Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Leadership As A Democratic Style Works Best - 2603 Words

The overall conclusion we can draw from research on forms of leadership is that a democratic style works best. Explain and evaluate this claim with reference to social psychological theory and evidence. Leadership can be understood as the process of having an individual member of the highest rank within a group lead its members, or is given the ability to do so. In applied social psychology, leadership can split and tied into occupational and political settings, nonetheless some educational applications of leadership in teachers has likewise been proposed (Karnes D’ilio, 1990). In addition, leadership has also been subdivided into leadership emergence and its effectiveness (Lord et al. 1986). For the purpose of this document leadership†¦show more content†¦Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness neuroticism and openness, or the big five factors of personality model (Costa McCrae, 1992) in a factor analysis have been found to correlate with leadership in individuals significantly (Judge et al., 2002), thus allowing more credibility to leadership trait theory. Consequently, It is accepted that the five factor personality dimensions are the best predictors for effective leaderships that succeed in positive outcomes for the general public or company; this can be interpreted in terms of leadership emergence, effectiveness and promotion (Zaccaro, Kemp Bader, 2004). Within leaderships across countries worldwide in the political context, different directors that may share traits of personality or may fall under the great person theory don’t always manage in similar ways, hence different types of leadership such as the democratic leadership. This document will offer different social psychological research in order to explain how the statement that a democratic form of leadership works best is true. Nevertheless, this document will also state evidence to support that a democratic form of leadership may not always work best, such as when its not required, or when members have low abilities and low administrative qualities or not have one factor from the five factors of personality model (Hollis, 2014). Leadership styles such as revised i n past psychological exploration in the

Monday, December 23, 2019

The Impact of the Public Service Reform Programme on Human...

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM PROGRAMME Zambia like most newly independent countries embarked upon a lot of programmes aimed at national building directed at state dominated economic development. The role of the state in Zambia like most independent developing countries was seen as that of corrective interventions in markets and emphasizing centralized planning. This new assumed role saw the rise of the Public Sector over the years. Furthermore, at independence, the government responded to popular and increasing demand for social services and material benefits by creating new institutions and new programmes. The development compounded†¦show more content†¦The PSRP’s second component †  Management and Human Resource performance Improvement focused among other things on the importance of training and development activities to sustain the achievement of the programme. And the objective was; †¢ To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Services in the performance †¢ of its appropriate functions by establishing Management Systems of accountability and performance, and developing critical skills which enable Senior Civil Servants to manage the Public Service. †¢ To put in place an effective personnel evaluation instrument and Management information system to enable the government compile and manage useful data in making vital personnel decisions at times of confirmations appointments, promotions, transfers, retirement and discipline. Kondowe (2000) argues that while some progress has been made with regard to reducing numbers, reviewing structures and functions of the Public Service there has been no significant change in efficiency, cost effectiveness and quality delivery because there is still lack of sufficient and appropriate skills and tools for efficiently managing the Public Service and attract those from outside; poor systems of accountability as well as inability to hold staff accountable for their actions and decisions; low morale among Public Service worker; and unpredictable flows of budgetaryShow MoreRelatedAspects of Economic Reforms in the Nigerian Fourth Republic5141 Words   |  21 PagesASPECTS OF ECONOMIC REFORMS IN THE NIGERIAN FOURTH REPUBLIC BY ADEBAYO, A. ADEKUNLE E-mail : mayowa2000ng@yahoo.com YUSUF M.0 (MRS) DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS MICHAEL OTEDOLA COLLEGE OF PRIMARY EDUCATION, NOFORIJA, P.M.B. 1028, EPE, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA. 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No one gave a thought to the actual state of affairs in many banks, which was dismal with huge unrealizable debts, many unviable branches, lethargic staff and very ineffective customer service (Singh, 2007). The question of building up adequate level of capital and resources in public sector banks did not receive enough attention in the pastRead MoreAchieving Universal Health Care : Evaluation Of Seguro Popular1475 Words   |  6 Pageseconomy and the country’s development. While positive annual GDP growth suggests a bright future, there are many other important factors to consider in assessing the economic development of a country. For example, inequality has an impact on development. The HDI value of Mexico is 0.756 in 2014; however, with inequality being discounted, the IHDI decreases to 0.587. In particular, 34.6% of the decrease is due to inequality in income (United Nations Development Programme, 2015). 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Sunday, December 15, 2019

