The Globalisation Issue In The Hospitality Industry Tourism Essay Essay Example

The Globalisation Issue In The Hospitality Industry Tourism Essay Essay Globalization is a cardinal issueA for theA cordial reception industry. Identify and review up to three impacts ofA globalization on the cordial reception industry and discuss schemes that hotel companies may implement to turn to globalization. AbstractA Globalisation is going increasing of import these old ages in international hotel industry. In this essay, a literature reappraisal has been conducted to place 3 impacts ofA globalization on the cordial reception industry. When hotels flag their belongingss in a new state, they must place their merchandises and services in order to accommodate the civilization traditions of that state. Thinking planetary and moving local ( glocal ) is critical scheme for no affair large or little hotel companies. Besides the glocal scheme, distinction scheme is besides utile for hotel companies to go competitory in the planetary environment. We will write a custom essay sample on The Globalisation Issue In The Hospitality Industry Tourism Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Globalisation Issue In The Hospitality Industry Tourism Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Globalisation Issue In The Hospitality Industry Tourism Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Hall ( 1997 ) indicates that globalisation has become a cardinal construct in concern, economic and political activities since 1990s. The cordial reception industry is frequently regarded as one of the most global in the service industry ( Litteljohn, 1997 ) . Nowadays, more and more people are going around the universe, when they are far from their place they need a topographic point to remain, a bed to kip, nutrient to eat. They might stop up taking hotels. This is where the cordial reception industry comes into drama ( Frink, 2009 ) ; this is why hotels are everyplace. Due to the fast addition of touristry and concern activities around the Earth, in every corner of the universe, there must be hotels such as Hilton, Marriot, and Westin. Go amp ; Pine ( 1995 ) province that the cordial reception industry is a subsector of the travel and touristry sector, and one of the most quickly spread outing Fieldss in the service sector. This article is traveling to place and reexamine 3 impa cts of globalization on the cordial reception industry. And discuss schemes that hotel companies may implement including standardization and localization of function schemes and distinction schemes when they enter into the globalization. Frink ( 2009 ) described globalization as the procedure of companies developing their concern or operations overseas. It has several impacts on the cordial reception industry. First of wholly, it forces hotel companies to take best locations all over the universe to spread out their belongingss. Location is indispensable to a hotel, no affair whose mark market is concern travellers or tourers. Johnson A ; Vanetti ( 2005 ) province that the size and nature of the topographic point in which the hotel is located are seen to be the most of import factor for large or little ironss. The celebrated touristry finishs and CBD of a metropolis are the best pick for hotel groups to develop their belongingss. However, when those countries are non in their ain state, or when they want to flag their hotels every bit many as possible, hotels have to globalize. There is a good illustration of how a good location can profit a hotel s concern. Hyatt group has one hotel in Shanghai which name is Grand Hyatt Shanghai, it is located in the Centre of the Lujiazui concern territory, and occupies 53rd to 87th floors of the Jin Mao Tower edifice ( Hyatt, 2010 ) . Jin Mao Tower edifice is a concern edifice as celebrated in Shanghai as the World Trade Center in New York. There are many 500 luck companies in this edifice, when those large and affluent companies have employees or clients come from other universe to see Shanghai, Hyatt is the first hotel on their list. This is portion of the ground why Grand Hyatt ever has the highest RevPAR ( gross per available room ) in Shanghai. Reversely, incorrect location will take hotels to failure. For illustration, The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas closed onA May 2, 2010 after several old ages struggle, this was the first clip for the reputable Ritz-Carlton trade name and this negative record will hold necessarily impact on this trade name in the hereafter. Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas locates in the suburb of Las Vegas, though it was a epicurean and high-end resort hotel, people come to Vegas for a much more exciting and lively holiday ( Hernandez, 2010 ) . The following impact of globalization is economic sciences, which is besides really of import. There is merely so much of the market portion a hotel company can acquire by remaining local or in their ain state. Frink ( 2009 ) states that globalization enables hotel companies to spread out their concern to other states to derive extra market portion. The more belongingss the hotel group has, the more clients it might hold, therefore the more chances for them to derive more net income. Frink besides states that many hotel companies go planetary chiefly because they desire to accomplish a larger client base. Ohmae ( 1989 ) claimed that large companies must go more planetary if they want to vie, they must see the whole universe as one individual borderless market place ( as cited in Vignali, 2001 ) . Most large hotel group such as Intercontinental, Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt are lasting even when economic crises come because they have globalized. Harmonizing to Hotels Giants Survey 200 8, Intercontinental has hotel in 100 states, which is the most, followed by Starwood, which has constitutions in 95 states and Accor has hotels in 90 states. A great figure of hotel companies are forced to