Saturday, December 28, 2019

Insight Into Human Behavior And The Canterbury Tales

Insight into Human Behavior in the Canterbury Tales Geoffrey Chaucer is known for being one of the greatest English poets of his time (Malvern). During Chaucer’s life, he went through many hardships. Some of the hardship Chaucer endured was being kidnapped by French enemies, dealing with the death of his wife, and surviving the Black Death (â€Å"Chaucer†). Chaucer hardship helped him become the author that he was (Malvern). â€Å"The Canterbury Tales is a group of legends narrated by fictional pilgrims on a pilgrimage† (â€Å"Chaucer†). Chaucer’s uses the characters in his tales to demonstrate his dislike of certain human behaviors in society especially in members of the Catholic Church. In his Tales the characters reflect different opinions of the†¦show more content†¦The Pardoner in this story is the most controversial of all the pilgrims for four reasons (Morgan 242). Those four reasons are his work, his greed, his pride, and his sexua lity (Morgan). He does not care for helping people to correct their sins or their souls he just cares about taking their money (Krugar). Being money hungry and taking advantage of the poor is not a trait most commonly used to describe a religious leader of a church. However, the Pardoner appears not to be concerned with what is best of the people he is more concerned about cheating the needy from support. The Pardoner cares about his self over anyone else. He would rather take the last penny from a widow and her starving family then give up his money (Besserman 244). The Pardoners only wish is to fill his â€Å"ever deepening pockets† (Besserman). When the Pardoner would grant repentance for people’s sin. The people had to pay him for the help he provided. The money the people gave him is supposed to be a charitable donation to the church but he would keep the money he made for himself (Morgan 249). The Pardoner would even make an exact replica of the Popes signature j ust so he could pocket the money (Morgan 242). This shows the readers that the Pardoner does his work in greed rather than doing charitable work. When the Pardoner preaches he preaches on Coveting. This is controversial because he commits the sins that he preaches about to his people (Morgan 243). He never changes hisShow MoreRelatedThe Inconsistancies of Life in In The Canterbury Tales and The Knights Tale, by Geoffrey Chaucer1707 Words   |  7 PagesIn The Canterbury Tales, composed by Geoffrey Chaucer, the fundamental topic of the tales is the inconsistency of human life — satisfaction and suffering are never far separated from one another, and no one is truly safe from experiencing a tragedy. When an individuals fortunes are up, other individuals are down. This issue is expressed by the pattern of the narrative, in which depictions of favorable luck are immediately followed by disasters, and characters are subject to memorable inversionsRead MoreThe Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer963 Words   |  4 PagesThe Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of 24 stories written during the Middle Ages. The tales were written with the intent of criticizing the functions of societal standards as well as the beliefs of the Church. â€Å"The Miller’s Tale,† one the most popular stories, offers unique insights into the customs and practices of the English middle class during the Middle Ages. The story follows the lives of John, Absolon, and Nicholas, three men who are involved with a beautiful woman namedRead MoreWomen During The Medieval Times1932 Words   |  8 PagesJackman Larson English 12 2nd period 11/16/15 Women in Canterbury Tales During the Medieval time period that Canterbury Tales was written in, there was a general depiction of women that they weren’t even looked at as humans, but looked at as objects. Women were thought of as weak, untrustworthy, and even less intelligent beings than men. Chaucer did not necessarily agree with the general consensus of women during the time period. Now there are tales that go along with the general impression of womenRead MoreAn Analysis Of Chaucer s The Canterbury Tales 2650 Words   |  11 PagesAn Analysis of Chaucer’s Miller in The Canterbury Tales In the prologue to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer introduces the Miller as a crude, rude, loud character who cheats his customers. The tale, which the Miller later narrates, is appropriate because the Miller’s tale clearly reflects this individual’s unrefined personality by telling a typical, filthy tavern story. The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is a story that details thirty pilgrims, including Chaucer, traveling onRead MoreAnalysis Of The Canterbury Tales1806 Words   |  8 PagesThe Canterbury Tales is a collection of twenty-four stories regarding numerous pilgrims and their pilgrimage to Canterbury written in Middle English by Geoffrey Chaucer. The subjects of these tales range from knights to the clergy to government officials. The various tales in the Work are presented in the manner of a contest at the Tabard Inn in London, in which the prize for the best story is a free meal upon their return. Chaucer’s first impressions of the M iller as a rude and sinful man continueRead MoreWomen Strive for Education and Equal Rights1157 Words   |  5 PagesThe Quran states: That man can have nothing but what he strives for (QS. 53:39). The word ‘man’ used in this verse not only covers the patriarchal nature, but the androgynous nature of humans as a whole. Women were once considered property of men; even if not as property then only as pinch-hit for male labour. The highest rank given to a woman was of one who bore male labours and fed them. No voting rights, no right to run for office, or