...Knowledge of Cultures and Politics as Critical Success Factors in Enhancing Managers Success in Managing International Business Dzulfakar Bin Abdullah (Student no: 20131241445) UiTM Programme Code : BM 995 (Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management) Course Code : MGT 950 (Global Strategic Sustainable Management) Assignment 3: Theoretical Paper Lecturer : AP Dr Roshidi Hassan ABSTRACT Business life in the new millennium is becoming increasingly global. The concepts of globalization apply to both large multi-national corporations as well as to local organizations. Knowledge of local culture and politics has become critical success factors (CFSs) for multi-national corporations in their effort for global expansion. Thus in enhancing the success of managing international business (IB) managers must have knowledge of local cultures and political situations. Research on the impact of local culture and political stability on successful management of international business has become of interest only recently due to globalization process. The paper reviews several literatures that try to prove that knowledge of culture and political situation as CFSs for the success of managing international business. Keywords: Critical Success Factors (CFSs), Knowledge, Culture, Politics, International Business, Success. Knowledge of Cultures and Politics as Critical Success Factors in Enhancing Managers Success in Managing International Business Introduction Globalization...
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...Jerry Gershenhorn, “Objectivity and the Development of Negro Studies,” in Melville J. Herskovits and the Racial Politics of Knowledge (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2000): 123-167 “Objectivity and the Development of Negro Studies” in Melville J. Herskovits and the racial Politics of Knowledge by Jerry Gershenhorn discusses the impact of Melville Herskovits and his ideas on racial politics. Herskovits’s work primarily focused on African American culture. Many of his colleagues and even African Americans of his time did not value his work because of his Jewish heritage and controversial viewpoints. However, today his work is viewed beneficial to the study of African Americans. Gershenhorn begins by describing the efforts by progressive intellectuals to create a more democratic society through their writings. He cites the views of Charles Beard, who stated, “I don’t say that you ought to write history on the basis of your assumptions but I say you do” (pg 124). Gershenhorn says some scholars moved away from an activist perspective, while others continued to embrace it. Melville Herskovits said he sought to understand African American cultures on their own terms, meaning people defined their own life, reality and culture and could not be evaluated by those not in the culture themselves. Although Herskovits was a very intelligent man his work was always questioned. For example he faced many anti-Jewish attitudes when looking for job after getting...
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...What is force field Analysis? Force field analysis is a management technique developed by Kurt Lewin, a pioneer in the field of social sciences, for diagnosing situations. It will be useful when looking at the variables involved in planning and implementing a change program and will undoubtedly be of use in team building projects, when attempting to overcome resistance to change. Kurt Lewin assumes that in any situation there are both driving and restraining forces that influence any change that may occur. Driving Forces: Driving forces are those forces affecting a situation that are pushing in a particular direction; they tend to initiate a change and keep it going. In terms of improving productivity in a work group, pressure from a supervisor, incentive earnings, and competition may be examples of driving forces. Restraining Forces: Restraining forces are forces acting to restrain or decrease the driving forces. Apathy, hostility, and poor maintenance of equipment may be examples of restraining forces against increased production. Equilibrium is reached when the sum of the driving forces equals the sum of the restraining forces. In our example, equilibrium represents the present level of productivity, as shown below. Steps involved in Force Field Analysis Step-1 : Prepare the statement of the problem or issues under study (note : make sure that the statement is indicative and provide clear understanding and perspective regarding the cause variables). Step-2...
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...organizational politics using a situation you are familiar with, describe how power and politics have manifested itself. Introduction There is no accepted definition of politics and power but many scholars have attempted to define it and what is commonly among them is that, politics is ubiquitous in nature. Politics is indeed human, and one cannot separate politics from human activity. This means that whatever we do we are simply exercising the concept of politics whether in our organization, the economy, the family, the school, the media and finally in the political arena. Politics is to be found both vertically and horizontally in our society that is, from all the socio-economic and political angles of the society. This is universal in nature since it was captured in the works of a classical writer Aristotle, it is Aristotle that argues “man is not only a social animal but political in nature”. It is according to this statement that we engage in politics for the desired end to be achieved, “seek ye the political kingdom and shall be added unto it, for a man without politics there is no beatitude”. This line of thinking was also coined to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah the former president of Ghana. The aforesaid line of thinking signify that, we only engage on our organizational matters and other aspects of our life with a clear mind set of politics so that we can achieve the goals and the objectives that are a target to the relevant organization. The concept of politics and power is too...
