Managing Family Owned Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Managing Family Owned Business - Essay Example From this research it is clear that family businesses are created for a variety of reasons, but a common belief among founders of family businesses is that working together as a family unit can be more profitable than working alone. Family businesses, whether they are small, local enterprises or large, national companies have unique concerns, such as interrelationships between family members, the question of succession in the next generation, maintaining talent, ownership and finance, in addition to all the problems that other businesses face. A family business has the challenge of balancing both the family and the business. Many times these two systems are in conflict with each other. Power struggles, resolving conflicting vested interests, leadership and mergers are other issues that arise on a daily basis. The importance of the consultant in supplying the guidance and expertise in the area of managerial skills is often overlooked in the family firm either because of lack of financ ial resources or the erroneous belief that an outsider does not know the business and thus cannot offer effective solutions. As resources and energies shift from transaction based to value-added activities, there is mounting pressure to improve traditional measures of business efficiency (Javier & Low, 2003). A family business has the challenge of balancing two distinct and often conflicting systems: the family and the business. Despite family business' significance in the economy, researches are showing that most of them are struggling to survive beyond a single generation. (Krebs, 2001; Carlock & Ward, 2001). According to Theune (2000) â€Å"stories about family businesses that failed due to mismanagement or family conflict are very common.... [and] only three out of ten family businesses survive into the third generation† (p. 1). Researchers are concerned that the biggest factor in the success or failure of family businesses are the relationships between family members. Th ere are many things to consider including personal well being, family life, financial security and even standing in the community (Hubler, 1998). The implications are that each generation can either bequeath the business and the business skills to the next generation or choose to let the emotional, psychological or relational issues destroy the business (Kets de Vries, 1996). The challenge for trainers to overcome is to synchronise individual visions of the family and the business. It is this creation of a shared vision that is the work of the planner or trainer before designing and implementing any technical succession plan that sets up a family business for success (Theune, 2000). Siblings vie for positions within the company over power, status, influence and prestige. There are conflicts over succession with siblings, conflicts over succession with parents, as well as intergenerational conflict. Issues such as how a female successor deals with male resentment and domination and g ains respect have also surfaced. Family businesses suffer from the complications of hiring unqualified

Concert reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Concert reflection - Essay Example The music texture is a combination of homophony and polyphony. The use of imitation is also dominant in the concert. The organizing principle of the music is based on contrast and variations. It has a clear flow of ternary form. The music has a slow speed with uneven spacing. Its dynamics is characterized with softness with a piano play. The concert has a wide voice range. It has a combination of soprano, alto, and tenor. The musical instrument families associated with the concerts include Keyboard instruments, chordophones, and brass. The type of singing group in the concert is known as choral groups. This is evident in acappella singing that features in the performance when all voices sing at the same time. It has a clear Chamber music ensemble as revealed by the pattern used. The singers occasionally remain silence while a single singer sings in certain parts. This was a duet performance in Philadelphia by a great artist known as Pink. Her music is known to follow the romanesca melodic formula. This performance is done at times while seated or standing and has a number of accompaniments which may be limited to the mood of the song. The mood of the song is determined by the message in the song. The rhythm is slow and organized in the basic meters. In has much syncopation in almost all the lines of the music. The music is based on major scale. â€Å"The melody is derived from the singer’s vocal tone that aligns well with the instrumentalist.†(O’toole 123) The vertical events sound in line with the music providing good harmony. Being a western music in the present generation, it borrows much from the lineage having major scale. The concert had a high central tone that could ignite the audience. The music had a dissonance musical space. The texture of her this concert is known to be monophony. It has some sections that take the imitation texture. The music form of the concert is has basic elements of contrast and repetition. This form of music

