Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Case study - Essay Example In order to remain competitive and keep strong corporate image, Eurobank creates its culture based on a strong corporate philosophy and unique national values and traditions of the home country. The relationships between corporate and national culture can be explained by a strong impact on national traditions and cultural values typical for France. They involve "loyalty and long service, paternalistic values and commitment to labor laws in its redundancy policy" (Baron & Walters 1994). Eurobank adopts the national culture as the core of its ethics and corporate image. Eurobank favors attributes that allow it to define organizational identity from the perspective of organizational actors' experiences (e.g., leadership, governance structure, professional qualities required for climbing the corporate ladder). Top management presents quality service to customers as one of the bank's main defining attributes. This is clear from the presentation of customer service as a mission, a primary goal, a tradition, a constant, a strength, a reason for everything else the bank does, and a distinctive Eurobank trademark (Brake et al 1995). A company's culture is actually an aggregate of subcultures that have developed in response to unique challenges faced, by different groups within the organization (Brake et al 1995). ... The organization provides a broad range of financial services and has an extensive national and international network. It is a highly visible and successful organization that has vied for a superior position among its competitors on many levels. The goals of the organization are pursued in accordance with an underlying ideology, or philosophy, based on beliefs, values and attitudes (Brake et al 1995). This ideology determines the 'culture' of Eurobank and provides a set of principles which govern the overall conduct of the organization's operations, codes of behavior, the management of people and its dealings with other organisations. These sets of principles may be recognized and implemented informally as 'accepted conventions' of the organization or they may be stated formally in writing. It is mission is to "offer a localized service which mirrors the values of local customers yet provides access to a sophisticated banking network is an important strand in the business strategy" ( Baron & Walters 1994). In this sense, Eurobank management has an effect on corporate culture by setting an expected standard. Managers have a high degree of autonomy which allows them to reward employees within their departments. Still, day to day, interpretations of corporate values are left up to the individual employees. They may be somewhat independent in thought, but there also may be a "groupthink" that develops in much the same way as assumptions do. Leadership helps to influence values within the corporate culture but, still, it cannot control them. Aspects of culture bleed into every activity of the organization. For Eurobank, they are often intangible qualities, but they are significant none the less. To be part of the organization's identity, an

Detective stories Essay Example for Free

Detective stories Essay The Sherlock Holmes stories are the work of Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes first appeared in the story The Study of Scarlet, which was published in the magazine Beetons Christmas Annual of 1887. Over the 40 years that followed Holmes appeared in 5 collections of short stories, and 3 other novels. Holmes popularity was partly due to the fact that his books were the detective fiction books ever to be published. These books are still read today all over the world, because of the brilliant way in which they are written. The Sherlock Holmes books are written from the point of view of his sidekick Watson. Many modern day detective fiction books and television programmes follow the pattern of a detective and sidekick. The stories of Sherlock Holmes caused him to become a national hero. In all the Sherlock Holmes stories we are given a detailed description of what he looks like, that is a tall gaunt person with long thin legs, a thin hawk like nose a square chin, and of course a pipe and deerstalker hat. The first story I read of Sherlock Holmes was The Red Headed League. In this story the reader is immedietely introduced to problematic situation, where a pawnbroker has come for advice. The pawnbroker goes on to tell Holmes and Watson his situation. Whilst the man is in the company of Holmes, Holmes begins to deduce things from just looking at the ware and tare of the mans body and clothes. From a very early point in the story we begin to see characteristics in Holmes, such as habits when he id thinking, relapsing into his armchair, and putting his finger-tips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. I was are given the impression that Holmes is the type of person who tries to treat people with respect, but his tolerance level for people who are not as intellectual as him is very low. Holmes becomes agitated at peoples incompetence to understand his complex ideas. I think Holmes pretends to expect every one to be as clever as him to make him look more intelligent and therefore superior. So in that respect I see Holmes as quite an ignorant person. However he does not treat Watson this way, I think he treats Watson more like a younger brother. I think that Holmes would like Watson to be like Holmes. From he Red Headed League we can see that Holmes has a short temper, for example when he is in the cellar of the bank and Mr. Merryweather struck rather loudly his stick upon the flags which lined the floor, I must really ask you to be a little more quiet You have already imperilled the whole of our expedition.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Essay -- Muscle Disorder Psuedohypertrophi