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...Is it dangerous for Politics to define Science? Political discourses entail following cultural and unwritten behaviors, which in most cases are driven by organizational and personal agendas, aimed at attaining particular objectives. The need to practice politics effectively has led to the emergence of political science, which covers the study of governments, political systems and process, and political policies. On the other hand, science refers to a methodical approach that is used in understanding the natural world (McLelland 1). Science is one of the most fundamental disciplines that can be relied upon in an effort to transform the society through effective decision-making. This observation arises from the fact that, science leads to the formulation of scientific theories, which are comprehensive and well-integrated set of facts. The objective of this paper is to analyze if there are any dangers to this effect. The credibility of scientific ‘facts’ arises from the construct that, the facts are repeatedly tested and accepted, thus increasing their effectiveness in making predictions on certain natural phenomena. McLelland posits, “Science is a human endeavor, which subjects it to bias, misapprehensions, and personal prejudices” (4). This argument is in line with the assumption that humans can accurately observe and measure a given phenomenon in an effort to understand the universe. However, the conclusions arrived at by humans is limited by how effective they can make sense...
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...Socrates the Greek Philosopher December 14, 2014 PHI/105 In the beautiful city of Athens, Greece, there was a philosopher Socrates, and his "Socratic method," was laid on the groundwork for the Western systems of logic and philosophy. Socrates did believe that he didn't know anything, and It was because of this that the Oracle told Socrates that he was wise and that he should seek out the 'wise men' to hear what they had to say. So Socrates began to travel to different parts of Greece to question the suppose 'wise’ men to see if they really knew all the answers to life. The youth laid their eyes on Socrates since he possessed a different way of thinking and living. His unique method of questioning and insulting was believed that he was out of line, and was corrupting the youth. Socrates was willing to die for his belief and was soon sentence to death by the people of Athens. Once the political climate of Greece turned, Socrates was sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning in 399 BC. He accepted this judgment rather than fleeing into exile. It is through this that Socrates did not give up philosophy. For Socrates, he is portrayed in the early dialogues written by Plato, and he “does Philosophy” by going out into the world and talking with people. For him, Socrates wanted to talk to the supposed “wise” men and to show that they really do not know anything. As the Oracle said about Socrates, he is the wisest men in the world. In the Apology, Socrates believed that and stated...
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...Table of Contents Contents | Pages | The concept of power | 2 | Sources of power | 2 | Political strategies and tactics | 8 | What is political Behavior | 9 | What are the factors contributing to Political behavior | 9 | POLITICS: Power in action: | 11 | What are the Reality of Politics | 11 | What is Organizational Politics | 12 | What is Power? Power is the capacity to influence the behavior of others.3 The term power may be applied to individuals, groups, teams, departments, organizations, and countries. For example, a certain team within an organization might be labeled as powerful, which suggests that it has the ability to influence the behavior of individuals in other teams or departments. This influence may affect resource allocations, space assignments, goals, hiring decisions, and many other outcomes and behaviors in an organization. Definitions of power abound. German sociologist, Max Weber defined power as "the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance." Along similar lines, Emerson suggests that "The power of actor A over actor B is the amount of resistance on the part of B which can be potentially overcome by A." Power appears to involve one person changing the behavior of one or more other individuals -- particularly if that behavior would not have taken place otherwise. Contrasting Leadership and Power Leadership focuses on goal achievement. It...
