American Women and the Mexican Business Culture

American Women and the Mexican Business Culture For a female American employee assigned to a posting in Mexico, several key cultural differences exist. In any business context, regardless of the country, ineffective communication between employees and management often interferes with productivity, innovation and problem solving.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on American Women and the Mexican Business Culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper will detail two of the key areas where an American female employee may encounter cultural differences that have the potential to derail effective communication within the workplace. The first area is physical contact in the workplace. The second area occurs in the area of sexual harassment. Mexico also tends toward traditionally female centered family values which have to the potential to clash with career-oriented American women who rate highly on the masculine index. Physical Contact in the Workplace In the Mex ican business culture, there is a warmth and familiarity between employees and management that differs greatly from the United States (Stephens Greer 1995). Mexican employees tend to be extremely warm and friendly and communicate both verbally and physically; they regularly employ what is known as the abrazo, or embrace, at the beginning of each work day (Stephens Greer 1995). This custom involves â€Å"male supervisors kissing their female secretaries on the cheek at the start of the day† (Stephens Greer 1995). In general, as one executive explained, â€Å"everyone hugs and kisses a lot more than we do in the States† (Stephens Greer 1995). On the whole the American business culture frowns on physical contact and maintains a formal physical space between employees and management. For the American female employee new to the Mexican workplace this custom may feel intimidating, inappropriate or threatening. She may also feel that she is being demeaned and may consider it a means of rebuking her authority in the public forum. However in the Mexican business culture it is considered â€Å"social protocol,† therefore resistance to it or attempts to abolish it will likely ruffle feathers (Stephens Greer 1995).Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More American female employees are best served to expect more physical contact in the Mexican business culture and accept it as part of the transition from one country to another. Ethics The Mexican business culture regularly employs what would be considered corrupt and unethical business practices – not to mention in some cases criminal – in the United States. Some of these ethically questionable business practices include bribery and profiteering (Silver 2003). Whereas the American female employee new to the Mexican business landscape would likely perceive these pract ices as business problems, the Mexican business culture would perceive them as the nature of doing business and not a problem at all. Therefore the American female employee expect to meet some ethically challenging situations, and must be prepared to have a discussion with her team as to ethical business solutions to business problems using the American model. Sexual Harassment One of the most ethically distasteful situations that can occur in the workplace is sexual harassment. In the United States sexual harassment is a deeply offensive situation for female employees; many female employees have used the courts to further their cases, and these legal precedents have created an environment in the American workplace where managers who sexually harass their employees face stiff penalties, not to mention social infamy. In Mexico, conversely, sexual harassment is viewed as normal. According to Stephens Greer (1995), â€Å"there are no legal protections in Mexico regarding discriminati on on the basis of genderSexual harassment is perfectly acceptable. It is almost considered a management privilege. A young woman would never think of complaining about sexual harassment. Some even think of it as positive interest (Stephens Greer 1995). This cultural element will likely shock and dismay many American female employees, some of whom may have left previous positions for this reason.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on American Women and the Mexican Business Culture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Masculinity Index the Role of Women An interesting paradox exists in Mexico; though it has a masculine culture, it tends also to operate along traditional feminine lines (Stephens Greer 1995; Borstorff Hearn 2000; Dols Gilbert Silvius 2010). Younger generations of Mexicans tend to have more gender egalitarian attitudes. According to Stephens Greer (1995), â€Å"younger women are more progressive, more proactive, [and] more career-oriented† (Stephens Greer 1995). However, many Mexican women have little interest in attaining â€Å"high-ranking positions, and arent found in them,† because home and family is considered paramount and still largely the domain of women (Stephens Greer 1995; Borstorff Hearn 2000). This occurs because many women in Mexico leave the workforce and never return once they become pregnant, and the concept of working mothers is problematic, since the cultural expectation is that mother should be home with their children (Stephens Greer 1995). American female employees with children may find themselves frowned upon or viewed with confusion by their co-workers as a result of this. Also, American female employees often find they rate quite highly on the masculine index, in that they value â€Å"assertiveness, performance and material success,† and often balance their careers with childcare duties (Dols Gilbert Silvius 2010). Also, America n female employees may find Mexican hiring practices extremely biased. Mexican employers openly prefer males, and no legislation exists to counter gender discrimination. As a result, â€Å"Mexican employers tend to hire married men first, then single men, single women and finally (and rarely) married women† (Stephens Greer 1995). Conclusion For a female American employee about to embark on a position in Mexico, the main thing to be aware of is the perceived role of women, especially married women with families. The culture is largely traditional. In the culture of the United States working mothers are considered normal, however few exist in Mexico. References Borstorff , P.C. Hearn, W.M. (2000). Going abroad: Tyson foods in Mexico. Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies, 6,(1), 87-88.Advertising Looking for term paper on business communication? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dols, T. Gilbert Silvius, A.J. (2010). Exploring the influence of national cultures on non-compliance behavior. Communications of the IIMA, 10(3), 11-32. Silver, S. (2003, September 22). Ethics on top of the Mexican curriculum: INTERVIEW JORGE GUTIERREZ VILLARREAL, IPADE: Changing attitudes in a business culture that is often endemically corrupt is an ongoing campaign, says Sara Silver. The Financial Times, pp.16. Stephens, G. K. Greer, C.R. (1995). Doing business in Mexico: understanding cultural differences. Organizational Dynamics, 24 (1), 39-56.

