Motivation as an Important Aspect of Human Resource Management

Motivation is a vital aspect in functioning of every organization. It refers to the forces that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain course of action for accomplishing organizational goals. Nowadays, there are numerous motivation theories that human resource managers use in order to encourage high work performance. Generally, there are two types of rewards in motivation.The first is intrinsic rewards, which is the satisfaction a person receives in the process of performing a particular action. For example, a person selling educational materials may get an intrinsic award of helping children read well. The other type of rewards is extrinsic, which are the rewards that are generally given by another person, typically a manager and include promotion and pay increases. For instance, some person that does not get pleasure from doing his/her job may be motivated by an extrinsic reward of high payment.Good human resource managers usually strive to help people achieve both e xtrinsic and intrinsic rewards, far as it has been proven that most talented and innovative employees are usually motivated not only by rewards such as benefits and money but also with the satisfaction from the work they do. To create an environment that is rich in opportunity, challenge and reward managers need to implement one of the manager’s theories. The three types of motivation theories include: content theories, process and reinforcement theories.Content theories usually stress the understanding of human needs and how they can be satisfied in the workplace. Thus, if a human resource manager realizes worker’s needs, the organization’s rewards system can be designed to meet them and reinforce employees for directing energies and priorities toward attainment of organizational goals. One of the content theories is the hierarchy of needs theory developed by Abraham Maslow. This theory suggests that people are motivated by five categories of needs- physiologic al, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization-that exist in a hierarchical order.Self-actualization which is on the top of the hierarchy may include: opportunities for training, advancement, growth and creativity. Esteem needs generate: recognition, high status and increased responsibilities. While, belongingness needs may comprise: work groups, clients, coworkers and supervisors. Safety needs include safe work, fringe benefits and job security. Finally, at the bottom of the hierarchy there are physiological needs which are heat, air and base salary. According to the theory low-order needs must be satisfied before higher-order needs are activated.The other content theory is ERG theory that resembles a modified Maslow’s theory. It identifies three categories of needs: 1. Existence needs- needs for physical well-being. 2. Relatedness needs- need for satisfactory relationships with others. 3. Growth needs- developing human potential and the desire for personal growth and increased competence. One psychologist suggested that nowadays the need to have fun at work needs to be added to this theory, far as it can relieve stress and enable people to feel that their personal lives are not totally separated from their work lives.There his also a two-factor content theory, created by Frederick Herzberg. After interviewing hundreds of workers he came to conclusion that two separate dimensions contribute to an employee’s behavior at work. The first are hygiene factors, which are factors that involve the presence or absence of job dissatisfiers such as working conditions, pay, company policies, and interpersonal relationships. The second set of factors is motivators, which include achievement, recognition, responsibility and opportunity for growth.Thus, on one hand providing hygiene factors will eliminate employee dissatisfaction, and on the other motivators will promote high satisfaction and performance. Process theories, unlike content theories fo cus more on determining how workers act to meet their needs and if those choices are successful. There are two basic process theories: equity theory and expectancy theory. Equity theory focuses on individual’s perceptions of how fairly they are treated relative to others. If people perceive their compensation as equal to what others receive for similar contributions they will believe that their treatment is fair and equitable.Equity is measured by ratio of outputs and inputs. Inputs include: education, experience, effort and ability, while the outputs generate pay, recognition, benefits and promotion. Thus, for example if some employee discovers that he/she is getting more money than people who contribute the same inputs to the company, he/she may feel the need to correct the inequity by working harder, getting more education or considering lower pay. Expectancy theory is a process theory that suggests that motivation depends on individual’s expectations about their ab ility to erform tasks and receive desired rewards. For instance, if the company creates an incentive program which would be used in areas such as distribution, where employees are recognized for accomplishment in safety, productivity and attendance it can appear rather effective. The other type of theories is reinforcement theory. It is a motivation theory based on the relationship between a given behavior and its consequences. For instance a company implementing a reinforcement theory may reward salespeople for the kinds of behaviors that keep sales and profits rising.If people in this company don’t perform, they don’t get paid. However, they can reap huge economic rewards for high performance. A good example of a country, where different companies use different motivation theories in their human resource management is Ukraine. Analyzing the variety of company’s in Ukraine it can be seen that most large company’s functioning on the territory of our count ry are either subsidiaries of foreign company’s or some multinational/transnational corporations.Surely, those companies placed in our country use mostly some content theories that provide workers with bonuses, opportunities for training, growth and team buildings, which can be some trips paid-for by the company, in order to create a sense of team in the company’s staff. An example of such companies would be Celenia, Kraft Foods, BMS Consulting, etc. Those companies, like many others of their kind use content theories that incorporate many useable tools for managers.As for local Ukrainian company’s that are based soly in Ukraine, they usually might offer some fringe benefits which is a good motivation tool. However, hrm managers in those companies rarely use the system of bonuses, increased payments, or some incentive programs. Mostly, the motivation is associated with fear of loosing the job or getting reduced payment if the organizational goals are not complet ed. It resembles a reinforcement theory of management, where employees are suggested a certain type of behavior and if they do or do not pursue it, certain consequences follow.There are companies that give their workers so-called â€Å"black balls† on every project they did not complete or that was not done on time and if the worker gets more than 5 balls he/she is out of the job. From my point of view, this type of motivation has a lot of shortcomings and it should be substituted by some content theory of management. Far as this type of human resource management, doesn't correspond to ethical norms of a democratic society. Thus, motivation is an important aspect in human resource management. Nowadays, human resource managers have an option of selecting out of numerous management theories.They include content, process and reinforcement theories. Content theories like hierarchy of needs theory or ERG theory focus on understanding and satisfying human needs at work. Process the ories on the other hand, focus on employee’s choices of action to accomplish company’s goals and determining if those choices are correct. While, reinforcement theory focuses on what consequences follow if the workers do or do not follow the given behavior. Choice of an appropriate motivation theory is a significant step to company’s success.

Possible disadvantages of exercising too much

(1)Excessive exercise can increase vulnerability to disease and health problems. Athletes of varying ages who engage in long ad strenuous training programmes are more at risk from health problems than those who do moderate exercise. This has been found by looking at the number of school boys who contacted pneumonia after a period of intense sports training compared to others who only participated moderately and also the incidence of Upper respiratory tract infections in athletes who participated in a marathon compared to a group who had the same training but did not partake in the marathon. However it is not determined if this is a causal relationship of if another variable plays a role, an explanation for this could be the close encounters athletes have with each other at sporting events which could lead to the spread of bacteria much more easily and also the stress of physical activity could be causing illness. Immune system part Moderate Exercise Intense Exercise Phagocytic White blood cells Increased White blood cell count providing immunity boost against microbes Suppression of the immune system under stress and possible inflammatory response in muscle tissue reducing other non-specific responses B-cells and T-cells Normal Functioning Reduced helper T-cells activity leading to reduced antibody count Activated T-cells Normal Functioning Cytotoxic cell activity reduces Damage to Skeletal System Excessive exercise can cause damage to the body since parts are overused or put under great pressure, there are two types of injury, traumatic and over-use, traumatic injuries involve a single impact such as rugby and overuse injuries are similar to repetitive strain injuries. There are 4 main injuries that over exercise can cause on the skeletal system. * (2)Fractures: A fracture occurs when too much stress is put on a bone and occurs when too much weight is applied on the bone or there is a repetitive impact. * Bone Spurs: If you receive a bone injury and don't get it properly treated it can result in a bone spurs. This is caused when the bone tries to repair and calcifies the area around it. This is common in areas where big impacts are common such as the feet or Tibia * Back Pain: Most back pain is related to overused muscles but it can also be caused by slippage of back bones while lifting weights * Arthritis: When too much stress is put on joints in routine exercise and the weight they carry is more than they can handle arthritis can occur. Apart from fractures these problems are long term and often don't have any cheap cure requiring painkillers. (3)Lesser Problems Other problems can include an increased rate of eating disorder including Bulimia due to over obsession of body image. This can lead to excessive aerobic exercising which leads to the loss of both fat and muscle weight. The appearance of not loosing weight as your muscle density increases can cause more excessive exercising.