the right to own property of their own. Male members ofRead More The Rich Diversity of Meanings of the Pardoners Tale Essay5609 Words   |  23 PagesThe Rich Diversity of Meanings of the Pardoners Tale Chaucer’s innovation in the Pardoner’s performance tests our concept of dramatic irony by suggesting information regarding the Pardoner’s sexuality, gender identity, and spirituality, major categories in the politics of identity, without confirming that information. Our presumed understanding of the Pardoner as a character lacks substantiation. As we learn about the Pardoner through the narrator’s eyes and ears, we look to fit the nobleRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale2067 Words   |  9 PagesThe representation of gender in â€Å"The Wife of Bath’s Prologue† and â€Å"The Wife of Bath’s Tale† by Geoffrey Chaucer functions as a way to both satirize and represent female equality. In particular, The Wife of Bath challenges the stereotypes of what may appear to be â€Å"normal† treatment of women during this time period (TheBestNotes.com). She identifies the distinctions between â€Å"traditional† gender roles and relates them to passages from the bible, which are then taken out of context. These passages areRead MoreFigurative Language and the Canterbury Tales13472 Words   |  54 Pages13. blank verse: poetry written in meter but containing no ending rhyme. Lines of verse contain forms closest to that of natural speaking, yet are flexible and adaptive. 14. characterization principles: characters should be 1) consistent in their behaviors, 2)their words and actions should spring from motivations the reader can understand, and 3) plausible and lifelike 15. cinquain: a five line stanza 16. conceit: in literature, fanciful or unusual image in which apparently dissimilar things are shownRead MoreMy Own Creative Process And Transformative Experiences During The Stages Of Work Essay2156 Words   |  9 Pagesabout the possibility of creating sculptures that intertwine art with psychology in a way that would visually express the effects of how much power the mind can have over the body. I have always been interested in observing and understanding human behaviors. I gravitate towards literature and films that focus on that subject matter, so a fair amount of what I would consider informal research took place long before this course started. When I first read the syllabus about the project and without knowing

Friday, December 20, 2019

Does the Media Shape Who We Are - 2522 Words

Introduction The Mass Media is an important feature of modern society; its development has undoubtedly been a core factor to rapid social and technological change and also to the rise in personal income and standard of life as well as the decline of some social traditions. Mass media can be defined as venues for messages that are created for consumption by large numbers of people. It is a term used to denote a section of the media specifically envisioned and designed to reach a very large audience such as the population of a nation state. The degree to which the mass media has influenced society today has been (and still is) debated upon for decades. It can be argued that the mass media is used as â€Å"an instrument†, both more powerful and†¦show more content†¦The school proposed the hypodermic model of effects. This envisaged the media as a hypodermic syringe that injected the audience with its contents like a drug making them acceptable to the attitudes, opinions and beliefs expressed by the medium about the decisions that they make. ‘The image of mass communication process entertained by researchers had been, firstly, one of â€Å"an atomistic mass† of millions of readers, listeners and movie goers, prepared to receive the message; and secondly†¦every message [was conceived of] as a direct and powerful stimulus to action which would elicit immediate response.’- Katz and Lazarsfeld (1955) The Inoculation Model Another theory similar to the last is the Inoculation model, a long term model that is based upon the idea that if we are continuously exposed to certain images, we then become immune to them. This was an argument used in the Jamie Bulger case in which two teenage boys were said to have been obsessed with and therefore influenced by the film Child’s Play 3 and thus drove them to carry out a horrific crime on the toddler. Television violence has been a hot topic in recent years especially the effects it has on young people. As a result there are censorship guidelines notably in the aim not to influence the minds of the young. For example, in America certain sketches of the animated comedy The Simpsons are censored. It is not evenhanded to sayShow MoreRelatedThe Media s Influence On Society1560 Words   |  7 Pagesjust the way you are. How many times have we heard this, yet we live in a society that appears to contradict this very idea. If looks don’t matter then why do women and girls live in a society where their bodies define who they are? If looks don t matter then why is airbrushing used by the media to hide any flaws a person has? What exactly is causing this, why do we feel like we are just not beautiful the way we are? Its the media. It’s because the media promotes a certain body image as being beautifulRead MoreThe Influence of Mass Media on the Young Male Image Essay1645 Wor ds   |  7 Pages Mass media creates a stereotype promoting an image of how a young man should act, appear, or resemble in todays society. The media has a great influence over what we view and hear as a society and it can have an effect especially on a younger men and the image that they want to portray. Moreover, the media has a lot to do with the image we perceived in our minds and young men are easily perusable by what they see or hear. With the