International Relations and Foreign Policy Essay

International Relations and Foreign Policy - Essay Example 89-91). However, it is arguable that international relations theories are not self-explanatory of the behavior of all countries and cannot be applied to all circumstances. While the theories are general in nature, they do seek to explain the behavior of nations in general during some of the most important events in history such as the World Wars and other economic treaties (Dougherty and Pfaltzgraff, 2001, pp.95-96). Foreign policy regards the policy or the set of norms that a country adopts regarding its personal behavior with other nations. These norms may govern aspects such as trade, alliances, aid, peace treaties, military support, coalitions, and other matters. Foreign policy is arguably a determinant of a country’s personal circumstances and their own relative power in the international arena. Critics (Janis, 1972, pp. 45-46) may argue that foreign policy is not set according to the activities conducted in the international arena, but is set according to the individual domestic factors of a country itself and the preferences and prejudices of its leader. Therefore, if this is the case, this suggests that international theories, which generalize the behavior of countries throughout the world, are not relevant when it comes to devising theories of foreign policy. Being a neo-realist, Kenneth Waltz claims that international theories do not consider enough variables specific to countries; hence, they cannot be used to predict foreign policy and are not applicable in this regard. However, if international relations theory cannot be applied to predict or analyze the behavior of countries and are not explanatory of their foreign policy, then what is their use? This paper aims to explore the difference between theories of international relations and theories of foreign policy, while explaining the main two international theories prevalent in the international arena. The main emphasis of this paper will be upon the neo-realist school of thought and Kenneth Waltz’ considerations of why the neo-realist theory is inadequate to predict the behavior of individual states and therefore is not applicable as a theory of foreign policy. The aim of this paper will be to refute Kenneth Waltz argument that international relations theories cannot be used as theories of foreign policy through the aid of academic articles. International Relations theories are highly popular when it comes to finding explanations regarding the behavior of countries collectively and in general terms. The theories consider the behavior of all countries to be alike while accounting for variables such as their military strength, economic prosperity, power in the international arena, and their motives (Janis, 1972, pp. 88-89). These theories are supposedly used as indicators of the behavior of countries in different circumstances and as predictive measures. The most popular theories of international relations include realism and liberalism. The two schools of though t, realism, and liberalism are quite divergent from one another and are complete opposite theories. Hence, here has been a longstanding debate between the supporters of both schools of thought. The liberalists believe that morals, international organizations, and legislation or law governs the world. For liberalists, the power

Corporate social responsibility Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Corporate social responsibility - Dissertation Example Corporate social responsibility Moreover COSCO business practices illustrate practices that are fruitful for all (stakeholders, shareholders, workers, partners, suppliers, customers) (COSCO, 2011). In terms of social contributions COSCO is working on the principle of addressing workers to effectively participate in their community development, with its myriad activities are aligned and performed in order to participate in social growth and employees are also encouraged and supported in this regard. For instance COSCO in Singapore have been supporting Yellow Ribbon Project consecutively since five years, keeping in view that this projects has given employment opportunities to person who have been offenders previously by engaging locals in order to give them another chance. As a result COSCO is proud of the fact that many ex-criminals are now back serving societies (COSCO, 2011). Similarly in China COSCO group is very much fulfilling its duty of social responsibility by providing opportunities and supporting various education programs for needy students in China. For instance COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard devised a social activity by the name â€Å"Transfer Youth love, warm Tibetan Herdsman†. The core purpose behind this activity was to provide assistance and help for the needy Tibetan students in remote areas of Tibet. Likewise â€Å"Blue ocean plan love Tibet† launched by Trade union and youth league of Nantong Shipyard which consists of three main parts namely seagugll, seashell and dolphins was drafted in order to build a structure of support (long term) for the needy children of Tibets. The core aim behind this activity was to ameliorate literacy levels by donating basic school needs like bags, uniforms, books, toys, stationery and other material that is needed by students (COSCO, 2011). Besides these activities COSCO also provide help in terms of disaster relief and various other activities related to charity. COSCO is very much aware of the environmental issues and understands th e seriousness of the matter. Therefore various innovations have been carried out by the organisation in order to come up with practices that could less effect the environment. For achieving this goal, different innovations are being carried out like the concept of GREEN SHIP OF THE FUTURE. This concept enables staff and workers to come up with eco friendly ideas and practices. As COSCO is very much keen on practicing and devising designs of ships and operations of management that best suits environment or are environment friendly (COSCO, 2011). LITERATURE REVIEW Corporate Social Responsibility Guthey, Langer, and Morsing (2006) have defined Corporate Social Responsibility as a practice of management that is garnering importance and nowadays is also considered as fad of management. Meanwhile it is believed that businesses around the world have incorporated CSR differently or CSR practices vary around the world. For instance many organisations have perceptions that CSR is an effective tool that can help confining risks and costs related to business operations (Hockerts, 2008). But only very limited amount of organisations are using CSR effectively in order to come up with originality and innovations. Likewise Blum-Kusterer and Hussain after studying 150 British and German pharmaceutical companies believes that in order to achieve sustainability in innovations, advancement in technology

A Reflection of Faith Essay Example for Free