The risks associated with ionizing radiation in medical imaging Assignment

The risks associated with ionizing radiation in medical imaging practice, and the precaution required to protect against them - Assignment Example However, the shorter wave length, higher frequency waves such as X-rays and gamma rays are used in the medical imaging techniques and can be biologically fatal (WHO, 2011) (Figure 1). Ionizing radiation can be categorized into two forms. The first one is the radiation in the form of EM wave, such as an x-ray or gamma ray and the second one is the radiation in form of particle, such as an alpha or beta particle, neutron, or proton (DeLima Associates 1993, 1-48). X-rays are radiations that are artificially generated using machine. Gamma rays are EM waves that are released from the nucleus of an unsteady atom. The various forms of ionizing radiation have different effect on the biological systems (Holmes, White and Gaffney, 2011). However, these radiations are of great use in the medical science and have contributed significantly in medical imaging practice. This paper highlights the risks linked with the use of ionizing radiation in medical imaging practice and the necessary precaution s that needs to be taken while handling it. Roentgen was the person who discovered X-rays in the year 1895. Since then the use of ionizing radiation in medicine expanded (Holmes, White and Gaffney, 2011). Today, medical science uses both ionizing and non-ionizing radiations in imaging techniques. The ultrasound uses the acoustic pulses for echo-ranging imaging or in case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio-waves are combined with high-field magnets to produce images. Both ultrasound and MRI make use of non-ionizing radiations. On the other hand the medical imaging techniques that use ionizing radiation consist of those images produced by the use of x-rays or gamma rays. Both x-rays and gamma rays are high energy, short wave-length EM radiation that can penetrate through almost all tissues. Gamma rays are produced as a result of nuclear decays of radioactive tracers that are introduced into the body and x-rays come from x-ray tube in which high speed electrons are bombarded to a small spot on a tungsten anode target. When radiation passes through the body, it is differentially captivated by tissues. For example, calcium is abundantly present in the body and has a higher atomic weight when compared to hydrogen that forms a major component of tissue water. Therefore, the ionizing radiation is taken up differently in different parts of the tissue. In this process if the tissue atoms are ionized, they become chemically reactive and can cause serious cell damage. Therefore, when these medical imaging techniques are inevitably used precautions need to be taken. One of the most common imaging techniques is the X-rays which is highly useful diagnostically by both computed tomography and film (Yale University School of Medicine 2004). All of us at some point of time have an x-ray examination that aids the physicians’ to diagnose disease or damage in the body structure. In another diagnostic procedure the radionuclides are administered to patients and with t he help of detectors outside the body, the functioning of the organs can be observed. Hence when the physicians need to get an idea of any problem inside the body, they use one of these imaging procedures. In general the radiation doses used in these imaging processes are low. Figure 2 shows the average radiation dose of common radiographic procedures. If we compare the radiation dose that is used in imaging with that used in the treatment of malignant

Idustrialize America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Idustrialize America - Essay Example Unfortunately his efforts did not prevail, the power was once again given to the Army and there was even a period that followed in which the Democrats regained the impetus, re-enacting laws that revived the era of slavery for these newly freed men and women. Lynching and race riots were rampant in some States, and the Redeemer Government and Klu Klux Klan were determined to re-establish white supremacy. It seemed that all the efforts of the Reconstruction had been for nothing. Notwithstanding that they had just been through a harsh and debilitating war, President’s Abraham Lincoln wanted to be magnanimous towards the South. In December 1863, he placed the idea that a State could be integrated into the Union if 10 percent of the population count under 1860’s census supported emancipation. Tennessee, Louisiana and Arkansas were won over by the Union through Lincoln’s Ten Percent Plan. However this compromise did not sit well with the diehard Republicans, nor some in Lincoln’s own party who feared that it would once again undermine the cause of emancipation by bringing economic slavery to blacks on white owned cotton ginning farms. The mood of the South was rebellious and unrepentant. They sought to regain control of the situation, and could not bear to see blacks getting education, voting rights and freedom. On his part, President Andrew Jackson who took up the reins of Government following Lincoln’s death tried his best to follow the former’s lenient policies for the collective benefit of all. He appointed new Governors in 1865. Unfortunately his efforts did not meet with success and were spurned by the diehard Republicans. They challenged and undermined his efforts, rejected his nominations from the South and eventually managed to oust his Government in 1865-66 after success in the 1866 Congressional elections. They managed to regain control of Congress in

Formal justification report to an organization making a recommendation Research Proposal

Formal justification report to an organization making a recommendation for eco paper - Research Proposal Example The report proposes a greener approach to the building and construction sector to ensure that that as domestic and commercial built environment increases, there should be measures that have to be followed in ensuring that buildings are energy efficient, with a view of reducing the carbon load caused by both domestic and commercial usage in heating, air conditioning and cooling. Other resources such as water should also be utilized in the best way possible to ensure sustainability. Some buildings such as L60 building in Melbourne and Comcast Center in Philadelphia have elaborated the leadership in built environment impact of reducing global warming through being energy efficient. Such buildings serve as the best examples that the program should be tailored to emulate and policies put in place, to enforce new and old buildings to accord to these policies. This is due to the wide ranging benefits that is achieved though energy efficient designs on the long term. There is to put into per spectives some of the technologies successfully implement in other places to use to achieve the same benefits. Sustainable Architecture & Building 1.0 Introduction: Overview The current globalised world in industrialization has led to massive increase in environmental pollution. The environmental pollution and the release of green house gases to the atmosphere are two issues that have become a menace to the current order in life. There are many organizations and government initiatives that have been set up to find measures that would be used to reduce the environmental impact of greenhouse gases, and saving of other resources such as water that are becoming scarce after each day. These organization and government policies have come up with measures that are targeted to the general manufacturing sectors and service sectors. This leaves an important cause of pollution unaddressed; the domestic and commercial houses. The Department of Built Environment and Urbanization has a responsibi lity to put up measures that if implemented in the building sector would have environmental degradation through release of green house gases reduced significantly. This call for implementing measures and policies that would require all the modern houses and those under construction to ensure efficiency in energy utility in a bid to ensure sustainable development that is friendly to the environment. There is a need for architects, clients and engineers to cooperate in designing and constructing domestic and commercial buildings to ensure the reduction of carbon load that is mainly caused by overreliance on conventional energy sources in both commercial and domestic buildings. As the country relies heavily on coal and hydropower sources of energy, the carbon burden produced by these energy sources has been increasing daily as the domestic and commercial power demands soars to record levels. The Australian households use about 92% of conventional energy, with only 8% being tapped form renewable sources. This has led the domestic usage or households to contribute to about

An Ethical Leader's Response paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

An Ethical Leader's Response paper - Essay Example The Utilitarian Approach was pioneered by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 19th century, according to their approach ethical decisions are the ones that provided the greatest balance of good over evil. Following this approach, individuals or specifically managers or leaders at work goes step by step; they first organize their thoughts by making out the different courses of actions that are available to them and then raise questions themselves about which actions or alternatives selected will result in the greatest good and the least negative consequences to the parties at stake. The ethical action is one that provides the greatest good for the greatest number1. The Rights Approach; Immanuel Kant proposed this approach and suggested that people are free to do as they wish; it tells about their right to choose for themselves and not being forced by others in direction which is against their wishes and if this happens it will be a clear cut violation of the human dignity. Some of these basic rights include the right to privacy, truth, the right not to agree, the right of not being injured etc. When making decision using this approach managers or leaders should ask them whether anyone's rights are being hurt to make sure that rights of all are respected. The Fairness or the Justice Approach was initiated by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle. This use of this approach makes sure that decisions made are not discriminatory or biased in any way. In fact, the question is whether they treat every one equally. The favoritism and discrimination are seen as unjust and thus any decision taken on such grounds are not at all justifiable. The Common Good Approach unlike the rights approach looks for the benefit for the society or the community as a whole; from this approach emerges the concept of institutions and policies that favor the society as a whole rather than individuals in particular. The Virtue Approach leads to creations of ideals and role models who should be followed. These ideals represent the people we want to become. Virtues are the characteristics of a personality that leads one to act or behave in a certain manner. An individual when making decision though is affected by the approach he follows, but there are certain factors that influence the decision making; these factors include individual differences, situational factors and lastly the issue related factors2. Personal factors influence one's ability to make judgments and also differs in respect to how much a person is sensitive to a particular issue at hand. One's cognitive moral development affects the personal factors; it depends on which stage of moral development a person is in. There are three stages of cognitive moral development- the pre conventional, conventional and the principled level. At the pre-conventional level, which is the lowest level an individual is affected most by the societal responses that the decision will foresee, the degree of ethical involvement is determined by the desire to avoid the punishment or to receive any reward. At the intermediate level that is the conventional level, the concern for society is increas ed and decisions are made on the basis how they will affect others. At the last, the principled level, a person has already developed strong moral and ethical standards that have been shaped over the years and then selects from the approaches that we

Absorption costing and marginal costing Assignment

Absorption costing and marginal costing - Assignment Example Simpson Ltd has produced more than its estimated sales volume. Hence closing stock got piled up which could be avoided if they would have followed methods like just in time inventory system, regular delivery system etc to reduce the stock holding costs (Chadwick. L., 1998). As of now, in this case, since the sales volume is lower than the production volume, the profit is higher in absorption costing than in marginal costing. This is because of higher valuation for the closing stock in absorption costing than what is valued in the marginal costing. The difference of increase in closing stock valuation is attributable to the fixed expenses charged to the cost of goods manufactured in the absorption costing while in marginal costing, the same are not being charged as it is guided by the contribution principal of sales less variable costs. Hence, as the costs of goods manufactured is more in absorption costing, naturally, its closing stock valuation would also be higher which is deducted from the actual sales (through deduction in the cost of goods manufactured) indirectly thereby increasing the profit figure. In this way, the profit figure gets inflated in the case of absorption costing than in marginal costing thereby misleading the management about the higher profit figures than what is really earned if we observe the data for only one term. However, as this closing stock gets utilized in the next period, if the production is lesser in that period, the absorption costing would record lesser profits than that of the variable costing thus nullifying the differences arising in this term. In this way, there is no difference in the reporting of the profit figures if taken on a long term basis in both the systems. (Walker.J. & Burke. L., 2003). Absorption costing is used for external reporting purposes as mandated by the financial statements under the guidelines of the generally