Self-Published is not a Dirty Word

Self-Published is not a Dirty Word Self-Published is not a Dirty Word Self-Published is not a Dirty Word By Maeve Maddox In the old days, publishing companies that catered to writers who were willing to pay to have their books printed were called Vanity Presses. Family historians aside, writers who paid to publish were assumed to have failed in selling their work to a real publisher because it wasnt good enough, but they were determined to see their words in print anyway; hence the word vanity. This perception has changed along with the publishing industry. Diversity suffered when the little houses were gobbled up by the big ones. Todays conglomerates are unwilling to buy a book unless they feel it will generate a huge readership. As a result, many books that would appeal to a significant number of readers are rejected because the house doesnt think theyll appeal to a large enough audience. William P. Youngs book is a case in point. Youngs novel The Shack has been on the NY Times best seller list since June. He wrote the book as a Christmas gift for his family. They passed it around and friends urged him to publish it. One of the friends, Brad Cummings, says that Christian publishers turned it down because it was too edgy, and secular publishers turned it down because it was too Jesus-y. The book didnt fit publishers guidelines, but it has certainly hit the spot with readers. Sales of The Shack have passed the million mark and show no sign of abating. Books that sell a million copies, no matter who publishes them, are rare. According to one estimate, a major publisher considers a book a success if it sells 20,000 copies, whereas a smaller publisher might be happy with sales of 7,500 copies. Writers who make the decision to self-publish need to know what theyre getting into. Theyll have to be managers and marketers as well as writers. Theyll have to watch out for publishing scams that prey on the inexperienced. Self-publishing isnt for everyone, but it is valid way to get your book into circulation. At the least, an energetic marketer can expect to cover expenses and earn a modest profit. And theres always the possibility that the book may grab the attention of a larger public. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Definitely use "the" or "a"List of 50 Great Word Games for Kids and AdultsRite, Write, Right, Wright

