Kinesics And Proximics And The Cultural Impact Cultural Studies Essay

Kinesics And Proximics And The Cultural Impact Cultural Studies Essay The process of sharing ideas and feelings with others is all-important. Communication is the human interaction that all humans can not do without. Our very first parents initiated this behaviour taking hundreds of centuries to develop and refine to what is today. Despite differences, humans share the same communication behaviour all over the globe. It is the communication behaviour that is common and shared by all. In particular, differences occur in methods by which this people or that nation communicates. As a vital activity for all human beings, communication has long been studied. Scholars and researchers of different disciplines, including psychology and sociology, have immensely contributed to this complex and multifaceted concept. John Fiske suggests that communication is a multidisciplinary area of study rather than an academic subject in the common sense of the word (Introduction to Communication Studies, 1). Thus, providing a definition for communication is not a simple tas k one might think, it is complicated and illusive. It is a process that enables receiving and getting our messages across to others as a response. Along my readings on communication, I have come across a wide range of definitions and approaches to the concept of communication. Researchers have given countless definitions. Dance and Larson once tried to count these definitions to find that they exceed a hundred and twenty. Since Dance and Larson trial, other additional definitions have been introduced. Samovar and Porter in Communication Between Cultures hold to the definition advanced by Ruben and Stewart which defines human communication as the process through which individuals in relationships, groups, organizations and societies respond to and create messages to adapt to the environment and one another (22). My aim in this paper is to discuss the concept of non-verbal communication as. Yet, I see that pursuing in clarifying what communication is stands relatively pertinent since it serves as an entry to our conceptualization of the aspect of non-verbal communication. The paper attempts to shed light on that dim part of human communication and aims at discussing the different aspects of non-verbal communication in relation to culture. As culture has a very particular connection with communication in general, importance is as well given to the role culture plays in non-verbal communication. It is all the time culture that shapes our view and use of silent language. Body language (Kinesics) and Proximics (The use of both time and space) and their relation to culture form the two main points approached in this paper. Consciously or unconsciously, individuals communicate with others using a set of non-verbal messages and signals that render them effective members within their communities. It is noticeable that children primarily begin their communication essays trying to send messages even before learning their primary uttering. Inspecting the human behaviour provides clues about the use of non-verbal messages. Humans communicate a great deal using body gestures, signals and signs. Non-verbal communication has always been referred to as body language. It is that hidden dimension of human communication. Exceptional of this concept is that an individual can send messages through without even being aware of his or her engagement in this communicative interaction. Normally, a person in a simple communication process chooses the words he or she would use to get his or her messages across. Yet, a simple sigh of a person sitting in a waiting room is actually a message unconsciously communicated to others sitting in the same room meaning that he might be tired or annoyed waiting for a long time. Non-verbal communication seems by now intricate and multidimensional. Kinesics explores our body movements messages Body language develops our communication. Language is essential and all-important in human communication. Yet, it is not the only channel through which individuals get to communicate between each other. Another language emerges as a relatively significant avenue of meaning transfer. Humans can particularly communicate and get their messages across to others using simple body movements. Gestures, postures, signs, touches, and smells have been all referred to as body language. Most people communicate and send messages to others without being conscious and well aware they use another language or channel that has its unique rules and principles. We all understand and get what others might tell us by a certain hand movement or eye blink. Body language stands as a permanent channel of our non-verbal communication. It is learned through our enculturation process remaining rooted and can hardly be altered. Body language is that hidden part of the communication skills we get out of our language and culture learning. Obviously, the basic function of body language is meaning transfer. Humans unconsciously developed a set of body gestures, signs, and signals that carry messages and meanings by which they communicate between each other sending and receiving messages swiftly and conveniently. Scholars have previously come to know the importance of body language the fact that results in the development of a body language vocabulary which they have named Kinesics (Britannica 2002). Kinesic cues are those visible body shifts and movements that can send messages (Communication Between Cultures, 174). Action does communicate something. Sometimes a situation can not be clearly worded. Hereby the need for a gesture a signal or a body movement comes to express what is intended to be communicated. A person who is talking with his intimate friend can refer to a previously agreed on fact or idea by a simple eye blink when another foreign person is present in the discussion. In this particular situation for inst ance, the fact or idea intended to be communicated can not be if one of the intimate friends does not resort to their conventional non-verbal communication system. Eye contact is highly appreciated by several people belonging to different cultures. It is really a noteworthy channel of communication. Beyond this, the pupils of a person can communicate a whole range of messages and meanings. By way of illustration, a mans widening or shrinking pupils obviously carry meaning. This might mean that the person is probably surprised, excited, normal or even sad. In some cultures, when someone tends to break eye contact, he or she might intend to communicate to others that he or she is depressed or in a troubled situation. Body language, as a major part of non-verbal communication, bears a number of channels through which individuals come to communicate among each other. Examples include ones personal way of dressing. A person can consciously or unconsciously communicate to his society, to his family, to his friends or classmates etc a set of meanings and messages just by the way he or she dresses. Consider a person wearing a suit with a jacket, trousers and a necktie and another dressed in a dungaree. At first glance, you are likely to say that the first person is may be attending a formal meeting when the second one is may be working somewhere or present in an informal context. Clothing can be a relatively efficient way or channel of communication. Arabs, in general, place high premium on the way they dress. They plainly still stick to their traditional garments. We, Moroccans, usually wear Jellabas in Fridays to communicate our respect for the holy day. We may also tend to manifest our respect of ou r prophets Sunna. Clothes can determine how other people treat each other. Humans draw upon other peoples way of dressing to create their first impressions. By first impressions, people create standards on which they rely on to treat others. Postures or sitting habits are another aspect of our bodies non-verbal communication (Communication Between Cultures, 174). It is always culture that teaches, defines and classifies these body shifts as being normal, acceptable, uncommon or offensive. Asian people, for instance, as a form of respect. Military people placing their hands at their foreheads in a special manner tend to communicate their respect to others who rank higher than them. Sitting cross-legged can be offensive to others in some cultures when it can also be interpreted as a sign of feeling comfortable. The use of body gestures aforementioned in the example of eye contact as an avenue of communication can be further considered and illustrated. In some cultures, peoples use of body language goes hand in hand with their verbal communication. The majority of people make use of their hands as well as facial expressions accompanied with verbal communication so as to get their messages across to others. In some cultures, people can not even bear leading a debate with someone who limits himself or herself to verbal communication excluding any sort of helping gestures and movements. Lets take teaching as an example. Predictably, good teachers are supposed to use their hands, and move on so that their students could well get the points they talk about. Conversely, teachers who would stand before their students speaking and further speaking without any kind of body movements or signals are to be uncommon and discretely different. Students might describe one of these teachers as statuary. It d oes really make a difference. Body language does help the verbal communication when used simultaneously. Culture profoundly impacts our Kinesic behaviours. Throughout considering non-verbal communication, we cannot dismiss the contribution that culture has to communication. The concepts of culture and communication are indispensable. For non-verbal communication, culture has as well an effective role in shaping, determining and understanding the non-verbal behaviour. It is an oversimplification to say that culture has but a simple influence on the non-verbal behaviour. Culture does profoundly affect our non-verbal behaviour or body language. Samovar and Porter in Communication Between Cultures go beyond this to say that a cultures non-verbal language can be as unique as its verbal (166). Our daily non-verbal behaviours are culturally based and every culture along its individuals enculturation process shapes, in one way or another, its members non-verbal behaviours. Individuals or members of a community come to learn the preponderance of their kinesic behaviour along their conscious and unconscious learning of culture. In Communication B etween Cultures it is clearly argued that Culture is invisible, omnipresent, and learned, non-verbal communication has the same qualities [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] culture is all-pervasive, multidimensional and boundless; it is everywhere and in everything (Samovar and Porter 170). Culture is described as being everywhere and in everything; it is also invisible, omnipresent, learned, all-pervasive, multidimensional and boundless. All these descriptions denote that culture has an all-embracing aspect. The cultural contribution over the non-verbal behaviour is undeniable. Yet, there are other non-verbal behaviours that seem to be universal. Facial expressions like happiness, sadness, fear, surprise are present in every culture. Facial expressions profoundly affect our communication. Yet, Cultures differ in relating to facial expressions, Asians, for example, tend to keep their personal feelings secret as opposed to Arabs who can be plainly seen crying. Smiling is a universal non-verbal behavi our that may have different interpretations depending on the culture in which it is acted out. The same as it can be a sign of happiness in one culture; it can be a way of hiding ones feelings or avoiding to answer to certain embarrassing questions. Eye contact is highly important in maintaining and promoting relationships. People can send infinite messages through their eyes. In Eastern cultures, people value eye contact and think of it as primordial in their interpersonal communication. In other cultures like the Asian ones, maintaining eye contact for a considerable amount of time when interacting is seen as sign of rudeness or impoliteness. Children come to learn their cultures non-verbal system through the whole process of their enculturation or socialization. They firstly notice how their parents do exchange ideas and communicate non-verbally between each other trying later on to imitate their non-verbal system unconsciously getting a whole set of culturally bound body movement and gestures. Children who grew up in countries other than their native ones are observed to develop non-verbal systems utterly different from the one of theirs. They, consequently, behave in a different manner for they have been socialized and encultured with a different society and culture. At the same level and as we may observe, children get the bulk of our social and cultural norms non-verbally. Samovar and Porter write most of culture is automatic and subconscious (Communication Between Cultures, 33). Through this process, they come to get the preponderance of their cultures non-verbal system. Examples of cultural dissimilarities in human kinesic behaviour are numerous and uncounted. This clearly reveals how culture impacts our kinesic behaviour generation and our perception of it. Proximics examines space and time communication Space and time can alter our communication Developed by the U.S anthropologist Edward T. Hall, the study of Proximics concerns the use of both space and time for purposes of communication. The concept might be somewhat dim and unnoticeable in the communication process. Two ordinary people, for instance, can be part of a conversation without being aware and conscious about their involvement in culturally based proximic behaviours. The fact that they are sitting side by side, talking face to face, arranging their home furniture in a particular form, discussing for a considerable amount of time or just for few minutes is rarely observed as a distinct non-verbal communication situation. Through various situations people can unconsciously convey messages to others by the distance they hold in a conversation or by the time they do allot to a certain matter discussion. Human relationships as being intimate or independent are relatively significant factors that indicate and determine the space hold by partners in a communication situation. One cannot bear conversing with one of his intimate friends or family members if they stand afar from each other as they should be conventionally nearer. Strangers, however, who are not familiar with each other, cannot closely approach when they communicate. They are not to hold the same space as two intimate friends, couples or relatives may do since they share an independent tendency toward one another. They still are not involved with each other. Peoples use of space in their communication may vary according to the culture those people belong to. As aforementioned, culture has an all-embracing aspect. It is omnipresent and all pervasive. It denotes the space hold by individuals in a communication situation. Consider Arabs and westerners as a case in point, Arabs approach each other when they converse and rank t hat a normal behaviour. The same distance for a westerner in a conversation will be embarrassing and not usual. Today, people communicate with each other using modern electronic means of communication when they are in extremely distanced countries. People might be hundreds of miles far from each other holding tight relationships thanks to modern technologies. The presence of space in this context is not highly important since it is an inherent feature of communicating through these mediums. Individuals who communicate using internet, telephone or satellite facilities know pretty well that there is space between their partners. Much of the factors that shape and