Energy Needs Essay Example for Free

Energy Needs Essay Fracking or hydraulic fracturing is a method used to extract valuable gasses from rock formations in the earth. Some of these gasses include shale gas, tight gas and petroleum. In South Africa fracking is used to extract shale gas in the Karoo. Shale gas is a natural gas that forms when air is captured in rock formations under the ground. It is one of the main reasons why hydraulic fracturing is used. Shale gas is used especially in America. In 2000 shale gas made out one percent of America’s energy producers but in 2010 it replaced over 20% of America’s natural gas resources. There was claimed by experts that South Africa has the fifth biggest shale gas resources in the world while China has the biggest. There is hoped that this gas could be an alternative resource of energy for South Africa’s growing need. That is why the eighteen-month moratorium for the use of fracking, to extract shale gas, was lifted. Even though this could be a great opportunity for our country the damage caused to our environment would be far greater than the little energy it would produce. When fracking is used to extract this gas, water, harmful chemicals and sand is pumped into the fractures of the rock formation. Manmade machines mostly make these fractures that drill holes into the rocks over three thousand meters deep. When this mixture of the water, sand and chemicals reach the shale rock formations hidroxide gasses are released inside the rock. These gases are than captured and used for the generation of electricity. No one can say that fracking does not have a huge impact on the natural environment. Unluckily I am not too sure that it is a positive impact. The chemicals and toxins used in fracking are released into the scarce  underground water of the Karoo, making the water polluted and unusable. Harmful emissions are also released into the air when extracted causing a greenhouse effect on the environment. A study shows that 3,6 to 7,9% methane is released into the atmosphere after fracking has taken place. Even the use of shale gas causes air pollution. The fact that fracking causes allot of pollution cannot be missed. It was even banned in France because of all the pollution it would have made. Because of the negative effect of pollution on the environment, in this case air and water pollution, I can’t understand why such a thing was allowed. For me as part of a new generation it is more important to use clean alternative energy rather than to use short-term solutions with financial benefit just to cause the earth to decline faster.

Response to Article College is a Waste of Time and Money Essay

The key and initial forces/factors that help children receive a good education are parents’ support, the child’s confidence, and the drive to learn. In The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me, Sherman Alexie demonstrates each characteristic, strives through obstacles and shines through it all. According to therapist, Anna Robinson, the first and key factor in children receiving a good education is parents’ support. Anna discovers that when children come into her office, one key initial common thing the children posse is lack of hearing their parents encourage what they are doing and not pushing them enough. For example, in The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me, Alexie’s dad doesn’t say anything but encourages Alexie with by collecting books from everywhere. Alexie taught himself how to read first by â€Å"reading† Superman comic books. Now the word reading has parentheses around it because Alexie looks at the pictures and assumes what Superman is doing and saying. â€Å"I look at the narrative above the picture. I cannot read the words†¦.. Aloud, I pretend to re...

Gender Socialization Essay

Gender socialization has been portrayed on television shows for many, many years. Gender messages are so common that we often do not even realize that it is happening. Henslin (2009) explains gender as, â€Å"the attitudes and behaviors that are expected of us because we are a male or a female† (p. 76). In television, these gender messages start as early as toddler cartoons, to high school sit coms, and all the way to soap operas geared towards an older crowd. I have watched the television show Sons of Anarchy for many years and gender socialization is very evident in every episode. The majority of every episode involves a motorcycle gang, causing the show to be very male oriented. They are a very respected group due to them having the persona of a motorcycle rider who carries guns and is not afraid to stand up and fight for their fellow riders or family members. Regardless of some of the men being married it is an all male club, and the wives are not considered members. The women are given the typical female role and go to work and stay at home taking care of the children. If ever their is a serious problem with a rival motorcycle gang the men ship their wives and children off to a hotel or somewhere safe and the men stick around and protect their club house and their families knowing they are somewhere safe. They do not allow women into the club because they do not think that they would be able to protect themselves. The men do not think that it is appropriate for the women to be in the middle of all of the fighting and the drug trafficking. They want them at home with the kids where they know that their family is out of the immediate danger. In this particular show the women are expected not to stray from their role while the men are free to do whatever they want or need. Another popular show that I have recently started watching is Revolution. This is the first season and in the first episode their is a world wide black out and they are showing how one area of the United States is functioning fifteen years later, still without power. There are big examples of how males and females are being portrayed differently as well as similarly. In the beginning they show the women home schooling the children while the men are out hunting for food. However their is one girl that likes to go out hunting but rarely comes home with anything that they can eat. Later on in the show, two females and a male end up leaving the small community to go find one of their members that got taken away. They head to Chicago to find a guy that is supposed to help them get their missing member back. At first he does not agree to help them because he thinks it is too dangerous for their female to be trying to fight anyone. Shortly thereafter they all get into a brawl with a group of people and the girls prove that they can hold their own. He agrees to go with them but still questions what she can do. At the beginning of the episode the gender socialization is completely obvious with the females doing a set of jobs and the males doing the hunting and fighting. The more the season is progressing the more the females enter the male role as well. I think that the further the season gets, the more the females will be forced into roles that are not considered typical female roles. I think having females in these different roles on television sends a good message to people watching. Yes it is good to keep women out of danger and away from certain things, however it is also good not to shelter them so much that when they are put in a situation not intended for females, they are not completely helpless. References Henslin, J. (2009) Essentials of Sociology: A down-to-earth approach (8th ed). New York: Allyn and Bacon.