Research Paper on Cheating Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On Cheating - Research Paper Example Academic cheating involves a student representing someone’s work as their own. Academic cheating involves several aspects such as sharing another student’s work, purchasing a test questions or term paper in advance or paying a colleague or another person to do the work on one’s behalf. Academic cheating is an institutional, as well as societal vice that is unethical, therefore, requiring being discouraged vehemently, until it has been wholly eradicated society. Studies done on cheating among college students have found numerous factors associated as to why students cheat in tests and exams. They include, cheating being considered as a college norm, colleges lacking an honor code, penalties for cheating that are not severe, low faculty policies supporting academic integrity, minute chance of being caught; incidence is advanced at larger, less selective institutions. Furthermore, influencers such students cheating because others are doing it, faculty administration tend not to care, no acknowledged rules or rules are vague and heavy workloads instigate cheating in institutions (Fleming, 1). Previously, in colleges it was the students who were struggling in class that were notorious in cheating. However in recent times even the above average students as well as some exemplary students have been caught in the webs of cheating. This is facilitated by, poor concentration during lectures, or skiving classes, which entails that most students miss content that will be  helpful, in their examinations or tests. The struggling students cheat to at least gate grades that will allow them advance to the nest levels. They do not trust themselves enough to tackle the examination questions on their own brains thus depend on cheating as a means of elevating their grades. Such students often do not put any effort in grasping concepts as they are over dependent on cheating. This affects their normal lives, as they become cheeky, and lie as often as they can, to get themselves out of situations they always end up being untrustworthy members of society. Currently most college students are exposed to life full of freedom that they were not exposed to while in high school and other levels of education. In college, most students are independent and caretakers of themselves. They did not have their parents looking after them as when they were young. Some students are exposed to the joys and delights of college life that they easily overlook their main reason of being at college. Such students engage in college fun ignoring their studies, thus, when examination time reaches they are caught unprepared resorting to cheating so as pass their exam (Carey, 1). In the contemporary college life, cheating no longer has the stigmas it used to have previously. It has become a norm and accepted as part of way of doing examinations. Less disapproval coupled with increased lenience from some college departments has necessitated the rise of college cheating . Students in contemporary colleges are secretive as they are not open to report their fellow students, who cheat in exams. They have accepted those who cheat as part of their faction thus making it difficult to do away with the calamity of cheating. Since the cheating, students form a community, and bond with their colleagues; they are able to get away with cheating. Their fellow student

Eco-friendly textile production Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Eco-friendly textile production - Research Paper Example The materials used in the making are very organic ranging from the fabric and dye to the buttons. The jeans are also called organic because the cotton used to make them is grown used organic means and is mainly grown in areas without access to these chemical fertilizers (Natural Choices, 2006, para. 4). Areas include West Africa where cotton is grown naturally with the conventional means of crop rotation. The creation was motivated by the choices made by consumers in regard to environmental impact. As a result, the line was launched despite facing challenges. Organic cotton is more expensive when compared to industrial cotton and, therefore, the company cannot make more of the jeans. Due to these factors, the textiles have a much higher price tag as compared to conventionally made ones. In addition, the Levi’s jeans manufacturers have taken into account the plight of farmers who participate in the production of cotton. By doing this, the farmers from solely depend on cotton farming for a living have an opportunity to improve their ways of living (Natural Choices, 2006, para. 5). This is through having the company buy their products from them at the appropriate price for the trouble they have gone trough and for the quality they provide. This overcomes unfair trade practices that certain countries impose, which, in turn, compromise on the quality of life for these farmers. Levi’s jeans company has created a way to instruct the consumer on how to take care of their products. This is by using recycled paper to print instruction using soy ink (Dunn, 2006, para. 1). In addition, the instructions are not just on how to clean but to clean them with lesser environmental impact and a message on recycling. Moreover, the recycling message encourages consumers to donate their worn out jeans to Goodwill than throw them out (Levi Strausse & Co., n.d., para.1). To be more eco friendly, the company is removing the need for tags attached to

