The Indian Culture Essay Example for Free

The Indian Culture Essay Cultural patterns define the people of a country and help in understanding their behavior, mind-set and mode of living. In India, the diverse population of the country shows some singular similarities in communication, inter-personal relations, and views about marriage and family which together constitute the unique structure of the Indian culture. Man-woman equations in the family set-up as well as the position of elders in the house are significant pointers to the culture of India. The Indian Culture Every culture has its unique characteristics which define its identity and amplify the behavioral pattern of its people. In the Indian context, the diverse languages, religions and regions of the vast country play a major part in the multifarious communication and relation markers within the same cultural texture. However, certain qualities remain uniformly similar within the assorted hues of the Indian culture. As Nirad C Chaudhuri writes: â€Å"modern Indian culture was based on a fusion of two independent and unconnected cultures, the European and the ancient Indian† ( The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian 474). The effect of long-term British colonization and the rich heritage of the Sanskrit past combine to give the Indian culture its distinctive color and identity. By nature, Indians are usually verbose and like sharing/discussing ideas with each other, at times personal problems, even communicating thoughts on public issues from politics to sports. Greetings are usually with folded hands (and the accompaniment of ‘Namaste’ in Hindi, the national language), but significantly, respect to elders is shown by touching the feet of the seniors. Greetings normally go hand in hand with queries about health and life in general. However, unlike the Western concept of a strict adherence to one’s privacy, Indians by and large want to know what’s going on in their fellow men’s lives, and the questions are expected to be answered with detailed explanation about the current situation in one’s life. Emotions run high in the horizon of the ordinary Indians’ existence, from the annoyance at the over-crowded bus to the jubilation at the Indian cricket team’s victory. The western concept of direct eye-contact while talking with colleagues or superior suggesting a honest rapport is deemed an act of shamelessness especially with someone senior in age or status. Downcast eyes are a symbol of good values and respect for the other person. The American idea of private space is difficult to follow in the Indian family set-up, especially in the joint-family structure. Time is a relative term of understanding in India, as punctuality and discipline are often dependent on the irregular schedule of public transportation, people’s habit of taking things at their own pace, and long queues everywhere. Marriage is generally a family matter rather than a personal choice in India. Men and women meet in social and professional gatherings and may emotionally bond with each other. While marriage by choice or ‘love marriage’ as commonly referred to, is on the rise in modern Indian culture, most Indians still resort to an ‘arranged marriage’ to the prospective bride or groom selected by family members on the basis of status, education, and often caste, region and religion. As Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni portrays in her Indian characters in Arranged Marriage, it does not matter what the origins of the marriage, the ultimate consideration is the compatibility of the partners engaging in it. ( Transcultural Women of Late Twentieth-century U. S. American Literature 210) Unlike the liberated parlors of Western life, sex or topics about sexuality are considered taboo and it is socially unacceptable to discuss or question one’s sexual preferences openly. The cultural texture of India bars the liberal thoughts and voices on this subject. Premarital sex is discouraged by the unwritten rules of the conservative society. Modesty, virginity are praised in unmarried men and women, especially in the latter. The role of family is of paramount interest to the average Indian. The joint-family set up is an umbrella structure sheltering extended branches of the family grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins beyond the usual parent-child family of the Western world. Though nuclear families in the lines of the western model are increasingly popular, the common Indian is rooted in the traditions and customs of his family life, especially the joint family-structure. Indian society is predominantly patriarchal in nature, and the head of the family is usually the eldest son of the family. The equation of the genders in family and society is not evenly balanced, as the women normally are submissive to the decisions of the males in the Indian culture. However, the aged play a positive role in the family context, as grand-parents and seniors are treated with respect and love, and cared for in most households. Though old people are at times sent to old-age homes by their family members for reasons of economy or scarcity of care-givers at home, usually the aged are taken care of at home, and they in turn, help with the children, spending time with them and instilling in them values and good morals. The women are expected to be the primary care-givers in the family, performing the duties of the kitchen as well as taking care of children and elders. Even if the woman is a career- person, her family obligations are her first priority in the Indian culture. The man of the house on the other hand is the financial provider, and is responsible for the standard of living. However, in the changing dynamics of modern lifestyle, men and women have become flexible about their roles and responsibilities and the distinct line of difference between their gender expectations is blurred today. References Chaudhuri, N. (2001). The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian. New York: The New York Review of Books. Newton, P. (2005). Transcultural Women of Late Twentieth-century U. S. American Literature: First-generation Migrants from Islands and Peninsulas. Burlington: Ashgate Publishing.