A Reflection of Faith Essay A Reflection of Faith As I reflect upon my faith journey, I realize that like so many other â€Å"cradle Catholics,† I had become complacent. I was raised in a predominantly Catholic nation, by an Anglican mother and Catholic father. After being dutifully baptized into the church, I was set upon my path as any ‘good Catholic† should. Even though I attended Catholic girls’ school, my early days of catechesis consisted of Mass and Sunday school more as a ritual than an integral part of living my faith. I performed the rites of First Holy Communion and confession with no real understanding of my commitment and responsibilities. Confirmation was a spiritual fiasco, from which I almost did not recover. My parents did their best to provide a religious foundation for my siblings and me. In retrospect, they were probably ill-equipped to do so. My higher education and pursuit of my vocation have sometimes made it difficult for me to accept and conform to some simple dogmas of the church. I hold many strong personal views on many issues and have had considerable challenges applying the dogma to my personal life. I have always believed that God has a purpose for us all; my purpose was rather hazy until about seven or eight years ago. The illness and death of my mother at age 56, was a tremendous catalyst in my faith journey. I realized that in my vocational quest, I was not following Christ’s plan, moreover, I was trying to fit Christ into my plans. Consequently, my fervent observation of the Holy Days, abstinence form meat of Fridays in the early days, and unending serviced to my parish in the form of Eucharistic minister, Sacristan, and Catechist, were spiritually void. Once I truly succumbed to Christ and sought His path, my commitment to discipleship was fortified. When God provided me the privilege to serve at St. John, He facilitated a means for me to further enhance my own faith, and to impact that of students on a daily basis. This quote from 1 Timothy 4:12 â€Å"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe;† allowed me to embrace my vocation and truly see its gifts. I am called to live out my vocation in the classroom and positively communicate the doctrines of our faith. This, as well as additional Catechesis has taken my understanding of the â€Å"universal† church to new levels. I love each and every one of my students for his or her uniqueness and ability to motivate me to be the best example of Christ that I am able. I no longer focus on my personal flaws or on the â€Å"flaws† I once perceived in the dogma; but on each minor success I gain in the Christian values of my students. Now that my role in Catholic education has come full circle, I feel very blessed to be part of such a rich tradition of faith and discipleship. I passionately believe in my purpose as a Catechist and I know that God will continue to strengthen me as I continue to walk His path.

Case study of General Electric Co

Case study of General Electric Co General Electric can trace its roots to the founding of the Edison Electric Light Company in 1878. By 1890, Edison had organized his various businesses into the Edison General Electric Company. The Thomson-Houston Company and the various companies that had merged to form it were led by Charles A. Coffin. In 1892, these two major companies combined to form the General Electric Company. GE is a global manufacturing, technology, and services conglomerate, formed in 1892. Today, GE is made up of six businesses, each of which includes a number of units: GE Commercial Finance provides loans, operating leases, financing programs, commercial insurance, and an array of other products and services aimed at enabling business worldwide to grow. GE Healthcare is a leader in the development of a new paradigm of patient care dedicated to detecting disease earlier and helping physicians tailor treatment for individual patients. GE Industrial provides a broad range of products and services throughout the world, including appliances and lighting; plastics and silicones products; and equipment services. GE Infrastructure is one of the worlds leading providers of fundamental technologies to developing countries, including aviation, energy, oil and gas, rail and water process technologies. GE Money, formerly known as GE Consumer Finance, is a leading provider of credit services to consumers, retailers and automotive dealers around the world. NBC Universal is one of the worlds leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. As per their last annual report at the end of 2008,at the end of the year they employed in total globally 323000 employees. $797,769 millions in assets 182,515 millions in revenues. Stakeholder Relations GE is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and incorporated in the State of New York. The company is managed by a 16 member Board of Directors, of which 13 of the directors are independent. Directors are chosen annually at the annual meeting of shareholders. Four committees assist the Board: the Audit Committee, Management Development and Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and the Public Responsibilities Committee. The Public Responsibilities Committee oversees the companys position on corporate social responsibility. GE also has a team of Corporate and Business Executives who lead GEs many corporate functions and businesses. GE has very strong equitable shareholder control. Each share of the common stock is entitled to one vote. Shareholders are able to nominate and elect candidates for the Board of Directors through a majority. Also, GEs code of conduct, The Spirit and The Letter enables shareholders to initiate a process of dis missal of Directors. Within Organisation External Employees Customers Senior Management Shareholders Board Of Directors Suppliers Shareholders Government Representatives Audit Committee Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Management Development And Compensation Committee Industry And Financial Analysts Nominating And Corporate Governance Committee Environmental Advocacy Groups Public Responsibilities Committee Media Environmental, Health And Safety Committee Community Leaders Citizenship Executive Advisory (CEA) Council Ecomagination Advisory Council Investors Investors Table Key Stakeholders GEs Board of Directors and GEs Risk Committee play vital roles in the oversight and management of the Company. From this senior leadership they are held with great accountability. The primary role of GEs Board of Directors is to oversee how management serves the interests of shareowners and other stakeholders. To do this, GEs Directors have adopted corporate governance principles aimed at ensuring that the Board is independent and fully informed on the key risks and strategic issues facing GE. This is dictated by two-thirds of its Board be independent under a strict definition of independence. The GE Board held 13 meetings in 2007 and outside Board members visited at least two GE businesses each in 2007 without senior management present in order to develop their own view of the Company. The Board also meets periodically without management. The Board and its Committees focus on the areas that are important to shareowners strategy, risk management, and people and in 2007 received brief ings on a variety of issues, including: controllership and risk management, compliance and litigation trends, U.S. and global tax policy, environmental risk management, social cost trends, acquisitions and dispositions, intellectual property and copyright protection, global trends, the reshaping and broadening of GEs businesses, and productivity. At the end of the year, the Board and each of its committees conduct a thorough self-evaluation as part of their normal governance cycle. Table Power v Influence MatrixKeep Satisfied Employees CEA Environmental, Health and Safety Committee Public Responsibilities Committee Ecomagination Advisory Council Manage Closely