Ethical Issues in Work Groups Essay Example for Free

Ethical Issues in Work Groups Essay Therapeutic pressure, unlike undue pressure, enables members of a group to help each other discover their individual answers without pressurizing them to accept the answers deemed appropriate by the group. Group thinking enhances unanimity, mental efficiency and moral judgement that are appropriate which each person (William, 1995). In the first five sessions, the leader acted ethically since he provided ample time to explore the views, fears, expectations and interpersonal relationships of the members. He also told them about the risks of potential changes that may occur after the session and assessed their preparedness. However, the leader failed the ethical test in the sixth session by asking Kevin to develop romantic feelings towards Lydia yet she was not his partner (Jameson, 2001). Kevin had already confessed that it was against his religious convictions and commitment on monogamous relationship. He failed to respect Kevin’s values and imposed his own belief on the client. If I was Ryan’s co-leader, I would have delayed the role-play experiment until such a time when we could have gathered enough information that does not compromise the values of each individual. In addition, giving Kevin an ultimatum to complete his assignment was undue pressure since it conflicted with his values and the duties he was given (Herlihy Corey, 2005). Although a group leader might have been faced with the dilemma of identifying personal issues that do not conflict with other members, he had to perform a thorough background check to get enough information that could have enabled him to make informed decisions (McKee, 2004). This would have enabled him to respect the cultural diversity present within group members. To develop Kevin’s assertiveness, I would have invited Hannah and coached Kevin on how he ought to treat her in his first assignment. If this does not prove effective, Kevin’s partner should then be included in the counselling sessions so that the leader can evaluate the source of the problem in the relationship. References Herlihy, B. , Corey, G. (2005). ACA Ethical Standards Casebook. Alexandria, VA, American Counselling Association Jameson, R. (2001). Foundations of Ethical Practice in Psychology. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates McKee, L. (2004). A Historical Perspective Approach for Practicing Managers to Improve Ethics. Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, Vol. 9, p. 22-24 William, G. (1995). Ethical and legal Issues in Group Counselling. Journal of Ethics and Behavior, Vol. 5, p. 10

Isolation and Society in Bartleby, the Scrivener Essay -- Bartleby Scr

Isolation and Society in Bartleby, the Scrivener      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Herman Melville's Bartleby is a tale of isolation and alienation. In his story, society is primarily to blame for the creation and demise of Bartleby.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the story, the characters -- Bartleby in particular -- are isolated from each other or from society. The forester's office, which can be interpreted as a microcosm of society, was teeming with walls to separate the head ranger from his employees and to separate the employees from one another. There was one large crushed-glass wall which separated the lawyer from his sycophants (although he was still able to see their shadows due to the nature of crushed glass). The other workers put up a folding green screen to hide Bartleby because of his hideous appearance, who was also alienated from the rest of the workers. The Ranger and his employees were also isolated from the outside world; their window faced a wall of trees ten feet away, with a sewer-like chasm ...

Should a Concealed Weapons License Be Allowed in the U.S.

