Project Implict Essay Example

Project Implict Essay COWLEY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Project Implicit Hidden Biases 11/15/2013 Unbiased: not having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc. , are better than others : not biased 1: free from bias; especially : free from all prejudice and favoritism : eminently fair 2: having an expected value equal toa population parameter being estimated (Webster) Hidden Bias Tests measure unconscious, or automatic, biases. Willingness to examine your own possible biases is an important step in understanding the roots of stereotypes and prejudice in our society. Hidden Bias Tests measure unconscious, or automatic, biases. Your willingness to examine your own possible biases is an important step in understanding the roots of stereotypes and prejudice in our society. (Project Implict) Learning about your hidden biases help you discover what things you may not be comfortable with. Hidden biases and prejudices can open up surprisingly influential underpinnings to all the decisions we can make in the future. Its important to discover and uncover your hidden biases so they can be overcome. I feel there are important steps to take to overcome biases so you can become a better eader in general. Leaders are aware that the unknown haunts every decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Project Implict specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Project Implict specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Project Implict specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Leaders are not paralyzed by the unknown. They are energized by decision-making opportunities, and, at the same time, they are humbled to be decision makers to be difference makers. Gerome) After reading this statement I really think these great leaders took the initiative to discover all hidden biases and have overcome them with strength. To be a good leader, it is imperative that you overcome the biases that haunt your past so you can make good decisions for the future. A good way to nitially uncover some unconscious and hidden biases is to take Project implicit Hidden Bias Test. Its a series of fourteen tests that determine if there may be some hidden biases. After completing these fourteen tests myself I was completely stunned, I dont Know IT 1 1 eve rytnlng I was seeing, out It was aennltely an eye opener. People of similar thinking often pool together, like raindrops that make a puddle. I feel like some of the people close to me have some of these ways of thinking, and it was almost instilled in the way I think, even if I covered it up and truly didnt think I felt this way. Bias and prejudice often have been something someone has told you, or that you heard. Theyre not always an original thought but one you have picked up. It may have been adopted recently, or a long time ago, and the older it is, the trickier it may be to overcome its influence. Scientific research has demonstrated that biases thought to be absent or extinguished remain as mental residue in most of us. (Edited by George AP) Every day we make decisions, leaders or not leaders. Some are small, domestic, and innocuous. Others are more important, affecting peoples lives, livelihoods, and well-being. How we make these decisions can depend on our bias. Decisions can be made quick, and unconscious , thats where the problem can come in. When you have hidden biases that havent been discovered furthermore, hasnt been overcome these inappropriate decisions as a leader can cause a lot of problems down the road. Biases such as gender perceptions can cause a lot of hardships in the workplace. If one gender is favored over the other, the one being favored isnt going to be as motivated to be a team player or comply to expectations and can hurt the company a lot. After completing the Gender Career IAT (Implicit Association Test) my data suggested a light association with career and female with family compared to female with career and male with family. I dont know if I was truly surprised with the results. I personally do work as a female and have had leadership roles in the workplace. Growing up, my dad worked 5-7 days a week; while my mom worked as a professor, but only worked minimal hours a week and took care of us. I do work but spend a lot of my time at home taking care of the kids and house duties. Some people are much more inclined to be assertive and lead than others and that is not gender specific. To be a good leader, you have to be a good team player, and nor is that gender specific. Qualified, hardworking Americans are denied Job opportunities, fired or otherwise discriminated against Just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or their gender in general. The Employment Nondiscrimination Act is legislation proposed in the United States Congress that would prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment on what sexual orientation or gender of the employees. The act provides basic protections against workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender dentity. Ann-racism includes beliefs, actions, movements, and policies adopted or developed to oppose racism. Ann-racism is intended to promote an egalitarian society in which people do not face discrimination on the basis of their race, but defined society in which people do not face discrimination on the basis of their race. After taking the African American European American IAT my data suggested a slight automatic preference for European Americans to African Americans. This did and didnt surprise me. I was raised in a predominantly white society. My school idnt have very many multicultural peers, nor did my neighborhood. Now that Im older some of my best friends are African American. The election of our first African American president has sparked debate over how far we have come as a nation on Issues 0T race. t I Is one against tne law to nlre Oue to race, gender, or many otner spectacles. After stepping back and really