The Downside of Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Downside of Diversity - Essay Example Diversity produces lower civic health, which is a detriment to society. Robert Putnam, a Harvard political scientist, conducted in-depth interviews with 30,000 people across the United States (Jonas, 2007). What Putnam found was that neighbors in diverse communities trust each other roughly half as much as they do in communities that are made up of one predominant culture. This is due to the cultural differences that exist between members of diverse communities. Further research found that diversity makes us feel uncomfortable in social settings; however, diversity can thrive in the work environment. This is because a wider range of thoughts can strengthen a plan or objective because all the weaknesses are covered. Putnam’s research also supports that of some of his contemporaries, who argue that people in diverse communities do not contribute to common needs and goals of the community. Diversity results in a decline in social capital, a term first coined by Putnam himself in some of his previous studies. Social capital refers to friendships, religious institutions, and community associations, which are more likely to suffer when diversity is present in the community (Jonas, 2007). This is because people feel disenfranchised from the very societal groups that are set up to help them. Putnam claims that high social capital makes a community a better place to live, neighborhoods are safer, people are healthier, and more citizens vote (Jonas, 2007). Putnam’s survey, which was conducted in a number of diverse communities across the United States, questioned many ethic groups (black, white, Hispanic, and Asian) about how they felt about their neighbors, community, and local government. Putnam’s results showed that most people did not engage politically or socially with members of other cultures (Jonas, 2007). Finally, living in diverse communities brings out the turtle in all of us. What

Social Learning Theory - A. Bandura Research Paper

Social Learning Theory - A. Bandura - Research Paper Example There involves a wide rage of technical aspects that need to be focused and incorporated to achieve the very educational goals of the overall education system. According to Bandura, school must do more than just imparting knowledge in the same old traditional ways, which according to him do not have a thorough influence over the long-term learning of the students. Let the paper first analyze the key points that the Social Learning theory (Ormrod, 2007) revolves around and subsequently, will move towards specific aspects of educational systems that one should incorporate, in order to achieve the highest rate of development in the light of this theory. Social Learning Theory (Ormrod, 2007) primarily advocates the idea that the learning capability of people is because of their observations. When people observe some one practicing something and achieving any kind of results, they like imitating the person’s behavior after a sequence of cognitive processes. This means that imitatin g makes people learn and thus observation is the key element. Moreover, since behaviorist theory and other learning theories like cognitive learning theory also emphasize upon people’s learning due to their abilities of memorizing and retention; social learning theory can play a vital role as a bridge between these theories since this element is mutually found in the mentioned three theories. In addition, the factor of motivation has to be present to make the individual move forward in adopting a behavior and evolving his personality (Learning-Theories, 2008). Furthermore, there are three significant variables, Bandura has put his theory upon and integrated them with proper reasoning. As discussed earlier, firstly behavior is the key element of learning (Ormrod, 2007). The second most important feature is personal variable. The preferences of an individual play a significant part in making them distinguish between what they want to learn and what they should and what they do not want to learn and they should not. Every individual has their own area of interest with a set boundary of ethical values and mores. Imitation and observations are greatly influenced by the values that the individuals hold previously. Third important variable is the environmental events that take place. This incorporates the answers to questions like what kind of an event is taking place, how frequently and how much the recipient is involved. Thus, according to Bandura, all these factors have a collective effect over the personality development of the individuals (Frick, 1991). Educators play a significant role in making the students realize that all of them can learn anything at any point in time and in any stage of their lives. Since, every individual possesses different qualities and even each one of them has their particular bent of mind to learn according to their own capacities, the focus should be on the factor of motivation. Thus, educators should primarily try to bring a bout the motivation factor in their students at first because if motivation were not present, individual learning process would hinder a lot (Books, 2010). Secondly, educators must try knowing about the specific learning trends of every student. This connotes that some students are visual learners, some are auditory learners, and some learn through simulations and not by any other means. Once, the educators have a grip on these aspects, they can move on while focusing over