determine the non-verbal proximic behaviour are not of influential contribution to the process of communication held by means of new technologies that facilitates communication from afar. Individuals are not to convey messages using the proximic behaviour of space when they intercommunicate through chat rooms, phones or satellites. Time usage is another noteworthy proximic non-verbal behaviour. Beside space, the use of time can be of major significance to the process of communication. Time allotment for a certain subject to be discussed or to a certain problem to be solved would tell whether this subject or problem is of major or minor importance. In particular, when you end a conversation in few minutes without completing the subject of discussion, your communication partner might understand that you may not be in your mood, you do not want to pursue or develop the discussion further, you do not appreciate him, his ideas or he may think other things you cannot know simply because of the time you have allotted to communicate with him. Therefore, time is crucial as a proximic non-verbal behaviour. Factors that shape the concept of time are several and different. Time usage can be regulated by factors such as the individuals personal relationships. When you allot an important amount of time to discuss with someone, this might mean that this person counts for you, he might be one of your intimate friends or relatives. Human relationships do affect the concept of time. Another worth noting factor is everyday personal life occupations or what Ron Scollon and Suzanne Wong Scollon prefer to call time urgency. (Intercultural Communication, 159) The two writers deal with the concept of time from a different angle. They write time urgency or hurry sickness is a syndrome of behavior in which the person continually tries to accomplish more than can be humanly accomplished (159). The amount of time allotment in doing something or discussing something with someone is profoundly affected by peoples everyday occupations. Scollon and Scollon relate the aspect of time urgency with culture. The y argue this sense of time urgency is no longer a cultural characteristic of just this one generation (American males). It is a characteristic of the Asian salary man and is spreading throughout the world rapidly (159) those people who adopt this aspect of time urgency often see other people who adopt opposed views as conservatives, uncooperative or opposing progress (160). People differ and vary in this context taking into consideration the culture they belong to. Cultures shape our perception and use of time and space. Culture and the non-verbal proximic behaviour do really have an interaction. Culture is always that set of beliefs and values that inherently shape and determine our behaviours in using both time and space for purposes of communication. Culture allows us as well to understand what other people would communicate to us by holding a certain space or allotting a certain amount of time for a communication situation. Individualism is an inherent characteristic of western cultures. German people, for instance, do not demand proximate spaces in their daily interaction. Eastern societies, in contrast, place high premium on being collectivist. Consider the space hold by two individuals in a simple conversation. In an eastern context, a somewhat far disposition for the two individuals is culturally abnormal and unusual since they are accustomed of being near to each other when conversing so as to reach a better communication. The same space for an American, a British or a Swedish is normal and usual. It is embarrassing, in a western context, to hold adjacent positions standing much closer and nearer to the person in a discussion or conversation. Closely connected to this, Edward T. Hall, when referring to the contribution of culture on the aspect of space, argues each person has a bubble of space in which he or she moves and in which he or she feels comfortable. Intrusions into that space are acceptable only under circumstances of intimate contact. Outside of that space is a second bubble of space in which normal interpersonal contacts take place. Then outside of that is a third bubble of public space (Intercultural communication, 185). These bubbles are spaces that individuals in a certain culture hold when communicating with different people ranging from intimate, familiar to unknown. It is culture that shapes these spaces and these bubbles are aspects of culture. Cultures transfer these meanings through a variety of channels such as proverbs, folktales, myths and legen ds. Culture does even affect our home furniture arrangement. To take an example, Americans arrange most of their furniture to be TV centred. They point their sofas toward television sets. Distinctly, Collectivist societies organize their furniture to agree with their sitting habits. Arabs, for example, value talking and conversing rather than praising silence like Asians which results in a furniture arrangement convenient to their way of thinking that promotes their family interaction. The concept of time urgency abovementioned is an aspect of culture as well, an overall view of different cultures would tell that people belonging to these cultures differ in their views toward time urgency. Some cultures urge their members to take advantage of time and call for no time wasting when other cultures undermine hurry and advice being conscious, deliberate and careful in behaving and taking actions they are to do. Cultures are different in their perception of future. Arabs, Asians or nations who have histories dating centuries are said to be past-oriented (Communication Between Cultures, 189). Arabs openly show their pride of their history. It reveals their real success. Americans, however, do not relate to their history. Their culture is said to be future-oriented. They plan for their future and promote change. Conclusion: In general terms, Non-verbal communication arguably and allegedly has a close connection to culture. In trying to see a difference between communication in general and culture, some researchers have reported that communication is culture and culture is communication. They could not see an apparent and clear distinction between the two aspects. Culture could not have been developed without communication and communication could not have existed without culture. The two aspects are also indispensable for human existence. The non-verbal system developed by a certain culture is also a significant aspect of culture that helps attaining effective communication. Most people do not give much attention to their non-verbal behaviours as they are within the frontiers of their own culture. Problems of non-verbal communication do occur when individuals who belong to a certain culture confront and try to communicate with other individuals belonging to other cultures. By way of illustration, an Arab in a western country would use some gestures, signs or may hold a space in discussions which would be strange and odd for a westerner. To exemplify further, Americans use a sign pointing their middle finger up trying to communicate something agreed on. This specific sign is unknown and can not be understood when used in another culture like the Arab one. Thus, the need to be culturally sensitive in our communication is of great significance. We should bear in mind that there are cultural differences that shape and impact the non-verbal behaviour. Avoiding cultural miscommunication and misunderstanding and promoting intercultural effective communication c an not be attained without understanding and accepting other cultures with all the embedded aspects, values, beliefs that lie beneath it. Communication with others ought to be endowed with all forms of acceptance and tolerance. Stereotyping and prejudging often taint any human interaction. Another thing we should bare in mind is that a good communicator is always that one who accepts differences and diversity and view them as normal.