Should young children use computers in early childhood programs Essay

Should young children use computers in early childhood programs - Essay Example They follow these directions and learn a variety of things like dancing, gaming, communications skill etc. The increased use of computers increases the communication power of children. Most preschools have the facility of computers. They teach children and direct them the ways to use it themselves. Computers help children to communicate in a social environment. While using computer children develop two sorts of interactions. One is the children-computer interaction and the second is children-children interaction. Children-Computer interaction is developed when a kid involves himself in understanding the directions of the computer, when a child is developing the understanding the lines of the software and establishing the grasp on the hardware. And the Children-Children interaction is developed when the kid works in an environment where other children are also using the computer. The child works on the computer and connects his computer to the computer of his fellow to ask about his/h er daily routine or to seek any help from him/her. Preschool kids can use the computers easily with great proficiency when an appropriate software in accordance to the age of the child is installed. (Mayesky. 2002) Computers are effective for young children when this small box is changed to a ‘coaching machine’. Computers used by young children should be equipped with the elements which prove to be beneficial for them like joystick to handle directions effectively, gaming software, mathematics problem solving games, puzzles, and other entities. Computers increase the sense of control in these children. Computer is an excellent medium for conversation for disabled and mentally retarded children. These children can interact with the outer world using this amazing device. Handicapped kids can learn the essential basic skills using computers. They can learn the knowledge of computer from their early ages and can further

Evaluate the impact of media such as video games, film and TV on the Essay - 1

Evaluate the impact of media such as video games, film and TV on the behaviour of teenagers - Essay Example This makes it important to study deeply the influence of media on behaviours of teenagers. There is a lot of research in this field where some studies conclude its negative effects and some conclude presenting the pluses. Most of the studies suggest that the more the teens spent time in front of screen more likely it is that they get exposed to the information that is not useful. Spending more time viewing TV is also harmful to the health of teens as it is known to lead to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eat and sleep patterns, and obesity (Council on Communications and Media 2011). Besides the effects on health, over-exposure to media is also known to affect the behaviors of the teenagers. This essay explores the effect of media on the behavior of teens. Starting with discussion on the adverse effects of media on teens, the essay will outline the positive aspects, that is, the counter-argument and refutation to each counter-argument before presenting conclusions. There are several studies that suggest negative effects of media on behaviors of teenagers. Anderson et al (2003) stated that it is now a proven fact that media violence results in transmitting aggressive and violent behavior in youth in both short as well as long term contexts. Researchers concluded that being exposed to media that is full of violent attitudes and behaviors is sure to lead adolescents adopt similar behaviors. This also leads to bullying weak students in school and trying to involve in activities that are considered ‘cool’ among a group. Teens usually adopt such behavior for social acceptance and media has a very important role of play in this classification of social acceptance and ‘cool dude’ attitude. In another study, Huesmann and Taylor (2006) suggested similar findings; they also found that media violence contributes to violent

Delta Air Lines Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Delta Air Lines - Term Paper Example Today the company consists of a fleet size of 722 different passenger and cargo aircraft as well as more than 80,000 employees working across the world. Company has its major assets at eleven airports and its 247 aircraft operate at 247 international routes (Delta Stats and Facts). By the end of 2011, Delta Airline was enjoying a net income of $854 million with its total assets around $43.49 billion (Delta Airlines Annual Report, 2011). After five years of operations, Delta Airlines got a contract from United States Post Office. This contract made the company to shift its major set up from Georgia to Dallas. The company shifted from Atlanta (Georgia) to Dallas on 5th August, 1934 and after seven years returned back to its parent city. With the passage of time, Delta Airline followed on growth strategy as in 1953, it acquired Southern Airways and Chicago. In 1972, it did acquisition with Northeastern Airlines as well therefore; it expanded its routes to get an edge over its competitor s. Delta Airlines executed its growth strategy quite well till the end of 1970s. Due to transporting of more than 3.3 million passengers in 1978, the company was ranked No.3 in the industry; however, the same year US government enforced the Federal Airlines Deregulations Act of 1978. The act put a negative impact on Delta Airline and some other dominating companies and therefore set a base for Low Cost Carriers (LCC). Moreover, the airline industry was serenely affected by several factors in 80s and 90s. These factors included global recession of early 80s, rising fuel prices towards late 80s, and first gulf war in early 90s. Delta Airlines also affected by these, however, its strong management and infrastructure made it again at No.3 in position in the airline industry. This year it took around 67.2 million passengers to their destinations in different parts of the world. The company also generated revenue of about $8.5 billion. Along with its successful growth, one of the biggest achievements of the company is its employee reward system which enabled the company to maintain a high employee retention rate. CULTURE According to a survey conducted by J.D Power, Delta Airline has been recognized as the 2nd best airline company with respect to customer service. In 2009, the company won three awards of ‘Business Traveler Magazine’ for the fourth consecutive year. These awards were given in the categories of ‘Best Airline Web Site’, ‘Best Frequent Flyer Program’, and ‘Best Airport Lounge’ (PR Newswire). Due to its vast experience in air operations, the company has created warms relations among its employees that have great retention as well as loyalty with the company. For example in 2006, pilots of the company got themselves away from a probable strike by accepting a deal with the organization in terms of their salary and other package. This willingly accepted agreement not only enabled the company to save about $280 million per year but also kept it firm with its routine operations. CURRENT OPERATIONS By April 2010, the

Thomas Carlyle Essay Example for Free

Thomas Carlyle Essay Thomas Carlyle, born in Ecclefechan, Dumfries and Galloway [1], was a Scottish essayist whose work was very significant in the Victorian era [1]. Carlyle was brought up in a strictly Calvinist family, following a version of Protestant Christianity. But in a time of rapid scientific and technological advancements and discoveries, he soon lost his faith in religion. He went to the University of Edinburgh for higher education. One of Thomas Carlyle’s most famous works includes Sartor Resartus (The tailor re-tailored). Many consider it to one of the earliest ‘existentialist’ books [1]. The concept of transcendentalism too is evident in many of his works like Frederick the Great, in which he envisioned a spiritually liberated nation, following a new modern culture. His work Signs of the Times and Characteristics contains essays commenting on the victorian society and culture. His work The French Revolution, A History in 1837 has been thought to be one of the major motivating factors behind the French Revolution. Carlyle also follwed the theme of dehumanization with as much passion as the one about a counter culture. In his work the Past and Present Carlyle talks about the growing mechanisation and technological advancements; the spiritual values he advocated were giving way to ‘rights and laws [1].’ With the business and economic gaining gretaer strength, he called the changing thought the â€Å"‘dismal science’ of economics [1].† He was also belived in a the concept of a single, strong, enlightened leader. In his work On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History, he compares different heroes. Carlyle was also a great believer of ‘Silence’ and its divinity. thought has silently matured itself, †¦to hold ones tongue till some meaning lie behind to set it wagging [1].† But from all of Carylyle’s works, it is evident that though he was progressive, he was equally idealistic. He pictured a world where there would be religious freedom, progress, and advancement. But he pictured a world free of materialism. The culture and social set-up of England at that time was regularly under criticism. Authors like Johnathan Swift too had commented on it. But the issue makes its way into almost all of Carlyle’s works. He was also a great believer in what we call existentialism. His view on faith was both passionate and philosophical, ‘transeding’ the boundries of religion and religious rituals. But there is absolutely no doubt that he was one of the greatest reformists of his time. His work was often satirical, but it found its way into the hearts and minds of the public, who too were â€Å"grappling with scientific and political changes that threatened the traditional social order [1].† Works Cited: Wikipedia, Thomas Carlyle, retrived from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Carlyle#Worship_of_Silence_and_Sorrow (Accessed Sept. 28, 2007)