Uncertainty Reduction Theory Annotated Bibliography Free Essays

Theory amp; Rhetoric Annotated Bibliography Uncertainty Reduction Theory 1). Witt, P. , amp; Behnke, R. We will write a custom essay sample on Uncertainty Reduction Theory Annotated Bibliography or any similar topic only for you Order Now (2006). Anticipatory Speech Anxiety as a Function of Public Speaking Assignment Type. Communication Education, 55(2), 167-177. doi:10. 1080/03634520600566074. * Research Questions: -Why does public speaking generate anticipatory anxiety? -Is public speaking anxiety dependent on assignment type? -How can anticipatory public speaking anxiety be controlled? Key Terms: Public Speaking, Speech Anxiety, State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, Assignment Type * Thesis: Most individuals who enroll in communication courses do so in order to improve their presentational skills and to increase the enjoyment that they derive from their communication performances. * Theoretical Perspective: -Uncertainty Reduction Theory -Interpretive * Case Studies: -185 undergrads in entry level communication performance course -171 undergrads in entry level communication performance course * Implications: Therapeutic Intervention, Pedagogical Application * Future Research Questions: Can anticipatory public speaking anxi ety not only be controlled but eliminated? -Is there any method that can help change trait anxiety as easily as state anxiety? -How can a better understanding of trait anxiety help ease anticipatory anxiety? 2). Pratt, L. , amp; Wiseman, R. (1999). Interrogative strategies and information exchange in computer-mediated communication. Communication Quarterly, 47(1), 46-66. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. * Research Questions: -Is there a difference between face-to-face communication and computer mediated communication? How does age coincide with computer mediated communication? -Are different styles of computer mediated communication dependent on geographical location? * Key Terms: Uncertainty Reduction, Asynchronous Communication, Interrogative Strategies, Question Typologies, Content Analysis * Thesis: Results suggest that the interrogative strategies we engage in to achieve interpersonal connectedness are sometimes different in computer-mediated communication (CMC) and a new standard for transacting relational message exchange may be emerging. * Theoretical Perspective: -Interpretive -Social Exchange Theory * Case Studies: 200 â€Å"epals† selected for content analysis of their emails to each other -316 messages analyzed between 10 pairs of â€Å"epals† * Implications: -People react differently to emails because they lack the requirement for an immediate response. -The shorter the time between a sent and read email will increase the chance of response. * Future Research Questions: -Why do â€Å"epals† want to know about others attitudes and opinions? -Is the medium redefining the type of message we send? – Is the quality of selective message construction found in asynchronous e-mail (Walther, 1996a) producing a new standard for interpersonal connectedness? ). Goldsmith, D. (2001). A Normative Approach to the Study of Uncertainty and Communication. Journal of Communication, 51(3), 514. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. * Research Questions: -How can uncertainty reduction theory be applied outside of stranger to stranger interactions? -How do di fferent communities treat uncertainty in communication? -What are the different levels of uncertainty in communication? * Key Terms: Frequency of Communication Behaviors, Level of Uncertainty, Level of Relational Qualities * Thesis: A normative pproach entails a shift in focus from measuring level of uncertainty to examining multiple and potentially conflicting meanings of uncertainty, a shift from measuring communication behaviors to evaluating communication practices, and a shift from predicting what people will do to predicting and explaining the effectiveness and appropriateness of what they do in response of uncertainty. * Theoretical Perspective: -Interpretive -Critical * Case Studies: -Puerto Rican Community -Western Apache Community -Malagasy Community -White, College Educated North Americans * Implications: Uncertainty is a fundamental human experience. -Different communities react to communication uncertainty differently. -Uncertainty is not static there are many forms of uncertainty that need to be taken into consideration differently. * Future Research Questions: -What can uncertainty in other cultures teach us about our own uncertainty? -How has uncertainty in communication changed over time? -How does the frequency of behaviors affect the overall uncertainty of a relationship? 4). Maguire, K. (2007). â€Å"Will It Ever End? â€Å": A (Re)examination of Uncertainty in College Student Long-Distance Dating Relationships. Communication Quarterly, 55(4), 415-432. doi:10. 