Independence of Mind Example

Independence of Mind Example The word of INDEPENDENCE is defined as freedom from situations and relationships which make it probable that a reasonable and informed third party would conclude that objectivity either is impaired or could be impaired. (Kaplan, 2009, pp.117) There are 2 types of independence, that are independence of mind and independence in appearance: Independence of mind The state of mind that permits the expression of a conclusion without being affected by influences that compromise professional judgment, thereby, allowing an individual to act with integrity, and exercise objectivity and professional scepticism. Independence in appearance The avoidance of facts and circumstances that are so significant that a reasonable and informed third party, having knowledge of all relevant information, including safeguards applied, would reasonably conclude a firms, or a member of the assurance teams, integrity, objectivity or professional scepticism had been compromised. (b) Why is external auditors independence so important? Illustrate with any past or  current audit failures. (10 marks) It is important for external auditors to be independent because external auditors act on behalf of the owners of the business, normally the shareholder, and report on the financial statements prepared by management for the benefit of shareholders. If the external auditors are not independent of their shareholder, for example, if they hold shares in the companies that they audit, their ability to form an objective opinion on the financial statements will be impaired. In addition, external auditors must be also be seen to be independent because if they are not, the owners of the business will not have confidence in the audit reports that the audits issue. This is why it is auditors independent is so important because to prevent further scandals such as those of Enrons and Parmalats case, and etc. For example in the case of Phar-Mor, Inc one of the top 10 deep discount drug store chains in the United States and declared bankrupt in the year 1995. Phar-Mor, Inc declared bankrupt because the company contributing to the frauds and ability to cover it up for so long. Listed below the summarized of the factors contributing to the fraud: Familiarity threat Phar-Mor, Inc knowledge of audit procedure an objectives. Phar-Mors fraud team was made up a several former auditors, including at least one former auditor who had worked for Coopers on the Phar-Mor audit. The fraud team indicated that one reason they were successful in hiding the fraud from the auditors was because they knew what the auditors were looking for. Self-interest threat The Phar-Mor had financial interest in financial reporting, potential self-interest threat may occur. Such the fraud in the Phar-Mor case included: Overstating inventory and recording consigned inventory as owned inventory Recording revenue from receipts from vendors under certain promotion and exclusivity agreements when received, rather than over the life of the agreements Understating the amount of accounts payable by holding disbursement checks Recording revenues and receivables from vendors at budgeted, rather than actual, amounts Integrity The principle imposes an obligation on all professional accountants to be straightforward and honest in professional and business relationships. In the case of Phar-Mor, the Phor-Mor did not perform honest in professional and business relationships. The Phar-Mor provide misstatement of margins, inventories, and earnings in reports to management and in general ledger and financial statements (to cover up other misstatements), and Diversion of assets to affiliated companies via manually written checks (nature of disbursements falsified when recorded in books and records). (c) The following situations may violate ethical codes imposed by regulatory bodies such as the MIA By-Laws (On Professional Conduct and Ethics): Roslan, an audit partner, owns material amount of shares in a trust fund investment company, which in turn owns shares in Roslans largest audit client. Reading the investment company most recent financial report, Roslan is surprised to learn that the companys ownership in his client has increased dramatically. From the case above, a member of the audit team has possible financial interest in the client, potential self interest threat may occur and the gift rise to Roslan possible self-interest. Form my point of view, it seems less significant in terms of threats because the trust fund is indirect investment in the client. However, if the ownership in the client increases resulting in a significant proportion of Roslans fund to be invested in the client, then the threat may be significant. Moreover Roslan is an audit partner who audit in the investment company. Safeguard or action to be taken is since the threat may not be so significant, it may not be necessary to get Roslan to dispose off the financial interest. However, it would be better to remove or re-assign Roslan from the audit assurance engagement. Sofia Ali is doing the audit of a large car dealership. She is just the audit assistant in the audit team. The sales manager of the client tells her there is a sale (at a substantial discount) on new cars that is limited to long established customers of the dealership. Because her audit firm has been doing the audit for several years, the sales manager has decided that Sofia should also be eligible for the discount. Required: Discuss whether the facts in any of the situations above give rise to threats to independence. (15 marks) For the case above, Sofia Ali has been given extended gift and hospitality by client that is in the form of a discount to purchase on new car by a sales manager. This may give arise to possible self interest and familiarity threats. The threats may be significant because of the extent of gift and hospitality that is audit staff is offered discount. However, the threats may not be significant if the gift and hospitality is within clients normal commercial terms, that is client offer to other customers. Safeguard or actions to be taken is the audit staff, Sofia Ali should refer to policies of audit firm prohibiting or getting permission before accepting the gifts and hospitality from senior personnel. Describe the concept of sufficient appropriate audit evidence and explain why external auditors are not expected to gather all information in order to express an opinion on the truth and fairness of the financial statements of an entity. ISA 500 Audit Evidence requires auditors to obtain sufficient, appropriate audit evidence to be able to draw reasonable conclusions on which to base the audit opinion. Sufficiency and appropriateness are interrelated and apply to audit evidence obtained from both tests of control and substantive procedures. (ACCA, 2008, pp.119) Sufficiency is the measure of the quantity of audit evidence. The quantity of audit evidence required is affected by the level of risk in the area being audited. Firstly, it is the level of inherent risk faced by auditors is high. For example, high technology developments in a market which is very competitive can lead to going concern problems and more possibility