analyzing my results, and previous Jobs, I dont think that I showed any preference for one race to another. I hired accordingly, and the opportunity for any race was equal. To be a good leader, you must be equal to all people. People are much more willing to give of themselves when they feel that their selves are being fully recognized and embraced stated the CEO of Apple. Embracing peoples individuality is a basic human dignity and civil right. It also turns out to be great for the creativity that helps many businesses. When people feel valued for who they are, they have the comfort and confidence to do the best work of their lives. To be a good leader, and run a company your employees have to be motivated to make it to the top. I understand people are different and have different ways of looking at situations and making decisions. I believe there are some aspects of leadership that everyone should take into consideration when leading a group of people. Leaders should never show favoritism. Being a leader means giving praise to everyone. Motivation is the key to the success of an organization. If a leader gives special privileges to some people and not to others, then the leader loses the respect of some people who could play a vital role in an organization. After taking all of the ATs I realize how I do have hidden biases, that I never realized existed, and have a lot to work on if I want to become a successful leader. Leaders should try to remain unbiased to make good decisions for the organization as a whole. Unbiased leadership is the most respected. People look up to those who lead because they want what is best for the organization, not their own personal life. Being in a leadership position sometimes means making unpopular decisions to better the organization. Leaders who make decisions based on their personal opinions or to benefit themselves are not truly leaders. Biased leaders need to grow up and take responsibility for their organizations because the decisions they make affect more eople than Just themselves. A good leader has many defining characteristics. Qualities of an effective leader include active listening, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire others to own a shared vision of the future. To be inclusive means to include and respect all views, not Just those that feed one particular standpoint. It is challenging to be unbiased, and we all have lenses through which our worldviews are filtered. However, an extraordinary leader cannot afford to be biased. Works Cited Edited by George AP, C. S. (n. d. ). how to overcome unconcious and hidden bias. Retrieved Novemeber 16, 2013, from wikihow: http://www. wikihow. com/overcome- Unconscious-and-Hidden-Biases Jerome, D. (n. d. ). Dr. Jerome Stewarts Blog . Retrieved 2013 16, November , from Leadership and hindsight bias: http:// drJstewart. wordpress. com/2013/10/20/1eadership-and-hindsight-bias/ Project Implict. (n. d. ). Retrieved November 15, 2013, from Teaching Tolerance: http:// www. tolerance. org/supplement/test-yourself-hidden-bias Webster, M. (n. d. ). unbiased. Retrieved November 16, 2013, from Merrian Webster: http://www. merriam- webster. com/dictionary/unbiased

The Government Should Intervene Essays

The Government Should Intervene Essays The Government Should Intervene Paper The Government Should Intervene Paper The three most important ways the government should intervene with the economy is through social programs, health and safety controls and environment protection. Government funded social programs are essential for an economy and a country as a whole to prosper. Some of the social-insurance programs in place are welfare, pension and disability. Some citizens are unable to work because of old age, a disability or unemployment. There has to be government support to help people get through hard times, or retirement. Health care that is available to everyone, no matter who you are, is also important. In the United States some people can’t receive proper treatment due to the extreme costs. This produces huge amounts of money for the capitalists in health care, however it is an un-fair system of health care. The Canadian health care system, even though it doesn’t produce the profit, as does the United States health care system, keeps its citizens healthy due to the â€Å"free† health care. Environment protection is also another key factor a government must take into consideration. In many capitalists pursuit for profit corners are cut on the environment. The Canadian government has many good laws for environmental protection such as tree re-planting. Without this our forests would be completely depleted. The three least important ways the government should intervene with the economy is through the private sector, innovation and makes production more efficient. The private sector has to be government free, except for some regulations such as minimum wage and fair-ness laws (prevent false advertising and un-fair hiring). For an economy to prosper to its maximum potential it must have as little government intervention so it can play itself out. This is usually always a good thing because it gives consumer choice, dollar voting and competition. However, these positives virtues may also turn bad, such as competition. If competition becomes so intense that one company owns all of the means of production for that product then that company can control the market. By controlling the market they are free to charge whatever they want for their product, this is known as a monopoly. With private ownership comes efficiency because producers want to maximize their profit by keeping their overhead costs low. The government must also intervene as little as possible with the innovation industry, except to place safety laws such as testing on animals. If a person is going to create a new product there can’t be so many laws that the person is narrowed down to one or two products. The choice has to be unlimited so the innovator can create whatever the consumers are demanding.