Japanese Kimono

The  kimono  is a traditional form of clothing worn by Japanese women and men. There are many different forms of Japanese kimono. The word kimono literally as known as â€Å"clothing†, and up until the mid 19th century it was the form of dress worn by everyone in Japan. Between 30 and 100 days after a child is born, the parents, siblings, and grandparents visit a shrine together to report the child’s birth. The baby is dressed in a white under-kimono. On top of that kimono, the baby wears a brightly coloured yuzen-dyed kimono if it is a girl, and a black kimono decorated with the family crest if it is a boy.Another key event in a kid’s life is the SHICHI-GO-SAN(seven-five-three) Festival, which takes place in November. On this day, they are dressed in kimonos and parents will take their 5 years old boys and 7 or 3 years old girls to the local shrine to thanks the gods for keeping their children healthy and making them grow. Japanese women wear different kind of Kimono throughout the different stages in their life. When a young Japanese woman reach 20 years old, she is recognised as an adult.Many parents buy the  Furisode  for their daughters to celebrate this vital point in a young woman's life. Furisode is a formal kimono for single women, it is brightly colored and made of very fine quality silk. In the very modest Japanese society wearing a Furisode is a very obvious statement that the single woman is available for marriage. The major points of the furisode is the long sleeves and it will go right to the ground. When a Japanese woman marries, many parents buy their daughters another kimono call the houmongi.The houmongi takes over the role the  furisode  played in the life when she was single. The houmongi is the married woman's formal kimono. It will be wear when attending  friend’s Japanese weddings  or  tea ceremonies while Tomesode is normally wear to a  Japanese wedding ceremony  of a close relative. Jap anese will wear different colour of Kimonos that suit to the four seasons of the year. Pale colours such as light green are appropriate for spring, while cool colours such as lavender or dark blue are good for summer.Today, the yukata is a casual light cotton  kimono  widely worn as a casual wear in Bon-Odori and summer festivals and attending for public occassions. The yukata is worn with a wider belt, which can be simply wrapped around the waist and tucked in at the end. For a more formal appearance, the yukata is worn with an  obi  belt, along with a matching  geta  (wooden sandals) and purse to complete the attire. The colour of autumn is imitate the hues of the turning leaves while winter is the season for strong colours like black and red.Although kimonos are no longer everyday wear in Japan, people stil like to wear them at various times throughout the year. And when they do, they use the fabrics, colors, and a designs of their kimonos to express their love of the 4 seasons. The name yukata comes from the word ‘yu’ (bath) and ‘katabira’ (under clothing). In the Heian era (794-1185), court nobles wore linen ‘yukata’ which were draped loosely after taking a bath. The yukata was later also worn by Japanese warriors and by the Edo era (1600-1868), it was widely worn by the public when public bath became a popular recreation in Japan.Furisode are mainly worn for major social functions such aswedding ceremonies  or tea ceremonies until they get married. A Furisode normally costs around A$15,000 for the whole outfit which depends on the quality of the materials, design and workmanship. The second Monday in January  is a  public holiday  called ‘Adult Day' and many young women attend a ceremony wearing their Furisode kimono. The Mofuku is only worn to the funeral of a close relative. This kimono is all black. ‘Hadajuban’ is the first undergarment worn in the  kimono  attire. It is so named as it is worn next to the skin.Note 1: As the  kimono  is cut in a straight pattern / shape, padding is often needed around the waist and/or bust. A padding similar to the one shown in the picture can be worn to fill / level off body curves. Please note that padding is worn underneath the ‘hadajuban’. Note 2: Over the ‘hadajuban’, a second undergarment called the ‘nagajuban’ is worn to add collar definition to the kimono. Please note that the ‘nagajuban’ is not worn with a casual kimono such as theyukata. In my past experience, I thought Kimono will only be worn during â€Å"Bon-Odori†, m

Internal Controls And Internal Control - 1117 Words

Internal control plays an increasingly significant role in firms and many other organizations. Businesspeople, especially managers, pay more attention to internal control and its relationship with management (Krishnan, 2005). They tend to discover how internal control affects the operation of the companies. Although managers of some companies have doubts on the value of internal control, it directly helps managers to make open and effective management of the companies when designing, undertaking and optimizing their plans. The definition of internal control is presented in the first section. Then next section shows the importance of internal control, which mainly functions as risk assessment, effective communication and monitoring,†¦show more content†¦Risk assessment is the most basic function of internal control that helps companies to prevent risks. Risks are analyzed, considering possibility and influence, as a basis for determining how they should be dealt with, thus, t hose potential risks can be identified before financial losses occur (Feng et al., 2009). For example, a company purchases an advanced fire-prevention system including the smoke detectors and fire alarms. This control behavior can reduce the possibility of fire accidents that may destroy the company’s physical assets. Therefore, the system is worthwhile because it prevents the company suffering from the likelihood of fire and avoids financial losses. Internal control systems have been advocated as a mechanism for establishing high quality management (Altamuro et al., 2010). It is impossible to run companies without any risks. What managers need to do is to assess the possibility of the risk and take relevant measures to prevent it occurring. The model of risk assessment is applied to decide whether the control should be implemented. There is a tiny flaw of the internal control. From the example it can be seen that if the cost of purchasing the fire-prevention system surpasses the total value of the company assets, this kind of control will lose its significance. Internal control makes great contribution to reducing

Economics Is A Large Part Of Our Lives - 1745 Words