media flooding negative influence, it builds up to having thisRead MoreWhat Does Manufacturing Consent Mean?924 Words   |  4 Pages1) What does manufacturing consent mean? †¢ Noam Chomsky separates his surroundings in 2 groups. They are people that make decisions and have control over the politics, the culture and education of society. The 20% include big news corporations, for example he discusses The New York times quite a few time throughout the film. The remaining 80% are the followers. That is what most of the world is. These are people that either do not know, or do not care about the truth. Actually, the 80% has an importantRead MoreHow Social Forces Allowed The Spread Of Flash Mob1078 Words   |  5 PagesMemes have taken over our society. They have invaded everything that we know from food, music, movies, and TV shows. A meme is recognized as an idea, behavior, and a style that spread through individuals’ within a culture. Memes come in a variety of forms such as TV and movie references that are expressed in an image, jokes, minor everyday consequences or piece of text. The word meme was coined by Richard Dawkins in his book The S elfish Gene in 1976. Now with the internet memes spreads quickly throughoutRead MoreThe Role Of Power In International Communication1391 Words   |  6 Pagescommunication shapes the connection between media and power. At the same time, it shapes our perception by affecting the way we see cultural and economic power along with how we obtain our knowledge. International communication shows that the media is interrelated with power and influence. It has a major role in defining, maintaining, and transforming the structure of power distribution in the society. Considering how a significant part of power and influence belongs to the government, the media clearlyRead MoreBody Image in Women in the 21st century1678 Words   |  7 PagesBody Image is one the topics that we talked about for ages. Girls and women have the biggest effect because they seem to be target no matter what and being analyze. We live in a world where no women can be happy with the way they look and show their natural beauty without changing themselves. Everyone has an opinion about the perfect body would be, but they would take away from a person individuality. In a modern popular culture, the media, society, race, sexuality and culture perpetuate image normsRead MoreBeauty And Beauty Essay803 Words   |  4 PagesDassinger English 102 October 3, 2017 Media has an influence on beauty standards throughout the world. Not to mention, it affects women and men everywhere. TV and ads like magazines are major ways of spreading ideas of being physically fit, having natural straight long hair, and more. But there are some campaigns that are encouraging natural beauty, body peace, and high self-esteem. Society has fueled the media and holds responsibility for letting the media create a lack of confidence and desireRead MoreThe Media Has Become The World’S Main Source Of Information1328 Words   |  6 PagesThe media has become the world’s main source of information that construct the value and definition of people in society. It also, facilitates our understanding of our culture. The media is the motherboard of social information shapes our understanding of race and ethnicity as part of our identity, our history, our social institutions, and our everyday lives. The media educates society on who does what as well as creating certain roles for ethno- racial groups. The roles of the groups are definedRead MoreThe Factors Of Political Socialization1448 Words   |  6 Pages#2 Similar to many of the things we are introduced to growing up as humans, our political knowledge is one of the things that does not derive from one specific source. Our thoughts on politics is constantly evolving and maturing as we encounter different agents throughout our lives. These agents of political socialization include our family, our education, the media, and many more. They shape our values and beliefs from the moment we are born to the moment we die. Our family environment contributesRead MoreThe World of Mass Media1067 Words   |  5 PagesThe world of Mass Media is a complicated place as told by former TV and Radio reporter, Al Meyers. â€Å"You never know what you’re going to be doing, but then there’s the ability to be able to do it and to share that with the people who are listening.† Meyers, who is retired, gave me the pleasure of sitting down and talking to me about the world of Mass Media Communication, then and now. Most of what we hear about in the world today comes to us as it is broadcasted through the television news networking

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Issues in Political and Economic Environment MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Conceptual Issues in Political and Economic Environment. Answer: Introduction: The fundamental research theme is to assess the parts, applications and significance of positive accounting theory with regards to research program to make causal clarifications of human conduct in the setting of bookkeeping. In the review, the primary contentions introduced by the authors propose that, today, it is more huge and fundamental for every one of the organizations to adequately and suitably utilize the applications and ideas of PAT (positive accounting theory) to upgrade authoritative execution and efficiency as well as increase upper hands and contend in the dynamic business condition. PAT is likewise considered by the organizations as creative devices to bring development at the working environment. PAT has more extensive degree that gives an unmistakable and vital course in understanding the human conduct in setting of bookkeeping tenets, principals, standard and approaches. In