Biography of Mary Custis Lee, Gen. Robert E. Lees Wife

Biography of Mary Custis Lee, Gen. Robert E. Lee's Wife Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee  (October 1, 1808–November 5, 1873) was the  great-granddaughter of Martha Washington  and  the wife of Robert E. Lee. She played a part in the American Civil War, and her family legacy home became the site of Arlington National Cemetery. Fast Facts: Mary Custis Lee Known For: Wife of Civil War general Robert E. Lee and great-granddaughter of Martha WashingtonAlso Known As: Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee  Born: October 1, 1807 in Annefield  in  Boyce, VirginiaParents: George Washington Parke Custis, Mary Lee Fitzhugh CustisDied: November 5, 1873 in Lexington, VirginiaPublished Works: Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, by his Adopted Son George Washington Parke Custis, with a Memoir of this Author by his Daughter (edited and published)Spouse: Robert E. Lee (m.  1831–October. 12, 1870)Children: George Washington Custis, William Henry Fitzhugh, Robert E. Lee Jr., Eleanor Agnes, Anne Carter, Mildred Childe, Mary CustisNotable Quote: â€Å"I rode out to my dear old home, so changed it seemed but as a dream of the past. I could not have realized that it was Arlington but for the few old oaks they had spared, the trees planted on the lawn by the Gen’l myself which are raising their tall branches to the Heaven which seems to smile on the desecration around them.† Early Years Marys father George Washington Parke Custis was the adopted son and the step-grandson of George Washington. Mary was his only surviving child, and thus his heir. Educated at home, Mary showed talent in painting. She was courted by many men including Sam Houston but rejected his suit. She accepted the proposal of marriage in 1830 from Robert E. Lee, a distant relative shed known from childhood, after his graduation from West Point. (They had common ancestors Robert Carter I, Richard Lee II and William Randolph, making them respectively third cousins, third cousins once removed, and fourth cousins.) They were married in the parlor at her family home, Arlington House, on June 30, 1831. Highly religious from a young age, Mary Custis Lee was often troubled by illness. As the wife of a military officer, she traveled with him, though she was most happy at her family home in Arlington, Virginia. Eventually, the Lees had seven children, with Mary often suffering from illness and various disabilities including rheumatoid arthritis. She was known as a hostess and for her painting and gardening. When her husband went to Washington, she preferred to remain at home. She avoided Washingtons social circles but was avidly interested in politics and discussed matters with her father and later her husband. The Lee family enslaved many people of African descent. Mary assumed that eventually theyd all be freed, and taught the women to read, write, and sew so that they could support themselves after emancipation. Civil War When Virginia joined the Confederate States of America at the beginning of the Civil War, Robert E. Lee resigned his commission with the federal army and accepted a commission in the army of Virginia. With some delay, Mary Custis Lee, whose illness confined her much of the time to a wheelchair, was convinced to pack up many of the familys belongings and move out of the home at Arlington because its nearness to Washington, D.C., would make it a target for confiscation by the Union forces. And thats what happened, for failure to pay taxes- though an attempt to pay the taxes was apparently refused. She spent many years after the war ended trying to regain possession of her Arlington home: Poor Virginia is being pressed on every side, yet I trust God will yet deliver us. I do not allow myself to think of my dear old home. Would that it had been razed to the ground or submerged in the Potomac rather than have fallen into such hands. From Richmond where she spent much of the war, Mary and her daughters knitted socks and sent them to her husband to distribute to soldiers in the Confederate Army. Later Years and Death Robert returned after the surrender of the Confederacy, and Mary moved with Robert to Lexington, Virginia, where he became president of Washington College (later renamed Washington and Lee University). During the war, many of the family possessions inherited from the Washingtons were buried for safety. After the war, many were found to have been damaged, but some- the silver, some carpets, some letters among them- survived. Those that had been left in the Arlington home were declared by Congress to be the property of the American people. Neither Robert E. Lee nor Mary Custis Lee survived many years after the end of the Civil War. He died in 1870. Arthritis plagued Mary Custis Lee in her later years, and she died in Lexington on Nov. 5, 1873- after making one trip to see her old Arlington home. In 1882, the U.S. Supreme Court in a ruling returned the home to the family;  Mary and Roberts son Custis sold it right  back to the government. Mary Custis Lee is buried with her husband on the Washington and Lee University campus in Lexington, Virginia. Sources â€Å"The Life of Mary Custis Lee.†Ã‚  EHISTORY.â€Å"Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee.†Ã‚  National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.Pryor, Elizabeth Brown. â€Å"Mary Randolph Custis Lee (1807–1873).†Ã‚  Lee, Mary Randolph Custis (1807–1873), Encyclopediavirginia.org.