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, also known as psuedohypertrophic muscular dystrophy, is a typical sex-linked disorder in which the muscles degenerate throughout a person's life. It literally means "faulty nutrition of the muscles." Muscular Dystrophy has no cures, and this particular type of muscular dystrophy affects only males. One in 3,500 baby boys are born with this disorder and survival is rare beyond the early 30s, death is usually caused by a respiratory disease. (ygyh.org) Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is named after the French neurologist, Guillaume B. A. Duchenne, who lived from 1806 to 1875. In 1861 he became the first person to describe the disorder. In 1951 Elizabeth Shull Russell, an American geneticist, accidentally observed Duchenne's muscular dystrophy in a colony of mice with which she was working. Over a number of years she discovered that muscular dystrophy was a sex linked trait contained on the x-chromosome. (Narins, 798.) Sex-linked disorders only affect males and are passed down through female carriers. A boy inherits the disorder when he receives an X chromosome with a mutated dystrophin gene (the genetic cause) from his mother. The dystrophin gene is the largest gene found in nature and was identified through a positional cloning approach. It's a highly complex gene, a large rod-like cytoskeletal protein which is found at the inner surface of muscle fibers. (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) Three different tests are used to determine if a male has Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. A CPK (also known as a CK) assay will detect muscle damage, but not the source. CPK is an abbreviation for Creatine Kinase Assay, which is essentially a blood test. Muscle biopsies are also common, a needle is inserted... ...nerated and replaced by fat. Recently, specific compounds in the oil have been identified, they produce regeneration that is even more amazing than that produced by the oil itself. (Gerras, 1056) This form of MD is normally appears in males, but there are a few extremely rare cases where it has appeared in females. Most of the statistics found only dealt with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the U.S., so it is assumed that the disorder is more prominent in the United States. Also, there was no evidence that it affected any race more than another. (www.ygyh.org) Concluding, Duchenne?s muscular dystrophy is an excellent example of a sex-linked disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure but research is being used to find more effective treatments. Most deaths caused by the disorder aren?t directly due to the muscles, but due to a respiratory disease or disorder.