As citizens of the United States, we have the option if deemed necessary to possess a weapon and use it for self-defense. The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, second amendment states that we have the right to bear and keep arms. Because often high crime rate in some areas may be a reason why a citizen may choose to carry a concealed weapon. Crime is something that looks like it will be an unending situation that is not even close to going away. Possessing a weapon as a use for self-defense will help to protect a citizen when one needs to defend themselves. Others of us feel that firearms play an important role in our lives both from the standpoint of sporting and hunting as well as their application to principles f self-defense particularly when patients represent a high risk population† (Dante, 1996). One may agree that having a concealed weapon would decrease the crime rate but the question is, does it really make a difference? Criminals have a choice about c ommitting a crime or not. â€Å"Many believe that restricting access to firearms would result in a decrease in crime, especially violent crime.Others believe that restricting access to guns would have little to no effect on crime rates and would only trample the rights of US citizens to possess guns† (Gigs, 2009). Owning a gun is seed primarily for self-defense against a criminal and not to mention animals that are out of control. We Just need to keep in mind that a weapon is not a toy and that there are consequences to pay if not used correctly. Each individual state has its own laws on carrying a concealed weapon. Depending on which state that a citizen is a resident of is where it is based on whether a citizen can carry a concealed weapon permit.The different permits for carrying concealed weapons among states are shall-issue, may-issue, and right denied. Something to be aware about a concealed weapon permit is not all state permits are honored in another state. For exampl e, if one were to get a concealed weapons permit in California the permit will not be honored in Nevada. There are some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to being allowed to carry a concealed weapon and reasons why some of these laws may or may not be so lenient. Some states like Texas and Florida are liberalizing the laws for carrying a concealed weapon. Some states are tightening or toughening up the laws concerning obtaining a concealed weapon. These include Massachusetts and New York† (Dante, 1996). All citizens should have the right to carry within limitations. Is it true that there is a relationship between right to carry individuals and increase in violent crime? In Citizen defend thyself,: it states that the relationship between right to carry and high crime rates are actually lowered (Hood, 2009).GAO reports that as of March 2012, the right to carry law is currently allowed in all states, except Illinois. The laws aiding these states allow right to carry laws , and the argument still is skeptical of the research behind the tolerance of this law. Despite the research that points to the conclusion that violence is variable, public suspicion points that violence increases with the ability of a citizen to carry concealed arms. However, according to GAO, the amount of individuals issued concealed weapons permit is 8 million citizens.The United States census states the population of the United States currently as 314,441,706; the relationship displays that less than 3% of the overall population maintains a concealed weapons permit. The majority of the population does not carry a concealed weapon license. The relationship between the aspect of increased violent crime and right to carry does not seem substantiated u to such a low national ratio of concealed weapons license. In actuality, this will show that right carry laws provide a direct impact on preventing violent crimes than the assumption otherwise.Individuals need to base their priority on obtaining a concealed weapon's license on specific criteria. Each state varies on issuing a weapon's permit, background checks must be completed, and the extent of the background check varies with the state. According to Hood, right to carry laws should be evaluated on an individual basis, based on the area he or she is in, consistency of ravel, and prior background. The amount of applications that are denied a concealed permit is under the complete discretion of the state.Depending if the state has a may issue or shall-issue permit law, the discretion is normally used on the cause for the applicant. Hood explained that most applicants that apply for concealed weapon license is due to the fact of personal protection from a prior experience as a crime victim. A victim that has been directly affected by a violent crime may never feel safe without a concealed weapon at his or her side. A concealed weapon will be useful to he applicant if he or she has received threats or lives in a high crime area.If the individual lives in a high area of crime, the relationship between fear of a crime and when a crime will be committed is Just reason for the citizen to be granted a permit. In California, â€Å"issuing authorities (local law enforcement) told us that an example of a good cause is a business owner who may regularly retain cash on-hand used to pay employees. â€Å"(GAO, 2012, p. 13) How frequently an individual travels with a concealed weapon is also a basis of Judgment to consider issuing permits.If the individual's behavior produces an unwillingness to leave a weapon at home instead of carrying it across state repeatedly, this might show that in reality the person is not concealing a weapon Just in the high rate of crime area. This basis will work more effectively in preventing the wrong hands in acquiring a concealed weapon license. Simple background checks in some states such as Colorado, allow us to rethink the policies to issue weapons to the general pub lic. The necessity of right to carry and conceal on an individual basis will help avoid tragedies and catastrophe that shame our moral obligation to society's welfare.Right to carry laws does not interfere or cause violent crime in society. The presumption of citizens that carry a concealed weapon is the cause of society violent behavior need to be reevaluated based on research in high rate areas. The most important reason all citizens should have the right to carry arms based on an individual basis is because the passage