Philip's vs. Matsushita Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Philip's vs. Matsushita - Assignment Example remained poor and its global competitiveness are was still a question (Bartlett, 2006, p. 1). Philips case study highlights following important factors that contribute its poor performance over three decades. Unbalance and undefined power shearing between PDs and NOs. Lack of effective restructuring. Lack of well defined performance criterion. Fragmented organizational structure. Matsushita Matsushita is a key manufacturer over a verity of consumer appliances and products having world wide manufacturing facilities. Initially started as a modest home based manufacturing facility making double-ended electrical sockets, in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita, a 23-year-old inspector at Osaka Electric Light Company, Matsushita has evolved as a versatile consumer appliances and products manufacturer with a wide retail and marketing network across the globe. It manufactures a broad line of 5,000 products including video and audio equipments, home appliance and house hold equipments, information, communication and industrial related equipments, power backup and electronics equipment (Exhibit 7, p. 20) (Bartlett, 2006, p. 20). Matsushita total sales has attained a figure of US $68.862 million with net income of US $ 941 million for fiscal 2000 (Exhibit 6, p.19) (Bartlett, 2006, p. 19). Since the announcement of Konosuke Matsushita 250-year corporate plan on May 5, 1932, Matsushita has been facing difficulties and struggling in capability building and re-establishing its competitiveness. Matsushita case study reveals following important reasons that contribute toward these difficulties (Bartlett, 2006, p.8-12). During 1933-50 period, Matsushita followed a centralized leveraged technology strategy. Also, central research... To have a strong operating control over their offshore production units, Matsushita had followed the centralized management policy before the 1980s. In the mid-1980s, Matsushita had over 700 expatriate Japanese managers and technicians on foreign assignment for four to eight years. Local managers were only made responsible for achieving the targets. In 1982, as Toshihiko Yamashita took over the charge as President of the company. He launched his â€Å"Operation Localization† ‘to boost offshore production from less than 10% of value-added to 25%, or half of overseas sales, by 1990. To support the target, he set out a program of four localizations-personnel, technology, material, and capital (Bartlett, 2006, pp. 11-12). Toshihiko Yamashita’s â€Å"Operation Localization† policy brought a reasonable change to Matsushita organization structure and it increased the number of local nationals in key positions. In the United States, for example, US. nationals became the presidents of three of the six local companies, while in Taiwan the majority of production divisions were replaced by Chinese managers. But unfortunately, these local staff did not have direct contact with the senior administrative body and they were not free in their decisions. They were directed and advised by senior Japanese advisors, who had a direct link with Matsushita’s parent management team. Toshihiko Yamashita policies also gave the offshore production subsidiaries to some extent to buy minor parts from local vendors as long as quality could be assured.

Henry George and Andrew Carnegie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Henry George and Andrew Carnegie - Essay Example Henry George had visited a lot of places to become a democrat and develop views against the corruption that was prevalent in a government set up. He closely analyzed the situation of poverty in the different cities of the world. He finally came to the conclusion that industrial capitalism was a ground reality which was increasing the poverty in the world. It was during his early times that the rail roads and tractors were coming as new technologies. But as he reviews in his book these new technologies were of no good to the poor community as they did not up heave the status of the poor communities (Henry 1). He rather saw all these new technologies as an act of deception to put the poor communities in a bitter turmoil where they could not avoid the overall situation. In his belief it was the material progress which was the primary reason of poverty and hence he was against industrial capitalism as a whole.Henry George had visited a lot of places to become a democrat and develop views against the corruption that was prevalent in a government set up. He closely analyzed the situation of poverty in the different cities of the world. He finally came to the conclusion that industrial capitalism was a ground reality which was increasing the poverty in the world. It was during his early times that the rail roads and tractors were coming as new technologies. But as he reviews in his book these new technologies were of no good to the poor community as they did not up heave the status of the poor communities (Henry 1).