globalise in order to stay competitory, otherwise they can non last, and they should ever spread out their concern to do advancement and maintain gait with the competition. By and large talking, the more topographic points of concern that a hotel company has, the better opportunities for the hotel company to be successful in the cordial reception industry ( Frink, 2009 ) . In footings of cost economic systems, measure purchasing can ever cut down buying cost, that s why many international hotel companies set up their cardinal procurance section to subscribe planetary contracts with providers and do the centralized purchasingA for their several constitutions in the interim maintain the same criterion. The 3rd impact of globalization on the cordial reception industry is civilization. The universe is a planetary small town and difference topographic points have different civilization and traditions. Frink ( 2009 ) mentioned that globalization makes hotel companies adapt different civilization and change their attacks when they enter a new state. Expansion to a state with wholly different civilization is a large hazard to most hotel companies, they must see the different civilizations in the finish image of the topographic points, what cuisine the locals or indigens have and what types of nutrients are out due to the faith or jurisprudence when they are seeking to sell their merchandises. Frink ( 2009 ) besides mentioned that hotel companies must understand the difference in currency and the difference in linguistic communication. For illustration, Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel located in Japan can non hold excessively many English talking front office receptionists, who can non talk Nippon ese, in order to function local Nipponese invitees. There must be person there who knows how to talk Nipponese to efficaciously function the invitees. And they will hold local employees who understand the local civilization and talk the native linguistic communication to function the native invitees. Frink indicated that globalization forces companies adapt different cultural positions ; if a company refuses to accommodate it might lose. Globalisation besides brings civilization diverseness to the industry, which is ever a positive thing and it besides brings hotel companies more understanding of the positions of different civilizations, which help them to make better. Besides those above three impacts, Frink ( 2009 ) besides mentioned other impacts, for illustration, globalization in cordial reception industry has created more occupation chances help with the growing and stableness of the cordial reception industry. When hotel companies entered into globalization, it really becomes endurance of the fittest. Strong concerns will last and go stronger and the weak 1s will be eliminated and fade off. Frink ( 2009 ) states that globalization requires seting and rating of assorted factors. Harvey ( 2007 ) indicated that hotel companies need to maintain the same criterion in each and every constitution because client trueness will depend on whether a hotel can present the trade name promise systematically throughout their hotel experience. In the average clip, the companies need to believe appropriate ways to show their merchandises to different civilizations, which means they truly must utilize and equilibrate the standardization and localization of function schemes. Rutihinda A ; Elimimian ( 2002 ) indicated that standardization requires operations with resolute stability, supplying same things in the same manner everyplace, while localization of function demands seting of merchandises and pattern s in every individual topographic point. It is non so easy to equilibrate the two precisely opposite schemes. However, both of them are every bit of import. In another word, hotel companies must believe planetary and act local . This construct is going progressively critical for hotel companies no affair large or little, to stay competitory. The term glocalisation used by Salazar ( 2005 ) absolutely expresses the construct think planetary and act local , it helps one to take clasp of the many interconnectednesss between the standardization and the localization of function schemes. Peters and Frehse ( 2005 ) stated that already in the 1970s international hotel companies tried to utilize standardization scheme in their services with an appropriate consistence in footings of quality. Whitla et Al. ( 2007 ) province that standardization makes a hotel trade name recognizable and that is what people are looking for, the consistence and the predictability particularly for concern travellers. However, Whitla et Al. ( 2007 ) besides mentioned that hotel ironss need to equilibrate the proviso of a standardised degree of service and comfortss with clients gustatory sensations or penchants in some grade of local version. Frink ( 2009 ) found hotel companies, when they decide to globalize into foreign states, are faced with many barriers to get the better of, such as linguistic communication, support, competition, and cultural differences Sometimes it is really difficult for a hotel company to come in a new state, particularly when the new county has a wholly different ci vilization and tradition. For illustration, intoxicant is forbidden in muslin societies, Indians do nt eat beef, gaming is illegal in many states. Whitla et Al. ( 2007 ) believe that version is required for many grounds including consumer involvements, Torahs, civilization and traditions. For case, hotels in western states frequently rely on adjustment grosss to do net income, whereas hotels in Asia count on nutrient charges. Asiatic hotels hence need to concentrate more on offer more and larger restaurant mercantile establishments, aiming local diners every bit good as nightlong foreign invitees. Rutihinda A ; Elimimian ( 2002 ) mentioned that many hotel companies who localised their selling schemes and merchandises have been successful. However, some others fail due to their