Four Models Of Public Relations Media Essay

Four Models Of Public Relations Media Essay The four models of public relations and communication are practiced by J. Grunig and Hunt in year 1984. At that time, many scholars of public relations are doing the research of how these four models are practiced by public relations practitioners and why they practiced. The four models are press agentry model, public information model, two-way asymmetrical model and two-way symmetrical model. They described how public relations practitioners to be effectively and ethically practiced by offers a normative theory in two-way symmetrical model. Mixed-motive public relations were practice with combine the two-way symmetrical model and two-way asymmetrical model. In 1975, the first study on the behaviour of public relations was done by J. Grunig, he categorised it and published the result in 1976. The study is telling about how the communication functions is perform in the different way by the public relations practitioners and why their behaviour is not alike. In order to categorise the different behaviour of public relations, an excellent public relations model was introduced in which how they are practice. Although there is no any representation can be perfectly described the reality of the world, but it is still a need to come out a model for people to understand and work on it. Model is defined as a set of values and a schema of behaviour practiced by public relations practitioners and public relations department in organising their programmes and campaigns. The different kind of public relations have been describing by the historians and some other textbooks authors with some coarse terms. For instance, according to historian Eric Goldman (1948), press agentry model in the early era was named as the public be fooled and public information theory was named as public be informed. The one-way and two-way communication also named like the same manner in the textbooks by Cutlip and Centers in the first edition in 1952. J. Grunig stated one-way and two-way models of communication in his first study of the behaviour of public relations with included the direction and purpose of communication. Synchronic and diachronic communication are the concepts took by J. Grunig from Thayers (1968) which is the behaviour used by particular organisation to practiced it all the time in order to isolated from any interference. While the diachronic communication is used to maintain mutual affairs of organisation to not only benefit the organisation itself but also their public. A study of Grunig (1976) claimed that synchronic and diachronic communication were too simplified and as plain as daylight to described the behaviour of public relations after he measured the practice of sixteen public relations activities in around two hundred of organisations in the area of Baltimore-Washington such as press releases writing, counselling the leaders, planning a program, evaluation on a program etc. After that, he comes out the asymmetrical model and symmetrical model to replace synchronic and diachronic models with understand the purpose of public relations to balance up the communication and effect between the organisation and its public. The four models of public relations and communication are leading and bringing the researchers to understand their behaviour in practicing like advertising or campaign. The models are using until today is because they are effective to convey the particular message from the sender to the receiver which is the organisation to their public. They are using these models in order to achieve their objectives of placing their message in media. Press agentry model is intended to get favourable attention in media. Public information model is use to inform the public like a fact, it is frequently used by the non-profit organisations, education institutions, government agencies and some other corporations. Two-way asymmetrical model is a persuasion and manipulation which aimed to influence the public to act in the way organisations desire. Two-way symmetrical model is attempted to achieve a win-win situation which build mutual understanding between the organisation and its public (Kellimatthews, 2009). Press Agentry Model Introduction Press agentry model was the earliest PR model. It comes out in the late 19th century (Grunig Hunt, 1984). The heyday of this model from 1850 to 1900 and P.T. Barnum was the representative of the historical figure (Chao, 2012). Press agentry model is one-way communication as the flow of information that is from the sender to the receiver which known as source-to-receiver communication. People who send out the message are not much take no account of second partys response, comment, point of view and so on. Press agentry attempts to alter the act of publics whereas do not have the intention to change the behavior of the organization. Public relations whose are under press agentry struggle for publicity in the media in almost any way possible. Practitioners of press agentry have included so-called fathers of modern PR, Ivy Lee and Edward Bernays. In the early 20th Century, both were Broadway press agents, when Broadway was the capital of the entertainment world, before moving on. Bernays move into constructed news that accounts for audience perceptions and biases is a sophisticated form of press agentry. His 1915 80-page press packet for the Diaghilev Ballet Russe American tour was an early example, and his work in 1932 publicizing autos for General Motors with testimonials from business and academic leaders was more elaborate. Press agents had done a research by monitoring the media in which they sought to post favorable articles related to their clients. Besides that, the American impresario P. T. Barnum is the prototype practitioner of this model at the same time he also promoted circuses and other entertainment venues such as the singer Jenny Lind. In Press Agentry publicity model, public relations expects increases the reputation of the organization to their target audience, stakeholders, employees, partners, all other affiliated with it through managements. In additions, this model hiring public relations expects who established a positive reputation of their brand and states in the minds of the audiences through arguments and reasons. Their potential customers had influence by simply imposing creative stories of their brand, idea, thoughts and USPs of the products. Although J. Grunig and Hunt claims that the public-relations-like activities completely history, they argues that the press agents used the first name in the mid-19th century and it specialists to the practice of public relations. Andrew Jackson, Daniel Boone, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Calamity Jane whos practiced the press agentry model of public relations as such heroes. Furthermore, P.T. Barnum, the most prominent practitioner and skillfully presented his circus performers by using the axiom which is There is a sucker born every minute. Moreover, Curiosity and skepticism played as important role in the process of successful for the press agentry model. Butterick (2009) recommended that when we read the tabloid newspaper, we can just take a look to the inner editorial pages, the new movie or CD is launched to see the press agentry model. Therefore, Press agents like Max Clifford who responsible as masters of the industry and carefully managing the media coverage of their customers. He also claims that even the so-called exclusive pictures of semi-naked celebrities on a beach in a Sunday newspaper can sometimes be the result of a collusion between the stars publicist and photographer. Nowadays, press agentry model is still using in our society. It can easily clarify that the ethics which involved to this model are highly questionable at the same time the admission from Grunig Hunt announced that the model there are an characteristics of propaganda attached to distil the negative connotations (Butterick, 2009). However, it is eventually shows that the curiosity and skepticism of it which make sure the press agentry model is still working and prominent in modern day. Although it is a modern day, PR practitioner should be more familiar with the truth, the foundations of this model still exist whether it be to publicize a sporting event, a theatre production, or the scariest film of the decade, as in the recent movie release Paranormal Activity (2009). We, the public, will either want to believe what we see, or find out for ourselves if our scepticism can be improved correct that why this model is still working for practitioners seeking to gain the illusive media spo tlight in 21st Century. Press agentry is closely associated with publicity in the entertainment world. Press agentry is the practice of attracting the attention of the press through technique that manufactures news. Methods associated with press agentry include staged events, publicity stunts, faux rallies or gatherings, spinning, and hype. A common practice is the late 1800s and early 1900s, press agentry is not part of mainstream public relations. Rather, it is a practice primarily associated with major entertainment-related events, such as Hollywood premieres and boxing matches. The goal of press agentry is to attract attention rather than gain understanding. Even today, however, the term press agent is sometimes used interchangeably with publicist in traditional Broadway Theater and motion picture industries. Todays entertainment industries are populated with publicists rather than press agents. Publicists are individuals skilled in media relations who attempt to get the name of their clients or events in the media by carefully constructing messages that inform, educate, and persuade. Some are astute in branding and positioning strategies to aid the careers and success of their clients. In contrast, press agents want attention either good or bad in most any form. Press agentry had been called persuasion for short-term advantage through the use of truth bending and even distortion, but it can also be simply the staging of provocative acts to get publicity and draw attention to an individual, event, or cause. Therefore, it is understandable that one of the earliest proponents of press agentry was Phineas Taylor (P.T) Barnum, the famed American showman and promoter who put gun Gen. Tom Thumb on exhibit and launched a mobile circus featuring Jumbo the elephant and freak shows. Barnum was a master of press agentry. For instance, he wrote letters both praising and criticizing his circus show to newspaper under an assumed name. In the early part of his career, Edward L. Bernays was also a master of press agentry. He persuaded 10 debutantes to hold up Lucky Strike cigarettes manufactured by his client, the American Tobacco Company, as torches of freedom while participating in New Yorks Easter parade. In 1929, Bernays staged a global news event by organizing the Lights Golden Jubilee, a worldwide celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the electric light bulb for his client, General Electric. Bernays managed to secure several prominent individuals for that event, including carmaker Henry Ford, electricity scientist Thomas Edison, and President Herbert Hoover. Henry Rogers, one of the founders of Rogers and Cowan, the largest and most successful West Coast entertainment publicity firm, became famous when he promoted an unknown contract player for Columbia Pictures named Rita Hayworth. A fictitious group of Look magazine from the Fashion Couturiers Association of America asserts that Hayworth was the best-dressed off-screen actress after Henry contact with them. Look magazine took the bait and put Hayworth on the cover and published 10 pages of her photographs. Characteristic Press agentry is ink. A sales-driven approach does whatever it takes to get exposure for clients in the media without resorting to paid advertising. Press agentry is not above truth-bending or lying to reach its pragmatic objective. It will make up facts if it needs to do so. It is persuasion for short-term advantage. Press agentry will not dissolve because it is a long term job of PR. Press agentry has convert its operation with the value of ethnics for more than 10 years ago. It made a balance within getting exposure and maintaining the reality for fact. However, getting exposure will be serving as first if there are any failures. Press agentry relies on spin. It is interpreting facts to fit ones view and to get media coverage. Christopher Buckleys hilarious novel, Thank You for Smoking lampoons this type of practitioner brilliantly, and post-presidential debate commentary from Democrats and Republicans is a quadrennial example of spinning. Press agentry includes any technique that manufactures news which are publicity stunts, faux surveys, fake committees, constructed events and other tactics practitioners continue to use. Propaganda classified as one of the characteristic of press agentry model (Grunig Hunt, 1984). The term of propaganda in press agentry model, refer to PR practitioner exaggerate and more hype than facts in order to get publicity for their client. They will not care the public feedback and just want the public behave as they want. According to the academics such as Butterick (2009), Theaker (2004), and Johnston Zawawi (2004), when create news to influence the audience, the precision and reliability are be compromised through the way of stunts or specific publicity seeking. PR practitioners use various types of PR tool to make sure that audience take a specific course of action and behave what they wish. This type of practitioners will go into press agents (Butterick, 2009). Public Information Model Public information model is one of the four models of public relation. It is the second earliest model. It is a one-way communication model. This model is revolved from half-truths to more ethical practices. This model aims to inform the public. It involves the sender who sends message or information and receiver who receives the message of the information. The model involves little of research, on contrary, the readability and readership is quite high. The model mainly practices by the government, non-profit association and business. According to Grunig Hunt (1984, pp. 22), the purpose is the dissemination of information necessarily with persuasive intent. The public relations person objectively reports information about the organisation to the public. Unlike the press agentry model, public information model focus more on the distribution of information than creating news. It intended to give clear and factual information to the audience. One of the examples of the public information in Malaysia is the declarations of Deputy Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the state executive councillors on the assets they owned. The news was published in the early year of 2012. They had reviewed about their investments, fixed deposit, loans, shares, houses, cars, property like shop lots and others (The Star Online, 2012). This action had showed that Lim Guan Eng and the state executive councillors had practised the public information model. They tell the truthful information to the public through media. They let the people to get informed about their personal assets. They try to be transparent which shows their fair and honesty in ruling the state. Ivy Lees, one of the earliest public relations practitioners, was the first to use the public information model. He was advising a railway company to be honest to the public and media regarding the accidents on the railways. The reputation of the company had risen. Further, it had increased the public information models value especially for the crisis management (Americanessays, 2011). Some statements argue that the transmission of honest and truthful in managing the crisis is vital though it is not only the way in the method in crisis management. Telling the truth to the public may bring deficit to the company. However, the