1080/01463370701658002. * Research Questions: -How does a long distance relationship affect a person’s daily life? -What kinds of uncertainty do long distance relationships lead to? -How does an individual in a long distance relationship cope with stress compared to someone in a close relationship? * Key Terms: Coping, Distress, Long-Distance Relationships, Relationship Satisfaction, Uncertainty * Thesis: Research in the area of stress and coping suggests that a close relationship with a romantic partner helps individuals cope with stress * Theoretical Perspective: Uncertainty Reduction Theory -Uncertainty Management Theory -Interpretive * Case Studies: -Undergrads from a South-Central college -Norton’s Quality Marriage Index * Implications: -Any relationship where the partner is too far to visit every day is considered a long distance relationship. – Close relationships are more successful than long distance relationships. -Uncertainty is not inherently problematic in long distance relationships * Future Research Questions: -What can be done to ensure success in a long distance relationship in terms of uncertainty? Why is the visual/physical aspect of a relationship over power the uncertainty found in long distance relationships? -How is relational uncertainty not inherently an unwanted state? 5). Brumfield, E. (2008). Using Online Tutorials to Reduce Uncertainty in Information Seeking Behavior. Journal of Library Administration, 48(3/4), 365-377. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. * Research Questions: -How does asynchronous delivery differ from synchronous delivery? -How does the lengt h of the tutorial affect its overall effectiveness? How does the design of the tutorial affect its quantity of use? Key Terms: Distance Learners, Distance Education, Information Seeking Behavior, Online Tutorials * Thesis: Information seeking behavior results from a determination of an information need and the realization that there is insufficient knowledge to address that need.. * Theoretical Perspective: -Uncertainty Reduction Theory -Interpretive * Case Studies: -Wilson, Ford Research -Aamp;M University -Stephen F. Austin University * Implications: -The overall effectiveness of tutorials is dependent on a large number of variables such as visual appeal. – The students skill and attitude play a big role it a tutorials effectiveness. Future Research Questions: -What can be done to help improve student’s attitudes towards tutorials? -How has the introduction of these tutorials help reduce uncertainty in personal relationships? -Can these findings be applied to cultures other than our own? 6). Rubin, R. , amp; McHugh, M. (1987). Development of Parasocial Interaction Relationships. Journal of Broadcasting amp; Electronic Media, 31(3), 279-292. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database. * Research Questions: -How do viewers become attached to specific television characters? Are there any universal qualities that attract viewers to characters? -How can uncertainty reduction and uses and gratification theory help explain these character to viewer relations? * Key Terms: Social Interaction, Uncertainty, Interpersonal Communication, Television Characters * Thesis: This investigation explored the possibility of a parallel pattern of relationship development with media characters, applying principles from both uses and gratifications and uncertainty reduction theories to understand further the development of parasocial interaction relationships. Theoretical Perspective: -Interpretive -Critical -Uses and Gratification Theory * Case Studies: – Parasocial Interaction Scale Survey Study -The 15 Item Scale Study * Implications: -Social attraction is key in developing parasocial interaction relationships. -Attraction occurs through a great level of exposure to a character. -Relationship importance is a construct that differs from attraction. * Future Research Questions: – How can the findings of these studies be applied to network television? How does the uncertainty reduction theory apply to non face-to-face relationships such as in a television character? – How can the results of these studies relate to the concept of market research? 7). Theiss, J. , amp; Solomon, D. (2008). Parsing the Mechanisms that Increase Relational Intimacy: The Effects of Uncertainty Amount, Open Communication About Uncertainty, and the Reduction of Uncertainty. Human Communication Research, 34(4), 625-654. doi:10. 1111/j. 1468-2958. 2008. 00335. x. * Research Questions: Why are there 3 competing mechanisms that affect the amount of intimacy in romantic relationships? -Which of the 3 mechanisms is the most effective in romantic relationships? -Are there any variables that interrupt the effectiveness of the 3 mechanisms? * Key Terms: Uncertainty, Intimacy, Interpersonal Relations, * Thesis: Uncertainty and its management hold a prominent place in the study of interpersonal communication. * Theoretical Perspective: -Interpretive -Critical -Uncertainty Reduction Theory * Case Studies: -Longitudinal Study Distinguishing Uncertainty Implications: -There is something inherently rewarding about the process in reducing uncertainty. -Openness of communication about uncertainty has a positive impact on perceptions of intimacy. -The uncertainty reduction process is perceived as rewarding in close relationships. * Future Research Questions: -How can the findings of this study help intimate relationships in turmoil? -Are there any other factors that affect intimate relationships outside of the 3 mechanisms discussed in this study? -Are there any instances contrary to this study? How to cite Uncertainty Reduction Theory Annotated Bibliography, Papers