Senior Management Board of Directors Management Development and Compensation Committee Audit Committee Monitor Media Government Representatives Non-Governmental Organizations Community Leaders Keep Informed Investors Shareholders Industry and Financial Analysts Environmental Advocacy Groups Suppliers Power Influence Low High High Low Senior GE officers, including the Citizenship Executive Advisory (CEA) council, are regularly involved in reviewing stakeholder feedback. This group meets at least quarterly and reviews summary stakeholder feedback and issues important to the Companys citizenship efforts to ensure that the appropriate actions and resources are in place. The CEA is comprised of five senior GE executives. GE makes a commitment to transparency in its citizenship reports where the Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and the General Counsel ensure transparency of non-financial information. GE provides training on transparency to all employees as part of induction training as well as e-learning training that deals with compliance to policies and integrity. The citizenship reports are widely disseminated and translated to further encourage participation of its stakeholders. GE makes commitments to engaging with external stakeholders in its citizenship reports, which outline the types of engagements the company undertakes. They started the reports in 2005 and are now into their fourth. GE is currently developing a company-wide approach to stakeholder engagement called, materiality. Stakeholder engagement depends on the functionality of a department, for example, with citizenship-related engagements (i.e. NGOs or public policy groups) the Vice President of Corporate Citizenship over sees external stakeholder engagement. GE provides training to managers and executives on how to interact with stakeholders as part of the business Management and leadership classes. They have formalised engagement where they have institutionalized external stakeholders involvement in corporate decision making on environmental and social issues. GE has an Ecomagination Advisory Council comprised of a Board of 6 to 8 industry thought leaders with expertise in energy and environment. The Council guides the company on technology research and investments, provides new ideas on its environment strategy, helps generate or review white papers, and participates in GE sponsored events. GEs Ecomagination business strategy guides the companys evaluation of its environmental impact. The strategy aims to achieve energy-efficient, less emissive products, and achieves this through the use of the Ecomagination Product Review score card. The score card quantifies a products environmental impact relative to other products. Ecomagination product revenues increased from $12 billion in 2006 to $14 billion in 2007, which as a percent of overall company-wide revenue is 23% in 2007. In the current discussion global climate change, the environment is a hot topic now and will for the forseeable future for stakeholders. The main stakeholders that can be linked with this are the ecoimagination, environmental organizations, EHS. They will increasingly expect policies and strategies with real results and commitment to reduce detrimental environment impacts. They will therefore have a great deal of influence currently and will do for some time. They can increasingly apply pressure on the company to materialize its efforts. No doubt he GE is already tackling these issues but with these external stakeholders great power will arise as they influence employees to take responsibility and increased products on the ecomagination scheme. GE already state they have increasing product line in the pipe line. This is also a media frenzy topic which is reported on daily, environmental issues can see a hole host on stakeholders mainly external influence the the senior management and BOD, these include the media, government representatives, which will influence the community and thus individual shareholders and investors. Not only will they influence the internal operations of the company but in tern the GE will guide its suppliers so no conflict of interest if they are not doing all they can to alleviate environmental issues and are seen to be responsible. GE also has the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Policy, which ensures consistent global standards for evaluation methods. GE provides training to operations leaders on the overview on EHS policy through Plant Manager Training. Of the Ecomagination and EHS policy are both widely circulated, but Only Ecomagination material is translated. However of the mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of lessons learnt from evaluations is not in place and thus contradicts the approach of external stakeholders to lead the environmental issues. GE has the Statement on Principles of Human Rights, which commits the company to monitoring its suppliers adherence to EHS standards in emerging markets, prohibitions against forced and child labor, local wage and hour laws; evaluating human rights issues; and assessing the impact of major infrastructure project financing on local communities. The Vice President of Corporate Citizenship oversees the reporting and evaluation of GEs social impact while different leaders have varying responsibilities depending on the issue. For example, the General Counsel has the responsibility for compliance, governance, and ombudsperson. GE does not provide training to staff on evaluation of social impacts of their activities. Companies like GE with global supply chains face significant challenges in order to ensure that their suppliers make safe and quality products, and that they are produced on time and at competitive prices. In addition, stakeholders increasingly expect companies and their busine ss partners to respect and implement national and international labour and environmental standards in their workplaces. This challenge becomes even greater when companies source suppliers from countries without adequate government enforcement. While the policing model of the past has made some positive improvements, it has been relatively unsuccessful at identifying the core issues. This has created a duplication of efforts, contributed to a proliferation of codes of conduct that create confusion, and has largely been an ineffective use of resources. Adding to the dilemmas are some unanswered questions, including: How will competing companies in the growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China manage their supply chains in relation to international labour standards? Do consumers see the value of investing in supply chains and, if so, are they willing to potentially pay more? Todays leading companies and multi-stakeholder initiatives are changing tack and beginning to focus their efforts on five areas: Improving management systems Developing effective complaint mechanisms and workplace remediation platforms Evaluating internal purchasing to determine how their own actions may negatively impact the workplace Increase supply chain transparency Creating incentives for their buyers and suppliers based on social and environmental performance criteria This shift in approach requires collaboration from a broad set of stakeholders because no one sector can effectively achieve this alone. Companies should learn from the hard lessons of the past, avoid the pitfalls that others have experienced, and consider targeting resources on building internal