Ethical Dilemmas Facing Social Workers Social Work Essay

Ethical Dilemmas Facing Social Workers Social Work Essay Social workers face ethical dilemmas on a daily basis, Banks illustrates this in her quotation ethical dilemmas occur when the social worker sees herself as facing a choice between two equally unwelcoming alternatives, which may involve a conflict of moral values, and it is not clear which choice will be the right one (Banks 2006:13). Banks implies that social workers are often involved in personal and even painful issues and ethical judgements in social work that are about human welfare (Banks 2006:155). This poses many challenges as decisions made are likely to be life changing for service users. It is therefore important for a social worker to be able to justify action (or inaction) accordingly. The facts of a case alone cannot determine what action must be taken, it would be impossible to make choices without values (Beckett and Maynard 2005:7). It is essential for a social worker to have a strong value base from which they work. In some instances problems may arise as social wor kers come into the profession with their own set of personal values and these may conflict with their professional values. Hence what Banks refers to as conflict of moral values (Banks 2006:13). Personal values cannot simply be eradicated because they conflict with professional values, but we must keep our values and assumptions under review, and be open to other arguments and other ideas (Beckett and Maynard 2005:17). In the case scenario of the Bertrams the alternatives are unwelcoming and in order to navigate the value maze in social work (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper 2008:92) social workers use various theories to inform practice. Kantism also referred to as deontology was derived from the ideas of philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Kant believed people should be treated as an end and not a means to an end. By this Kant meant people should be valued and respected as an individual and not used for the benefit of others. Hence, Kant believed that everyone should be treated equally. Kants ideology was to set aside peoples view of religion and spiritual beliefs and move to the idea of being rational. Rationality enables people to understand what their duties are and how their duties enlighten what they do in the world (Parrott 2010: 500). Kant also believed that by using reason this would develop a consistent moral system. In the case of the Bertrams if the social worker were to use the deontological perspective to guide her decision-making it would be important to value Mrs Bertram as a person because the core of this perspective is respect for persons (Beckett Maynard 2005:35). This goes hand in hand with t he British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Code of Ethics key principles: Respect for human dignity; Value for every human being, their beliefs, goals, preferences and needs; and Respect for human rights and self determination (BASW 2010). Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) developed the philosophical theory of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism looks at the consequences of actions balancing the relative advantages and disadvantages of a particular course of action, (Parrott 2010: 54) Therefore one persons suffering is acceptable as the greatest number of people is happy. There are two principles of utilitarianism, the principles of justice and utility. The principle of justice is about being equal and fair as the value of everyones happiness should be the same. The principle of utility signifies the greatest good for everyone. In many cases these two principles clash as the minority of people are unhappy. In the case scenario of the Bertrams her happiness should be valued and it would be important to consider the repercussions of going against her wishes if it were considered in her best interests. A social worker would be expected to balance Mrs Bertrams right to self-determination, her safety and the concerns of her family for her welfare as it is often the social workers job to assess the whole situation and work for a solution in the best interests of all concerned (Banks 2006:167). Virtue ethics is a theory that looks into an individuals character. Ones virtue ethics are developed by their personal belief system and this determines their character. Virtue ethics is an approach according to which the basic judgments in ethics are judgments about character (Statman, 1997:7). Ethical issues are embedded in relationships and responsibilities. An individual may lie to be seen as virtuous because they want to be seen as an honest person.   Ã‚   Radical social work is seen as belonging to an area of social work which can also be known as critical or activist social work. The radical position takes a transformational view of social work, and as such is concerned with transforming society to benefit the most oppressed rather than focusing on the individual (Hill, 2010). Payne (1997) suggests some typical views are that; problems are defined as social and structural rather than individual. McIntyre (1982) cited in Payne (1997) summarises the radical approaches criticisms of traditional social work as; traditional social work reduces complex social problems into individual psychological ones, it cuts service users off from others who may share the same problem and it reinforces the capitalist social order that is oppressive. The radical position sees the professionalisation of social work as alienating workers from service users. Praxis is the process of thinking and acting. It is like a spiral of thought and action, or a praxis spiral. Praxis is integral to social work practice and comes in the form of reflection. In social work theory, praxis is the reflexive relationship between theories