Economics is a large part of our lives. It has been a part in building our society, and we follow many of its concepts daily. The basis of our decisions such as what to do with our time or money, the study of economics can explain them. In this paper, I will present my own three Case in Point boxes that demonstrate a few economic concepts. This Case in Point box is designed to replace the one from Section 5.1: Price Elasticity of Demand No Matter What the Cost, We Will Take it Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Every day, the U.S. expends thousands of gallons of gas driving to the store, picking up their kid, going to work, or driving to places they want to visit. Driving generally allows faster and simpler means of†¦show more content†¦In 2000, the total fuel consumption for motor vehicles in the United States was 162,554 million gallons of oil. After 12 years of price increase, the average price of fuel in 2012 was $3.68 with fuel consumption reaching 168,395 million gallons. The estimated price elasticity of demand for the years 2000-2012 is 0.025 and therefore price inelastic. As shown in the graph, over the course of 12 recent years, there hasn’t been much change in gas consumption. Despite some years having a drop or rise in gas prices of almost 30%, the greatest changes in year-to-year consumption have only been about -4% and 2.4%. Although gas prices can increase greatly, they remain an important part of getting around. While there are alternatives such as walking or public transportation, driving may be the better option. People need to get to work and get around and driving is usually more convenient. In addition, prices won’t stop trucks and people from delivering goods and services because there aren’t many good alternatives. 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Essay on Morality and Relgion - Irish Murdoch - 1704 Words

Iris Murdoch-â€Å"Morality and Religion†: Notes pg. 733, para 1: Murdoch’s purpose is to question the relationship of morality to religion, and look at their differences as well as the definition of religion. -She claims this essay is moral philosophy and feels she must clarify whether her philosophy is religious or not. -She discusses how some believe religion really must be â€Å"breathed in† during childhood (taught to children by their parents); otherwise, adults may feel they are just faking it—but, Murdoch notes, those who are religious when younger will have a hard time giving it up as adults. pg. 733, para 2: Virtue (doing right) is the most obvious connection between morality and religion. -Seeking virtue has lost popularity, and†¦show more content†¦-But Murdoch admits that religious people experience a heightened consciousness, which resonates with literary critic Matthew Arnold’s claim that religion is â€Å"morality touched by emotion.† -Murdoch explains the great intensity and assuredness that religion provides: it is deep, holy, absolute, engages one’s imagination, and engages the whole person at every moment of his/her life, and every moment matters. -Murdoch concludes that a high level of morality without religion doesn’t have any foundation. -With religion, Christians have points of reference to give their morality foundation, like the image of Christ, and Murdoch suggests that Christians adjust their attitudes to resonate with the image of Christ in order to make their beliefs true. [So these images Christians create become for them the truth even though they’re man made.] -Since images of Christ change over time, Christianity is a continuous adjustment to its images throughout history. [suggesting a perpetuation of a fantasy or that religion changes as historical periods change] pg. 737, para 5: Murdoch uses the example of a simple Welsh traveling pastor’s (Francis Kilvert’s) journal entries to demonstrate how religious reverence can make someone sound comfortably dumb, naà ¯ve, simple, humble. Kilvert is so secure in his faith that he is like a child. pg. 738, para 5 (con’t): Wittgenstein (Murdoch’s teacher) described why believers like

Winesburg Free Essays

The word grotesque is an oxymoron in itself. It means beautiful ugly. How a person can have both of these adjectives is the theme of Winesburg, Ohio written by Sherwood Anderson. We will write a custom essay sample on Winesburg or any similar topic only for you Order Now His characters become grotesque by holding onto one truth that make them distorted but unknowingly make them beautiful simultaneously. Anderson uses the motif of isolation on Seth Richmond, the Stranger and Tandy to develop their grotesqueness by making the characters’ isolation be the reason why they hold onto one truth causing their grotesqueness. On the other hand, the author ses biblical allusion to help clarify the truth Jesse Bentley lives by that causes his grotesqueness. Anderson uses the motif of isolation in order to enhance the grotesqueness of Seth Richmond, as the character’s self-imposed isolation causes his grotesqueness. Seth Richmond grows up with his mother, Virginia Richmond who does not know how to discipline him and a deceased father. Seth only stares at his mother apathetically when she scolds him that causes his mother to withdraw from her displeasure. Seth also only shows indifference in things other boys engage in and finds him different rom others, since he does not feel the same emotions people would usually feel. Hence, he holds onto the truth that he does not belong in the town and â€Å"he [wishes] that he himself [be] stirred by something† (133). Seth’s self-imposed isolation is what causes his grotesqueness. He thinks Just because he doesn’t have the same interest as the others and is not â€Å"stirred by something† makes him an outcast and unlike. When in fact, the people of Winesburg admire him because he comes off as a passionate and mature man. Nevertheless, Seth does not acknowledge the people’s houghts because he lives by his truth that he does not fit in Winesburg because he is indifferent about things the people our engaged in. For this reason, he is distorted and grotesque for believing one truth and not accepting the others’ truths. Later, Seth fancies a girl named Helen but with him imposing that he does not belong in the town and wants to leave, he soon drives away Helen and begins to think that the reason of her departure is because of his truth that he is an outcast. When in reality, Helen departs to avoid further sentiment because Seth tells her that it was their last ime they’ll see each other. Nonetheless, He continues to say, â€Å"when it comes to loving someone, it wont never be [him]. It’ll be†¦ someone who talks a lot – someone like that George Willard† (142). Seth continues to hold onto his truth