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...economically secure. And when it comes to who should be the one in charge of making big changes or passing law, it should be someone that really knows about politics and the economy, someone that will not be biased. And that would be federalist; they are true politicians, people who truly have the knowledge to direct Florida and all the other states to a better place with a strong central government in charge. I see it like this you don’t want a garbage man that has no knowledge as your doctor, you want someone that has knowledge in that field, it’s the same with politics. John Adam stated that “government is instituted for the common good; for the perfection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family or class of man….” Federalist were business men, and wanted a central government because of equality they wanted the states to all have the same right not one be more powerful because of their size or any other quality. By Adams saying this he also was saying that sometimes people want to lead to have an advantage and for their own good, but by having a central government that wouldn’t happen. Anti-federalist believed that anyone could be a representative but if you really think about it that incorrect because people that really don’t know about politics could say something is right but only see it in the point of view that it would help them and not really analyze the big picture and see if it will...
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...science can help humans achieve true happiness. Though philosophy is a heavy subject, it is the science with the most results regarding human nature and knowledge. Philosophy offers guidance to understand human behavior as well as to question our presence and our real role in society. It is one of the leading social sciences because many world leaders have tried to grasp it and understand the meaning of it thus showing how important it is to study philosophy. Nevertheless, not only should world leaders study philosophy but also everyone should be aware of the different philosophical teachings in order to differentiate well from wrongdoing. It is no surprise that philosophers understood ethics and politics before others, therefore showing the depth and practicality of philosophy as well as defining academia. Philosophy should not only be considered a social science but also a lifestyle; to better explain, philosophy is applicable in the daily routine as well as in the professional world making it both a theoretical and pragmatic. As a lifestyle, philosophers focused on how philosophy could be applicable to the daily life to improve one’s being. One of the main philosophies, still applicable today, and serves as guide for those looking for a healthier life is Confucianism. This philosophical ideology analyzes ethics, politics and influence, and through his teachings, the philosopher Confucius focused on developing one’s virtues in order to achieve inner peace and happiness. As...
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...Plunkitt details how he views in what today would be called “insider knowledge or trading” to be an opportunity to capitalize on. He emphasizes how this foresight, has led him to an opportunity of charging a good hefty price on his investment of undeveloped land. Plunkitts firm stance on the honest graft is also emphasized for the dishonest graft as well. George Washington Plunkitts examples of blackmailin’ gamblers, saloon Keepers, and disorderly people all fall under his view of who represents the dishonest graft specifically. And that’s basically summed up as criminals. One might think after reading this passage that the people who were against the Tammany men view these so called, “honest graft actions”, as dishonest. Plunkitt accepts his position of power, and sees no reason to not use it as an acceptable way to enrich himself. After reading and understanding Plunkitt’s examples and representations of the honest graft and dishonest graft I would have to disagree. This representation of the dishonest graft has extremes that while is correct, lack accountability for how his own actions, which fall under such dishonest, graft qualities, “… Lookin’ ahead in Wall Street or in the coffee or cotton market”, describes Plunkitts inability to recognize honest vs. dishonest actions. By accepting information, know today as insider trading, that hasn’t been made public with only the intention of profiting off such knowledge is not honest. Tammany men doing...
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...Political Science 201 June 7, 2012 Media’s Negative Effect in Politics The media plays a heavy negative role in American politics. During the past few years, society’s judgment has been based on what was given to it through the media. People rarely specifically research on candidates or propositions anymore. Much of the mass media is biased by trying to persuade viewers into believing what they want them to believe are true. Media is created for consumption by a large number of people watching it. The media has a remarkable impact on politics, which is not always good or beneficial. The data collected from the media can either be used for or against a politician. If a politician is favored by a certain network, such as CNN, NBC, or FOX, then the network can help his or her career reach new heights; however, if a politician is disliked then the network is capable of destroying the politician’s career. The media has the desire to make decisions for itself and in return try to convince people of its rightness and distort its viewers’ perspectives. There are many different types of media that can have a different influence on society’s political view. The four biggest forms of media are radio stations, newspapers, the internet, and television. People could tune into radio stations or talk radios to listen to political candidates being interviewed. An example would be in 1992 when "President George H. Bush interviewed with conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh" (Curl). Non-political...