capacity to work in partnership with NGOs, trade unions, multilaterals, peer companies, and industry and trade associations to tackle these complex issues together. Moreover, companies and their stakeholders should collectively engage governments and encourage them to enforce their laws in order to make decent work a reality and to create a level playing field for multinational companies and for those suppliers competing for their business. GE has the code of conduct called The Spirit and The Letter, which guides the handling of internal complaints. GE also has a Global Ombudsperson system where ombudspersons are placed in every business and country where GE operates to facilitate compliance and the complaints process. The Spirit and The Letter have the commitment to ensure mandatory discipline for anyone found to have retaliated against a whistleblower. The Corporate Ombudsperson has the overall responsibility to oversee compliance with the code. GE provides all ombudspersons with training on receiving concerns, initiating investigations, and monitoring case progress and closure. Employees receive compliance training through the intranet. This also encompasses complaint and response procedure for external complaints. GEs 2007 proxy statement highlights a mechanism that exists for external stakeholders to lodge complaints directly to the Board of Directors. The Corporate Ombudsman also oversees compliance with commitmen ts made in the proxy statement, and will pass any concerns to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Ombudspersons are trained on receiving and handling concerns from external stakeholders. GEs code enables any stakeholder to report concerns of corporate policies and strategies directly to the Board of Directors. With the many commitments and programs and committees in place GE keep their stakeholders mainly employees informed with reports. They have proxy statements, citizen reports, annual reports which are widely disseminated and translated. They also have key policies that are made easier accessible such as human rights statements. Not all endeavours are translated and circulated but the majority are. Environmental and social aspects are reported on and also compensation of the senior management and executive directores, CEOs are all transparent. If this was not the case this could easily alienate lower level employees and other stakeholders. With the information available stakeholder board have also been issued the task of evaluating report writing on annual and citizenship reports. They concluded in the 2008 citezen report that GE utilized a Stakeholder Review Panel to assess and comment on report quality. Ongoing stakeholder engagements have enabled the Company to determine the impact and influence of its corporate citizenship efforts. The Panels commentary is intended to inform and guide report readers, as well as GE. Six people were invited by GE to join the Panel, identified in discussion with AccountAbility, the latter acting as the Panel Convener. Panel members were selected for their interests and concerns, their expertise and their knowledge of GE. Panel members were asked to participate as individuals, not as representatives of their organizations, Environment Social Development Department at the International Finance Corporation, HSBC Climate Change Centre of Excellence. The Panel provided feedback to GE based on a draft report, and the commentary based on its view of the final report. The Panel focused on the quality of the report, although members raised some performance issues in discussion with GE. The Panels commentary, presented here, is intended to inform and guide the report readers, as well as GE. Use was made of the AA1000 Assurance Standard, but the Panels work is not a formal assurance exercise. Background to the 2008 Convenings This year we sought to reflect on our progress concerning the implementation of our Statement of Principles on Human Rights as well as our broader ecomagination and development efforts, and further explore the links between GEs operations and the broader human rights agenda. In particular, we convened experts and stakeholders in three regions to discuss: à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ How can GE further advance the implementation of the Companys global Human Rights Policy, and in particular in relation to our role as a global Olympics sponsor at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; in other words, What does it mean to be a good global citizen? (Geneva) à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ How can GE further embed its environmental stewardship work within the core of its strategy and practice, expanding its efforts outside the United States and also connecting its efforts to the broader development agenda? (Washington, D.C.) à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ How can GE advance an effective approach to serving communities in the developing world in light of the Companys unique position in providing infrastructure solutions to the private and public sectors? (Delhi) To learn more about GE and stakeholder participants for these convenings, please visit www.ge.com/citizenship/processes. Insights from the 2008 convenings GE greatly appreciated the honest and open discussions at the three convenings. Valuing the counsel and advice we received, we would like to share a summary of the key opportunities and challenges the convenings helped us identify and explore. We discuss many of these opportunities and challenges within this years report and are looking forward to further engagement over the coming year to help us inform and guide our citizenship approach and efforts. To provide the reader with a flavor of the discussions at the convenings, this report also features a number of (unedited) expert perspectives authored by participants of the convenings. Insights include: Climate change public policy Clear and consistent communication, including recommendation and clarification of effective and credible global policy frameworks, engaging in national and local debates on trade policies, and customer engagement on clean technology (Washington, D.C.). Company-to-country investment Leveraging innovation and product adaptation driven by local culture and context (Delhi). Customer product-use issues Clarification of GEs approach to client responsibility of GE products, including increased engagement with society on key concerns such as dual-use technology and post-sale management (Geneva, Delhi, Washington, D.C.). Expanding boundaries Engaging experts as GE continues to operationalize its Statement of Principles on Human Rights and consider a life-cycle approach for GEs products as GE applies its efforts to help reduce CO2 emissions within its supply chain (Geneva, Washington, D.C.). Human rights Increased public positioning on business issues associated with the emerging and ongoing human rights discussions and proactive engagement as they arise, e.g., 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (Geneva). Localizing engagement Greater understanding of the implications arising from GEs unique position as a business-to-business company providing infrastructure solutions to countries (from technology development to local implementation) (Delhi, Washington, D.C.). Strategic collaborations and partnerships Leveraging of GEs core competencies and strengths (commitment to innovation and ability to scale projects and programs) in strategic collaborations and partnerships to ensure acceptance and sustainability (Delhi). The Panel encourages GE to continue innovating in its reporting, and we challenge it to strive for leadership in promoting meaningful transparency across the global business community. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Injecting sustainability into financial reporting: This years Citizenship Report has demonstrated the strategic relevance of GEs programs for its long-term business performance. These material aspects of sustainability management and innovation should be incorporated into regular investor disclosure, including quarterly and annual reports as well as in proxy statements. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Embedding citizenship within operations: We would welcome transparency on how sustainability performance is brought to life for individual GE employees through performance evaluation and compensation. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Matching global reporting with national level data: Utilize GEs Web site to provide country-level performance data and information for global stakeholders, including insights and outcomes from key stakeholder and business engagements, especially in high growth regions such as Asia. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Discussing public policy engagement: Further strengthening of disclosure on GEs public policy activity and lobbying on key citizenship issues at the global and national level, including membership organizations that represent GE. Consider making all submissions to governments available on the Web site. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Exploring human rights: Shine a brighter spotlight on GEs human rights approach and practice, and illustrate its thoughtfulness in approaching challenging dilemmas. As operationalizing GEs human rights policy around the globe is particularly complex, this area does not lend itself to quantitative goals, but to case studies and an active discussion of the dilemmas and nuances central to the human rights challenges the Company faces. For example, the illegal use of GEs ultrasound equipment for sex-selection by practitioners in India or application of GEs global labour rights standards within its supply chain in challenging environments like China. Further information on steps the Company has taken to align its performance with its human rights policies would enrich the Report. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ Progressing the Energy and Climate Change Agenda: Deepening of reporting on the Companys contribution to the U.S. Climate Action Partnerships commitment to 60-80% reduction in U.S. emissions by 2050 how, on a practical level, GE plans to help achieve these goals via technology adaptation or expansion of ecomagination. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Ã… ¾ User-focused reporting: Experiment and explore how best to reach and communicate with the companys diverse range of stakeholders, especially those with particular, set interests or those who may have limited access to the Web. ge Public responsibilities Companies confront many dilemmas when conducting business, in rich or poor countries alike, when defining their role in communities: understanding the proper role of governments and the right level and quality of influence from companies that are sometimes larger than governments themselves; the need to respect different cultures but still make sure that the same values are applied all around the world; the need to have an educated workforce that fits in the companys processes while trying not to change local cultures; expectations that companies will provide for all; and disappointment when companies need to close plants or leave communities. Much has been written and discussed about the impact of multinationals on communities. Stakeholders have many different views and perceptions, and there is little agreement about how to measure impacts, both positive and negative. I think, however, that there are two basic questions that companies need to answer: 1. Are we really listening to the stakeholders who are actually impacted at every step of the value chain of our business? 2. What are communities going to be like when our company leaves? Many stakeholder dialogues are going on around the world, and it is certainly a remarkable and great step to have companies like GE whose sheer size allows them to have significant positive impacts when defining their course of work listening to diverse views and exchanging ideas with non-business partners. They are, however, mostly focused on stakeholders who speak English or belong to organized groups with some international affiliation. Maybe it could be good to actually exchange ideas with the impacted communities themselves to form a more complete picture. Companies should come into communities planning for the time when they leave, be it two years or 70. Hopefully, that way one can avoid creating dependency and promote ownership from day one. It is probably more complex to start and carry business with this view, but it is surely better to prevent risks than to manage crises. Public Policy GE has increasingly focused on deepening and improving its ability to work effectively with governments throughout the world. We firmly believe that a better understanding of GEs vision and business activities and governments impact on those pursuits will serve both parties well. Moreover, we have made a concerted effort to enhance our working relationships with government officials. The rules governing governmental transactions and advocacy activities differ from country to country, and can be varied and complex. Our total commitment to integrity has led us to continuously educate GE leaders on changes in the rules and regulations governing interactions with government officials. The Public Responsibilities and Audit Committees of the Board are briefed regularly on our government relations and compliance activities. I spend much of my time travelling internationally and meeting people at every level within and outside GE. Our strong commitment to corporate citizenship makes GE a very attractive place for lawyers to work. My ability to attract the best lawyers and maintain the legal teams strong internal sense of community is greatly assisted by the fact that the Company is committed to promoting the Rule of Law and is actively working with governments and communities to promote ethical behaviour. GE lawyers are inspired and motivated knowing that such a strong commitment runs through the veins of the Company. Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism In 2006, the U.S. and Russian governments launched the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. As a global citizen, GE is deeply concerned that every safeguard be taken to ensure that legitimate commerce in nuclear materials is not exploited by terrorist organizations. As a global producer of nuclear power plants, nuclear fuels, radioactive isotopes for healthcare applications, and radiation detection equipment, GE has the experience and expertise to make a substantial contribution to this goal. In 2007, GE worked with the U.S. Department of State to express support for the Global Initiative, and in 2008, we will participate actively in several projects, including the development of a model national nuclear detection architecture document; international cooperation in developing technical approaches to remotely detect radiological materials; and minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium in the production of medical radioisotopes. Countries of concern GE devotes significant resources to ensuring that business activities are in compliance with all applicable laws, that they are conducted with integrity and achieve value for our shareholders worldwide. While our policy has always required that our businesses follow U.S. sanctions and other applicable laws, in 2008 we adopted a policy that goes beyond what current laws require. In light of reputational and business risks associated with doing business with countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism by the U.S. Department of State (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria), the Company will not accept business in these countries except activity that is authorized by the U.S. Government for humanitarian or public policy purposes. This approach augments a policy adopted in 2005, when GE and its board decided it would no longer do business in Iran because of developing conditions in that country. The exceptions were to run down existing commitments and humanitarian activity authorized by U.S. Government licenses. Since then, GE has done everything it said it would do in 2005. As of the end of June 2008, the preexisting commitments with Iran have been completed. At all times GEs policy was fully compliant with U.S. and all applicable laws. In fact, GEs policies have been more restrictive than U.S. law. Recent sales to Syria have been very small, involving healthcare products as well as non-U.S. origin power, oil and gas, and lighting. In recent years, GE has had very little activity in the Sudan, almost all involving the sale of healthcare products. GE has not had any sales to North Korea in the past three years. Since 1996, GE has not accepted business in Myanmar (Burma). Recommendations GE is

Kaffir Boy :: essays papers

Kaffir Boy Slaves in Their Homes â€Å" Sirens blared, voices screamed and shouted, wood cracked and windows shattered, children bawled, dogs barked and footsteps pounded†(7). This scene is from the autobiography Kaffir Boy written by Mark Mathabane. That is one of the scenes he had to live through every morning in apartheid South Africa. Apartheid is a policy of segregation and economic discrimination against non-whites. Apartheid system affected every black person living in South Africa during that time. It forced blacks to become slaves in their own country. The system forced blacks to live in unsanitary environments, work-degrading jobs and carry passes, and receive limited education. Blacks and whites were living in different sections during apartheid. While whites lived comfortable lives in their extravagant mansions and driving their fancy cars blacks had to live in a disease infested neighborhood with no electricity or in door plumbing. Approximately one thousand people lived in shacks that were squeezed together in a one-mile zone. The alleys were filled with dirt, rats, human wasted and diseases. Blacks lived in houses made of â€Å"old whitewash, a leaking ceiling of rusted Inx propped up by a thin wall of crumbling adobe bricks, two tiny windows made of cardboard and pieces of glass, a creaky, termite-eaten door low for a person of average height to pass through...and a floor made of patches of cement earth†(31). Living in such a degrading environment kills self-esteem, lowers work ethic and leaves no hope for the future. Degrading low paying jobs were the only jobs available for black men. Women worked as servants for whites. Men had to work in mines, clean up toilets or work as police officers abusing their own people. â€Å"Shit-men-belligerent immigrant workers who, because of what they did, were looked upon by many black people-went about the communal lavatories picking up buckets of excrement†(83). Working as servants for whites was one of the better jobs for black women. Blacks could not walk around freely in their own country without carrying a passbook. Without a passbook, blacks could not work or travel. The passbook had to be paid for by black families who did not have any money. They were arrested and put in jail if their passbooks were not in order. Blacks were trapped with no way out, not even the hope of education.

Patient Interview Essay

Enable to conduct a study that could represent the population of hypertensive people, the researchers decided to divide themselves into two. This is for the purpose of having participants from two different locations. The first group was designated to obtain three patients from the clinic whereas the second group was assigned to attain at least 2 more patients from the university. The former was able to able to approach ten people hence only a ratio of 1:3 agreed to participate. The latter, on the other hand, manage to found two participants out of the eight people they have approached. Both groups of researchers followed the same approach in inviting their potential participants. Most of the participants were either patients in the clinic or employees of the university. The researchers explain the purpose and format of the interview, the terms of confidentiality, and how long will the intended interviews lasts. After the patient interviewee agreed to participate, they had lead to a less noisy environment within the vicinity of both the clinic and the university. The Patients Patient number 1 is a 63-years old man. His ethnicity falls under the African-American category. He has completed his graduate school and was now a successful businessman. He has been diagnosed to have Diabetes Mellitus two years ago and a known hypertensive at the early age of 36. He is insured under the Health Maintenance Organization or what commonly known as HMO. Patient number 2 is a 47-years old female. She originates from Canada. She’s a high school graduate and was now working as a cashier. She claims she doesn’t have any disease at all. This patient has no insurance of any kind. Patient Number 3 is a 58-years old Chinese Professor. He has recently been diagnosed to have renal problem, which could eventually lead to end-stage renal disease if not properly addressed. He has also mentioned that he has some fluctuating blood pressure readings over the past three years. As for his insurance, he was under Medicare. Patient Number 4 is a 37 years old factory worker from Sweden. He claimed he was a known hypertensive since the age of 30 because of his fondness to eat fatty foods. He doesn’t have any insurance at all. Patient Number 5 is a 70-year old retired engineer, who originates from Australia. Although old, he claimed that he was still in the pink of health except for his arthritis. This patient is insured under HMO, that he says he’s not worried if ever he would have illness in the future. These five patients came from different walks of life. But their knowledge and belief about their condition varies slightly. The study showed that the most prevalent issues among the participants were how they conceive the seriousness of having elevated blood pressure. Most of the participants were unaware of its complications. How can these patients be cured if they haven’t felt the danger it can bring to their lives? The first step to healing any disease state no matter how tough it is; is the knowledge of disease, identifying cause, risk factors of worsening the disease and barriers preventing the cure of the disease (Alexander, 2003). When these patients