Organizational Structures Essay - 799 Words

Introduction The design of a company affects every aspect of the business such as the way its members communicate, how decisions are made, and how the work is delegated, etcetera (Dictionary.com, 2006). This layout is known as the organization structure formally defined by Wikipedia (2006) as, the way in which the interrelated groups of an organization are constructed. From a managerial point of view the main concerns are ensuring effective communication and coordination. In respects to project management there are three primary organizational break downs they are functional structure, pure project structure, and matrix structure. We will take a look into each of these structures to better identify the similarities and†¦show more content†¦If there happened to be a fluctuation in the workload this arrangement is unable to easily respond to the changes. Functional output tends to be the primary objective of this type organization. Functional people stick to their own speciali zation and avoid being involved in cross-functional activities. (Wikipedia, 2006). Pure Project Structure A pure project organization is a self contained section or unit within an otherwise purely functional structure. (Cogeco, 2006). In this organizational structure the flow of communication channels through fewer people thus making it flexible and easily adaptable to change leaving room for innovation and evolution. According to the Cogeco Module (2006), This type of structure is typically used for projects that are difficult to plan accurately and where resource requirement and provision levels cannot be accurately established beforehand. The project manager maintains complete line authority over the whole project (Kerzner, 2003). With informal lines of communication in place it is suggested that a more centralized direction is needed in this structure. Pure project structure may create a sense of competition between the various project teams so when project deadlines approach members may be likely to take shortcuts to maintain good performance records. If this happens then theShow MoreRelatedOrganizational Structure763 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction It is essential to be conscious of your company s organizational structure because it exposes information concerning who has authority over whom; how and why a company splits the workload by specific people and by groups/teams. Understanding your organizational structure can also reveal important cross-functional relationships to coordinate work efforts for optimum results. It can show where breakdowns can occur in the hierarchy and assist in developing solutions for increasedRead MoreOrganizational Structure4097 Words   |  17 Pagesorganization structures and identify the type of organizational structure that do you thinks suitable for your selected organization? 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The definition of functional structure is that making the groups which get the people who have the similar skills together for the similar tasks (Schermerhorn,Read MoreOrganizational Structure Paper1161 Words   |  5 PagesOrganizational Structure Paper MGT 230 Organizational Structure Paper The selected organization for the topic is AAA Remodeling AAA Remodeling is a construction company that focuses on remodeling of residential homes along with weatherization on commercial and residential buildings. Description of organizational structure of AAA remodeling will be given. Two other organizational structures will be selected for the use of contrast and comparison. 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There are different types of organisationalRead MoreOrganizational Design and Organizational Structure Essay1427 Words   |  6 PagesORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE An organization is a pattern of relationships-many interwoven, simultaneous relationships- through which people, under the direction of managers, pursue their common goals. These goals are the products of the decision - making processes. The goals that managers develop through planning are typically ambitious, far-reaching, and open-ended. Managers want to ensure that their organizations can endure for a long time. Members of an organizationRead MoreOrganizational Structure And The Organization789 Words   |  4 PagesOrganizations differ from one another in various ways, and that is stated in their mission and vision statement as well as their goals. Every organization has a set pattern that helps to establish the structure on which it will accomplish the goal of the business. 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Drug Testing and Issues of Privacy at the Workplace