that the clients Financial Statements will be misstated. This will lead to an increase in the inherent risk and will cause the difficulties for auditors to analyze Financial Statements in a volatile industry due to no consistency in Financial Statements and more evidence is needed during the planning stage. Besides, lack of IT control in a computerized environment may cause the level of control risk faced by auditors is high. This is because more evidence is needed for auditor when auditing the company. (ACCA, 2008) Appropriateness is the measure of the quality or reliable of audit evidence and its relevance to the audit subject matter. If quality is high, then the auditor may need less evidence. The quality or reliability of evidence is affected by several factors, such as external sources, evidence directly by auditor, entity, written documentation, and original documents. Original documents are more reliable than photocopies or facsimiles, which can easily be altered by the client. (ACCA, 2008) Testing control is a test for the auditor to determine whether the control is operating effectively throughout the period under review stage. The auditor must consider the sufficient appropriates audit evidence is to support the assessed level of control risk is audit evidence is obtained from tests of control. For example: Design: the control systems are suitably designed to detect and correct significant departures from the matter of accountability or material misstatements in any assertion Operation: the control systems exist and have operated effectively throughout the relevant period. (ACCA, 2008) The auditor must always carry out substantive procedures on material items. The ISA says irrespective of the assessed rick of material misstatements, the auditor should design and perform substantive procedures for each material class of transactions, account balance and disclose. When obtaining audit evidence from substantive procedures, the auditor must consider the sufficient appropriate audit evidence from such procedures together with any evidence from tests of control to support the audit opinion. (ACCA, 2008, pp.99) In an audit of a financial report, the audit opinion is given on the assertions by management, explicit or otherwise, that are embodied in the financial report. They can be categorized as follows: Assertions about classes of transaction and events for the period under audit One of the examples is occurrence, where a transaction or event took place which pertains to the entity during the period. Assertions about account balances at the period end For example existence is an asset or a liability exists at a given date, rights and obligations is an asset or a liability pertains to the entity at a given date, and etc. Assertions about presentation and disclosure An item is disclosed, classified, and described in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. The auditor has a statutory duty to make a report to the entitys members on the truth and fairness of the entitys annual accounts. This report must state the auditors opinion on whether the statements have been prepared in accordance with the relevant legislation and whether they give a true and fair view of the profit or loss for the year and state of affairs at the year end. The duty to report on the truth and fairness of the financial statements is the primary duty associated with the external audit. The assurance given by auditors is governed by the fact that auditors use judgment in deciding what audit procedures to use and what conclusions to draw, and also by the limitations of every audit. The auditors task is to decide whether the accounts show a true and fair view. The auditors are not responsible for establishing whether the accounts are correct in every particular. This is because it can take a great deal of time and trouble to check the accuracy of even a very small transaction and the estimation which means that financial statements can never be completely precise. It is not easy and impossible to examine every single item in the financial reports. Here, as we shall see, auditor provides opinion about the financial statements, but not certificate that the financial statements are correct. Besides, audit procedures are designed to reduce the risk of the misstatements in the financial statements, but not eliminate the error in the financial statements. This is because by providing sufficiently reliable conclusion arriving by way of using the sampling procedures. The sampling risk arises from the possibility that the auditors conclusion, based on a sample, may be different from the conclusion reached if the entire population were subjected to same audit procedure. A sampling risk can be reduced by increasing the sample size for both test of control and substantive procedures. (ACCA, 2008, PP.189) (b) Describe the following audit procedures used in gathering audit evidence and for each procedure, illustrate with an example: Confirmation Analytical procedures Observation Inspection Confirmation This involves seeking confirmation from another source of details in clients accounting records. Example: Confirmation from bank balances by referring to the bank statement. (ACCA, 2008, pp.121) Analytical procedures Analytical procedures mean the study of trends and ratios in financial and non-financial information. It is used within audit planning to identify risk areas and also as a means of gathering substantive evidence, for example by calculating as estimate of a particular figure based on knowledge of the business and comparing this to the actual figure. Example: A comparison of gross profit percentages month by month for a company could be performed and any unusual fluctuations investigated as these could indicate errors such as omission of sales, loss of inventory or other errors. (ACCA, 2008, pp.121) Observation Observation means watching a procedure being carried out. It is usually used as a means of gathering evidence about the internal controls in a company. Example: A appropriate to observe the procedures that are carried out when the post is opened to assess whether controls exist to prevent the misappropriation of cash. (ACCA, 2008, pp.121) Inspection Inspection means looking at documentation, books and records or assets. This could be done to confirm existence of an asset, to verify values or to provide evidence that a control has taken place. Example: The inventory of a company at the year-end could be inspected as part of the evidence relating to its value. The inspection would give evidence as to whether the inventory was in good saleable condition. (ACCA, 2008, pp.121) Inquires Inquires mean requesting information. This could be from individuals within the company, either orally or in written representations, or in formal written requests to third parties. Example: A relevant example would be to send a standard confirmation letter to the companys bank (ACCA, 2008, pp.121) QUESTION 3: (a) Explain what is meant by the term audit risk? (8 marks) Audit Risk is the risk of giving an inappropriate opinion on the financial statements. For example, failing to qualify when the financial statements contain a material error. Audit Risk has three individual