Can a company strive for large profits while truly caring to the well Literature review

Can a company strive for large profits while truly caring to the well being of the general population - Literature review Example Responsible business enterprises strive to improve business performance, make profits, and contribute to the economic progress in the community. However, several business leaders are only interested in community activities that increase their profits. Social responsibilities of businesses are not restricted to profitable ventures. The organization can participate in activities that improve the conditions of the general population without direct or indirect profits. The big question is whether a business can remain profitable while caring for the wellbeing of the general population. Hill, R.P., Ainscough, T., Shank, T., and Manullang, D. 2007. Corporate social responsibility and socially responsible investing: A global perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 70, 165-174. The current economies face issues of responsible business conduct such as product quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and compliance with laws and industry standards. These responsibilities originat e from the desire to make profits, which is determined by the relationship between the business and the society. Businesses rely on customer satisfaction to improve their profits margins. Customer satisfaction is caused by the attractive business activities such as services offered, environmental conservation, and product quality. These activities portray responsibility on the side of the business. The wellbeing of the general population is determined by responsible activities by the business. The standards of responsible business conduct go beyond the traditional expectations of maintaining morality. Business enterprises are members of the community, and they must enrich the economic and social conditions of the community. Improving the social and economic conditions of the community improves the wellbeing of the population (Porter and Kramer, 2006). Pursuing profits and economic superiority does not license ignorance or break of community norms, values, integrity, and respect. The business must engage in activities that uphold the morals and values of the society. Some activities such as advertisements may compromise the norms and beliefs of the society. Communities such the Chinese are conservative and are affected advertisements that involve body exposure and romance. Violent and immoral advertisements destroy the moral values of the community. Violence and immorality affect the wellbeing of the community and businesses participating in such activities may experience disapproval by the community. The general population provides market for products and businesses that overlook community norms and values are likely to make losses. Global business organizations have to uphold and respect different societal values and norms depending on the traditions of the community they operate. This determines the amount of profits acquired by business units across the globe (Gege, 2004). The objective of social responsibility of businesses is to generate the capital requi red for operations. Success for any business is measured in terms of profits and losses incurred. Businesses must cover the cost of capital, cover risks and uncertainties, and the needs of workers and pensioners. Businesses may be forced to compromise the quality of their products in order to maximize their revenues. This involves altering the material quality of products

What Literacy Means Essay Example for Free

What Literacy Means Essay For me literacy is very important and has a really strong impact in my life. When I was a kid I remember my father always telling me â€Å"the more you know the better it is†. I never really understood what he meant nor did I pay that much attention. I must admit that I was pretty rebellious back in those days, I wanted to be independent, I dropped out college in my freshman year, started partying, binge drinking, to sum it up I just didn’t wanted to listen or take any advice from my parents or the people that cared for me. They saw the mistakes I was making and the destructive path I was heading to, it was like they were foreseeing the future. It wasn’t until I left my country (Dominican Republic) to live in the united states that I understood what they were trying to tell me, out all the advice they gave me I could only remember the say that my father used to tell me. Society has proven time and time again, it will reward those individuals who are competent and impede those who are not, whether expressed in terms of employment opportunities (job success) or just on a social level. One needs look no further than their everyday activities in order to realize how important literacy is. Without adequate literary skills one may not be able to identify on a label the correct amount of medicine to give a child, or read and interpret a sign giving instructions on what to do in case of a fire. These two examples bring perspective to literacys importance. Nevertheless, recent surveys have indicated that, 4. 5 million Canadians, representing 24 percent of the eighteen-and-over group, can be considered illiterate (Adult Illiteracy 5). Illiteracy is truly a problem within Canada. Although many groups are working to render the problem of illiteracy, much work still lies ahead. As our society moves on into the next century literacy is proving vital to economic performance. Without basic literary skills in ones possession they will become lost in our rapidly changing society. The modern worker must be able to adapt to the changing job-scene. This often means gathering new skills and knowledge from printed material, whether instruction manuals, computer programs, or classroom training (text books). It is quite commonly the case that highly skilled jobs require a high level of literacy. Therefore, literary skill level is an important factor in predicting an individuals economic success. It will affect an individuals income, their employment stability and whether they even receive employment opportunities. Presently, our world revolves around literacy. Simply being literate allows one to continuously upgrade ones literary skills to a higher level. It allows one to stay informed of happenings in and around the world through mediums such as newspapers and magazines. Knowing current news about what is going on in this ever changing world of ours is the key to staying ahead. Another thought to ponder is this, we rely on those with high literacy levels to record and document findings and happenings for future generations to reflect on. These writings would most likely be dull and inaccurate or would not exist at all without our current levels of literacy. When viewed from a social standpoint, literacy remains just as important as when viewed from the economic standpoint. Linda Macleod of the National Associations Active in Criminal Justice, points out that, 65 percent of people entering Canadian prisons for the first time have trouble reading and writing, low literacy is part of a constellation of problems that can limit choices in life and thus lead people to criminal activity (20). Somebody in possession of a high level of literacy will most likely be well informed and tend to make wiser decisions. By obtaining this level of literacy they have also gathered a large vocabulary giving those many words to choose from to express their ideas and feelings. Conversely, many would agree that a conversation with one who has a good grasp of the English language is always more delightful than with one who is less educated. Literacy can act as a window, opening ones view to the world. Presently, we are being bombarded with information, news, trivia and gossip (not that this is always a positive feature in our lives). Without sufficient literary skills one cannot even absorb any of this information. These people will miss out on many of lifes benefits, socially as well as economically. Without sufficient literary skills one would have a tremendously difficult time functioning in our current world. Think about your average day, consider how many times you refer to your literary skills to aid you, could you function without those skills? Finding an address, reading a map, reading a menu, performing a bank transaction, these are just a few common tasks that require your literary skills. Also, when looking at the importance of literacy to our nation, its value is evident. High levels of literacy throughout all sectors of Canadas workforce are necessary, low  literacy levels of workers affect Canadas ability to perform in the increasingly competitive international marketplace (Literacy 7). Literary skills become building blocks. By first creating a well-educated society, then a highly skilled labor force which can compete and adapt to the changing market. These factors lead to an increase in economic growth within the nation which in turn, results in a higher standard of living for its people. As our society moves forward into the future, a higher level of literacy will become more important to ones level of success. Where would our society be without our ability to exchange knowledge and information? How many times have you made a purchase that read on the outside instructions inside? You and I think nothing of this, and in a sense take our gift for granted. For many, deciphering written instructions is a near impossible task, asking for assistance does little more than to further lower their self esteem. Literacy is important. To truly seize the benefits possible in ones life it has to be accepted that literacy is the key. Society will continue to reward skilled individuals and disadvantage those who are not.