applications of incorrect execution schemes and insensitiveness to the consumer civilization of the state. Czinkota A ; Ronnenken ( 1995 ) emphasized that glocalisation in the selling programs is indispens able and critical to accommodate local gustatory sensations, to run into particular demands and consumers non-identical demands ( as cited in Vignali, 2001 ) . Besides, some clients, particularly tourers are looking for local spirit in hotels ( Armstrong et al. , 1997 ) , which means hotels design could reflect the finish image ( Hawkins, 2007 ) . In term of this, the celebrated 7-star hotel Burj Al Arab has got great success, the hotel were designed in the form of a billowing Arabian dhow canvas, it represents a important testimonial to the state s navigation heritage ( Jumeirah, neodymium ) . It has already become the icon of Dubai, the finish image of Dubai, and the hotel itself became the tourer attractive force of the state. Besides hotel design, Heide et Al. ( 2007 ) believes hotel atmosphere is besides really of import portion of the glocalisation , because atmosphere is a cardinal success factor that is straight linked to fiscal effects. It is deserving adverting that Human resource direction ( HRM ) besides needs to utilize glocalisation scheme in the cordial reception industry. HRM sections are the spinal column of every organisation ; they must larn and understand the employee rights and Torahs for non merely their place companies, but for all of their constitutions around the universe. Different states have different employee rights and labour Torahs. Frink ( 2009 ) states the cordial reception industry Human resource directors must be really careful of these employee rights and labour Torahs or it could be those hotels 1000000s in mulcts and punishments. Nowadays many hotels are localised in term of staffing. Local staff members know their ain civilization really good and they can talk local linguistic communication to function local invitees while holding multilingual staff is better to function the invitees from all over the universe. Harvey ( 2007 ) mentioned it is ever good to hold staff from different cou nties which brings diverseness, but they have different beliefs, background, imposts and traditions. How to believe planetary and act local when covering civilization differences is a challenge that HR directors need to suppress. Sometimes hotels glocalisation schemes are still non plenty, particularly for the intent to pull leisure invitees. Ghemawat ( 1991 ) stated that when tourers travel to another topographic point to pass a holiday, they want to see difference and seek something new. Otherwise they lose merriment when they stay at the hotel. Nowadays the planetary competitions between hotels are acquiring fiercer ; some hotel companies are utilizing distinction schemes in order to win. Rutihinda A ; Elimimian ( 2002 ) stated that distinction scheme is based on the ability to supply invitees with distinguishable merchandises or services. Ghemawat ( 1991 ) stated that these particular and typical properties make them unique in the eyes of their invitees ( as cited in Rutihinda A ; Elimimian, 2002 ) . For illustration, there is a hotel in America called Dog Bark Park Inn , the hotel looks like a elephantine beagle. Guests slumber and have breakfast in the organic structure of the beagle. For another illustration, in German there is a hotel which name is Alcatraz Hotel , it used to be a prison, the proprietor kept the original spirit of the edifice, so every guestroom is like a cell, and the lavatory is merely following to the bed. Guests besides get striped pyjama alternatively of a normal bath robe which makes them look like captives, the lone difference between this hotel and a existent prison is seem like invitees can go forth it whenever they want. The more particular one is a hotel made of existent ice, it sounds incredible but it is true, it s called the Ice Hotel in Canada, this hotel has become world- celebrated for winter experience. The architecture of the hotel including graphics and furniture carved form ice blocks. Most invitees believe this hotel is astonishing and beautiful and the experience is particular and gratifying. These successful narratives have told us, the hotelkeepers must non merely believe and move glocal , but besides think difference . In decision, Globalisation has become a cardinal issueA for theA cordial reception industry. It is the procedure of hotel companies spread outing their concern or operations to foreign markets, and taking their concern to new highs. This literature reappraisal addressed three impacts ofA globalization on the cordial reception industry including location, economic sciences and civilization. Globalisation enables hotel companies to take locations all over the universe to spread out their concern. If concerns expand, the cordial reception industry will spread out with it. Globalisation helps hotel companies to derive other market portion and therefore derive more net income and cut down buying cost through measure purchasing or centralized buying. Besides globalization besides causes hotel companies to see different civilizations and traditions when they enter a new state and convey civilization diverseness into the industry which is ever a positive thing. When hotel enter into globali zation, they should utilize standardization and localization of function schemes which means they should maintain the same criterion in footings of service and quality while changing their service and merchandise to accommodate to the different civilization and traditions. The construct Thinking planetary and moving local ( or intelligent glocal ) is indispensable for hotel companies development. Besides, utilizing distinction schemes is besides a good manner to go competitory. Differentiation scheme is about supplying invitees with distinguishable merchandises or services. These alone and typical properties make them attractive in the eyes of their invitees.