Friday, December 6, 2019

Accounting Theory Assessing the Financial Condition

Question: Discuss about the Accounting Theory for Assessing the Financial Condition. Answer: Introduction Accounting Issues The following were the accounting issues that led to the collapse of Dick Smith Assessing the financial condition- Dick Smith failed to assess its existing financial condition. This led to unplanned expenditure, which had adversely affected the financial condition of the business enterprise. In addition, unaccounted costs was not considered or taken into account while framing the operational policies of the business organization. Recording Transactions- Failure to record the inherent financial information would have an adverse impact on the financial policies of the business entity. As such, every financial information shall have to be analyzed in an appropriate manner and fully recorded in the books of accounts. Due to the expansive policies adopted by the business entity, there has been an increase in the operational expenses for the business enterprise. Bonin (2013) stated that Dick Smith has unaccounted operational expenses for the business entity and therefore would lead to the unnecessary wastage of the resources for the business entity. Each financial transaction was not recorded in a detailed manner, which led to the distortion of the facts. Working Capital - The working capital is an essential factor that would ensure smoother business functionalities for the enterprise. In the case of Dick Smith, the business entity has failed to assess the working capital requirements of the company and respond appropriately in the context of financial sustainability and growth. In this regard, Deegan (2013) noted that the following are the essential components of the working capital in the organization. Fixed Assets - The fixed assets of the organization is one of the essential factors that contributes directly to the generation of income. As such, the measurement of the fixed assets in the organization depends upon the nature of the accounting method followed in the business organization. According to Jones (2015), Dick Smith failed to assess the valuation of the fixed assets in the organization and would therefore led to a adverse impact on the operation and financial policies of the business enterprise Current Assets - The current assets in the business organization would include the assets that would be converted into cash in the next few months. According to Smith Tucker (2013), the valuation and the utilization of the current assets in the business organization and have an impact on the operational policies of the business enterprise. In the case of DICK Smith, the current assets in the business organization have been utilized in an irregular manner and lead to financial irregularities for the business entity. The current assets present in the Fraudulent or Misleading Reporting Fraudulent or misleading reporting of the financial information of the business enterprise can have an impact on the financial condition of the business enterprise and would create a wrong perception on the stakeholders of the business organization. According to Deegan (2016), there were several instances of manipulation of financial information that lead to the wastage of the financial resources for the business entity. Effect on Stakeholders According to Setyorini Ishak (2012), the investors, shareholders as well as the customers are the key parties that would constitute the stakeholders of the business organization. As such, these parties shall be equally affected during the research procedure. The investors, shareholders as well as the regular customers of would be most affected by the collapse of Dick Smith. The investors would be concerned about their necessary investors that have been made upon the company. In addition, the company has sold shares to the public in raising additional finance. Therefore, such shareholders would be concerned about the lower prices of the shares in the market. Dick Smith has been around for quite a period and has developed consumer loyalty in the domestic market of Australia. As such, its consumers shall also be concerned about the collapse of the brand. In this regard, it can be stated that finding alternative brand would be difficult for consumers would be difficult for the consumers who have been loyal to the brand over a period. Influential Attribute Affecting Operational Strategies The primary factor, which drove the management to act in such a manner, was the need for increase in revenue and achieving greater profits. As such, the management of the business enterprise purchased heavy machinery on a consistent basis to enhance the organizational productivity. However, this procedure was not well planned and led to the increase in the expenses for the firm. The misinterpretation of financial information and discrepancies in the recording of the financial transactions led to such a situation. The evaluative accounting theory measures a particular event or financial transaction in terms of the qualitative as well as quantitative benefits towards the company (Parker 2012). The actions of the management of the company can be attributed to the evaluative accounting theory. The management of the company has adopted aggressive operational policies and has an impact on the business functionalities of the organization. According to Al-Htaybat von Alberti-Alhtaybat (2013), the evaluative