and imposes that he needs be isolated further more from the town and needs to leave Winesburg. This eventually drives Helen away, but Seth believes it is because of his social skills. Hence, he becomes Jealous of George Willard and wants to be like him because he thinks that if he were George, Helen would not have left him. However, George Willard is not that social either, Seth assumes he is a social butterfly because he is a reporter but as a matter of fact he only listens well. Seth is grotesque because he believes in a truth that is not absolute. He believes that Helen left him because he is not as social as George Willard, when it is not the case. He is grotesque tor believing a truth about George Willard that is not true. The author also uses the motif of isolation to develop the grotesqueness of the Stranger and Tandy, as the characters’ isolation causes them to hold onto one truth aking them grotesque. Tandy Hard lives only with her father, Tom Hard because her mother is dead. Tom Hard spends most of his time being an atheist, wrecking the ideas and belief that God exists causing his daughter to be neglected. Not having anyone to nurture her and guide her, she becomes lost and continues to live without an identity, as implied by the author when he does not mention her real name until she the stranger names her Tandy. The stranger comes to Winesburg, Ohio in order to cure his alcohol addiction and addiction to an image of a lover. He claims that his over is named Tandy who has â€Å"the quality of being strong to be loved,† and the only reason he is not with her is because â€Å"she did not come in [his] time† (145). As a result of the stranger being lone and isolated for not having a lover, he holds onto the truth that his lover is named Tandy and she was not born in his time for the stranger does not find her yet. His reasoning makes him distorted because he continues to believe the truth that there is a Tandy that was not born at his time and not acknowledge the truth that there might not be any Tandy at all. In addition, his isolation also makes im grotesque because it makes him live by the truth that his lover is someone like Tandy and does not acknowledge the truth that there are other women out there that can be his potential lovers without necessarily having the same quality as Tandy. Nonetheless, the stranger imposes on the daughter that she should be Tandy and she should be strong and brave in order to beloved. Consequently, the daughter not having an identity starts to incline on the idea of Tandy. When her father calls her, she retaliates and says, â€Å"[she] want[s] to be called Tandy – Tandy Hard† (146). After he daughter’s statement demanding she wants to be called Tandy, it is implied that she will continue to live as Tandy. For that reason, the daughter is grotesque for not accepting that she can have her own truth to live by and not Just the truth of the stranger. However, the only reason she holds onto the stranger’s truth is because she does not acquire her own identity from the isolation and lack of nurture she gets from her father. Therefore, her isolation because of the lack of guidance from her father causes her to live by another person’s truth distorting her and making her rotesque. Anderson uses biblical allusion to help clear up the truth Jesse Bentley lives by creating his grotesqueness. Jesse Bentley inherits a colossal amount of land from his dead father and brothers. Before inheriting the land Jesse Bentley studied to be a minister, so returning home he is filled with religious thoughts. Hence, he begins to think that his farm is an empire of God and thinks that his lands need to be protected from â€Å"the hands of the Philistines† (73). As a man who studied to be a minister, it is understandable to return with the words of God. However, Jesse Bentley ssociating his life to the Bible and calling his neighbors Philistines is Just absurd and twisted. He lives by the truth that his life is parallel with Jesse’s life from the Bible, and even goes to the extent of calling his neighbors Philistines implying that they are enemies. For this reason, Jesse Bentley is grotesque because he lives by the truth that his neighbors are Philistines like in the Bible, causing his distortion and grotesqueness because his truth is not really true. As I said before, Jesse Bentley commences to equate his life to the Jesse of the Old Testament. The Jesse from the Old Testament is known as Christ’s key ancestor. As a result, Bentley prays to God that his wife conceives a son that can be named David in order for the lineage to start. However, his wife conceives a girl, Louise that gives birth to a son named David. Jesse Bentley then starts to get obsessive about contacting God through his grandson David. He thinks that through David they â€Å"will see the beauty and glory of God† (100), so he brings a sheep to sacrifice and uses David as a host in the forest. Jesse Bentley holds onto the truth that he can be a significant person like the Jesse from the Old Testament through his grandson. He strongly believes that his life is parallel to the life of the Bible’s Jesse when it is not the case. In addition, the fact that he still tries to equate his life into the bible when there’s a generation gap and the story that he is reenacting is Abraham and Isaac and not Jesse and David shows that he is so desperate to communicate with God and feel significant that it makes him distorted and grotesque. Furthermore, because Jesse Bentley is blinded by his want to be significant and the truth that he can communicate with God, he does not accept the ruth that God may not exist making him grotesque. In conclusion, the characters’ isolation leads them to live by one truth that enhances their grotesqueness. Additionally, the author uses biblical allusion to explain and clarify the truths the characters’ hold onto that makes them grotesque. In some way, the characters’ or in general people’s grotesqueness can be seen as beautiful. People’s faith in a certain truth can be considered beautiful and no matter how distorted it makes them seem, it’s the fact that people stand on their ground and fght for what they believe in, makes them admirable. How to cite Winesburg, Papers

Accounting Software Packages used in Australia Small and Medium Organ