Drug Testing Issues of Privacy Drug Testing Issues of Privacy Drug testing in the workplace is a touchy issue for both employers and employees. Employers who drug test current and potential employees do so for several reasons. There are some industries and tasks which are very sensitive because of the material used, or the processes involved in the work, or because the work concerns matters of national security. There are numerous practical reasons for employers to test employees for illegal or illicit substances as well as legal substances that in excess cause harm to the person taking them and/or those around the person taking drugs. There exists a boundary between drug testing for safety and drug testing as a way to invade the privacy of employees for a number of reasons including excessive control, blackmail, or other forms of manipulation. The use of drug testing depends on the work that needs to be done. The use of drug testing also depends on the employees. If the behavior of the employees warrants drug te sting, then it should be done. If the work of the employees involves working with other people in need of substance rehabilitation or other forms of rehabilitation, then it would be logical for the management of such facilities to be concerned with substance abuse and other addictive behaviors among the employees and/or staff. Again, there is a logic behind the reasoning for drug testing employees in the workplace. There is additionally potential for abuseShow MoreRelatedDrug Testing in the Workplace1739 Words   |  7 PagesDrug Testing in the Workplace: A Costly Mistake Abstract The issue of drug testing in the workplace has sparked an ongoing debate among management. There are many who feel that it is essential to prevent risks to the greater public caused by substance abuse while on the job. However, others believe that the costs far outweigh the benefits and that it is an invasion of privacy. Putting all ethical issues aside, evidence presented in this paper supports the latter. The costs of drug testing areRead MoreDrug And Alcohol Testing On The Workplace1663 Words   |  7 PagesDrug and Alcohol Testing in the Workplace Due: Monday Dec 1, 2014 COMM-220-F Rebecca Walsh By Brett Tate and Brandon Bracko November 17, 14 Introduction People often question drug and alcohol testing in the work place. It is a controversial subject that has a range of mixed emotions. But where do you draw the line when it comes to crossing the boundaries of prying into one’s personal life? This report will explain the legal, and ethical issues surrounding the topic of drug and alcohol testing inRead MoreDrug Testing For Current And Prospective Employees Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pagesthe topic on the very controversial issue of drug testing for current and prospective employees in the workplace. In the textbook we reviewed the opposing opinions of authors Joseph Desjardins and his co-author Ronald Duska and Michael Cranford. The main issue between these writers is whether drug testing invades an individual’s privacy and in what circumstances should drug testing be permissible. I will first review both Desjardins and Cranford’s views on the issue then offer my evaluation. BothRead MoreEmployee Drug Testing: Fair and Effective Essay1648 Words   |  7 Pagesdollars are spent to pay for the unnecessary expenses caused by drug-impaired employees. Workers whose performances are negatively altered by drug use contribute to losses in business productivity and assist in lowering workplace safety. On average, according to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), $100 billion is lost per year due to accidents, decreases in productivity, and other related expenses caused by incompetent, drug abusing employees (â€Å"Coalitions†). However, through a thoughtfulRead MoreDrug Free is the Way to Be1053 Words   |  4 Pagesor abuse drugs, legal or not, that cause interference within the workplace. According to the Human Resource Manager Eileen Esquer, from Isagenix International, when the use of drugs start to disrupt an employee’s job, they generate expensive health costs and loss of productivity for businesses. A controversial issue in the business industry is with employment drug testing. Companies that organize drug testing will provide safe working conditions. Although, employers who do not conduct drug tests, willRead MoreAn Employee’S Right To Privacy In The Workplace Is An Increasingly1349 Words   |  6 Pagesright to privacy in the workplace is an increasingly controversial legal topic, especially in an age of increased technology. These days, employers can virtually monitor all workplace communications made by employees using computers such as the Internet and company email. While the law generally allows this monitoring, some employee’s view it is a violation of their privacy. Other bothersome topics on an employee’s right to privacy in the workplace is employee drug or honesty testing, and whetherRead MoreRandom Drug Testing vs Employees Privacy Rights Essay1478 Words   |  6 PagesA. Court Cases Affecting Privacy of Employees and Drug Testing in the Workplace 1. Supreme Court cases affirming drug testing a. Skinner v. Railway Labor Executives Association 109 S.Ct 1402(1989) b. National Treasury Employees Union v. Von Raab, 109 S.Ct. 1384 (1989) 2. Other lower court and State court rulings a. Kraslawsky v. Upper Deck 56 Cal.App.4th 179, 66 Cal Rptr.2d.297(CA 4, 1997) b. Pettus v. DuPont, 49 Cal.App.4th402, 57 Cal.Rptr.2d 46 (1997) 3. Supreme Court casesRead MoreConstitutional Rights1444 Words   |  6 Pagesif an employer can crush those rights by using lie detector tests, monitor employee phone calls and emails; use surveillance cameras, and issue random drug-testing. Drug-Testing The American Civil Liberties Union states, drug testing of individuals without cause is ineffective, expensive and, often times, illegal (para. 1) as well as, drug testing of individuals without cause is an affront to the Fourth Amendment (para. 2). While the fourth amendment does state, the right of the peopleRead MoreDo Drug Tests Violate Employees’ Rights to Privacy?1654 Words   |  7 Pagesthis question Do drugs tests violate employees’ right to privacy?’ The answers are given by the presentation and the analyzing different views evident in literature so as to build an argumentative case against or in support of, lastly drawing the conclusions set. This is made possible concentrating on a scope which considers the ethics existent in normative theories. It means that theories of a higher philosophical calling considering whether the employees violate the right of privacy of their employeesRead MoreWritten Analysis : Law And Ethics1659 Words   |  7 Pagesobtained a license from the State of Colorado for the use of medical marijuana. The Plaintiff alleged he used the marijuana within the limits of the license under the state constitutional and statutory provisions and never sued it on company property. Testing positive for marijuana is a violation of the defendant antidrug policy. When the Plaintiff tested positive for marijuana, the Defendant fired the Plaintiff. Use of Medical Marijuana The Plaintiff sued the Defendant and asserted four claims. First