5 Reasons Not to Homeschool Your Child

5 Reasons Not to Homeschool Your Child If you’re considering home education, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of homeschooling seriously. While there are many positive reasons to homeschool, it isn’t the best fit for every family. Consider the following five reasons to not homeschool to help you carefully examine your personal motives and available resources before making this decision. Sometimes a lack of personal motivation is revealed when potential homeschooling parents consider their curriculum choices. They don’t want their children in public school for a variety of reasons, but they also don’t really want to take on the responsibility for their childrens education. I’m looking for something he can do on his own, they say or, â€Å"I’m just too busy to spend a lot of time on this.† 1. Husband and Wife Are Not in Agreement About Homeschooling No matter how much you want to home educate your children, it will not work for your family if you don’t have your spouse’s support. You may be the one preparing and teaching the lessons, but you will need the support of your husband  (or wife), both emotionally and financially. Also, your children will be much less likely to cooperate if they don’t sense a united front from mom and dad. If your spouse is unsure about homeschooling, consider the possibility of a trial year. Then, look for ways to get the non-teaching parent involved so that he sees the benefits firsthand. 2. You Haven’t Taken the Time to Count the Cost There are obvious financial costs of homeschooling, but many would-be homeschooling parents dont consider the personal cost. Don’t  rush into the decision to homeschool  because your friends are doing it, or because it sounds like fun. (Even though it can definitely be a lot of fun!). You must have a personal conviction and commitment that will carry you through the days when you want to pull your hair out. For the sake of your family, your reasoning must supersede your emotions. 3. You Are Not Willing to Learn Patience and Perseverance Homeschooling is a personal sacrifice of time and energy based on love. It takes careful planning and a willingness to go the distance. You will not have the luxury of allowing your feelings to dictate whether or to not to homeschool on a particular day. As time goes on, you will be stretched, challenged, and discouraged. You will doubt yourself, your choices, and your sanity. Those thoughts and emotions seem to be universal among homeschooling parents. You don’t have to have superhuman patience to begin homeschooling, but you do have to be willing to develop patience, with both yourself and your children. 4. You Are Unable or Unwilling to Live on One Income To give your children the kind of education they deserve, you will probably need to plan on being home full-time. Often the teaching parent who tries to work while homeschooling finds herself stretched in too many directions and tends to burn out. If you are planning to hold even a part-time job while teaching school, especially K-6, you may be better off choosing to not homeschool. When your children are older, they are more likely to be more independent and self-disciplined in their studies, allowing the teaching parent to consider working outside the home. Carefully consider with your spouse what changes are necessary to make your school a priority. If you must homeschool and work outside the home, there are ways to do so successfully. Talk with your partner and potential caregivers to develop a plan to make it work. 5. You Are Not Willing to Be Involved in Your Children’s Education If your current idea of home educating is choosing a curriculum that your children can do by themselves while you monitor their progress from a distance, you may want to consider not homeschooling. That scenario might work depending on how independent a learner each child is, but even if they can handle it, you will be missing out on so much. That doesnt mean never using workbooks; some children love them. Workbooks can be beneficial for independent study when you are teaching multiple children at different levels. However, homeschooling parents who plan hands-on activities to blend into their daily lessons and learn alongside their children often find their own thirst for knowledge rekindled. They are enthusiastic and passionate about influencing their children’s lives,  giving them a love of learning, and creating a learning-rich environment, which should be one of the ultimate goals of home education. These points are not intended to discourage you completely. However, it is vital that you seriously consider the impact that choosing to homeschool will have on you and your family. It’s essential to have a realistic idea of what you’ll be getting into before you start. If the timing and circumstances arent right for your family, its okay to choose to not homeschool! Updated by Kris Bales

Top 5 jobs that pay a lot more than you think

Top 5 jobs that pay a lot more than you think We’ve all had one of those moments where you look at someone and think, â€Å"That guy makes how much for that job? Crazy.† There are actually a lot of jobs out there that pay more than you might expect, based on the level of experience necessary to do the job or simply stereotypes about what we think certain roles are worth. Let’s look at some of the most unexpected-salaried jobs out there. Dental HygienistDental hygienists are often the unsung heroes of the dental world- after all, they’re usually the ones who have to listen to all the excuses about why you didn’t floss, or who hear the fibs about how much you did floss (Be honest!). But because it’s often a supporting role and doesn’t require a four-year degree to get started, you might be surprised at the salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists make a median annual salary of $74,070. (And given what they do to keep our teeth healthy and sparkling , they deserve every penny!)What they do: Dental hygienists clean teeth, perform dental exams, provide preventative dental care, assist dentists with procedures, and educate patients about follow-up care and dental health.What you’ll need: An associate’s degree in dental hygiene, which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. Some states also require additional licensing for dental hygienists, so be sure to check on your own state’s requirements.Elevator Repairer/MechanicThere are some repair jobs on which you can cut corners, and no one really notices. Elevator repair is not one of them. It’s a high-stakes mechanical job, so although it’s a career that can usually be started with a high school diploma and an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, it’s one that commands a high salary because it requires a high level of skill and attention to detail. In fact, elevator repairers make only a few thousand dollars per year less than the mechanical engineers who design the elevators themselves. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevator repairers make a median annual salary of $79,480- and demand is expected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years.What they do: Elevator repairers or mechanics are responsible for installing and repairing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other people movers, as well as ensuring safety.