Question: Discuss about theAccounting Software Packages used in Australiafor Small and Medium Organizations. Answer: Introduction The literature review depicts the usage of accounting software packages in Australia. In order to reduce the traditional operational issues small and medium organizations are adopting this product in wide scale (Tijani and Mohammed 2013). The review will demonstrate the history of accounting software packages, development and adaptation of accounting software. It will also describe the current market size along with the challenges faced by the organization. Finally the literature review will provide certain recommendations or suggestion for accounting software packages used in Australia. History of Accounting Software/Packages Used in Australia From the market analysis five small accounting software packages such as Intuit QuickBooks, MYOB, Reckon, Saasu and Xero are identified in Australia. The features are as follows: Factors MYOB QuickBooks Saasu Xero Quotes and affordability It does not have the feature of Quotes. It charges $29 to $65per month for the subscription The range of products allows the users of the software packages to build quotes. The monthly charge for this software package is $15 to $35. It has the ability to built quotes Charges $35 in the monthly basis. Does not have any quote feature. . It charges $19, $29, $64 in every month. Feedback Provides different formats for feedback. Provides simple flow of invoices functionalities. Sales are easily recorded in case of Saasu. It allows the users to create draft invoice or feedback. Statements The statement template is highly customized From the software gallery the users can directly access the statements. Gives opportunity to the users to customize the feedback. Provides print and email statements in customized manner. Security Highly secured Highly secured Medium Medium Accounting software is referred to as a computational program mostly used by small to medium organizations to manage their accounting system effectively and efficiently. It helps to store accounting records of transaction, employee details, payroll management system etc. traditionally, the accounting system was manually processed with the help of paper but gradually after the invention of computer and technologies revolutionary changes occurred in accounting system (Daneshgar, Low and Worasinchai 2013). Much affordable software is currently available in global competitive market and the changed mechanism has moved the concept of traditional programs. According to Sam et al. (2012), the changes are adopted due to certain features such the operational speed and faster management provoked the traditional accounting system to move into this platform. Mayasari (2015) stated that once a data stored in the database will not get deleted and it reduces the chances of occurrence of data redundancy. Important information can be fetched with the help of simple queries from a large storage in minutes (Gupta and Sawyer 2015). Whereas, Seethamraju (2015) argued that, though the system is efficient but there is high chance of data hijacking if appropriate security service is not used. Development and Adaptation on Software Packages During market assessment it has been found that, most of the widely used accounting software packages are used in Australia such as Intuit QuickBooks, MYOB, Reckon, Saasu and Xero. According to Bradshaw, Pulakanam and Cragg (2015) traditionally immediate access was not possible as the system was maintained by human resources. There was a huge chance of error occurrence. Again the traditional system also cannot assure that the stored data will never lose. Arcega et al. (2015) opined that if a system is managed by more than one then interruption might lead to vast confusion within the system itself. In order to avoid these issues advanced accounting packages are innovated. Wongsim and Hongsakon (2015) stated that, the computerized system enhanced the accuracy of measurements than the traditional process. In addition to this, Rajasa and Faturachman (2015) stated that, computerized accounting process has the characteristics of easy insertion, deletion and update whenever required. Different small to medium organizations with exceptional characteristics and faster processing and transactional requirements are adopting software packages such as MYOB, XERO. Henny et al. (2013) stated that based on the quality and features of organizations the accounting software are developed. Most of the government organizations and small to medium business organizations are adopting accounting software packages. Mohamed (2013) stated that, this system serves the general purposes of data management uniquely. Mayasari (2015) argued that the general purpose software cannot provide all the requirements of an organization whereas, accounting software meet all the requirements of the consumers and the organization too. Current Market Size During the period of market analysis it has been found that, most of the small to large business organizations have adopted the accounting software packages in order to avoid improper data management. Over the last ten years the market distribution of accounting software has completely changed in Australia Sam et al. (2012). Again, Bradshaw, Pulakanam and Cragg (2015) mentioned that Xero has about 67% of total market share, whereas saga has shared 35% of total market share. Since two to three years MYOB is focusing on the trades following the successful market IPO. MYOB also joined other locally located accounting software providers (Gupta and Sawyer 2015). Domestic as well as international investment is giving wide mode of advantages to the businesses and to the software development organizations also. Wongsim and Hongsakon (2015) argued that, in order to gain significant benefits from the marketplace many businesses are switching its platform from traditional to cloud based accounting system. In case of MYOB, it has been found that, more than 1 million of small to medium business are adopting the desktop based product invented by MYOB itself. In addition to this Arcega et al. (2015) opined that, the equity return percentage is 10% and 28 % respectively for MYOB and XERO. The Australian investors are continuously paying for further development of this accounting software. Financial circumstances are needed to be stronger for the potential development. Figure 1: Current market size of accounting software packages used in Australia (Source: Wongsim and Hongsakon 2015, pp- 1297) Identification of Leaders in the Market There are many accounting software used in the current market of Australia but based on the features of all the software packages the best one which might lead in the market is needed to be identified by the small to medium business enterprises (Tijani and Mohammed 2013). Different accounting software contain various characteristics for example payroll and accounting software is holds cash flow calculator, standard tools and it can manage huge number of users at a time without any kind of error. Wongsim and