appropriate management of crisis and adequate apologise would give a better reputation than closing the truth (Americalessays, 2011). As for the crisis in the Malaysia context was the crisis faced by the MAS Sdn. Bhd. This is the news reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, an Australia online newspaper titled, Malaysia Airlines in crisis after loss. This is issue started in 2005. MAS was facing the financial crisis and this issue reviewed to the public about the reason. This online press reported the amount of the loss like the loss of 2.52 billion ringgit and the problems faced for the flights like the competition with other airlines like AirAsia. The company told the truth story of the crisis to the public which this action may bring damage to the company and the reputation of the company may fall. This shows that the company serves the public by telling the truth. It put the public before its company. This goes same for the press that published the news. The press practises the public information model in this particular case. The press serves not only for the business company, it also reserve the right of the p ublic to know the facts and truth (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2012). As the example above, these days, the other companies like the media company also practice the public information model, even though the model is applied the government, non-profit association and business in the past. There is a statistic showed that this model has the highest percentage of 50% of the organisation practicing this model nowadays (Theaker, 2004, 2nd ed.). The tools such as the press release, brochure, flyers, the web content, and others are used to distribute the information to the public (Thoughsleeding, 2008). The information that will be included in the distribution materials are the details of the company, products, testimonial, success stories and others. Promotion and publicity of the companies are aimed to be spread among the target audience. Though the main objective of the public information model is to disseminate the information to the public, this model does not pursue to persuade the public nor change their attitudes. It should be benefiting the public the most. However, some of the companies have the other motives. They wish to publicise their company, products and services, build brand awareness and brand image, position the brand, and others (Management study guide, 2012). This model is still practicing and it is highly practised by the public in nowadays. This had indirectly showed that the model has certain effectiveness in communication. The following will be discussing the model with the government agencies about how they utilise this model in producing the respective news to the public. The present Prime Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced the 1Malaysia concept. The government had put much effort in publicising the concept especially to educate and to inform the public about the concept. The effort can be seen in the Malaysia mainstream media, such as radio, newspaper and television. Newspaper is the tool that used the most often to transmit the vital and detail information about 1Malaysia concept. In the one of the mainstream newspaper, The Star, 1Malaysia is strongly publicised. The Star is used to inform the public about the announcement of the plans and programmes under 1Malaysia. The most popular 1Malaysia plan is the 1Malaysia Grocery Shops. The Star published about the details about the shop like the location, grocery items sold, the pricing list, business hours and other information. This is to educate rather to inform the public about the groceries in 1Malaysia. (The Star Online, 2012) The mainstream media are indirectly linked with the Malaysia government. The content is sometimes bias and being controlled. The publishing of 1Malaysia concept seems as one of the controlled content of news. This can be argued be as the agenda setting. The media emphasise and report a lot of news about 1Malaysia. It seems like the media shape and directs the public to think about the grocery shop (Mohd. Adnan Hashim, 2011). In addition, the news published is rather good news. This had made the public to believe that the 1Malaysia grocery shops are well running and this will gain confidence and support. There are other government plans are also like the New Economic Model, Vision 2020, Green Technology and other government plans. They are mostly used as public information model and agenda setting. Asymmetrical Model Asymmetrical model include one-way asymmetrical and two-way asymmetrical. One-way symmetrical model doesnt use any research to find out what the public perceive a particular organisation. However, the organisation doesnt change anyway but intend to persuade and manipulate the public to behave and to support in the way the organisation wish to. Two-way asymmetrical model also known as scientific persuasion as the model is use social science methods to produce more and more persuasive communication. This model usually focuses on the achievement of changing the audiences behaviour and attitude in short period of time. Communication under this model is two-way which is from the organisation to its publics, there is also gain the feedback from the public. The main purpose to gain the publics feedback is solely to help the organisation place their message in a more acceptable way by the public (Grunig Hunt, 1984). For instance, many of the cosmetics companies are less or even not to use t he animal to test their products as they found out that the consumers are tend to pay more concern towards the animal and environment. They try to approach to the consumers with the aim to place them approach to companies point of view (Shirley Harrison, n.d.). According to the historical studies of Olasky (1987, 1989) shows that the success of propagandists at World War II, Bernays believed that humans are can be manipulated. He mentioned mention that humans can be manipulated for the bad purpose as well as good purpose. However, Grunig (1989) stated that publics often take advantage form the strange things such as dangerous products, gender discrimination, pollution etc. For the past examples, Bernay comes out a thought to boost the sales of Lucky Strikes cigarettes towards women, he persuade ten ladies who are first time to participate an social event to smoke on the public place while walking in the parade of New Yorks Easter. Besides, in year 1929, Bernays also hired by General Electric to persuade many of the worlds electricity supply to switch off the power and light to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Thomas Edison for his invention of light bulb to commemorate the greatness of Edison. In 1924, Bernays started the first educati on course of Public Relations at New York University. He was the pioneer of public relations academic. Some people are not believed in public relations practitioner as persuasion is being doubt by them and undesirable for nowadays propaganda. There are positive and negative persuasive communication in the marketplace and society. Such as public healthy campaigns like TAK NAK that persuade the public to reducing smoking or even not to smoke to keep the body healthy. The Public Service Announcement (PSA) of encouraging safer driving likes not to break through the traffic light and not driving after drinking alcohol. Furthermore, the political campaign for the elections is using the two-way asymmetrical model which the candidate is seek to influences the voters to stand by their point of view. The candidate will try to persuade the voters to vote for them with slogan like vote Barisan National to preserve the country peaceful. This is to create fear among the people deep-seated worries, they play with special appeals to place the propaganda onto the public. Most of the advertising would like to use this model because at the end of the time, the benefits are not enjoyed by the consumer but the advertiser which is the organisation. The propaganda can use to describe this model. Propaganda intends to alter the public perception on certain thing. It is use as a communication to achieve the organisations desire and expectation. The priority of place the propaganda is to change the way public behaves currently to act in the way an organisation aimed to. According to Lasswells propaganda theory, the existing environment can influence the people to be vulnerable to simple form of propaganda. One of the examples of propaganda is glittering generalities, which is using the positive words to represent a particular product or person. Such as the newspaper of Guang Ming Daily, they use the slogan of your everyday best friend to make people accept and support their newspaper just like a best friend that you needed every day. Another example is McDonald is Americas favourite, this is a kind of bandwagon that carrying a meaning of every American are like to eat McDonald, thus you should be one of them. More and more advertis ing use propaganda to place their product or service in order to manipulate their consumer to agree with the organisations point of view and tend to support their product or service. For example, the advertisement of Calvin Kleins perfume, the scene shows a character that use the perfume will look cool and able to attract the opposite sex to approach them. In other words, whoever wants to look attractive must use the Calvin Kleins perfume. Nowadays, more and more of the advertisers like to invite the celebrities to be the endorser of a particular product or service. This is because the celebrities have the ability to influence their fans approach to particular product and boost the sales indirectly. For example, Pepsi, a soft drink company who invest a large amount on the famous celebrities at home and abroad such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and western countries to endorse their product. This is to create a celebrity charm in order to boost their sales. This technique is known as testimonial that able to influence and manipulate the audience to act according to the advertising which is the indeed objective behind the advertisement. The advertisers are aimed at the idolater mentality of the audiences, and then provide the information of how to approach their idol with Pepsi soft drink. In addition, the Disneylands slogan, the happiest place on earth makes the audiences feel that there is the place to go to feel good and havin g a better life with no worries. Apparently, the organisation is intended to create an impact among the audiences to step toward to Disneyland to join the joy. Symmetrical Model According to James E Grunig, he said that Public relations are the spread of management of an organization and publics and the purpose is to establish a target public relationship of mutual trust. Mr. James E Grunig is a noted of public relations theories and adding a new theories which is four models of public relations in 1984. One of the models of public relations is two-way symmetrical model which is the best and ideal model than other three models, said by James E Grunig. Two-way symmetrical model is emphasizes on dialogue, complete and accurate two-way communication. The main purpose is to promote mutual understanding between organizations and publics therefore the results of communication is benefits to both sides. Furthermore, it emphasis on public relations works to be built on the basic of the investigation and communication to resolve conflicts with strategies public through the dissemination of public relations mode. Besides that, two-way symmetrical models express the meaning of emphasized moral, stressed the need to balance between the interests of social organizations and publics. For example, some public relations department is using a two-way symmetrical model rather than two-way asymmetrical model to carry out the public relations activities. James E Grung, whose always get attention to others person dialogue, attitudes and behaviour and believes that two-way symmetrical model is unique than two-way asymmetrical model. It is because two-way asymmetrical model just to change others without changing ourselves. For example, public relations mostly used two-way asymmetrical model to reach their target audience. Moreover, he claims that good public relations not only successes to persuaded one side which is client or publics, he or she must persuaded both sides to change. Although some used of two-way asymmetrical model can evenly achieve in two-way symmetrical model. A success two-way symmetrical model is to let others recognize that there had self interest included in the information and to persuade them as well as uses each other common interest to persuade them. Two-way symmetrical model is refers to the interaction of two factors that affect each other in order to achieve the balanced state in society. There are several characteristics positioning relationship between the government, mass media and publics. Thus, this is also a kind of communication between the states on behalf both. Firstly, it is two-way in performance of the government and media to maintain mutual cooperation and mutual restraint. It means that government should actively using the mass media public resources, truthful, fair, proactive in mass media to provide government information to understand the ideal of the spread of mass media and value orientation therefore maintain relationship between government and publics. Besides that, mass media as social and public resources and helps publics to convey their perceptions and comments for government. Two-way symmetrical model used for media to enhance the relationship between government and publics at the same time achieve th e harmony of social relations. Second, two-way symmetrical is the best way to lead the government and media to share a common goal which is to protect publics interest. For example, government promoted 1Malaysia concepts through media such as television and radio. This shows that government used two-way symmetrical model to maintain good relationship with media and publics. James E Grunig argued that two-way symmetrical model can included the central route to persuasion. The central route to persuasion is persuaded by the arguments or content of the message. For example, after hearing a solution of the problems, people may decide to forgive and forgot the problems because they will convinced to it. Furthermore, Public relations also used the two-way symmetrical model to resolve conflict. For example, public relations provided the ways that will benefits to two sides therefore the conflict will be fulfilment. In addition, public relations increases the effectiveness of organizations by maintain the independence to organization and publics. For example, organizations manage the independence by building long term effect and stable the relationship between organization and publics. Two-way symmetrical model also used by public relations to shared mission of their organization. For example, there are many public relations programs such as fund raising or health campaigns are motivated more for the need to support from public than conflict. Moreover, two-way symmetrical model mostly used in maintain the relationship between organization and publics and negotiate with publics. It will make the organization more responsible to their clients and publics. For example, organizations need to fulfil publics needs and wants at the same promoted organization reputation. Therefore, two-way symmetrical model can even defined the ethics of public relations is rather than an outcome. Two types of research have been shows that two-way symmetrical model makes organizations more effectives. It shows that two-way symmetrical model is the most ethical approach to public relations and the ethics of public relations and the effectiveness of the models will helps to achieving the public relations objectives. For example, public relations announced to publics the information and tog