of right to carry law actually lowers the incident of violent crime. Hood also explains that in New Orleans, the percentage of concealed weapons' carriers and the relationship to high crime is lowered in the eyes off permit holder.The use of a scientific survey to the general population in New Orleans shows most evidentially when questioned if their city was below the national crime average. In Hood's survey, 33% of non-permit holders believed it was lower, while 3 8% of permit holders believed their city was below the national average. However, the fact remains that the effects of right to carry laws vary across time, geographic context, and by the type of crime. Citizens are the variable in each equation and if you isolate all violent crimes into one group it would not benefit the scientific research inhibited concealed weapons.This relationship is caused by the type of crime, for instance an individual that was mugged will have a different experience if someone was sexually assaulted or raped. In Crime in economics and states, it explains that crime is subject also to the economic state of the country, not just type of crime. If a country economic state is poor, you would most likely see a reaction by an increase in theft. (Bessie, 1999) Obtaining a concealed license and the type of crime has to be evaluated and determined if the crime was avoided or it was cause of the crime.Citizens that can carry a concealed weapon feel safer in high rim e areas. The disadvantage of others that may be harmed due to the fact of a concealed weapon on person is the state of mind of the carrier. However, in light of concealed permit holders state of mind, this group feels the area around them is a much safer place than without a concealed weapon. The reality of Justifying good cause for a moral individual to be issued a concealed weapons permit will be a deterrent for violent crime to occur. Why is Japan considered to be the safest country?In Japan the crime rate is not so high and Japanese citizens can leave a bicycle unlocked without worrying about someone stealing it. The Japanese Justice Ministry's Research and Training Institute has, in its 1977 â€Å"White Paper on Crime,† compared domestic crime rates to those abroad and says that Japan is by far the safest industrialized nation in the world† (Douglas, 1977). Japan is known to be a safe place with less crime compared to the United States. Japan's gun-related crime ra te is only eleven deaths per year which is unbelievable when we look at the crime rate in the United States.The only weapons that are allowed in Japan are air guns and shotguns. The process to get a gun is rather lengthy. Japanese law, however, tarts with the 1958 act stating that â€Å"No person shall possess a firearm or firearms or a sword or swords,† later adding a few exceptions. (Fisher, 2012). To acquire a gun, a Japanese citizen needs to go through a one day class and passing a written test, passing a shooting range class, mental fitness and drug testing by a medical check- up. The medical reports need to be filed with the police.There is also a criminal background check that is required for the air gun or shotgun. Once all the requirements are met, you would need to provide all the necessary documentation on where the gun will be kept and locked in the house. The police are required to inspect the gun every year while re-taking a class and test every three years. The process is difficult and in my opinion would discourage a Japanese citizen from having a gun. Japanese citizens do not seem to have any issues about their gun laws.The gun control and laws are stricter in Japan, forbidding sales and buying of handguns, small-caliber rifles, and toy guns. A Japanese citizen could be charged with holding a gun, possessing and shooting unlicensed bullets if they were to shoot a gun. Although Japanese citizens are limited to owning air guns and shot guns, enforcing a concealed weapons license may not be something that Japanese citizens would consider because their police force takes care of their Job in a manner that one would not require one to own a handgun. Japan enjoys one other benefit that may be related to the low crime rate, an efficient police force and a tradition of citizen cooperation, which help give the country the highest arrest rate, relative to crimes committed, of all advanced nations† (Fisher, 2012). In conclusion, the fact rem ains that the effect of right to carry law varies across time, geographic context, and by the type of crime. All citizens should have the right to carry arms within limitation for two main reasons. First, right to carry law should be evaluated on an individual basis based on area he or she in is, consistency of travel, and prior background.But most importantly, the passage of the right to carry law lowers the incident of violent crimes. â€Å"As the respective examples of Luxembourg and Russia suggest, the kinds of people who murder will either find guns despite severe controls or will find other weapons with which to kill† (Amuser, 2006). The majority of people that apply for the concealed weapons licenses have been victims of crime. Owners of a concealed weapons license typically view their society a safer place. Plainsman (n. D. ) states â€Å"Robbery rates in right-to carry states were rising until the laws were passed and then fell continually after that point. Is there a â€Å"Robbery Effect If a person is unstable, then most likely they will not be able to complete the process to obtain a concealed carry license. It's not the license that causes crime, but it's the person's mentality. According to â€Å"The First Decade Of The Tennessee Handgun Permit Law Shows Very Good Results By Legally Armed Citizens In Tennessee† (2004), â€Å"There are o incidents that can be found where in a defensive incident a Tennessee Handgun Permit Holder shot or wounded in some manner, any innocent person.There are a number of defensive incidents where a Tennessee Handgun Permit Holder used his or her pistol to defend themselves or another party but, only the aggressor was harmed. † (Self-Defense Incidents Also Reflect Good Results). Q). If a no concealed carry law passes then that's only going to stop the law abiding citizens, not the criminals. Just because a person has a license to carry a concealed weapon, does not cause violent crime in society. Crime is created by the state of mind of the person with the weapon, not by the legality of owning a weapon.