Christianity and Islam Essay

Judaism is the Jewish religion. It is one of the oldest of the great world religions, and is the mother religion of both Christianity and Islam. Judaism was not founded by one towering personality, as were most other religions. Abraham and Moses are not regarded as founders. Abraham was the â€Å"father of the Hebrew people† and Moses was the â€Å"law-giver†. I had the chance to interview Gary Austein. This interview was done for me to know the idea or perspective of a believer regarding his faith in his religion and that concerns his spiritual life. During the interview I asked Gary Austein the important holidays and traditions of this religion. He answered â€Å"The important holidays and tradition of Judaism are Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashana and the Passover. The holiest day in the Jewish calendar is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This day is set aside to repent for the sins of the previous year. It is a day when any adult who has been Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s (age 12-13) fasts and reflects on the past year and asks God for forgiveness. Rosh Hashana is the previous weeks and is the Jewish New Year. Passover is in the spring and it is a time when Jews cannot eat unleavened bread reflecting on the Israelites exodus from Egypt. † When I asked him on how Judaism has shaped his life? And I quote â€Å"Religion defines who I am as a person. I would say I am a Jew first and an American second, that is how important it is to me. My value and belief system is a product of my Jewish identity and upbringing. My adult life has brought my Judaism more into my life than ever as I now have a Jewish home, Jewish wife and child on the way. I also work at a Jewish Day School so I am always reminded of my Jewish identity as both my professional and personal life revolves around my religion. † What are the challenges, if any, to practicing this particular religion? Jews throughout the world are always a target of anti-Semitism. This is a fact that they accepted and so with other families. It is scary that millions upon millions of people have been murdered because of their belief in Judaism. Between the Holocausts, pogroms in Russia, and terrorist’s attacks, an astounding amount of Jews have died because of their belief. Society is not very conducive for an observant Jewish lifestyle; Jews are supposed to observe the Sabbath (Friday night to Saturday night) and are not supposed to drive, work, spend money, etc. A lot happens on the weekends so this is difficult. Also if you keep Kosher (Jewish dietary restrictions) it is difficult to eat out as the vast majority of food and restaurants are not kosher. What are the false impression people have about Judaism? People have much false impression about Judaism. A lack of understanding and acceptance has led to misconceptions, not only of Judaism, but throughout the world. People need to always remind themselves that both Christianity and Islam were born from Judaism. Both religions accept the Torah (the Jewish Bible, also referred to at the Old Testament) as the word of God and credit Judaism for the birth of their respective religions. If people are more aware of this people then maybe open to differences of people. Judaism has clung to a number of religious principles, how important are they to your belief and values? Judaism defines who a Jew is; they wear it as a badge of honor. For them it is amazing that time still honors traditions that are still practiced at present. Something like male circumcision is the oldest religious tradition in the world today. It is amazing that it has lasted for thousands of years. It shows the resiliency and the testament of the Jewish faith that they are able to continue throughout the generations. What events and figures have shaped the faith of Judaism? Judaism has greatly shaped his life as a Jew. And it is through the people around that have helped him a lot in his Religious belief. His parents gave him his Jewish identity and the friends of his family have nurtured it. His best friend who is a rabbinical student has been very influential in shaping his Jewish identity. His marriage also shaped his Jewish identity as his wife converted to Judaism which has given him a newfound zeal and love for his religion. His study of Holocaust has been a dramatic part of his Jewish identity. Finally his visits to Israel, the Jewish state has given him a unique pride in his homeland. There are many Jewish denominations. To want certain extent the philosophies of these movements have shaped the reaction to one another? He considers himself a Conservative Jew which is best classified as the middle of the road. For the most part, Jews of different backgrounds are fairly understanding and respectful of the traditions and practices of other sects of Judaism, with the exception of the ultra-Orthodox movement. He believes that if you are a Jewish according to the laws and traditions of Moses then it does not matter how you practice as long as you believe it in your heart. However, he believes that there are certain misinterpretations some of the other sects have undertaken, but that is not something that he could be worried or be burden about. Judaism has been the common bond of the Jewish people. It is the foundation of their culture and the reason for the creation of Israel, the Jewish State. Israel is the most important tangible asset they have and something that must be protected at all costs. Judaism is the reason the Jewish people have and are persecuted, yet is the belief and intangible asset that keeps them together as a people. According to Jewish tradition, the history of Judaism begins with the Covenant between God and Abraham. What is the Covenant? â€Å"The Covenant is the â€Å"agreement† between God and Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, that the Jews will be â€Å"the chosen people. † This is a fact that is accepted by both Christians and Muslims alike. This covenant was symbolized by Abraham being circumcised and is something that is required for all Jewish males a week after they are born†. Judaism is different from many religions, how does differ? He answered, â€Å"This is a common misconception. All three of the major monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have more similarities than differences. Their major prophets are the same; their historical texts are born out of the Jewish Bible, and their belief in one all powerful, all knowing, and benevolent God is distinct commonalities. They all practice and worship God in different ways, but when it comes down to it, they were all born from Abraham and Sarah, meaning they are all brothers and sisters†. The interview taught me the importance of having respect for other’s faith and beliefs. It is also important that any individual must know the values that the other people in the society portrays because that is how they were brought up with especially with regards to their religion. My experience during the interview was worth it, I learned a lot especially coming from a devoted person. What he shared to me were the same with the information’s in the textbook we used in the class.

Inequality On The Basis Of Race, Class, Sex, And Resource...