Equity and trusts Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Equity and trusts - Case Study Example As was stated in Knight v Knight2 by Lord Langdale MR, there are three certainties that must be present in order to constitute a valid express trust, they are certainty of words, certainty of subject matter and certainty of objects.3 The certainty of words requirement was described in Re Kayford Ltd.4 as being akin to a certainty of intention. The intention is to impose a mandatory obligation on the trustees of how the trust property is to be dealt with. As was stated in Banks v Goodfellow5 the testator does not need to have the understanding of a lawyer as to the contents of the document but a clear intention to trust, must be present. The certainty of subject matter relates to the trust property. The trust property must be clearly defined and identified. Otherwise the trust must fail as who is to decide which assets are to form the basis of the trust. The case law has established that uncertainty as to the subject matter can either be conceptual or evidential. By conceptual uncertainty is meant that it is impossible to ascertain what the intention of the testator was. For example, in Palmer v Simmonds6 Kindersley V-C said that a trust could not be created, as a 'definite, clear and certain part' of the estate had not been identified. The court is willing to exert effort in ascertaining the trust property as Ungoed-Thomas did in Re Golay7 where he found that a 'reasonable income' was capable of ascertainment by the court, but if there is no clear property, there can be no trust. What's more, the allocation of property must be specific. In Hemmens v Wilson Browne (a firm)8 it was held that a right to payment of 110,000 at any time could not form a trust as the sum was unspecific, or in the words of Judge Moseley QC, 'there was no identifiable fund to which any trust could attach.'9 I think it is fair to say that 'my houses' is sufficiently specific to allow for ascertainment. To my stepdaughter Analise the home of my parents with instructions that the property is held within the family in perpetuity. This provision raises two concerns. The first is that there is a good chance that Lady Penelope does not presently own the house of her parents. While there are tax and other reasons why she may own it, we are informed that her parents were still alive at the time of her death. If Lady Penelope does not presently own the house of her parents, then it is impossible for her to create a valid trust over it. While she may have been due to inherit the house, we are told that her parents are still alive and this would therefore not occur. It is a fact of law that it is not possible to create a trust for property that the testator does not own yet, but hopes to own in the future. This has been expressly stated in the case of future inheritance under a will or intestacy.10 In Re Ellenborough11 the settlor granted in 1893 to trustees, any property she may become entitled to in the future on the deaths of her brother or sister. When her brother died nine years later, she decided not to give the property to the trustees, and Buckley J upheld her decision on the ground that no trust could have been created in 1893 over property that the

Company Performance Critical Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Company Performance Critical Analysis - Essay Example The company focuses on developing sustainable energy future for the consumers, community and investors by exploring the suite of reduced emission and renewable energy creation opportunities (AGL Energy Limited, 2014). This document gives a two-year analysis of the financial report for AGL Company for the year ended 30th June 2013 and 2014 in order to examine the company’s performance for the period. The financial report of the company provides the shareholders and other stakeholders with information on social, environmental, governance, risk issues affecting the company as well as the financial performance during the respective years. AGL is the consolidated entity with four reportable functional sections, and the results of each section are reported according to the reporting structure of the internal management during the reporting period (AGL, 2014). The four operational sections include Merchant energy, retail energy, upstream gas and energy investments. Merchant Energy develops, operates and sustains assets for power generation. Also, they manage risks related to obtaining and distributing natural gas and electricity to its retail and wholesale clients. Merchant Energy distributes natural gas and electricity to consumers and offers energy efficiency and carbon management services (AGL, 2014). Retail Energy segment sells natural gas, electricity and products and services associated with energy to residents and small scale business clients. Upstream Gas section deals with the exploration of gas, development and production of tenements and facilities for storing gasses (AGL, 2014). Energy Investments consist of Diamantina Holding Company Pty Limited and equity accounted investments in the ActewAGL Retail Partnership. It owns the Loy Yang power station and the nearby coal mine that is currently reported in the Merchant Energy operating segment (AGL Energy Limited, 2014). In the year ended June 30th, 2011 AGL company