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus an apprenticeship. You’ll also need strong mechanical savvy, and the ability to work in cramped quarters.Flight AttendantWith perks like free travel, you might think that working as a flight attendant might be one of those jobs where the perks make up for a not-super-high salary. But if you’re interested in the jet-setting life and want a solid median salary, you should consider becoming a flight attendant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, flight attendants make a median annual sal ary of $50,500, with demand expected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years. Flight attendants who work for private or charter companies can also make more than that.What they do: Flight attendants manage airline passenger needs, safety, and comfort from (literally) Point A to Point B. In an emergency, they’re also first responders, assisting customers with any kind of crisis that happens in flight.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, with significant on-the-job training provided by the airline. A good flight attendant also has stellar customer service skills (and the patience/good bedside manner to go with it).Technical WriterIt may not be the Great American Novel, but you see the work of technical writers everywhere: the instructions you get with your new assemble-it-yourself furniture, those tutorial PDFs on a company’s website, journal articles taking complex scientific or technical subjects and translating them for a wider audi ence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers make a median annual salary of $70,930 (or $34.10 per hour), with demand expected to grow faster than average over the next 10 years. It’s also a versatile field, with technical writing positions open in a variety of industries (tech, healthcare, manufacturing, etc.).What they do: Technical writers prepare instruction manuals, how-to guides, or other supporting documentation to help guide customers or readers through a technical process. They translate complicated tasks for information for a particular audience. Technical writers may work full-time, or freelance.What you’ll need: A bachelor’s degree, helped by expertise in a technical subject like computer science, engineering, or web design.Theatrical Makeup ArtistGot a flair for the dramatic, but don’t have any interest in being onstage? Be the star backstage, and consider becoming a makeup artist. Makeup artists who specialize in theater, media, movie, TV, or other performance often make significantly more than their cosmetologist peers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, theatrical/performance makeup artists make a median annual salary of $69,310, with the 90th percentile making $127,030.What they do: Theatrical makeup artists create makeup looks to suit a particular production or performance design.What you’ll need: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus training in cosmetology. A background in theater or drama is also helpful, as is artistic creativity.If you’re looking for a job that carries a strong paycheck but falls outside the stereotypical â€Å"high-paid† spectrum, any of these jobs would be a great start.

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words - 2

Project management - Essay Example it is not always the case that these projects are successful and achieve the desired objectives, but usually most of them do fail, either in terms of cost, quality, deliverables or time (Meredith & Mantel, 2012). Any project’s success is inherited in the timely ending of the project, attainment of the required objectives or deliverables are delivered, and within the project limitations or constraints. In order to execute the project successfully, it is imperative for the project team or managers to consider some crucial elements of the project, which may be the project cost, time, or resources (Oisen, 1971; Lock, 1994; Atkinson, 1999). Among these aspects, there are three central issues, such as the time, cost and quality, which are the key intentions of any project and hardly be achieved and make the project a successful one (Iqbal, Azam, & Qureshi, 2011). However, the secret of success can be understood by analyzing the executed projects, where the success factors or failure factors can be identified by a careful analysis. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the two real-life projects related to the adoption of Information Technology in the organization by identifying the success factors of these projects, and also to identify the risk factors with the help of risk map as well as provide suggestions for mitigating or managing the risks. ECourier is a well-known UK based organization, where it provides 24/7 and same day courier services to the customers throughout UK. It was started in 2003 and the main objective of the company was to deliver courier service with accurate delivery information or transparency in this information, along with the highest customer relationships through automation. It collects and delivers the packages from all the areas in London, as per customer’s instructions. In the beginning, it was involved in delivering the packages only in London, but now it has developed a huge customer base across the world, and have built many

Students Talents and Potential Areas of Growth Essay

Students Talents and Potential Areas of Growth - Essay Example There are many colleges and universities that hand out scholarships on the basis of a child’s performance in sports. There are people who come from low-income families and hence do not have access to any kind of privileges related to education. Being active in sports opens up a lot of opportunities for the child. It is very necessary for a healthy growth of the children to be physically active and not being able to perform academically does not necessarily mean that the child is incapable of anything. Schools should be encouraged to have a defined syllabus, so as to make sure that they equip their students in a real way and properly rather than making them do selective studies. This sort of trend has recently emerged resulting in the increased test results of those schools who are teaching their children specifically for the tests (Smith, Fey, 2000). Here, it becomes evident that it is not at all necessary for the person to be intelligent and capable, but it shows that if the person strives then, he can for sure get what he desires. Therefore, the main factor behind this high score is none other than â€Å"MOTIVATION†. Motivation can be induced in any way either by offering some sort of monetary reward or it can be as simple as public recognition, or recognition among peers. Of course, a mentally challenged person will not be able to achieve it even with motivation, but an average person with a sound mind can easily achieve a good score with a little motivation. Many a time uninterested respondents do not even bother to go beyond a few questions or think (Salkind, 2002). It has been generally seen that people who belong to low-income strata or to areas with a lower economic growth score lower on the tests.

