluralistic Society Mariela Cuevas ENG/290 June 1, 2012 Dr. Denese Wolff How theoretical models and critical approaches apply to children’s literature. The importance of understanding the complexity of the way children’s learn is crucial. Each age faces a different challenge and opens a door to a new learning step. Children are like sponges and the responsibility of teaching children is an experience that only teachers that have the passion of education can understand.Children develop a personality and character within the first seven years therefore selecting a good school is as important as creating good food habits, sleeping routine, or reading the appropriate books. Every action can create an impact in a child. Prospective teachers have the responsibility to learn how children develop and the complexity of each age. Learning to understand children’s abilities and curiosity can only be a benefit for the child and the teacher. The book selected is â€Å"The Giving Tree† by Shel Silverstain.This book offers a message that teaches a good lesson about the importance of giving and receiving. The book is very simple vocabulary, and nice simple designs as well. Easy to read, and understand. â€Å"The Giving Tree† offers a simple environment in which the reader can relate. The little boy growing at the same time as the tree is. The tree offers any assistance to please the boy without expecting anything in return but company and fulfilled the need of being needed. The history at the end leaves a good sensation. There are many theories about the child development; however, four of them are relevant to mention.The theory of Jean Piaget focused on the intellectual development. Erik Erikson wanted to understand better about children social development, and Lawrence Kohlberg focused on the moral side. The fourth theory from Vygotsky although explains about social development differs significantly from the rest of theories. One theory that would apply for this book would be the Kohlberg’s Theory of the development of moral judgment in which children start learning about what is right and wrong in life. Kohlberg divides his theory in two stages, or levels, the pre-conventional and the conventional. The Giving Tree† is a book in which children read about giving and receiving. Children learn about sharing moments fun and not so happy too. The book also touch the subject about the evolution of life starting with a little boy looking to play in the swing and ending with an elder man looking to sit. Books as â€Å"The Giving Tree† can offer a different message during the childhood, because every age has a different level if understanding therefore â€Å"The Giving Tree† is a highly recommend lecture for children even after the elementary age.

The Indus and Aryan Civilizations, and the Maurya and Gupta Empires in India

The Indus and Aryan Civilizations The Indus civilization, an ancient civilization in South Asia, existed from about 2700 to 1750 BC. It is sometimes referred to as the Harappa civilization; one of its major centers. It stretched from north of the Hindu Kush down the entire length of the Indus and beyond into peninsular India. The Indus civilization is known only from archaeological evidence. Its origins traditionally were viewed as the result of the diffusion of farming and technology from more advanced cultures in Mesopotamia and on the Iranian plateau to Baluchistan and ultimately to the Indus Valley. One of the most important centers of Indus civilization was Mohenjo-Daro, situated along the west bank of the Indus River. Like most cities of the Indus civilization, it consisted of two major areas of occupation: a high citadel to the west and a lower city of domestic dwellings to the east. The Indus people supported themselves by irrigation-based agriculture. They grew domesticated rice, wheat, and barley, and they may have cultivated dates and cotton. Among the first people in the world known to have kept chickens, they also had dogs, buffalo, and humped cattle. They may also have domesticated pigs, horses, camels, and, possibly, elephants. The Aryan was a tribal and nomadic people who lived far away in Euro-Asia. They were unquestionably tough people and they were fierce and war-like. So their culture was oriented around warfare, and they were good at it. The Aryans first settled along the Indus River, in the same place where the Harappa people had lived. They settled down and mixed with the local Indian people. They lived there from about 1500 to 800 BC. It seems to be at this time that the caste system began in India. It was the Aryans who developed Hinduism, and also the classical language of Sanskrit. Aryans created four main castes. The top castes were made up of priests, kings, and warriors. The lowest caste was made up of workers who served the higher castes. Under the caste system, people could not rise to a higher caste. The Maurya and Gupta Empires in India The Maurya Empire was a geographically extensive and powerful empire in ancient India, ruled by the Mauryan dynasty from 321 to 185 BC. Originating from the kingdom of Magadha in the Indo-Gangetic plains (modern Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bengal) in the eastern side of the Indian subcontinent, the empire had its capital city at Pataliputra (modern Patna). The Empire was founded in 322 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, who had overthrown the Nanda Dynasty and rapidly expanded his power westwards across central and western India taking advantage of the disruptions of local powers in the wake of the withdrawal westward by Alexander the Great's Greek and Persian armies. By 320 BC the empire had fully occupied Northwestern India. The Gupta Empire was an Ancient Indian empire which existed approximately from 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gupta, the dynasty was the model of a classical civilization. The peace and prosperity created under leadership of Guptas enabled the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavors. This period is called the Golden Age of India and was marked by extensive achievements in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion and philosophy that crystallized the elements of what is generally known as Hindu culture. Buddhism and Hinduism (Differences ; Similarities) They share some important beliefs – they both believe in reincarnation and the cycle of samsara – birth, life, death, and rebirth and in the influence of karma on the circumstances into which you will be born in the next life. They both believe that the ultimate end is to escape from the cycle of rebirth. The only differences are Buddhism believes in matter and soul and there is no place for God, while Hinduism in addition to matter and soul considers God as the creator of the universe. Buddhism is missionary religion which aims at converting entire mankind to the doctrines of Buddha; while Hinduism never seeks converts and it has no definite organization like the Buddhist sangha.