components in the formula: Audit Risk = Inherent Risk X Control Risk X Detection Risk Inherent Risk is the susceptibility of an assertion to a misstatement that could be material individually or when aggregated with misstatements, assuming there were no related internal controls. Inherent risk is also a risk that it is impossible for auditors to manage and transfer away due to the nature of the company and its transaction. Control Risk is the risk that material misstatement that could occur in an assertion and that could be material, individually or when aggregated with other misstatements, will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis by the entitys internal control. Detection Risk is the risk that the auditor will not detect a misstatement that exists in an assertion that could be material, individually or when aggregated with other misstatements. For a given level of audit risk, the acceptable level of detection risk bears an inverse relationship to the assessment of the risk of material misstatement at the assertion level. (ACCA, 2008) (b) Explain why auditors need an understanding of the clients environment, including its internal controls, and list some aspects of clients environment and internal controls. (12 marks) (Total : 20 marks) Auditors should obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including internal control, sufficient to identity and assess the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements whether due to fraud or error. Then, the auditors able to design and perform further audit procedures. It is essential for auditors to understand the clients environment, including its internal controls because the knowledge of understanding of the clients environment will guide auditors to build up or maintain a good professional relationship with the client. Listed below are the reasons why auditors need an understanding of the clients environment, including its internal controls. A client may involve in a volatile sector of economy, which means that the industry has rapidly and is planning further expansion which will require additional resources. This will cause the stock obsolete and the obsolete stock may be overstated in the Financial Statements. In such circumstances, there is a risk that creditors will go unpaid and the business will go into liquidation. It is very risky for directors of the company and the auditors if they auditing the company. Todays world is rapidly changing such as technology. It is very competitive with new technology developments in a market because competitive can lead to going concern problems and more possibility that the clients Financial Statements will be misstated. This eventually will increase the inherent risk for the auditors especially in the aspect when the auditors auditing the financial statements. It is also will lead to an increase in the inherent risk and will cause the difficulties for auditors to analyze Financial Statements in a volatile industry due to no consistency in Financial Statements. Besides, the managements attitude, whether are they reliable and trustworthy in the business is suspected. This will indicate that the managements integrity is doubtful and mismanagement may be occurred. This in-turn will cause the Financial Statements may be subject to manipulation by existing auditors when they auditing the company as management is bias. Nevertheless, financial aspect will be taking into consideration if the company is facing financial problems. The company would needs a bank loan to finance the director ambitious plans. However, the loan facilities are scare. The risk for auditors to audit the Financial Statements will increase when the management of the company would use an aggressive accounting tactics to manipulate the Financial Statements. Last but not least, there is a misappropriation to a specific ascertain for a cash transactions or account balances in the. The cash balances may influence the Financial Statements and will cause an increasing risk for auditors to audit Financial Statements and there is a limitation for the auditors to identified completeness of sales and internal controls are insufficient. The aspects of clients environment and internal controls are as follow: Industry, regulatory and other external factors, including the reporting framework Nature of the entity, including selection and application of accounting policies Objectives and strategies and related business risks that might cause material misstatement in the financial statements Measurement and review of the entitys financial performance The control environment Control activities Monitoring of controls (ACCA, 2008) QUESTION 4: An important aspect of an external auditors audit of financial statements is observation of the conduct of the clients physical inventory count. Explain the purposes of the auditors observation of the clients physical inventory count? (4 marks) It is important for auditors to observe clients inventory stock count. This is to verify assertions of existence of inventory items that makes up the balance, means that the stock count done by the client staffs are as per the Stock Taking Instruction (STI). All the stocks are properly allocated, ensure that the stock stated in the stock list are actually exist. If do not have such stock exist as per the stock list, inquire the management or superior for the explanation. Besides, the auditors should ensure that the condition of the stock are clearly stated during the stock count, such as identify evidence of damaged or slow moving inventory because it is useful for the further evaluation of the inventory. This also wanted to prove that the actual stock record data are as per the stock count. Not only that, observation of stock count is to ensure that all the stocks held in the warehouse are particularly owned by client, that is right and obligations assertion. Any stock held for 3rd party, ensure it is properly separated from the clients stock and inspect the agreement between the 3rd party and client regarding about the stock held. Lastly, the auditors should verify by assertions of completeness. That is the audit should ensure all sales and purchases are well recorded and all the inventory at year end is included on the statement of financial position. (b) You encountered the following situations during the 31 December 2008 physical inventory count of Shoe Supplier Sdn. Bhd.: In observing the inventory of liquid shoe polish, you note that one lot is 5 years old. From the inspection of some bottles in an open box, you find the liquid has hardened in most of the bottles. As an external auditor, the audit procedures I would take is to find out or enquire whether this box of liquid is still part of the inventory balance, that is inventory record. Besides, I will ensure that the box of liquid in this inventory is written off and not saleable anymore. Lastly, I will also determine whether the sales of the liquid shoe polish are valued at the lower of cost or net realization value, if it is saleable. If the liquid shoe polish still cannot sell, then dispose the liquid shoe polish. During your observation of the inventory count also, you noticed that some counting staff are using pencils