Race and Ethnicity in South Africa

Race and Ethnicity in South Africa The apartheid government believed that South Africa should be represented predominantly by the beliefs and cultures of the white race group, diminishing the others. Tutus speech directly challenges this by saying that the South African nation is a rainbow nation, with its national identity involving the different cultures, religions and beliefs of any and every group. This goes against the apartheid belief of a white supremacist state, saying that South Africa is a home to a diverse population, all of which share equal rights. It clearly states that, as a rainbow nation, South Africa embraces diversity in any form, whether it is racial, cultural, religious or ethnic. This means that anyone can be anything they desire and still be considered an equal citizen with equal rights. At the same time, however, it says that the countries people will rally together against any opposition, united by the common understanding that we are all South Africans. This one common plateau is what makes South Africa a unified nation, while at the same time celebrating its diversity in its people. No, he says the something completely different. He clearly says that different cultural groups must exist, but that there must be a common and mutual tolerance and respect for each group. This differences in society need to remain, and a mans views must stay intact, but people need to understand that we all fall under the title of South African, and it is this that will unite us and make us a peaceful and tolerant nation. If this understanding can be spread, according to Sparks, this is what will inspire our national identity. Rainbow nation is the concept that South Africa accepts all races and beliefs, viewing them as equal under a legal constitution, thus making South Africa a nation of many colours, with the identity of a diverse country, i.e. a rainbow nation. Mosaic society is a metaphor that compares the national identity of South Africa with a mosaic, a piece of art (usually a picture) made up of many differently shaped and coloured pieces of slate, slotted together. In the same way, each different culture, belief, religion, ethnicity, etc. must be accepted as part of society, but be separate from other groups (like the slate pieces). Melting pot refers to the opposite of what is considered to be the national identity. It suggests that like a pot in which ingredients are melted together into one entity, so is the South African society brining in its diverse people to be melted together to become the same, with the same beliefs and understandings. According to Source C, the hope was that a new South Africa would bring about racial integration and the enjoyment of wealth by all, as seen by looking at the image provided by the advertisement. This is clearly a false representation of reality, as today it is well known that those who were oppressed by apartheid (mainly black people, but also Indians and coloured people) found it hard to recover in terms of education and finance after apartheid ended, resulting in the persisting divides we see in this country today, in which the vast majority of wealthy people are white and therefore live separate from the economically underprivileged. This proves that the idea of a national identity provided by the source is completely artificial. Source D also explains to us an important fact; that the divides created by apartheid, across religion, race, ethnicity and gender, meant that people experienced very different ways of living during the apartheid era. These differences and divided experi ences are not something that can be broken down over years, let alone over night, resulting in what has previously been explained as different groups preferring to exist in their own comfort zones of society, making the notion of a national identity almost absurd. Finally, Source E shows us that the concept of a national identity is one that belongs to the starry-eyed idealists, i.e. not something that could happen in reality. It also provides another take on this, by suggesting that South Africa was never really a unified country, but rather the product of hundreds of years of colonialism, meaning that because this land was influenced so drastically by the external imperial powers, that the groups and social divides created by this influence resulted in the present idea of a unified and nationalistic South Africa being non-existent. A national symbol needs to be at least one of the following three things. Firstly, it must be created from the hearts of the people, from something that they feel strongly about and can therefore rally behind. Secondly, it needs to be created with regard to the experiences and suffering of those it will represent, as people who need to back this symbol must feel that it stands for everything they have gone through in order to make it possible to have such a symbol. Lastly, it must be something that people identify with, something easily recognisable and universally accepted so as to appeal to a diverse population. I would support the third approach, which says that a national symbol should be something that every person can identify with fully, as this encompasses the other two approaches. In order for someone to identify with a representational symbol, they must accept it into their hearts, as it needs to be something that they feel close to and that reaches them on a emotional and personal level, while still standing for their political persuasion. As well as this, it needs to be something that represents the experiences and suffering that one has been through in order to insure the creation of the symbol itself. This means that it must reach them on an external, physical level, as well as a personal one. Therefore, we understand that in order for something to be identifiable to a person, it needs to encompass all the three approaches mentioned above, which are brought together by the third approach. The fact that Thabo Mbeki implies that every group in our culturally diverse country stems from the same source and should therefore have the same belief and understanding of a national identity that represents every South African. This is most definitely not the case, and hence completely idealistic. To claim that every black man and women has the same interpretation of what it means to be South Africa as the average white South African is absurd, as the formative experiences of these different groups during both the apartheid and post-apartheid eras are, the vast majority of the time, completely different. This idealistic and hyperbolic tone of the speech also emphasises its forced nature. It almost seems as if he is trying to convince both himself and others of his preferred reality rather than affirm what the true reality. This speech was made during the creation of the South African Constitution, widely considered to be the best in the world on an idealistic level, while being difficult to uphold in