got to know their real health state, awareness follows. By doing so they can be able to grasp the notion of their actual condition Another issue that surfaced among the participants is the misconceptions they have about the origin and cause of hypertension. Many patients often perceive their illness as a burden they will carry out all their lives and that no matter what they do, they won’t achieve a normal state. This perception affects patients negatively because it impacts on their compliance; these perceptions and feelings make patients lose hope of curing (Ross, 2004). This is not true however, patients with hypertension might have the disease all throughout their lives but it can be kept under controlled. In addition, poor control was due to other lifestyles that patients were practicing (Egan, 2003). So with the right lifestyle, management and compliance, hypertension can stay at bay side for the rest of their lives. For any medical intervention to be effective, trust and communication between the healthcare provider and patients is a vital aspect. The interventions discussed would be very much beneficial to combat the increasing incidence of hypertension among the productive and elderly population. By distributing pamphlets that contained details regarding how to take medicines and obtain blood pressure through the use of blood pressure apparatus, we are escalating their awareness for self-care and evaluation as well. Moreover, thru this dissemination of information we can constitute reinforcement on patient’s education on how to be conscious of their health state. But one aspect should be included in that method. People should be taught regarding the normal blood pressure range and how an increase or decrease of this range can affect their whole being. The most significant contribution of this method is that, not only will it be beneficial to people with hypertension but it can also helps to identify those people who is unaware that they might already be suffering from elevated blood pressure. It is important to note here that educating patients about general knowledge and awareness is not enough to effectively treat or control hypertension. Patients should be thought to recognize and adhere to the importance of following their blood pressure readings daily to well control their state and prevent any worsening that could take place. Focusing on educating patients will for sure prevent the progression to strokes and heart diseases (Oliveria, 2004). As for the implementation of mandatory course, it will also be imperative to have this method of intervention because it can obliterate misconceptions. Many people think that having hypertension is not a serious state. By obligating them to attend courses they can be made aware that hypertension can lead to a more life threatening conditions like strokes and heart attacks. It is true indeed that when patient understands their condition, compliance is better as compared to those who do not have any idea of their real health status. But there is a drawback here; the course should be as simplified as possible. Because illiteracy is increasing worldwide, subsequently many patients won’t be able to understand complicated and technical words. Low literate patients will not be able to fully manage or comprehend medical devices to track of disease progression and prevent worsening of status (Williams, 1998). Keeping a diary of everyday’s intake and activity can lead to a more personal and specialized management. Thus it can lead in identifying what activity or food can be minimized to obtain the necessary result. In general, education brings awareness and can then lead to better compliance.

Colonial Rule in Africa Essay

â€Å"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.New Living Translation ( ©2007) â€Å"Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense!English Standard Version ( ©2001) â€Å"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.New American Standard Bible ( ©1995) â€Å"Enlarge the place of your tent; Stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, spare not; Lengthen your cords And strengthen your pegs.King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.) Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;GOD’S WORD ® Translation ( ©1995) Expand the space of your tent. Stretch out the curtains of your tent, and don’t hold back. Lengthen your tent ropes, and drive in the tent pegs.King James 2000 Bible ( ©2003) Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations: spare not, lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes;American King James Version Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations: spare not, lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes;American Standard Version Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.Douay-Rheims Bible Enlarge the place of thy tent, and stretch out the skins of thy tabernacles, spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. Darby Bible Translation Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.English Revised Version Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.Webster’s Bible Translation Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them extend the curtains of thy habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;World English Bible â€Å"Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don’t spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.Young’s Literal Translation Enlarge the place of thy tent, And the curtains of thy tabernacles they stretch out, Restrain not — lengthen thy cords, And thy pins make strong.| | Barnes’ Notes on the BibleEnlarge the place of thy tent – The same idea occurs in Isaiah 49:19-20 (see the notes at that chapter). The curtains of thy habitations. The word ‘curtain’ does not quite express the sense here. It is commonly with us used to denote the cloth hanging round. a bed or at a window, which may be spread or drawn aside at pleasure, or the hanging in theaters to conceal the stage from the spectators. The word here, however, denotes the canopy or cloth used in a tent; and the idea is, that the boundaries of the church were to be greatly enlarged, in order to accommodate the vast accession from the pagan world.Spare not – Do not be parsimonious in the provision of the materials for greatly enlarging the tent to dwell in.Lengthen thy cords – (See the note at Isaiah 33:20). Gill’s Exposition of the Entire BibleEnlarge the place of thy tent,†¦. To which the church is compared, because of its uncertain and movable condition, being sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another; and because of its outward meanness and weakness, as well as its small extent; but now it is signified that it should be enlarged, and room be made for an accession of in habitants to it; or, in other words, that the Gospel church state should not be confined to Jerusalem, but should take place in other parts of Judea, and in Galilee, and in Samaria; hence we read of churches in those places, Acts 9:31, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitation; alluding to the curtains of which tents or tabernacles were made, which used to be stretched out on poles or stakes, in order to make more room, and hold more people. This may respect the spreading of the Gospel by the apostles, who may be here meant, and the success of it, especially among the Gentiles; who may be said to stretch out the curtains of the tent, the church, when, according to their