and action. It describes a cyclical process of social work interactions developing new theories and refining old ones. In order to work anti-oppressively social workers need to reflect on factors that influence their practice; they then need to incorporate the results of this reflection into their practice (Lee, 2001). Downie and Telfer (1969, 1980) state that respect can be regarded as an active sympathy towards another human being (Banks S, 2006: 29). Darwell (1995) outlines two types of respect, recognition respect and appraisal respect. Recognition respect is in essence when a human being is worthy of respect whether it is for something they have communicated verbally or through their actions. Appraisal respect is acknowledging ones qualities. The level of respect would reflect on the qualities shown. Kantism has had an influence on the moral principle of respect in a relationship between a social worker and the service user. (Banks S, 2006: 31) In order for a social worker to show full respect there are four key elements that have to be met, these are, acknowledgement, preservation, non-destruction and engagement (Banks and Gallagher, 2009). Relativism suggests that all points of view are equally valid and the individual determines what is true and relative for individuals. Relativism theorises that truth is different for different people, not simply that different people believe different things to be true. Subjective relativism allows us to be rulers of our own principles and how we chose to live our lives. Cultural relativism is the view that moral beliefs and practises vary with and depend on the human needs and social conditions of particular cultures so that no moral belief can be universally true. (A E Holmes 1984). is this a direct quote? Descriptive Ethical relativism believes that different cultures have different moral values and normative ethical relativism suggests that each culture is right unto itself. The Collins English Dictionary (2009) defines values as the moral principles and beliefs of a person or group and ethics as a social, religious or civil code of behaviour considered correct, especially that of a particular group, profession, or individual. Therefore values can be seen as the fundamental beliefs that an individual or group holds to be true and ethics the more formalised rules or guidelines of an organization or society. Banks (2010) states that values are regarded as particular types of belief that people hold about what is regarded as worthy or valuable. (direct quote ?need pg number) Although values are personal to us as individuals, they may also be shared by the society or culture in which we live. Our values are formed through personal development and socialisation and will be influenced by both past and present experiences. (Parrott, 2010) Dubois and Miley (1996) state ethics are concerned with what people consider right while values are concerned with what peop le consider good. Most moral philosophers would define ethics as a singular term, which is used to describe a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of Morality, moral problems and moral judgements (Frankena, 1963 cited in Banks, 2006: page number). According to Parrott (2010), ethics can be seen to guide an action and are there to inform and influence any judgements made according to the professional value base of social work. Reamer (2006) provides an insight into the historical origins of values and ethics in social care and states that they have been at the foundation of social cares mission since its inception. He suggests that social work values and ethics come from four distinct stages: the morality period; the values period; the ethical theory and decision-making period and the ethical standards and risk management period (Reamer, 2006). These have culminated in the General Social Care Councils (GSCC) code of conduct that is in place today (Barnard, 2008). Social workers are duty bound to adhere to the GSCC codes of practice which acts as an ethical framework. A written code of ethics enables social workers to judge their practice against an ethical standard and enables service users to understand what conduct they should expect from their social worker. If social workers are considered to be in breach of the GSCC codes they can be removed from the social care register and no longer practice. Professional social workers must take responsibility for their actions as they hold a position of trust and power that is legitimised by the state making ethics an important factor in accountability. The impact of all practice on service users can be said to be powerful and therefore the ethics and value base emphasises the importance that the moral standing of service users is equal to that of the professional (Hugman, 2008). The National Occupation Standards (NOS) for Social Workers state clearly that values and ethics are central to being a competent practitioner. Parrott (2010) suggests that values are important to social work as they provide a common set of principles, which social workers can use and develop as a means of working in an ethical way with service users.