practise. This means that the speech fits with the constitution in terms of the belief that all South Africans feel united by the common nationhood, but also falls in line with the constitution in terms of being unrealistic. In other words, the context of the speech emphasises the idealistic nature of the content. It reveals that heritage is constructed from the history. While history is the historical fact of what happened and how it happened, heritage is not as straight. It is built on the basis of history, but on a more subjective and interpretive level. An example is given by the speech, by how Thabo Mbeki chose to use certain historical facts as a foundation for his construction of a so-called common South African heritage, also implying that heritage can be about choice, what you want to be and how you want it to be. Therefore, while history is about the compilation of factual events, heritage is about the creation of what we feel represents us from our past. Source K suggests that the problem with the use of the term African as a form of national identity is that nobody seems to know what they it truly stands for, whether its blacks, people born in Africa or those committed to the African continent. This is a well identified problem, as it is not possible to use a term to unify a country when one cannot clearly define those who the term represents. It is not possible to allow anyone to create a definition, neither a person nor a government, as this may conflict with the definition of another person or group and it will be impossible to compromise. It therefore stands to reason that Source L should bring up the argument that those who choose to bestow Africanness on others are out of place and should first try to come to terms with what it means before labelling it as an honorary title and using it to create a national identity. It also brings up the fact that the continual use of the term as a means of national identification will only l ead to further confusion of those who dont understand its significance (if any). If we look at the holidays celebrated during the apartheid year of 1986, we clearly see that they are predominantly white/Afrikaner, Christian holidays. There is nothing that celebrates any kind of equality or democracy, nothing to commemorate the anti-apartheid struggle. However, when we look at post-apartheid 1996, we immediately see the change. There are now days that celebrate human rights, freedom, workers, women, heritage, etc. and days such as 16 June that remember those who died to bring about the end of apartheid. Therefore, the types of holidays celebrated changed drastically over the decades, between 1986 and 1996. The change in holidays shown between 1986 and 1996 also shows us the change in national identity in South Africa. The identity starts in 1986 being clearly white, Christian, Afrikaner, promoting only the beliefs that one would expect from such a person. This shows the narrow-mindedness of the apartheid identity, which neglects the cultures and rights of other racial, religious and cultural groups. Then in 1996, it changes to incorporate the celebration in womens rights, freedom, human rights, workers rights, etc. therefore showing us a more diverse cultural, religious and political identity that fits closer with the post-apartheid South Africa. The day that most resembles independence day from 1986 is Republic Day, as this celebrate the day South Africa became a republic and hence a independent country, and from 1996 is Freedom Day, a celebration of South Africas first non-racial elections and thus of a new kind of liberation and independence emerging, as well as a new South African identity. Therefore, we can say that the most important thing, the one aspect that has been preserved over the decade, is the feeling of independence from external forces, whether it is your own government or that of another country. The eight episodes referenced refer to pivotal areas of South Africas history. They are all conflicts which shaped the nature of the future South Africa and as such need to be given a place in the celebrating of a freedom that is supposed to be at the core of modern South Africa. Their commonality is illustrated by the fact that each one of these events is characterised by violence stemming from injustice of one sort or another, be it racially charged as in Genocide and slavery or politically and nationalistically motivated as in the Anglo-Boer and world Wars. In each of these there is the fight for freedom from some threatened or real form of repression. They differ in the nature of their fights- some are internal fights for freedom dividing people within borders- Slavery, Wars of resistance, The struggle for liberation and some are external, usually uniting different people within the country against a common enemy as in the World Wars. Together they represent an opportunity to pul l people together by inspiring a common sense of pride and identity by emphasising that the country as a whole has defeated so many forms of brutality and repression to ultimately gain its freedom and as such the freedom of each and every one of its citizens across all ethnic barriers. The Freedom park was created for one specific purpose, as stated in the source: to help South Africans reconnect with the lost spirits that died in war, who fell for South Africa, in the way that their culture dictates, i.e. a ground for the mutual respect of the dead by all South Africans, regardless of cultural belief. Therefore, according to the logic provided by the source, it stands to reason that such a place would be perceived to play an important part in the restoration and rejuvenation of the indigenous, South African cultures that were diminished by the apartheid area, not to mention helping to rebuild the bridges between culture burnt away during the long years of apartheid separation. The 2 sources discuss the purpose of Freedom Park, that is the need to create a place of remembrance which will allow people to remember the fallen, those that have shaped the country, and therefore inspire a deeper feeling of commitment to building it in the future. In doing this they show how invaluable it is to delve into the complex cultural belief systems of different groups within the country. If one honours these appropriately e.g. by fastidiously allowing the visiting of the places of death and carrying out relevant rituals and therefore ensuring the return of the spirits of dead combatants, the experience of the living is resolved and completed and their ability to have a positive outlook on a South African future restored. It is therefore vital that one have a deep understanding and sensitivity towards each different groups particular understanding and rituals surrounding death and remembrance, as if you validate and honour these individually you allow each group dignity an d this will in turn foster respect of each other and a common wish to build a country where the future can be shared by all.

‘Fish!’