Raja Mandala Theory And Its Relevance History Essay

Raja Mandala Theory And Its Relevance History Essay Chanakya stated that every state is surrounded by many states, out of which one would be a natural adversary. Other states might be allies, vassals, neutrals or hostile. The king should focus on the natural adversary and defeat it. Chanakya advised the king to be pragmatic in his approach towards his enemies and prudence in choice of foreign policy. He was against spineless surrender or foolhardy valour. He preferred peace over war in most cases. He said that when the degree of progress to be made from choosing between war and peace were same, the king must choose peace. He took into consideration the losses of troops, expenditure and absence from home while giving this advice. He also said that if the balance of power were not to become favourable as a result of war, peace must be chosen.  [28]   Circle of States According to Chanakya, the king, his friend, and his friends friend are the three primary kings constituting a circle of states. As each of these three kings possesses another five elements of sovereignty; such as the minister, the country, the fort, the treasury, and the army; a circle of states consists of eighteen elements. The three Circles of States having the enemy, the middle king, or the neutral king at the centre of each of the three circles are different from that of the conqueror. Thus there are four primary Circles of States, twelve kings, sixty elements of sovereignty, and seventy-two elements of states. Each of the twelve primary kings have their elements of sovereignty, power, and end. Strength is power, and happiness is the end. Strength is of three types: power of deliberation being the intellectual strength; a prosperous treasury and a strong army being the strength of sovereignty; and martial power being the physical strength. The end too is of three kinds: that which is attainable by deliberation is the end of deliberation; that which is attainable by the strength of sovereignty is the end of sovereignty; and that which is to be secured by perseverance is the end of martial power. The possession of power and happiness in a greater degree makes a king superior to another; in a less degree, inferior; and in an equal degree, equal. Therefore the king was always required to augment his power and elevate his happiness.  [29]   Six Methods of Foreign Policy The states participate in diplomacy and war using the six methods of foreign policy. To understand the concept of Raja Mandala theory, the six methods of foreign policy enunciated by Chanakya must be understood. These cater for different situations in international relations.  [30]   (a) Samdhi. The peace treaties were to be concluded with specific conditions that enabled the state to promote welfare and development, strengthen alliances or use the period as one arm of dual policy. Chanakya said that treaty could even be entered into with ones enemy and may be broken when one grows strong. The interests of the state being supreme, such betrayals were justified. (b) Vigraha. The policy of hostility was recommended to be followed by the stronger state. The hostilities could be conducted as open, secret, undeclared or clandestine attacks. Diplomatic wars too were discussed extensively by Chanakya. Having had to fight conventional and proxy wars, India in addition to fighting militarily, has been dealing with this on a diplomatic level as well. (c) Asana. The policy of remaining neutral was recommended by Chanakya to be followed when both states were equal. The Chinese observed neutrality in the cold war between USA and erstwhile USSR and utilized their efforts towards development. India was the leading proponent of non-alignment and in following the policy was able to get the best of both the Western and Eastern Blocs. India must be amongst the few nations in the world that can acquire weapon systems, nuclear technology, industrial knowhow and even support for permanent membership of UNSC from USA and Russia. (d) Yana. Posturing for war was an important decision that the king had to take. The preparation for war and the long march entailed heavy expenditure and prolonged absence from the capital, thus necessitated careful consideration before taking such a decision. After the attack on Parliament on 13 December 2001, the armed forces were mobilised. The forces remained in the offensive posture for a complete year. While the war never took place, many skirmishes on the line of control occurred. The tensions on the line of control brought international pressure upon Pakistan resulting in imposition of sanctions on the terrorist groups and the leaders in February 2002. The continued pressure resulted in a ceasefire agreement in 2003 that holds good till date. (e) Samsraya. The policy of seeking protection of a stronger king could be practised by entering into alliances or by signing a treaty. Various alliances formed during the cold war indicate that this policy is relevant even today. In 1971 when war with Pakistan was imminent, India signed a treaty of Friendship with USSR as a safeguard against intervention by USA and China on behalf of Pakistan. Pakistans alliance with China in can be seen as a means of seeking protection against India. (f) Dvaidhibhava. This was the policy of seeking peace with one king in order to pursue hostilities with another. China, which has territorial disputes with both India and Japan, maintains cordial relations with one while getting into a diplomatic row with other in order to channelize the complete effort of the state to achieve the objectives it sets for itself. 81. Special Cases. Chanakya envisaged certain situations wherein he considered the role of kings who could influence the outcome of a conflict without being directly involved. In context of India-Pakistan relations, China could be classified as middle king as described by Chanakya. Pakistan could create some problems in the course of Sino-India conflict, but would not fit the description of a middle king, being weaker than both India and China. However, USA, Russia and even UN fit the bill of a neutral king, a king who is more powerful than the belligerents but does not share the borders with the two. Parshingraha. The attack in the rear in diplomatic, economic or psychological sphere had been described as an important aspect of foreign policy by Chanakya. It could be in form of posturing or supporting insurgency movements as well. China has been increasing her influence in Indias neighbourhood through economic and diplomatic initiatives. In the last week of November 2012, Maldives annulled the contract of an Indian firm soon after its cabinet had returned from China. India too has developed closer ties with countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam in order to counter the influence of Pakistan and China in their neighbourhood.  [31]   Objectives of Foreign Policy Chanakya said that the objective of foreign policy was to increase the power of a state. Military, intellect and morale were vital components of power according to Chanakya  [32]  . The king had to continuously project his power by using appropriate foreign policy. The dynamic relationship between power and progress was essential to be understood and had to be attained through implementing the right policy and correct execution within the circle of states. Both India and China have been projecting their power in a different ways. While India has laid emphasis on soft power, China has embraced the policy of projecting comprehensive national power to included military and economic might in addition to its cultural influence around the world to exert influence on the policies of other nations. Chanakya had said that peace could be made with the enemy albeit as a temporary measure to gain time to enhance own power. The wars in modern era are also fought on economic and cyber space. Both India and China are growing economies and the growth is expected to stabilise in another 20 to 30 years. They have bilateral trade running into billions of dollars every year despite being rivals for markets and captive resources. If the two were to engage in any form of war at present, the impact on their growth would be catastrophic. Moreover, the modern economies being inter-woven, it would have a domino effect on all the leading economies of the world. Thus, the setback the two countries would receive would be dynamic and would set their progress back in a big way. The two countries have adopted a very pragmatic approach and cooperate at various international and not let the disputes over boundary or South China Sea over shadow the areas of cooperation. China maintains friendly relations with India at the same time supports Pakistan in all its misadventures. China has invested a great deal in infrastructure in Pakistan. The armed forces of Pakistan are being equipped by the Chinese at a frantic pace. China has little to gain directly from Pakistan except for access to the sea through Gwadar Port  [33]  . The main purpose of propping up Pakistan is to divert Indias focus. Although growing at a fast pace, the resources with India are limited and thus can optimally focus on one front only. Relative Power. Chanakya said that the king must always strive to enhance his power in comparison to the enemy. The relative power can be improved by making oneself stronger or by denuding the power of the enemy.  [34]   Indias military strength is dissipated on two fronts externally and internal security duties. India must strengthen her relations with Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and other littorals of South China Sea to force China to focus on many fronts at the same time. USA has provided all possible help to India in recent years to make China focus more on India. The aim of USA is to further her own interests in the Pacific Ocean region, Indian Ocean and the oil rich West Asia. The policymakers have to be careful in using the US card while dealing with China. Reliance on USA to provide deterrence against China, though beneficial in short term, would be counterproductive in long run. India will have to become stronger economically, diplomatically and militarily to enhance her relative power in long run. Having realised her inferiority in conventional battlefield, Pakistan resorted to proxy war. The diversion of resources of Indian Army helped it achieve parity on the conventional battlefield. India responded by raising Rashtriya Rifles Battalions to deal with insurgency. The situation is now returning to normalcy. In 1998, Pakistan tested nuclear weapons in response to trials by India. The acquisition of nuclear weapons and missile delivery system by Pakistan gave her the deterrence capability and thus it avoided a war in 2002. However, the development of ballistic missile defence system by India would nullify the deterrence capability built by Pakistan  [35]  . Relative power is dynamic and its balance continues to change at all times. Every move by India, China or Pakistan draws response by the adversary. India would have to continually monitor the development in China, Pakistan and also within the countries that can be described as the inner circle of these countries in the circle of states. Preference of Peace Over Conflict The king had to adopt policies that would enhance the power of the state and economic and material well being of its subjects. This would necessitate improving infrastructure, increasing avenues for employment, to exploit mines and natural resources, and at the same time to deter similar progress of the enemy. A state that was in a position to grow in power more rapidly both in quality and quantity than the adversary could neglect the enemys progress some time. Two states were to make peace when growth could be achieved by doing so. Hostility with the enemy was to be opened if it ensured better growth than the enemy. If the adversaries were neither in a position to destroy the progress of each other nor in a position to safeguard their own progress in case of hostilities, every endeavour was to be made to maintain peace.  [36]   Pakistan. India is developing faster than Pakistan in all fields. The tool of Jihad that had been used by Pakistan to disrupt peace in India and to enable USA fight USSR in Afghanistan has become bane for very existence of Pakistan. Peaceful and stable Pakistan is essential for Indias growth.  [37]  India has offered assistance to Pakistan to help her overcome these challenges. Chanakya had advocated destruction of enemy as and when the opportunity presented itself. The world order today is different from the times of Chanakya. Any hostile act by India would bring immediate sanctions from the comity of nations and thus will destroy the economic progress and well being of the state. Moreover, if the state of Pakistan were to disintegrate, the terrorist groups would reign supreme and they would most likely target India like never before. A large swell of refugees would migrate and cause demographic and economic catastrophe for India. The population that has been brought up on the staple of blaming India for every misery will turn their anger against India. Thus, when seen in the larger context, the policy being adopted by India is in sync with Chanakyas thought process that professes economic growth and welfare of citizens as a primary duty of the state. China. Despite the size of the GDPs and the growth rate, India and China are yet to acquire a truly middle class status. The Chinese economy is industry driven while Indian economy is services driven. In order to continue on the path of growth, both need to add millions of new jobs every year.  [38]  The creation of so many new jobs requires unhindered economic activities. The present path of economic growth leaves adequate space for both the states to coexist peacefully. In order to create millions of jobs every year, India will have to change to an industrial economy. In a decade or two, the two countries would end up competing for the raw materials and markets. This could lead to conflict between the two. It would be prudent for India to develop her military capabilities. Improvement in human development index would ensure that the manpower is educationally and technically qualified to absorb the technology at the given time. India is surrounded by large number of small countries that are being wooed by China. These countries resent the perceived big brotherly attitude of India. In November 2012, the government of Maldives cancelled the contract of GMR for development of the airport. Nepal-India relations have taken a downward spiral due to neglect by Indian government as well as the bureaucracys inflexible and inconsistent behaviour. One of the glaring examples of such neglect is the absence visit to Nepal by any of the Indian Prime Ministers, since 2002  [39]  . Bangladesh too has been antagonised over Indias reluctance to finalise the water sharing agreement. India has to work towards bringing these countries back to her fold. Dealing with Threats Posed by China and Pakistan using Arthashastra Forging Alliances/ Partnership. (a) Chanakya was of the opinion that forging alliances should be resorted to when needed  [40]  . War being one of the methods of executing foreign policy of the nation, the diplomacy has to garner a favourable opinion and if not, at least a neutral attitude from the comity of nations. (b) From the very beginning Pakistan entered into military alliances like CENTO and SEATO. India entered into a 20 year treaty of friendship with USSR. Since the 90s Pakistan became closer to China to overcome the impact of sanctions imposed by USA. The alliance between Pakistan and China assures Pakistan of some degree of deterrence against India. (c) India has forged closer relations with USA and maintained the historical relations with Russia. The cooperation achieved has been catalyst in enabling the Indian military to modernize at a rapid pace, thus gradually building up a deterrence capability against China. Herein India needs to maintain a very fine balance, as close relations with USA, China and Russia are important for the development of the country. The challenge for India is to manage her ties in such a manner that she is not seen as leaning towards any country in particular, nor is seen as a country that is indecisive. (d) USA. During the visit of Mr Leon Panetta in June 2012, India politely told USA that there is a need to re-calibrate the US policy called Rebalancing of Military Strategy with focus on Asia-Pacific that envisages deployment of at least 60% of US Naval assets in Asia-Pacific  [41]  . The concern of India being that the policy would increase the militarisation in its immediate neighbourhood and such rapid militarisation would throw Indias modernisation plans out of gear. (e) India has enhanced bilateral cooperation with US and participates in a number of joint military exercises without entering into any formal military alliance. The support that had been extended by USA to Pakistan in last half a century plays in the minds of Indian policy makers while deciding on the extent of military cooperation with USA. The US insistence on signing CISMOA, LSA, EUMA and BECA make the policy makers in India sceptical. Moreover, by openly embracing USA, India does not want to upset China  [42]  . (f) Littorals of South China Sea. India has indicated that she would prefer cooperation with countries like Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and others in working out an amicable solution to the South China Sea dispute. In last few years, India has participated in number of military exercises with Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. If the navies of these countries enforce a blockade of Malacca and Sunda Straits, China will be put on the back foot. The entire transhipment of oil and gas would then be channelised through Arakan region of Myanmar and Gwadar port in Pakistan. The domination of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Seas by the Indian Navy would quickly result in enforcing a blockade to shape the outcome of war. (g) Myanmar. India has improved her relations with the Myanmar in recent years. The people of Kachin have been known to resent Chinese activities in the region. India should exploit this resentment and persuade the government of Myanmar to limit the Chinese activities, China can be further contained. (h) Iran. To avoid the SLOCs dominated by India, China needs to open a transhipment route through Central Asia. The Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports in Iran could be the ports of transhipment. India lost some ground in Iran after siding with USA over nuclear issue. By attending the NAM conference in Tehran, Dr Manmohan Singh tried to make some amends to the earlier mistakes. In his visit, the Indias energy and security issues were discussed by the PM  [43]  . (j) Iran could be a partner of strategic significance for India. The relations between Pakistan and Iran took a downward spiral during the 80s whereas India and Iran cooperated in supporting the Tajik groups opposed to Pakistan backed Pashtun groups in Afghanistan. Pakistan became closer to Saudi Arabia, who is a staunch rival of Iran. The officials of Iran and Pakistan have accused each other of aiding the insurgents in Baluchistan  [44]  . (k) India has stood by its commitments in Iran despite the pressure from US and EU. China too has supported Iran and done so more boldly than India. In addition to the vast reserves of oil and gas, Iran is significant as it is a littoral state of Persian Gulf and Caspian Sea. It provides a gateway to the landlocked Central Asian Republics. China has been wooing Iran to gain a foothold in West Asia and enhance energy security. The route from Iran, Central Asian Region (CAR) and into China would enable China to avoid the SLOCs that are vulnerable to interception by India and other South East Asian countries. (l) It is unlikely that Iran would become a party to containing Chinese influence due to her animosity with USA. However, India should work towards exploiting Irans sensitivities towards developments in Baluchistan and Afghanistan and Pakistans proximity to Saudi Arabia. India should exploit get Iran onboard in containing Pakistan from the West. (m) Afghanistan. Afghanistan has been apprehensive of Pakistans intentions in the region. On many occasions President Karzai has blamed Pakistan for the troubles in his country. Pakistans open support to Taliban means that barring South and Eastern Afghanistan, rest of the country is unlikely to warm up to Pakistan in near future. Afghans are known to be fond of Indian culture. Indias contribution towards development activities in Afghanistan has further endeared her to the Afghans. Unlike China, India has not yet acquired any stakes in the unexplored natural resources of the country. (n) India should work very closely with the Afghan government and keep Pakistan out of the region. India must be prepared to provide security forces for filling the void left by the withdrawal of ISAF in 2014. The aid being provided to Afghanistan could be linked with keeping Pakistan out. India must ensure that Taliban does not gain entry into Afghan political arena. This would deny the strategic depth that Pakistan so badly craves.  [45]   Create a Divide between China and Pakistan. Chanakya talked of creating division amongst the enemy to weaken them. Sino- Pakistan relations are not as deep as are made out to be. China tilts towards Pakistan to secure its own geopolitical interests. It props up Pakistan militarily to keep Indias armed forces engaged on the Western borders. The Gwadar port and Karakoram highway provide China with an overland trade j and Islamists in Pakistan  [46]  . (a) Make Gwadar Port Unviable Option. The port held a vision of prosperity for Pakistan and to provide the Pakistan Navy with strategic depth along its coastline. It provided China with an opportunity to diversify its oil import routes and extend its presence in the Indian Ocean. Chinas interests in Gwadar port are to diversify and secure its crude oil import oil routes and to extend its presence in the Indian Ocean.  [47]  It would enable monitoring naval activities of both US India in the region. (b) India Iran have had reservations about the project from beginning. Iran responded by constructing Chabahar port and road links joining Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan with Indias assistance. Plans to extend a road from Iran through Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Sherkhan Bandar in Afghanistan and onwards to China too have been discussed.  [48]   (c) The fragile state of lines of communication in POK region was highlighted in January 2010 when the Attabad landslide cut off the Karakoram highway  [49]  . The Baluchistan province in Pakistan remains restive with ever increasing levels of violence. (d) Iran remains peaceful and stable making Chabahar port more attractive alternative to Gwadar. China has repeatedly used its veto power in support of Iran over the nuclear standoff. Irans energy reserves and good relations with Afghanistan Central Asian countries are of significance to China as well. India and Iran enjoy good relations. Like Iran, India too enjoys good relations with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. If situation in Afghanistan stabilises in near future, Iran remains peaceful but Balochistan remains restive, use of Chabahar would become more attractive and economical in comparision to Gwadar. (d) Chinas Aspirations as a Super Power. Most of the incidents of terrorism in the world have been tracked back to Pakistan. Despite its contribution in the GWOT, Pakistan is viewed as a state that harbours terrorists and fundamentalists. Osama Bin Laden was killed in a safe house located within a few kilometres of Pakistans military academy. As an aspiring super power, China will have to pressurise Pakistan to rein in the fundamentalist and terrorist groups. Aspirations of China and Pakistans support to terrorist groups make the two to partners who cannot be natural allies. India should take every opportunity to highlight this issue at various forums and bilateral meets. The academicians and the think tanks should be asked to write articles and papers that would embarrass China on this issue. When Pakistan looses Chinas support, it would be forced to change its policies and thus the menace of terrorism would reduce to a very large extent. The probability of external war on two front s would also be minimised. (e) Uyghur Separatists Movement. Since its incorporation into China in 1950s, Uighurs have organized more than 400 uprisings  [50]  . The ethnic strife has taken a religious twist in the last few years  [51]  . The Chinese leaders have expressed apprehension that Pakistan may not be able to contain the links between the separatists and the Islamists in Pakistan. China had in the past resorted to curtailing border trade and closing the Karakoram Highway to contain the unrest. Such measures send a signal to Pakistan that China would not hesitate to freeze the relations if required, in order to curtail the separatist movement  [52]  . Engaging Neighbours. Chanakya in his treatise had been categorical that a friendly or a neutral neighbour is essential for the growth and stability of a state. He also warned against the dangers of an adversary becoming influential in the neighbourhood. China has been using her diplomatic and economic clout in marginalising Indias influence in the neighbourhood. Indian government has to understand that these nations are on the development curve and therefore need huge investments. For many years India invested in the development of these countries to the extent she could. China has bigger reserve of foreign exchange than India and is ready to suffer economic losses in short term. The investments made by China have enhanced her influence in these countries. The government of India has started exploring the historical and cultural links and soft power to strengthen relations with the neighbours. The Indian government provides billions of dollars as aid to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan. It has entered into trade agreements with all her neighbours that may be more favourable to the neighbours than to India. The volume of trade between India and her neighbouring countries has steadily increased in the recent years. The efforts have yielded positive results. Sri Lankan officials have been harping about the very good and very ancient links with India. The aid to the displaced Tamils is not viewed with scorn as in earlier times. Homage was paid to the martyrs of the IPKF in Sri Lanka in 2012. India-Pakistan trade has been on the rise with Indian exports to Pakistan surging by over 30% per year  [53]  . The Awami League government in Bangladesh is working towards generating a favourable public opinion towards permitting transit facilities to India and the Indian government too has shown inclination towards signing a treaty on sharing of river waters. With Myanmar, relations have been growing stronger. Aang San Suu Kyi visited India in 2012. The economic ties and trade have grown manifolds in recent years. India still has work to do on improving relations with Nepal. The relations with Nepal have been stagnant since the Maoists came to power. With Maldives, relations took a downturn over the con troversy over the operating of international airport in Male by GMR. The Government of India suspended monetary aid to Maldives as a retaliation to revoking of the GMRs contract by the Maldives government. Engaging China and Pakistan till Own Military Capability is Developed. To realise their true potential, India and China need an environment of peace and stability. Both the countries have kept the disputes on the back burner while focussing on areas of convergence. The trade between both has been growing at a steady rate and is expected to touch $100 billion in 2015.  [54]  Talks to resolve the boundary disputes continue to be held at regular intervals. Talks with Pakistan have made a slower progress in recent years. CBMs have been in place for many years. The two countries have signed an agreement to ease visa restrictions.  [55]  Sporting ties too are being resumed between the two countries. Such measures will bring the people closer and thus create pressure on the governments to resolve the disputes at the earliest. 107. Chanakya identified military option as an important facet of foreign policy. The government of India seeks peaceful coexistence with the neighbours. However, to safeguard her nati

Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe and the Protestant Work Ethic Essay

Robinson Crusoe and the Protestant Work Ethic  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      The story of Robinson Crusoe is, in a very obvious sense, a morality story about a wayward but typical youth of no particular talent whose life turned out all right in the end because he discovered the importance of the values that really matter.   The values that he discovers are those associated with the Protestant Work Ethic, those virtues which arise out of the Puritan’s sense of the religious life as a total commitment to a calling, unremitting service in what generally appears as a very restricted but often challenging commitment.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The central concern of Robinson Crusoe’s experiences on the island is work.   The great majority of the text is taken up with describing his unceasing efforts at mundane tasks.   Robinson Crusoe is clearly eager to persuade his readers that he was never idle.   Many of his undertakings may have been futile (like his first big boat, which he could not move to the water), but they kept him busy.   We might wonder to what extent he needs to do all the things he describes for us, like, for example, making bread or living off the produce he creates through his own agriculture.   Is there no natural sustenance on the island which might be obtained with less labor?   What about fishing?   Wouldn’t that be easier?   He tries it and has success, but he doesn’t stay with it.   Why not?   Surely, given the topical nature of the island, he doesn’t have to labor so much?     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Questions like this miss the point.   Robinson Crusoe is a tribute to work, and the overwhelming message is: God has put us on this world to work.   That, in effect, means directing our energies to transform the world around us, to shape it to our will, t... ...ing it with a secret kind of pleasure (though mixed with my other afflicting thoughts), to think that this was all my own, that I was king and lord of all this country indefeasibly and had a right of possession; and if I could convey it, I might have it in inheritance, as completely as any lord of a manor in England.   (101) The language of this quotation is interesting.   He admits he takes pleasure in his accomplishment, but there’s a sense of guilt in the admission (he has to remind us that he also has afflictions).   And he frames his feelings of satisfaction entirely in legal terms (â€Å"indefeasibly,† â€Å"right of possession,† â€Å"convey†).   What stimulates his satisfaction is not the accomplishment or the beauty or the sense of his own proven skill, but the sense of legal ownership.   He has gone from a castaway to the equivalent of an aristocrat.   

Abortion: Where Do We Draw The Line? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Abortion: Where Do We Draw The Line? Possibly one of the most controversial court cases in our country's history was settled in January 1973. In a decision known as Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court legalized abortion in the United States (1). Now, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, abortion practices have become the most frequent surgical operation in the United States. But at what point is abortion just wrong? Only under certain circumstances should abortion practices be legal. Many would argue that abortion is wrong because as soon as the baby is conceived, it becomes a living, breathing organism. Therefore, aborting the small organism is simply murder. However, when Roe vs. Wade was decided, organizations like Planned Parenthood publicly supported this ruling, arguing that during the first three months of pregnancy, the fetus is nothing more than a mass of tissue (1). In addition to Planned Parenthood, there are also many religious organizations in agreement with the legalization of abortion. These organizations include American Baptist Churches USA, the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church USA, the United Methodist Church, and the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism (2). But under what circumstances should abortion practices be accepted? As time passes, it seems as if more and more women are having abortions as a way of shunning responsibility. According to the AG Institution, fifty percent of women who have abortions use it as their sole means of birth control (3). This is one example of how abortion practice is being taken advantage of and used for the wrong reasons. In addition, approximately 45% of all abortions in the United States are done by women ages 19 and under. Why is this? Based on a survey of 1900 women in this country, the two most common reasons for abortion are: 1) the woman can not afford to keep the baby, and 2) the woman is not ready for the responsibility. These responses accounted for nearly 42% of all answers (3). However, these reasons are far from legitimate because these issues can be easily fixed. There are too many contraceptives and other forms of birth control to allow these excuses to be justifiable. So what are acceptable reasons to abort an unborn baby? For one, a mother's health should never be in jeopardy. Another understandable reason to have an abortion is when there could be possible health problems for the unborn child.