to record down inventory counted. Describe the procedures that you would take as an external auditor? (6 marks) As an external auditor, the audit procedures that I would take is I will ensure that clients staff are following instructions during the inventory count. Besides, no pencil is allowed during the inventory count. This is because by using pencil to record down inventory counted is showing not a good count instruction. Therefore, I will inform the person in charge of count that some staff are using pencils to record down inventory counted to prevent any adjustment easily to be made. Lastly, I will follow up to observe whether the staff are using pen subsequently during the inventory count and observe the condition of the stock properly to ensure it is clearly stated as per during the stock count, as it is useful for the evaluation of the inventory. (c) Describe the audit procedures an external auditor would carry out to verify whether inventory should be valued at cost or net realizable value. (10 marks) (Total : 20 marks) The management of the company is responsible for the identification and reporting of stocks that are worth less than cost to the auditor in a form of a schedule listing all the identified items. The types of inventory that may be worth less than costs include slow-moving, obsolete and damage stocks. Audit procedures for stocks worth less than costs are as follows: Enquire from management as to how they account for and identify such inventories, including the assumptions they made about the age, conditions and value of the inventories. Inspect sales, marketing and other reports, and review the extent to which inventories which are worth less than costs have been reduced to net realizable value (NRV) in prior years. Analytical procedures may be performed to evaluate the appropriateness of the write down in the current year. Analyse the clients computerized records, if available, to identify goods that are old or slow-moving. The records may also show seconds and damaged goods. Any information produced by the computer system for management relating to inventories need to be checked. Computer Assisted Auditing Techniques (CAAT) may be used for these purposes. Auditors need to checked the appropriateness of the definition of old and slow-moving given by the management, by making references to competitors products, technology changes and legislation. For high value items the auditors will need to refer to the experts valuation report to note if any material differences exist. At the inventory count, a note should have been made of any items that appeared to be old, slow-moving or damages and the count records should be inspected to see if they do show such goods. QUESTION 5: Describe external auditors responsibilities to report appropriately on the going concern aspect of an audit client. (Total : 10 marks) [OVERALL TOTAL: 100 MARKS] The auditors responsibility is to consider the appropriateness of the going concern assumption made by management and whether are there any material uncertainties about the entitys ability to continue as a going concern that need to be disclosed in the financial statements. In obtaining an understanding of the entity, the auditor should consider and stay alert to obtain evidence as to whether any events or conditions and related business risks which may occur and cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a going concern during the auditing. If such event or conditions were identified, the auditor should perform addition audit procedures to consider their impact to the audit assessments. The auditors should : Review managements plan for future actions based on its going concern assessment Gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence to confirm whether or not a material uncertainty exists . Considering the affects of any plans of management and other mitigating factors Seek written representations from management regarding its plan for future action The auditor should also inquire management as to its knowledge of events or conditions beyond the period of assessment used by management that may cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a going concern. The audit procedure that auditor should undertake to realize that may have affect on company going concern issues are as follow : Analyse and discuss cash flow, profit and other relevant forecasts with management. Analyse and discuss the entitys latest available interim financial statement Review the term of debentures and loan agreements and determine whether they have been breached Read minutes of meetings for the reference to financial difficulties Enquire of entitys lawyer regarding the litigation and claims Consider the entitys position if unfulfilled customers order Assess financial ability to provide additional funds Review events after period end for item affecting the entitys ability to continue as going concern. (ACCA, 2008)

Shabanu Essay :: essays research papers

Shabanu Essay In the novel Shabanu, by Suzanne Fisher Staples, women are portrayed in two distinct ways: obedient and rebellious. The obedient women would include Phulan, Mama, and Auntie. Rebellious women would consist of Sharma, Fatima, and, of course, Shabanu. The protagonist Shabanu, portrays herself as a rebellious woman. Shabanu constantly disobeys her father. In the beginning of the novel, Shabanu attempts to retrieve her camel Mithoo so he will not be harmed by Tipu, another camel. Dadi tells her No several times but she insists. Dadi is furious, ?Don?t ever disobey me? (27). Dadi shakes her so hard that her head flies back and fourth. Shabanu gets home and while she is making chapaties Auntie says to her, ?Shabanu, you are wild as the wind, you must learn to obey. Otherwise?I am afraid for you? (28). Another example of Shabanu?s rebelliousness is when she throws water on the landlord. Nazir Muhammad and his men say the want to ?claim? Shabanu and her sister, Phulan. Shabanu becomes disgusted and decides to throw her head forward, causing the water jug on her head to spill over the embankment and Nazir Muhammad. Sharma, Shabanu?s aunt, is a very rebellious woman as well. Sharma is described as bold, ?Most men don?t like her and are afraid of her? (98). Sharma cares about Shabanu and tries to look out for her. Although Sharma had no intentions of causing Shabanu danger, she gave her some very dangerous advice. ?You try to make him happy so he can?t bare to be away from you a single moment. If he treats you badly, come stay with us? (209). Auntie, unlike Sharma and Shabanu, portrays an obedient woman, with morals. Auntie is traditional, and often criticizes Mama for having no sons in the family. ?If God had blessed you with sons, we wouldn?t have to break our fingers over wedding dresses? (3). Auntie looks down on Shabanu for being ?boy like?. ?A young lady shouldn?t go with her headdress uncovered. You?re too old to act like a boy? (33). Mama is obedient as well. Mama slaps Shabanu as a consequence to non-traditional views. Mama accepts that Dadi takes care of the ?manly? problems such as the selling of the camels. Being the man, Dadi also takes care of the dangerous situations, like getting grandpa after the sandstorm.