commission, they went and preached the Gospel to every creature. First they travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching to the Jews only; but when they wholly rejected the Gospel, they turned to the Gentiles, and went everywhere preaching the word, Acts 11:19, and their ministry was blessed to the conversion of multitudes, and Gospel churches were set up in all parts of the world. The Apostle Paul was an eminent instrument of stretching these curtains, who went from Jerusalem, round about to Illyricum, fully preaching the Gospel of Christ, Romans 15:19, spare not: any cost or pains, to spread the Gospel, enlarge the interest of Christ, and increase his church and people; as did not the apostles of Christ, who may be supposed to be the persons here addressed: lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; the curtains being stretched out, it was necessary the cords, to which they were fastened, should be lengthened, that they might reach further, and take in a greater compass; and the wider the tent is made by such means, the stro nger should be the staves, and the more surely should they be drove and fixed in the earth, to hold the cords with the curtains bound unto them; all which express the enlargement of the church in the Gentile world, by means of the Gospel ministry and discipline. The Targum is, â€Å"multiply the people of thy camp, and strengthen the governors.† Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old TestamentWith this prospect before her, even her dwelling-place would need enlarging. â€Å"Enlarge the space of thy tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of thy habitations; forbid not! lengthen thy cords, and fasten thy plugs.† She is to widen out the space inside her tent, and they (יטÖ ¼Ã—•Ö ¼ has no definite subject, which is often the case where some subordinate servant is to be thought of) are to spread out far and wide the coverings of the framework of her dwelling, which is called mishkenoÌ„th (in the plural) on account of its roominess and magnificence: she is not to forbid it, thinking in her weakness of faith, â€Å"It is good enough as it is; it would be too large.† The cords which hold up the walls, she is to lengthen; and the plugs, to which the cords are fastened, she is to ram fast into the ear th: the former because the tent (i.e., the holy city, Jeremiah 31:38-40, and the dwelling-place of the church generally, Isaiah 26:15) has to receive a large number of inhabitants; the latter because it will not be broken up so soon again (Isaiah 33:20). Geneva Study Bible{c} Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them extend the curtains of thy habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;(c) Signifying that for the great number of children that God would give her, she would seem to lack room to lodge them.Wesley’s Notes54:2 Enlarge – That it may be capable of the Gentiles, who shall flock to thee in great numbers. Strengthen – That they may be able to support that great weight which the tents thus enlarged, shall be upon them.Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary2. (Isa 49:19, 20; Jer 31:31-36, 38, 39). Thy children shall be so many that thy borders must be extended to contain them.curtains-the cloth forming the covering of the tent.spare not-give abundantly the means for the enlargement of the Church (2Co 9:5-7).cords . stakes-The more the tent is enlarged by lengthening the cords by which the cloth covering is fastened to the ground, the more the stakes supporting the tent need to b e strengthened; the Church is not merely to seek new converts, but to strengthen those she has in the faith. The image is appropriate, as the tabernacle was the symbol of the old Israelitish Church (see on [855]Isa 33:20).Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary54:1-5 Observe the low state of religion in the world, for a long time before Christianity was brought in. But by preaching the gospel, multitudes were converted from idols to the living God. This is matter of great rejoicing to the church. The bounds of the church were extended. Though its state on earth is but mean and movable, like a tent or tabernacle, it is sometimes a growing state, and must be enlarged as the family increases. But the more numerous the church grows, the more she must fortify herself against errors and corruptions. Thy Maker is thy Husband. Christ is the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testament church. Long he had been called the God of Israel; but now he shall be called the God of the whole earth. And he will cleanse from sin, and cause every true believer to rejoice in thi s sacred union. We never can enough admire this mercy, or duly value this privilege. | | Genesis 26:22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, â€Å"Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land.†Exodus 35:18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes;Exodus 39:40 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard; the ropes and tent pegs for the courtyard; all the furnishings for the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting;Isaiah 26:15 You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; you have enlarged the nation. You have gained glory for yourself; you have extended all the borders of the land.Isaiah 33:20 Look upon Zion, the city of our festivals; your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful abode, a tent that will not be moved; its stakes will never be pulled up, nor any of its ropes broken.Isaiah 49:19 â€Å"Though you were ruined and made desolate and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away.Isaiah 49:20 The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.’New International Version  ©1984 by Biblica| Cords Curtains Dwellings Enlarge Extend Forth Habitations Hold Lengthen Limit Pegs Pins Restrain Spare Stakes Strengthen Stretch Stretched Strong Tabernacles Tent Tent-pins Wide Cords Curtains Dwellings Enlarge Extend Forth Habitations Hold House Lengthen Pegs Pins Restrain Spare Stakes Strengthen Stretch Stretched Tabernacles Tent Wide Cords Curtains Dwellings Enlarge Extend Forth Habitations Hold House Lengthen Pegs Pins Restrain Spare Stakes Strengthen Stretch Stretched Tabernacles Tent Wide Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;Isa 33:20 49:19,20 Jer 10:20 Isaiah Chapter 54 Verse 2Alphabetical: And back cords curtains do dwellings Enlarge hold lengthen not of out pegs place spare stakes strengthen stretch tent the wide yourTHE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®, NIV ® Copyright ; © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica ®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright  ©1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.All Rights Reserved.The ESV ® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®) copyright  © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.New American Standard Bible Copyright  © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org.International Standard Version Copyright  © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.GOD’S WORD ® is a copyrighted work of God’s Word to the Nations. Quotations are used by permission. Copyright 1995 by God’s Word to the Nations. All rights reserved.OT Prophets: Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the place of your tent (Isa Isi Is) Christian Bible Study Resources, Dictionary, Concordance and Search ToolsIsaiah 54:2 Bible Software Isaiah 54:2 Biblia Paralela