Two Women in Proverbs 9 Essay -- Religion Bible Proverbs 9 women Essay

Two Women in Proverbs 9 Proverbs has always been one of the most renowned and loved books of the Bible. According to the prologue, it was written â€Å"to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young† (1.4), and to â€Å"let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill† (1.5). It is primarily addressed to young men, as the author makes frequent references to â€Å"my son† throughout. The purpose of this book was to help prepare young men for leadership and life. A proverb, which serves the purpose of drawing a comparison between two forms of behavior to teach moral wisdom, explicitly fulfills its role in particularly chapter 9 of Proverbs. In light of this father-to-son instruction, the author uses the personification of two different types of women in order to illustrate the two corresponding paths of life: wisdom and folly. Although there are many striking similarities of both women in Proverbs 9, the subtle differences between the two didactically imparts life lessons to young men. The speaker begins the passage of Proverbs 9, by informing that the first similarity that Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly share is the possession of a house. The only apparent difference is that Lady Wisdom has built her own house: â€Å"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars† (9.1). Lady Wisdom has not simply constructed her home, but it is given that her house is a large one, representing wealth. There is no reference to Lady Folly building her house—she sluggishly just â€Å"sits at the door of her house† (9.14). Metaphorically, the speaker of this passage is advising the young men to be hard-working, signifying the importance of diligence, which is a constant underlying thre... ...m will lead to life. The speaker is saying that it is well worth it to embark on the path of wisdom and to persevere through it for there is an unseen reward awaiting them. Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly are not mentioned in Proverbs 9 to be merely two contrasting women that the young men should be aware of when they look for a wife. Representing the two ways of life, Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly are used to bring awareness to the young men about the subtle differences between the respective routes of life. It is emphasized that every decision counts and that just one decision can mean the difference between life and death. Because the teacher knows that the young men are the ones who will ultimately make crucial decisions of their own, he uses this particular juxtaposition of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly to prepare them for what challenges lie ahead for them.

Business Messages Essay

In a traditional workplace, memos are the usual form of business messages that are sent from officers to employees. With the advent of technology, the issuance of memorandums is often limited to topics of general interest, like organizational meetings or policy changes. If I were a lead engineer in Cards4U, I’d maximize the use of faster and more efficient tools to aid me in communicating with other members of the team, as well as company executives and potential customers.   That means e-mails will be the primary source of communication among the team members, since sending and receiving messages take only a few seconds to a few minutes.   E-mail communications are convenient, does not need to be too formal, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.   The memos will be utilized to inform the CEO or customers regarding product presentations and updates. Since I’m a lead engineer in a creative design group, presentations using PowerPoint or Flash would be very useful in showcasing latest designs and innovations.   Reports are also necessary to document the progress, activities, and changes in the production department.   Face to face meetings with customers are important to establish rapport and get them to buy your designs, or get their feedback. If face-to-face meeting is not possible, conference calls can also be used.   Meeting the CEO for updates and developments would also require face-to-face encounters.   However, if the chief executive initiated conversation using e-mails, then, I should take his lead and reply using the same medium.   But if the message were sent through the more formal memorandum, then the reply would also be of that kind. More importantly, in any type of business communication that I would send, the messages should be concise, direct to the point, and professional. References Business/Professional Writing.(1995-2004). OWL at Purdue University.   Retrieved December 4, 2007, from:   http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp/index.html#business Ramsey, L. (2005). Business E-mail Messages & Professionalism.   Retrieved December 4, 2007, from, http://website101.com/email_e-mail/e-mail_business-etiquette.html Kotelnikov, V. Effective Business Communication. Retrieved December 4, 2007, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/biz_communication_main.html