Hongsakon (2015) stated that, both the accounting software Xero and QuickBooks are cloud based but regardless of subscription planning Xero attracted vast number of users. Hongsakon (2015) stated considering the pricing aspects it has been detected that, for integrated payroll services Xero and QuickBooks both are similar. Competitive Advantages According to Rajasa and Faturachman (2015) over last two to three years cloud based accounting packages are widely used by different small to medium business organizations. These products are time saving, secured and also easily accessible by the employees and consumers as well. Again Seethamraju (2015) stated that, integration of these products along with the existing strategies will be much beneficial. The competitive advantages are defined during research and these are as follows: Reduction in the IT maintenance cost: Most of the cloud based product does not require adopting particular software (Wongsim and Hongsakon 2015). Thus it reduces the cost of regular update and backup. Availability: The stored banking and personnel information related to the employees can be easily accessed regardless of time and location (Daneshgar, Low and Worasinchai 2013). Even, it allows the users to view information from different digital devices. Feeds from banks: Information of credit cards can be easily downloaded to the bank accounts and according to Mohamed (2013) this is the most time saving operation. Easy sharing: Without using the USB keys information can be shared from one to other. Analysis of Current Gaps and Challenges Identified by the Consumers During analysis it has been found that the users are facing challenges while using the products these are as follows: Cost: According to Gupta and Sawyer (2015) the cost of counting software are reasonable but associated cost are very high during its utilization. For example RAM, speed of the processor, memory capacity require minimum standard. Difficulty: Non expert employees found difficulties while using it. Hongsakon (2015) opined that, improper accounting terms and business layouts are leading to massive loss. Time management: The feedback processes of accounting software take huge time. Lack of time management is leading to business failure. Maintenance: The maintenance does not include only software update the associated devices are also needed to maintain as well (Seethamraju 2015). However, due to lack of maintenance the organizations are facing competitive challenges. Conclusion and Recommendations From the overall discussion it can be concluded that, in order to avoid accounting based issues small to medium organizations are adopting accounting software packages in Australia and among them, most widely used software package in Xero. Due to the operational speed, production of automatic documents, appropriate management of information and accuracy these products are used. The literature has elaborated the history of accounting software including the development and adaptation procedure. The current market size and among them the leading brand is also identified. However, still certain issues are facing by those, who adopted the packages. Those challenges and there mitigation process are also recommended in this literature review. The recommendations are as follows: Advanced technology adaptation: In order to avoid the current challenges the small and medium business organizations should adopt more advanced and innovative technologies. Security: This is one of the major concerns; the organizations must keep the banking data and personnel information secured with the help of proper encryption key so that unauthorized users cannot access those data from the storage. Training to experts: enterprises must develop regular training programs for the employees so that they become familiar with the technologies very soon. Platform selection: Best cloud based platform is required to be selected to avoid data management and storage issues. References Arcega, C.K., Datinguinoo, E., Guerra, J., Guno, C., Mayuga, H.J., Villamena, E. and Manongsong, J.L., 2015. Computerized vs. Non-computerized Accounting System of Small and Medium Enterprises in Lipa City, Philippines: A Comparative Analysis.Asia Pacific Journal of Academic Research in Business Administration,1(1). Bradshaw, A., Pulakanam, V. and Cragg, P., 2015. Knowledge Sharing in IT Consultant and SME Interactions.Australasian Journal of Information Systems,19. Daneshgar, F., Low, G.C. and Worasinchai, L., 2013. An investigation of build vs. buydecision for software acquisition by small to medium enterprises.Information and software technology,55(10), pp.1741-1750. Gupta, R. and Sawyer, A.J., 2015, November. The costs of compliance and associated benefits for small and medium enterprises in New Zealand: Some recent findings. InAustralian Tax Forum(Vol. 30). Henny, H., Lianawati, C., Hari Setiabudi, H., Diana, Y. and Merlin, S., 2013. Evaluation of utilization information technology on kopwani accounting information systems using cost benefit analysis and gap analysis. Mayasari, M., 2015 The Influence of Personal Characteristics, Interaction:(Computer/Individual), Computer Self-efficacy, Personal Innovativeness in Information Technology to Computer Anxiety in use of Mind your Own Business Accounting Software.International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues,5(1S). Mohamed, Z., 2013. The Perception of Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) on the Importance of a Proper Accounting System: Malaysian Evidence.Journal of Modern Accounting and Auditing,9(10), pp.1302-1321. Rajasa, A. and Faturachman, F., 2015. Predicting the Intention to Re-Use on Accounting Application Software (The Case of Accurate Application Software Users in Indonesia).The International Journal Of Business Management,3(8). Sam, M., Fazli, M., Hoshino, Y. and Tahir, M.N.H., 2012. The adoption of computerized accounting system in small medium enterprises in Melaka, Malaysia.International Journal of Business and Management,7(18). Seethamraju, R., 2015. Adoption of software as a service (SaaS) enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).Information Systems Frontiers,17(3), pp.475-492. Tijani, O. and Mohammed, A.K., 2013. Computer-Based Accounting Systems in Small and Medium Enterprises: Empirical Evidence from a Randomized Trial in Nigeria.Universal Journal of Management,1(1), pp.13-21. Wongsim, M. and Hongsakon, P., 2015. The Adoption of Process Management for Accounting Information Systems in Thailand.World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, International Journal of Computer, Electrical, Automation, Control and Information Engineering,9(5), pp.1293-1301.