Inequality on the basis of race, class, sex/gender, and sexuality is maintained in a variety of ways and contexts in the education system. This institution functions through several strategies to contain these common imbalances in society. The leading issue for this division is on the basis of its individual structure within the system. For example, Jonathan Kozol demonstrates that â€Å"the divergent experiences of students in a resource-rich and resource-poor educational systems demonstrates a difference in the distribution of cultural capital† (Ore 226). For students, cultural capital is crucial to seek opportunities and succeed in the future. Therefore, those who lack this asset are often set up with more disadvantages than those who are raised in a resource-rich class; thus, contributing to the general gap between the middle and working class students. The concept of cultural capital extends to the disproportions of the racial structures. Kozol states that in addition to these economic disparities, â€Å"schools with fewer economic resources, which are often disproportionately attended by African American, Latina/o, or Native American students, are less able to provide students with what is viewed by the dominant culture as important cultural capital† (Ore 226). In this sense, the inequalities maintained in both class in race are interconnected. Students who can’t afford cultural capital (i.e., working class and/or racial minority) are set at disadvantages. Those who attendShow MoreRelatedEssay about The Status of Single Mothers1651 Words   |  7 PagesThere is a stigma associated with women that are supported by government aid, especially single mothers. The women on welfare are often treated poorly because people think they are ‘working the system’. Tax payers feel as if the single mothers on welfare perpetuated their own poverty by having children that they cannot support, just for a bigger welfare check. 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Overview of the Family in the Mockumentary Modern Family...

The Modern Mockumentary The average family: a married man and women, 2.5 children, with a beautiful home that has a white picket fence and a dog. However, this â€Å"average† family image has changed drastically over the past decade particularly with the acceptance of gay marriage and green cards that are easier to obtain; this has had a substantial influence not only on our society but leverage on social media. An example of this changed media dynamic is displayed through the comedic mockumentary, Modern Family. Within this fictional, interview style comedy series, three families that are extremely stereotypical, live their interrelated lives. The series follows these three families, an â€Å"average† American family featuring a married†¦show more content†¦Each family, when dissected, is built up on stereotypes to â€Å"mock† the dynamic. The â€Å"average† family that consist of Phil and Claire have typical jobs, Phil, who is a real estate rep, and Claire, a stay at home mom. Their three teenage children, Hailey, a typical high school girl obsessed with boys and strictly only concerned with her looks, the middle child, Alex, that is only focused on school and couldn’t be more opposite than Hailey, and youngest and only son, Luke that is struggling to fit in with the family being the only son. Phil’s attempt to be a â€Å"cool dad† comes off of a trying-to-hard father who cares strongly that his kids like him. Through the mockumentary style of filming the audience is able to gain insight on the challenges that come with working, parenting and growing up which are the â€Å"typical† struggles of almost any family. However, with a gay couple in the mix, it hits a broader spectrum which sheds light and attention to the entire LGBT community. Mitchell and Cameron, with their adopted child Lilly, easily have overlapping challenges in life, but through a different dynamic. Mitchell and Came ron, through their fictional interview, describe their daily challenges of work, parenting and Lilly growing up, but in addition to their challenge being gay. Since the gay community is growing and legalization of marriage has been successful in select states, the region of homosexuality is growing and

The Poverty Of The United States - 1486 Words

America is one of the wealthiest nations in the world with having a high inequality than other industrialized countries. Inequality exists in income, wealth, power and education. People who are legally and socially poor in the United States tend to stay in a cycle through life, not always by choice, but because they are given less opportunities, education and tools to achieve their success. The poverty stricken class has a significantly larger income gap than the upper class, the American Dream is weakened through opportunity and is shown through statistics. Inequality exists and is high in America due to the amount of income and wealth that is distributed through power. In America the income distribution is very inequality and the value†¦show more content†¦Power shows how these â€Å"values† are not distributed equally in American society. Large gains for the rich include cuts in capital gains when tax rates decrease for the small percent of Americans where income i s redistributed. Taxes directly affect the wealth and income of Americans every year. That is of course, those who actually pay their taxes. â€Å"For most Americans, the word ‘poverty’ suggests destitution: an inability to provide a family with nutritious food, clothing, and reasonable shelter† (Rector, 2007). Poverty can be socially defined through deprivation of education, food, good water, sanitation, and health care regardless of one’s income. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services periodically updates poverty guidelines and depending on what state you live in, the guidelines range. In 2009, the poverty threshold â€Å"for a family of five is $25,790† (Services, 2009). The federal poverty levels are measured through the poverty guidelines and to determine financial eligibility is done through poverty thresholds. The poverty rate has many variations between ethnic and racial subgroups. â€Å"In 2009, 25.8% blacks and 25.3% of Hispanics were poor, compared to 9.4% of non-Hispanic whites and 12.5% of Asians† (Michigan, 2006). Black or Hispanic families headed by single women are statistically higher in poverty than of families headed by single men or married couples.