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...existence of the official state-worshiped gods. This tension between philosophy, science and religion continued through the 1400’s and 1500’s when the European “Enlightenment” emphasized the concept that both “rational thought” and “science” was separate from religion. Today, they are still generally in tension. Whether these methods of gaining knowledge are consistent or not is constantly debated among scientists, theologians, and philosophers. Science=observation of the physical universe which includes (beginning in the late 1800’s) the study of human behavior using our five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell); Religion=the study of the “divine” (i.e., god, however a person conceives of that notion, and it’s implications) Philosophy=the study of questions unanswerable by science through the use of “reason” (rational thought) alone. Thus, there are 4 different philosophical views on how humans can obtain knowledge: 1. mysticism/divine revelation—a god or gods “reveal” knowledge to us through prayer, meditation, visions, etc. Most religions believe knowledge can be obtained this way—i.e. faith brings knowledge of the “mystical.” 2. rationalism—our reasoning minds alone can figure things out. e.g. Descartes’ famous quote “I think, therefore, I am.” 3. empiricism—we can know things only through...
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...enrich its understanding by letting lose its intellectual boundary instead of tightening it. Farmer say that planning, underlying public administration, management, the nature of public administration field and imaginative creativity are five core functions in public administration. Public administration has some historic information that defines and is not supposed to be tampered with in any manner whatsoever. However, supplement knowledge broadens it. Public administration should stand on its own as a course, though for it to be successful. Reference and borrowing from other disciplines is also important. Farmer stand on public administration is Epistemic Pluralism. Dr. John also forms a trio between public administration politics and entrepreneurship. The three go hand in hand. Also public administration shows a close but unequal relationship with politics. There has always been a “fight” between public administration course and political science. Public administration from a business perspective focuses on entrepreneurialism and market knowledge....
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...Political Knowledge: Voter Information and the Democratic Citizen Many Americans proudly assert that the “American Experiment” has been a success. The optimistic and patriotic American will point to the “stability” and strength of the country's democratic institutions upheld by the United States Constitution as proof that the democratic notions and principles that were envisioned by the Founding Fathers continue to flourish to this day. A pessimistic individual on the other hand may easily point out that the current political climate exemplifies the decline of civic responsibility, and ultimately, the decline of democratic rule. In Washington, politicians are split along partisan lines, battling one another on decisive and controversial issues such as raising the debt limit, balancing the budget, and health care reform. While politicians carefully calculate the potential consequences of their decisions, the same battles are being waged ferociously on other fronts by the media and other self-interested groups. Ultimately, the results of these policy decisions depend on which party could convince the American public of what is in their best collective interest. This is precisely the nature of politics and democracy, and neither one is always fair. In a world where interest groups and lobbies have tremendous sway and influence over those in power, and when media reporting of the issues lacks fairness and accuracy, it should be the citizen's duty and responsibility to ensure that...
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...Power and Organizational Politics Outline * Power……………………………………………………………… pg 3 * The Influence of Power in Organization…………… pg 3-4 * Sources of Power…………………………………………….. pg 5 * Organizational Politics…………………………………….. pg 6 * Ethics of Power and Politics…………………………….. pg 6-7 * Empowerment………………………………………………… pg 7 * Reference……………………………………………………….. pg 8 Power What is power? In the organization, power of a person can be derived from interpersonal, structural and situational bases. Basically, interpersonal power is vested in a person as prescribed by the organization (ie; legitimate, reward and coercive) and by the person’s qualities (i.e.; expert and referent). While structural and situational powers (i.e.; resource, decision making and information powers) normally go by the hierarchy of the organization’s structure. The higher the position of a person as structured by the organization, the greater is his/her power in accessing to resources, making decisions and having access to important information. People in the organization must be aware that the misuse of power can bring the disadvantages to their organization and the workplace. Most of the problems of power faced by the organizations are because of the improper use of power by the managers. There are cases where the managers made in charge of businesses are lack in the required knowledge and skills which can contribute towards reducing the performance of the organization. There are also...
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