Coming of Age in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn :: Tree Grows in Brooklyn Essays

Coming of Age in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn presents the problems of a child growing up, the coming of age when one meets challenges and overcomes obstacles. The protagonist, Francie Nolan, undergoes a self-discovery as she strives to mature living in the Brooklyn slum despite its poverty and privation. Thus, Smith's thematic treatment of the struggle of maturity has become for the reader an exploration of loneliness, family relationships, the loss of innocence, and death and disease. One of the challenges of growing up is loneliness. As a small child living in Brooklyn Francie had no friends her age, the kids in her neighborhood that would have been candidates for friends either found her too quiet or shunned her for being different. Betty Smith describes on page 106 how most of Francie's childhood days were spent: "So in the warm summer days the lonesome child sat on her stoop and pretended disdain for the group of children playing on the sidewalk. Francie played with her imaginary companions and made believe they were better than real children. But all the while her heart beat in rhythm to the poignant sadness of the song the children sang while walking around in a ring with hands joined." As time went by and Francie got older she began to get to know a different kind of loneliness. Betty Smith narrates her feelings on page 403: "Spring came early that year and the sweet warm nights made her restless. She walked up and down the streets and through t he park. And wherever she went, she saw a boy and a girl together; walking arm-in-arm, sitting on a park bench with their arms around each other, standing closely and in silence in a vestibule. Everyone in the world but Francie had a sweetheart or a friend she seemed to be the only lonely one in Brooklyn without a friend." Loneliness is one of the challenges we must all conquer as part of maturing and it helps us learn to be independent and overcome hardship. Family relationships are a second problem faced by all in their coming of age. Francie loves her Johnny Nolan, her father, more than anything, she adores the way he talks and the way that he sings.

Perception Reaction Paper Essay

The first thing my eyes go to is Tye’s sister Shane. She is playing with her hair, with a very skimpy bikini. She us a very pretty young teenager having fun listening to her friend’s IPod tanning up the sun rays. I see Shane’s friend in the background, not very noticeable other than she is the one picking out a song or she might be texting. I look a little more to the right and I see what appears to be a teenage boy probably 16 while his sister is maybe 14. Tye looks a little agitated at his sister maybe some jealousy. He is relaxed kicking back with something on his mind. With the rest of the people in the background there is a few other women tanning as well enjoying the beautiful weather. Also a couple boys that must have been out of the swimming pool for a bit are probably getting hot and ready to make their â€Å"shooting† heard. Everyone seems to be having a fun time but Tye’s face makes me wonder. Part 2 The way the parents tried to handle the situation is pretty much what I would do to my children. Not only is Tye confused about his life, but the family also with all the confusion dealing with a gender issue child. I believe an early teen has pretty much decided if they were â€Å"trapped† in another’s body. Tye is going to have a rough time through high school but when attending college he will be more social acceptable. I understand from personal experience of how confusing gender can be. I was a hard core tomboy but once my parents divorced I changed into a more girly tomboy, now just a tomboy on the inside. Part 3 Wow where do I start with on this article. I have always been that tomboy type but I never could imagine changing my outlooks such as my breasts and so on. Tye seems to know what he wants since a young child. I would have done the same thing by trying to make either my daughter or son the gender they were born with. I guess over time a parent would have to accept what the child decides to be no matter what the outcome is. Maybe, I would be as supportive after the fact is accepted. This article opened my eyes from the teenager’s eyes and understand how hard life can be to be socially accepted. Very good topic to write about.