accounting theory relates to adopting a proactive approach and involves investing substantially to attain the organizational goals and the objectives. The stakeholders of the company have to be regularly informed of the financial strategies and the developments implemented in the organization. This had a positive effect on the shareholders of the organization, as they were optimistic about the financial returns that can be attained from the investments. Therefore, the business entity had adopted the evaluative accounting theory in order to attain high levels of profitability as well as the sales revenue, irrespective of the actual financial consequences on the firm. Accounting Theories The following are the different accounting theories that are relevant for business entities operating in the existing global market. Descriptive Theory- The descriptive accounting theory states the consequences and the impact of the financial events happening within the organization (Bonin 2013). It states the inherent financial policies present in the business and its possible consequences on the existing operational structure of a business enterprise. Normative accounting Theory - The normative accounting theory relates the present activities and its impact on the future consequences of the organization (Parker, Guthrie Linacre 2011). The normative accounting theory can be considered particularly useful in the forecasting the sales revenue as well as the profitability levels in the business entity. Evaluative accounting Theory The evaluative accounting theory defines the qualitative and the quantitative requirements of the business organizations. Oluwadare Sam (2015) mentioned that the evaluative accounting theory would assist a business entity in assessing the role played by financial policies and its contribution towards organizational growth and sustainability. Communicative Accounting Theory - The communicative accounting theory defines the basic and the future theories that can be used in determining the present and the future events of the organization (Parker, Guthrie Linacre 2011). The communicative accounting theory has been an important part in developing appropriate accounting as well as financial policies in ensuring business survivability in an intensively competitive market. Inductive accounting Theory- The inductive accounting theory would assist the business organizations to evaluate the past events (Smith Tucker 2013). Thus, this is a potent tool to corrective measures and identify the existing discrepancies. Deductive accounting Theory The deductive accounting theory is developed by the method of deduction. As such, the deductive accounting theory is solely based on facts and would have to be considered in the development of the financial policies of the business entity. According to Groot Selto (2013), the deductive accounting theory is developed to attain a future objective. Generally accepted accounting theories - Parker (2012) stated that the generally accepted accounting theories has been developed to provide the framework or the guidelines regarding the development of the financial statements in the business organization. Generally accepted Accounting theories are the most accepted accounting theory in the global market. It is relevant to all types of businesses that are operating in the global market and has proved itself as a reliable framework in the global market. Groot and Selto (2013) stated that generally accepted accounting theories must be followed when the financially statements has been used externally by parties outside the business organization. Therefore, the generally accepted accounting theories can be considered as the most significant in the global market Smith Tucker (2013) mentioned that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has been instrumental in developing the generally accepted accounting theories. When compared to other accounting theories, the generally accepted accounting theory would have to be considered more pertinent and flexible. References Al-Htaybat, K. von Alberti-Alhtaybat, L., 2013. Management Accounting Theory Revisited: Seeking to Increase Research Relevance. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(18), p.12. Bonin, H., 2013. Generational accounting: theory and application. Springer Science Business Media. Deegan, C., 2013. Financial accounting theory. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Deegan, C., 2016. Financial Accounting. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Groot, T. Selto, F., 2013. Advanced management accounting. Pearson Higher Ed. Jones, S. ed., 2015. The routledge companion to financial accounting theory. Routledge. Oluwadare, E. Samy, M., 2015. The relevance of Critical Accounting Theory (CAT) to effectiveness of public financial accountability in emerging economies. Canadian Social Science, 11(9), pp.20-25. Parker, L, Guthrie, J Linacre, S 2011, 'The relationship between academic accounting research and Parker, R., 2012. Comparative international accounting. Financial Times, Prentice Hall. professional practice', Accounting, Auditing Accountability Journal, vol. 24, no. 1, pp. 5-14 Setyorini, C.T. Ishak, Z., 2012. Corporate social and environmental disclosure: A positive accounting theory view point. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(9). Smith, M. Tucker, B., 2013. Advanced Strategic Management Accounting: Theory and Practice. Cengage Learning Australia.