Week 4-Happiness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Week 4-Happiness - Assignment Example At first, I believed on this. However, I came to realize that affluence does not necessarily give someone happiness and being poor also does not automatically make one unhappy (DuBrin, 2011). I am now against my previous notion of judging some careers as substandard and insignificant. Apparently, I fall into adventure category. During life audaciousness made me acquire some values that up-to-date are precious to me. I learnt values like respect and honesty through adventure where I was much curious to understand how members of an organization interrelate harmoniously without the two values. Respect is an important value that leads to the realization of honest in any organization (DuBrin, 2011). Corporations value personnel who uphold honesty and respect, for they comprehend that a good relationship builds trust among employees. Finally, the adventurous spirit enabled me to grow the value of courtesy where I was curious why people could give their seat to pregnant woman or old people and other do not and I come to realize some children will not practice this because they contemplate that they will not receive appreciation. Therefore, my quest prepared me to learn this and endorse that some values we possess are driven by adventures. It is important to know your values for it gives one a tremendous clarity and focus in life. The values that I treasure in my life are; honesty, respect, politeness, happiness, success, peace, fun, security, transparency and adventure (Steve, 2013). Steve has underlined imperative values that are proficient in guiding our compartments at work or in any other areas of our life. Values enable us to act according to our conviction. The value that I desire most is happiness; this is because happiness significantly helps me in attaining life satisfaction (DuBrin, 2011). It assists me overcome stress both at workplace. Happiness also offers me an

What dominates the relationship between the Mideast and the Western Essay

What dominates the relationship between the Mideast and the Western powers - Essay Example the worlds that are endowed with a lot of natural resources wealth, especially the oil deposits, which then make it one of the strategic sources of petroleum globally. In this respect, the resource question dominates the relationship between the Mideast and the Western powers, since despite the fact that the two ends of the world have major differences regarding the political, social and economic orientations, the Western powers must keep cooperating with the Middle East as a major source of raw material for their economy (Bew, n.p.). Thus, despite the fact that there is a high degree of violation of the human rights and other democratic principles that are held in high esteem by the Western powers, they still find it necessary to keep a cordial relationship with the Middle East, for the sake of continued benefit from the oil resource. It is even difficult to imagine what would happen should the Middle East severe its relationship with the West, since there would be a dire shortage o f the oil resource to the West, which is a major driving force for the Western powers’ economies. Market is yet another major factor that dominates the relationship between the Mideast and the Western powers. The Middle East offers a huge market for the Western Powers products on top of producing essential raw materials for those economies, such that trade with the Middle East is a fundamental determinant of the Western Powers dominance in global economy (Hourani, 45). During the World War II, the USA stationed its troops in Iran so that the troops would protect the Iranian oil deposits from being exploited for the advantage of the USSR (Fawcett, 102). Since then, the interest in the Middle East oil resource has informed the relationship between the western powers and the Middle East. In this respect, the Western powers have formulated their foreign policies such that they still reflect a cordial relationship with the Middle East, even when the middle East countries are advancing

Week 4-Happiness Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Week 4-Happiness - Assignment Example At first, I believed on this. However, I came to realize that affluence does not necessarily give someone happiness and being poor also does not automatically make one unhappy (DuBrin, 2011). I am now against my previous notion of judging some careers as substandard and insignificant. Apparently, I fall into adventure category. During life audaciousness made me acquire some values that up-to-date are precious to me. I learnt values like respect and honesty through adventure where I was much curious to understand how members of an organization interrelate harmoniously without the two values. Respect is an important value that leads to the realization of honest in any organization (DuBrin, 2011). Corporations value personnel who uphold honesty and respect, for they comprehend that a good relationship builds trust among employees. Finally, the adventurous spirit enabled me to grow the value of courtesy where I was curious why people could give their seat to pregnant woman or old people and other do not and I come to realize some children will not practice this because they contemplate that they will not receive appreciation. Therefore, my quest prepared me to learn this and endorse that some values we possess are driven by adventures. It is important to know your values for it gives one a tremendous clarity and focus in life. The values that I treasure in my life are; honesty, respect, politeness, happiness, success, peace, fun, security, transparency and adventure (Steve, 2013). Steve has underlined imperative values that are proficient in guiding our compartments at work or in any other areas of our life. Values enable us to act according to our conviction. The value that I desire most is happiness; this is because happiness significantly helps me in attaining life satisfaction (DuBrin, 2011). It assists me overcome stress both at workplace. Happiness also offers me an