Centerville School Essay

Studies suggest that homework benefits Jr. High Students. However some schools have different beliefs. For example, Centerville School has decided to change its homework policy. Their new policy does not require students to do homework. I disagree with this new policy, for homework has many benefits such as building responsibility and disciplining students, keeping the parent’s involved with their kids’ education and it gives students more time to practice and absorb what they learnt in class. First of all, homework is a great resource for teaching responsibility and discipline to students. It encourages good work habits. With daily homework, students learn time management, an essential life skill. They realise that not all their free  time should be used for leisure. Some of it should be used otherwise, for their studies. It teaches them responsibility to complete work on time as they may lose marks if they don’t finish it. This keeps them organized. Another benefit of homework is that it keeps parents involved with their child’s education. Parents can’t be with their kids at school, therefore are excluded from many class projects and assignments. If the kids get homework, parents can follow their child’s curriculum throughout the year. It also enhances the communication between the child and parent because it gives them something to talk about. Parents can thus monitor their child’s progress in school. Finally, homework gives students more time to practice and absorb what they learnt in class. They have more time to improve and master the skills they learnt at school. Students need this extra time and if not given as homework, teachers will have to dedicate some class time for this. This loss of class time leads to other issues, like not completing their grade curriculum in time. The extra time devoted at home to school has a positive effect on a student’s study life. All in all, Centerville School has decided to alter their homework policy. The policy was to not give their students homework. Homework teaches kids responsibility and discipline, and it involves parents in their kid’s schooling. Also, it gives students more time to exercise and expand the skills they are learning in class. Homework has many benefits and I don’t think the homework policy in Centerville School should be changed.

Transactional and Transformational Leadership

Harry works in a coal mine laboratory. At the start of each shift, Harry checks the work book which his supervisor completes, where clear instructions are given as to what task is required. Generally each task listed is the same each shift, and every task has a written procedure that must be followed in order to meet Quality Assurance Standards. At the end of each shift, Harry completes his shift report which is generally the same too. Harry has worked here for 25 years under the same supervisor. He knows the work isn’t stimulating but it pays well.The supervisor is always happy with Harry because he completes the tasks that are set, and never deviates from what is expected. Harry’s supervisor is a transactional leader – a rule follower who likes procedures with no deviations and expects nothing more than those written in the work book. Carly is a new employee at the laboratory. At the start of each shift she too checks the work book in hope that maybe something new or contrary to the norm has been written. Most days she will look for something extra to do but is often reprimanded for doing something that the next shift would do.Carly detests the supervisor, wishing the supervisor offered more. Carly dreams of a supervisor who is motivational, encouraging, one who appreciates an employee who goes above and beyond what is required and would appreciate suggested improvements to age old methods. Carly dreams of a transformational leader to provide inspiration, charisma, vision and promote intelligent thinking to an otherwise mundane regulated workplace. So what is transactional and transformational leadership and what can be expected from each style?The transactional leader works with the present cultural work environment within their organisation, following existing rules, procedures, expected outcomes and operating norms (Lindgreen, A et al. 2009). They have an exchange relationship (Erkutlu 2008) with their followers/subordinates/employees, where guidance and motivation is given to ‘their followers in the direction of established goals by clarifying role and task requirements’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342). It can take the form of contingent reward, management by exception (active and passive) and laissez-faire (Xirasagar 2008).Contingent reward refers to an exchange of rewards (whether verbal or tangible) for effort and good performance (Xirasagar 2008). Management by exception (active) is taking corrective action when a follower deviates from established rules and standards (Robbins et al. 2011). Management by exception (passive) is intervention taken by the transactional leader ‘only if standards are not met’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342). A transactional leader of laissez-faire character is one who ‘abdicates responsibility’ and ‘avoids making decisions’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342).As transactional leadership focuses on established norms and protocols, and â₠¬Ëœresults in expected outcomes’ (Erkutlu 2008, p. 711), followers will not extend themselves by going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 343). In comparison, the transformational leader is ‘capable of having a profound and extraordinary effect on followers’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342) through their charismatic, visionary, inspirational, intellectually stimulating characteristics and their concern for their followers (Erkutlu 2008). They are able to inspire their followers to rise above their own self-interests.Transformational leadership consists of four sub-constructs (individualised consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, idealised influence) which transformational leaders can use to invoke behaviour of followers that exceeds expectations ‘for the sake of the organisation’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 343). Individualised consideration is displayed to the follower by ‘giving per sonal attention’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342) to their development needs, support and coaching (Erkutlu 2008). Intellectual stimulation ‘promotes intelligence, rationality and careful problem solving’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342).Transformational leaders are able to demonstrate idealised influence