(direct quote ? pg number) He goes on to say that they guide professional behaviour, help maintain a professional identity and protect service users from malpractice. It is important to clarify ones personal values in order to increase ones awareness of the potential conflicts and the impact these may have on ethical decision making. A persons cultural experiences and background will affect the decisions they make and may bias their behaviour. Social workers must first clarify their own value stance in relation to value-laden issues they meet in practice situations if they want to be true to themselves and to their profession (Dolgoff, 2009:54). When linking moral philosophy and ethical dilemmas to social work practice it is important to acknowledge that no one theory provides an answer. Traditionally social work has taken the Kantian approach and focused on the social worker / service user relationship. The need for social work to challenge inequality and oppression on an individual and structural level means radical social work is also still relevant. An overall Kantian Utilitarian Radical approach may be better. (Banks, 2006) The right of a service user to self determination may conflict with a social workers statutory duty if they are potentially endangering their own life or that of others (Clifford and Burke, 2009). Neil Thompson (2006, p40) defines oppression as inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals or groups; hardship or injustice brought about by the dominance of one group over another; the negative and demeaning use of power. It often involves disregarding the rights of an individual or group and is thus a denial of citizenship. Service users will predominately come from oppressed and marginalised groups and it is crucial that social workers acknowledge institutional discrimination and avoid inadvertently stereotyping service users, compounding existing oppressions. (Thompson, 2008) Social workers need to be aware of the unequal distribution of power within organisations and decide how best to advocate and negotiate within these organisations for the best interest of the service user, even if it involves challenging the structure and values of an organisation from within (Dominelli, 2002). Paternalism focuses on the right for social workers with knowledge, authority, and skills to go into the lives of those who need their help, either by self referral or referrals from other professions. Mrs Bertram has been referred by another professional because of her Alzheimers. Ethical awareness is an important part of social work as it gives the social worker the ability and commitment to work alongside other professionals and service users. The Utilitarian view is consequential with the results given as much consideration as possible. Therefore when thinking about practice this approach would say to think of the persons outcome (future) when dealing with the present situation. This would mean weighing the good with the bad. The radical approach would empower the service user into change enabling them to overcome problems and equip them with techniques to deal with these independently in the future. Social workers should involve the service user in the decision making process, working in partnership and keeping them fully informed about their case. The starting point of dealing with this case would be an assessment of the Bertrams situation. The assessment task when undertaken in a professional and informed manner is rewarding and sets the foundation for further interventions (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper 2008:269). The Bertrams financial situation is unclear as it appears that Mr Bertram doesnt have much inheritance money left which has led to rent arrears. This situation would need to be resolved soon as their landlord is threatening to evict them for rent arrears and the state of the flat, which could render them both homeless. Mrs Bertrams insight appears to be severely impaired by her end stage Alzheimers and an assessment of the health risks may require securing detailed information from the GP about Mrs Bertrams Alzheimers and other health issues, and the likely prognosis. Mr Bertram is believed to be an alcoholic and this could have implications for his health. The likelihood of a positive outcome would perhaps be i ncreased if Mr Bertram could be offered help for alcoholism as well as a carers assessment to ascertain what his needs are. He spends considerable time at his club, leaving his wife alone in the house vulnerable and at risk. Mrs Bertrams daughters distrust Mr Bertram and believe its in her best interest to be moved into residential care. Before her illness advanced Mrs Bertram stated she wanted to stay with her husband. Possible options to consider after the assessment would be providing support for Mr and Mrs Bertram at home, moving them into sheltered accommodation together or moving Mrs Bertram into residential care. All these alternatives may be unwelcoming to the Bertrams therefore in order to bring about any change it would be important to first build a relationship with both Mr Bertram and Mrs Bertram and her daughters applying the Kantist view that the truth is told. This could mean trying to communicate with Mrs Bertram at select times when she is more lucid and can partici pate as much as possible. It is important to develop/construct a shared understanding of the problem(s) being faced (Wilson, Ruch, Lymbery and Cooper, 2008:282). Judgements should be informed directly by what Mr and Mrs Bertram say about their circumstances. Mr and Mrs Bertram must have a key part in the assessment of their situation, and any issues should be shared allowing them to continue to have as much choice as possible. The strengths of this plan are that Mr and Mrs Bertram will be involved in the care plan and will be able to express their views, as well as Mrs Bertrams daughters being able to contribute towards the care plan. This may build a strong relationship with the family and build on trust so they do co- operate and consider all the options as they will understand that the strategy would be for the health and well being of both Mr and Mrs Bertram. As social workers we need to have a basic understanding of what the Bertrams values are as it would be difficult to empathise and get the necessary understanding of their wishes if we do not. As social workers we could then possibly struggle to make progress when trying to help the Bertrams. This professional development is important as we will use this type of growth everyday in the