FISH! -Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, Jon Christensen ‘There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself’ A very powerful statement. As a person with a work experience of a couple of years this sentence would have changed the way i approached my work and things related to me. That’s why this book connected with me from the very beginning.The story of the book revolves around the story of Mary Jane Ramirez and her workplace and how an accidental visit to a ‘Fish Market’ changed the way an entire department at an office as well she changed their style of working at work and improved relationships at home. As in the book the main character Mary – a person good at heart & mother of 2 children – after the death of her husband lives a life wherein she is bothered more about the job security rather than being firm and taking risks. With her transfer as a head of Operations department, a dr eaded department in every sense for being unresponsive, unpleasant, negative.In fact it is referred to as toxin energy dump. She feels the need to bring about a change in the department for its revival. A visit to a Fish Market and in particular a store named popularly known as the Pike Place Fish Market where she sees that the workers selling Fish enjoy the work they do & have a lot of fun doing so and also play along the way and involve people around in their activities. Herein the character of Lonnie comes into picture. He is worker at the store and enjoys his job. At this point Lonnie explains Mary the reason for the ‘energy’ visible at the place. He says that there are 4 ingredients that make this place run.He tells her only 1 principle followed and that of ‘Choose Your Attitude’. Mary impressed with the advice sought more data from her boss Bill (a person she did not have friendly relationship) and got a few insights from David Whyte’s poem whi ch changed her for the better. She knew it was time for change. She went through even more materials like that by John Gardener and Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance. At the end of it she knew that had to be the leader who believed in herself and bring about the change. The very concept of ‘Choose Your Attitude’ was applied by her to her own thinking and then explained to her staff.The staff agreed about the problems of the department and gave reasons for their behavior. But she had shown them a way of revival. The staff too felt the need for the change and found a leader who actually cared for them. They decided to take it in a positive way and the result was seen in the elevator where a poster of Choose Your Attitude was put up. The change had begun. With added confidence Mary along with her kids Brad and Stacy visited the market again when they learned the second ingredient of ‘Play’. A value which was displayed by a kid, which adults need t o learn enjoy their work.This taught that a lot can be learned from kids. Having fun doesn’t take the seriousness out of the business but one enjoys what one does and achieves targets. The third ingredient in creating a high-energy world famous market was ‘Make Their Day’. It was showcased by a co-worker at the store named Wolf giving the trio a fish each and was also seen when people were involved in their daily activities of the shop. The people enjoyed being a part of it to the fullest. That indeed made their day and made them happier. Also focusing ones attention on ways to make another person’s day provided a constant flow of positive feelings.The fourth ingredient ‘Be Present’ by displayed by the workers in the way they interacted with the customers and remained attentive and interested in answering the queries of their clients. Mary decided to take her staff for the field trip and made them have a firsthand experience of the fish market and her entire staff was inspired and they were given time to think about their learning and think about the ways to implement it at workplace. The fact that a few of the staff members actually visited the fish market showed that they were influenced by the idea. They took their families along with them and they enjoyed the time spent.With most of the employees inspired by process it was decided to create teams based on each of the 4 ingredients and they were given all needed the required support by Mary. Each of the teams presented their reports on each of the topics. Each team drafted their topic by enlisting what all would be the benefits of Play and how these could be implemented in the Office. The team Play made the members take part in a game in which circles cut from coloured paper and people stepped on them along with the music. The benefits and implementation was shown through this.The make their day team divided the entire group into various teams. Each team was given fif teen minutes to develop strategies for supporting and enhancing the work of a key group of people. A customer survey was used as input data for the same, which took many of them by shock. The winning team which gave the best suggestion was given symbolic mementos. Next The Present Moment Team which made the employees to relax and had inspired reading took place in the entire hall. Also a number of experiences of individual employees were shared. The team decided to resolve on a few changes for better functioning.Finally The Choose Your Attitude Team made a presentation which was brief and to the point. They decided to distribute books which would inspire individuals and have discussions on them. The strategy got implemented throughout the next year. Mary on her part too decided against quitting her job as she was confident of bringing about a change to the department and in its people. Exactly a year later the situation had changed and the department was one of the most sought after places in the company. Mary was awarded with the Chairwoman’s Award for her work. The icing on the cake was the finding of a life partner in Lonnie.The character played of Mary is a person who has lost a few qualities along the way due to family circumstances. She rises from it and makes the workplace better for her as well as other employees present. She experiences change first hand with the relationship between her boss and also her employees. Lonnie’s character is also central to the passage. He explained Mary the various aspects of the 4 ingredients so that she could implement it at her workplace. The book has a message in each and every incidence. The frustration with jobs is experienced by all. The principles which have been mentioned have truly enriched me.The principles of ‘Choose Your Attitude’,’ Play’, ‘Make Their Day’, ‘Be Present’ are something which i will like to apply in my daily activities in office as well as college. The approach of not quitting a job in which one is unhappy but making it a better place for oneself and the people around in utmost essential. The issues mentioned are experienced by each one of us including me and the 4 ingredients provide the key to success. Along with that the resolution of Mary Jane to bring up her kids is commendable. It teaches not to give up irrespective of any calamity and keep striving to achieve ones goals.Even in my daily life I get sadden by events but the book has taught me to cheer myself up and try to change certain bad tendencies in me to avoid repeat of events. It has taught me to think about others, about their well being. It has taught me to care for others. The principle of including people around you in activities enriches the activity as a whole and also creates a bond between individuals. The book on the whole was an excellent learning experience on how through simple steps one can bring about a great deal of change in one ’s personal as well as professional life.