by providing vision and a sense of mission, instilling pride and gaining respect and trust (Robbins et al. 2011) along with inspirational motivation by communicating ‘high expectations’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 342). Although a distinction between the two could be categorised as a difference in leadership flexibility, Robbins et al. (2011) maintains that each leadership style does not actually oppose the other; rather transformational leadership builds upon transactional leadership where levels of follower effort and performance exceed that of transactional leadership alone.However each style of leadership has its own individual strengths and weaknesses. Transformational leadership appears to be heralded as the superior leadership style; although transactional leadership does have its strengths. As ‘transactional leadership results in expected outcomes’ (Erkutlu 2008, p. 711), it is effective in organisations where the desired outcome is measured against ‘clear and precise financial measures, such as revenues per customer segment or the dollar volume of cross-selling’ (Lindgreen et al.2009, p. 26).Research conducted by Liu et al. (2011) has found that in occupations of low emotional labour, transactional leadership has made a positive contribution to team innovation. Whilst Wells & Peachey (2011, p. 5) have found that there is a negative relationship ‘between transactional leadership and voluntary organizational turnover intentions’. The application of equity theory’s procedural justice (‘the perceived fairness of the process used to determine the distribution of rewards’ (R obbins et al. 2011, p.191) and distributive justice (‘perceived fairness of the amount and allocation of rewards among individuals’ (Robbins et al. 2011, p. 191) may explain this negative relationship (Wells & Peachey 2011). Conversely, transactional leadership is not without its weaknesses.Subordinates of transactional leaders may feel a lower sense of organisation commitment and job satisfaction or commit sabotage against the organisation (Erkutlu 2008). As transactional leadership relies upon defined outcomes with leaders possibly dealing with deviations from the norm ‘with harsh criticisms’ (Liu et al.2010, p. 284), subordinate performance beyond what the leader has requested should not be expected; nor the discovery of new methods of problem solving as subordinates continue using tried and tested solutions ‘for fear of reproach’ (Liu et al. 2010, p. 284).Innovation amongst employees employed in high emotional labour positions is also likel y to be depressed under a transactional leader (Liu et al. 2010). Transactional leadership doesn’t allow for followers’ self-actualisation needs to be met; therefore followers may not reach their full ‘potential and self-fulfilment’ (Robbins et al.2011, p. 177).Where transactional leadership has clear weaknesses in respect of followers performance, transformational leadership builds upon this and bolsters followers’ willingness to perform above what is required. Transformational leadership can be thought of what transactional leadership is not. Transformational leaders are acutely aware of the organisations present culture but have a definite vision for the future. They enable this vision by changing the fundamental ‘values, goals, and aspirations of followers’ (Lindgreen et al. 2009, p.15) as the followers embrace the leader’s values.The result is that the followers perform their respective duties not because they expect to be r ewarded, but because it is in agreement with their new found values (Lindgreen et al. 2009). By strategically using positive emotions, the leader is able to encourage ‘optimism and positive approaches to group tasks’ (Mitchell & Boyle 2009, p. 463). Followers of transformational leadership experience heightened motivation through their leaders’ inspirational motivation and individualised consideration.Mitchell & Boyle’s (2009, p.462) research states that this ‘increases their cognitive flexibility to accept new ideas and comments from others’. Transformational leadership has proven advantageous where customer relationship development is important, for example formal customer introductions and personal selling (Lindgreen et al. 2009). Research conducted by Camps & Rodriguez (2011) established that employees working under a transformational leader within an organisation that fostered employee learning and skill improvement did not drive the foll ower to seek employment elsewhere because of their increased skill set.‘On the contrary, they see this as a commitment to the employer that has trusted and invested in them’ (Camps & Rodriguez 2011, p. 437). Although flaunted as the preferred leadership style in comparison to transactional leadership, there are weaknesses of transformational leadership. The charismatic elements of transformational leaders are difficult to reproduce if not naturally present in the personality of the leader. Therefore, organisations seeking applicants to lead in a transformational fashion are instantly subjected to a limited pool of suitable applicants (Muijs 2011).Even when the applicant is of strong transformational personality, a poor organisation fit will fail the applicant. So too will organisational structures that impede ‘the extent to which leaders can be truly transformational’ (Muijs 2011, p. 50). Over zealous transformational leaders can also incite passive resista nce from subordinates. In this situation, the subordinates will simply wait for the leader to ‘move on’ (Muijs 2011, p. 51). This type of resistance is prevalent in organisations that have ‘rapid management turnover’ (Muijs 2011, p.51).Transactional and transformational leadership are two contemporary styles of leadership that have their own strengths and weaknesses. Transactional leadership focuses on providing followers clarified tasks requirements in order to achieve desired outcomes, whereas transformational leadership involves the ability of the leader to motivate, inspire, influence and consider their followers in order for the follower to take on the leader’s vision and perform above and beyond what is expected.Transactional leadership is effective in organisations where the desired outcome is definitive however is not conductive in promoting innovation amongst high emotional labour employees or allowing for self-actualisation needs to be met. Transformational leadership is effective in empowering followers and producing results such as employees performing above and beyond what is required. However it can be overbearing for employees who have not embraced transformational leadership exercising passive resistance to such a contemporary style of leadership.