workplace. In this case the main value/wish seems to be that the Bertrams stayed together in their home. A social workers personal values may inform their understanding of practice. However, a social worker needs to follow the broader framework provided by anti-oppressive social work ethics. The framework provided allows a place for personal values but challenges social workers to place them within the wider framework where they are accountable to others and they must desist from imposing their values and in fact question them. (Clifford and Burke, 2009) Different contributions are made by various ethical perspectives in any given situation and these must be considered. Ethical perspectives must be considered in light of an anti-oppressive approach to practice and in relation to each other as there are occasions when the different perspectives conflict. Social workers have an obligation to work in a way that demonstrates not only knowledge of relevant ethical concepts and local laws but also a broader awareness of how ethical values are related to social inequalities and diversities (Cl ifford and Burke, 2009:203) Word Count: 2993 (including author details in brackets)

Betrayal in Hamlet

It is said that â€Å"To be betrayed by ones own blood is unforgivable and one must get revenge. † Betrayal plays a very important role in the Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. Throughout the play, Hamlet is betrayed by his own mother, Gertrude. She betrays her son and her late-husband, the king by immediately marrying Claudius, the king's own brother. Hamlets girlfriend, the lady Ophelia, even breaks the heart of the prince and deludes him. Even Hamlet betrays several people: he misleads Horatio, his friend. He betrays Ophelia by convincing her that he does not love her.Finally, King Claudius betrays his brother, the late king, by murdering him, marrying his wife, and taking his crown. Also betraying Hamlet and Gertrude. Hamlets mother Gertrude betrays her first husband, the first king of Denmark. This betrayal comes in the form of a hasty marriage to the king’s brother Claudius, who we find out later murdered his brother in an attempt to acquire the crown. This is an act of betrayal on Gertrude’s part, because she should be in mourning of the her first husband’s death, but she immediately enters another marriage, with the kings brother.This is a betrayal to Hamlet because his father was killed, and his mother soon marries the man who we find out is responsible for it. We find out that Claudius killed his brother and Hamlets father with poison, we find this out when Hamlet is visited by a ghost in which Horatio cannot identify but shows itself to Hamlet as his father, it is at this time that the ghost tells Hamlet how he really died and who was responsible . When Hamlet learns of this news, he is enraged with the news and he begins looking to get revenge on the murderer Claudius.Hamlet throughout the play begins to doubt his sanity and if he should kill his uncle Claudius or himself â€Å"To be or not to be†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. † (Hamlet), this is an act of betrayal on Hamlets part. As much as Ophelia really loves and cares about Hamlet, she betrays his trust. This was not all her own doing, she was influenced by others around her. She betrays his trust by co-operating in her father's scheme to spy on Hamlet for the king. Ophelia betrays Hamlet because Laerates and Polonius were worldly wise and poisoned her mind.Whenever Hamlet comes nearer to her, she remains silent and then discloses all to her father whatever happened. Simultaneously Hamlet’s behavior is very strange. He is depressed and abhorred his life. The world to him was weary, stale, flat and unprofitable. I believe that Ophelia really loves Hamlet and did not want to do this to him but she didn’t want to betray her brother and father, Laertes and Polonius. Claudius is an extremely shady character. Claudius killed his brother by pouring posion into his ear. He would’ve gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for his brothers ghost.Claudius then quickly married Gertrude and became king. Hamlet knows none of this however, yet already despises his mother and step-father/uncle. In scene 2, Claudius gives a very sly speech, avoiding the fact that he is in the middle of a very incestuous relationship. Claudius tries to beat around the bush and not really explain anything about his marriage to Gertrude. No one questions him because he is King, but the people are not happy about this situation anyway. Claudius’s slick nature somewhat surfaces when he is speaking to Hamlet also.He is obviously uncomfortable with the fact that Hamlet is still mourning the death of his father and almost seems to bully him to stop. Claudius, of course, seems to say this with a face full of smiles as if politely correcting Hamlet, but it seems obvious that he is downright afraid of what Hamlet could do if he discovered the truth. Keeping his enemies close seems to be his plan. Not only will Claudius be able to keep his eye on Hamlet, but he can be sure that Hamlet won’t be able to rise up against him if he stays. Claudius has much to lose if anyone finds out his terrible secret—that he killed the King, his brother.The main characters that betrayed others were Gertrude, Claudius, and Ophelia. Gertrude betrays her late husband, and her son Hamlet by marrying Claudius. Claudius betrays his brother by murdering him, taking his crown, and marrying his wife. Finally, Ophelia betrays Hamlet by listening to her brother and reporting Hamlets actions back to her father. Betrayal plays a huge role in William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. Pretty much every character betrays someone and is betrayed by somebody. Some may say that the characters actions were justifiable but I feel like they were all wrong.