Machiavelli – The Prince and Totalitarians

Another good example of this Marxist theory Is Joseph Stalin. Stalin used his military to rise to power. He killed countless people in order to come into authority and impose his beliefs on the state. Jewish virtual library explains, â€Å"Stalin consolidated his power base with the Great Purges against his political and ideological opponents, most notably the old cadres and the rank and file of the Bolshevik Party. † (Jewish Virtual Library, 1) Throughout the Great Purges Stalin imprisoned tortured and assassinated his enemies through his militaristic force.This Is a very clear display of Machiavellian theories because Machiavelli repeatedly states that military is the root of power and authority and he emphasizes that military should be used in order to rise to power. Another Machiavelli theory that justifies the actions of totalitarian rulers is the theory that it is more efficient to rule with cruelty and fear rather than love and fairness. Each of these totalitarian ruler s used this Ideology during their time as which is why people feared and respected him.BBC states, â€Å"Lenin demonstrated a hilling disregard for the sufferings of his fellow countrymen and mercilessly crushed any opposition. † (BBC, 1) This shows that Machiavellian theories did support Linen's actions because Machiavelli explains that it is better to for a â€Å"prince† to be feared rather than loved because love can come and go but the fear of pain is everlasting. Lenin proves this because he was feared and therefore people obeyed him. Another example of the use of cruelty is the cruel acts of Joseph Stalin.Stalin ruled with an iron fist and struck fear into peoples hearts. This fear is what drove hem to obey Stalin and conform to his will. Jewish Virtual Library states â€Å"It is believed that with the purges, forced famines, state terrorism, labor camps, and forced migrations, Stalin was responsible for the death of as many as 40 million people within the borde rs of the Soviet Union. † Jewish Virtual Library, 1) This follows Machiavellian theory because Stalin was excessively cruel to millions of people and was respected for a long period of time because of fear.Another theory that these totalitarians embody is the theory that a â€Å"prince† should ease their decisions on the well being of the state. For example: Karl Marx imposed his theory of communist-based Marxism on his state because he thought it was the best thing for the state. The Communist League explains â€Å"Marxist-Leninist accept the concept of social class put forward above, but hold that a person's social class is determined not by the amount of his wealth, but by the source of his income as determined by his relation to labor and to the means of production. (Marxism and Class, 1) Marx created this intricate system of classes in order to maintain order thin his state. Although it was not successful, Marx created this policy for the well being of the state, so that the state could flourish. This relates to Machiavellian theory because Marx did as Machiavelli advised. He had the well being of the state in mind throughout his time of ruling. Another ruler who followed Machiavellian theory on well being of the state was Vladimir Lenin. Lenin not only followed a Marxist trend in his state, but he also tried to improve his state's economy.BBC states, â€Å"He introduced the New Economic Policy, here a measure of private enterprise was again permitted, a policy that continued for several years after his death. † (BBC,I) Lenin introduced this policy in order to preserve the economy of his state. It lasted several years after his death, which means he was successful in doing so. Lenin laid out a structure for the state to thrive because he had the well being of the state in mind while making his decisions. This follows Machiavellian theory because Machiavelli said to make every decision based on the well being of the state.Although he w as cruel and used militaristic power, he was ultimately trying to better the state in his own way which is exactly what Machiavelli preaches. All in all, Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, and Vladimir Lenin were embodiments of the theories Machiavelli introduced in â€Å"The Prince†. They ruled and based their states on militaristic power, they ruled their states through cruelty and pain over compassion and love, and kept the well being of the state in mind in every decision they made. Machiavellian theories Justified their actions in that they each very closely followed them.Karl Marx had a strong military and had the well being of the state in mind, throughout his time as ruler, and Vladimir Lenin had a strong military and also made sure to keep the well being of his state in mind. Although the states of these rulers were not very successful and resulted in the deaths of many people, they were supported by the Machiavellian theories. The lesson to be learned is that although their actions were supported by the Machiavellian theories, they caused severe damage and terror to the world and these theories should ultimately not be used in any type of modern government.