addition, this theory is likewise gives approaches to organizations about how to achieve cor porate objectives by augmenting association's efficiency and gainfulness. Besides, the principle reason for the review is to get to the parts and utilizations of positive way to deal with accounting theory. In addition, the point of the review is to break down and assess the ideas of positive accounting research as a noteworthy piece of more extensive scholarly venture of logical research which intend to perceive the circumstances and end results connections. At long last, this examination study is arranged in various key parts including, presentation, and outline of article, research inquiries, essentialness and impediment of article and conclusion. Article Summary/Overview: The positive accounting has more extensive degree utilized as a part of research projects to comprehend the human conduct in the setting of bookkeeping. The examination article compress that, today a large portion of organizations are utilizing the applications and principals of positive accounting hypothesis in their associations to foresee real bookkeeping hones (Wolk, 2008). This helps them in accomplishing monetary and money related targets adequately. Additionally, it can likewise be outlined that, through the viable usage of positive accounting, business firms can assess and comprehend the occasions inside their accounting exchanges (Godfrey, Hodgson, Tarca, Hamilton, Holmes, 2010). The review is likewise compresses the hugeness of positive accounting in enormous feeling of research projects. For case, by utilizing positive hypothesis, human conduct can be adequately comprehends in setting of accounting. The positive accounting exploration is a branch of positive accounting th at utilized as a part of scholarly venture of logical research by the organizations with a specific end goal to create understanding about the cause and impact relations (Wilson, 2015). Besides, it can likewise be abridge that, in utilizing of positive accounting research; an extensive variety of inadequacies could be confronted by the organization. Be that as it may, it is additionally offer a ton of advantages to the client organization. For case, when an organization embrace more extensive scholarly venture, it might confront a few issues with respect to venture's ontological and epistemological presumptions (Dunmore, 2009). The examination article unmistakably expressed that, the real reason for the positive accounting can be distinctive and startling, on the off chance that it is not done well and set up. It shows the connection and relationship among the positive bookkeeping and positive bookkeeping research. Consequently, it is imperative to utilize positive accounting proper ly, and successfully with a specific end goal to direct the positive bookkeeping examination to get coveted results (Smith, 2014). Also, the positive accounting exploration ought to be utilized by the business firms as a worldview with a specific end goal to comprehend bookkeeping, inspecting, business and accounting related issues at the pre-decided day and age. For instance, positive accounting research as worldview would permit the bookkeepers and budgetary chiefs of the organization to defeat different issues (Dennis, 2015). There are a various hypothetical and viable/numerical techniques are utilized by the researcher in the review so as to comprehend the estimation of positive bookkeeping hypothesis and research in the business. For example, both positive accounting examination and hypothesis are essential apparatus for the today's organizations. It is on the grounds that these enable the organizations and firms to get to genuine and genuine suppositions about this present reality occasions (Mckibbin, 2005). Besides, accounting has distinctive wonder that are resourced by the procedure of adjusted self-enthusiasm between the general populations those facilitate through the express/inferred assertion in the different organizations. Besides, the accounting exploration is described with the distinctive areas of positive research that couldn't be delineated obviously on the hypothetical model (Henderson, Peirson, Herbohn, Howieson, 2015). The positive research is a great deal more important, valuable, and huge by contrasting it with positive hypothesis of bookkeeping because of positive bookkeeping research enables an organization to direct unique research projects to enhance the benefit, profitability, and work execution in a successful and legitimate way. Besides, an extensive variety of contrasts and similitude can be found among the positive research and positive accounting (Dunmore, 2009). It is likewise gotten to that, positive accounting research considers different supposition in comprehension of human conduct in bookkeeping setting. Positive accounting research manages different research wordings including epistemology and metaphysics had clarified by the writer with a specific end goal to achieve the substantial conclusion or results (Jones, 2015). Ultimately, it is outlined that, for the reason to adequately and legitimately direct the review, different hypothetical models are utilized. Additionally, different phrasings are examined as to the positive bookkeeping examinat ion and hypothesis, for example, necessity of good estimation and information chronicles (Dennis, 2015). Addressing of Research Question: In the context of this research study, to effectively attain the key objectives and aims of the study, the following key research questions are addressed. What are the major implications and applications of positive accounting theory and how this theory is related to the accounting research? (Neelan, 2007). What are the fundamental advantages of using positive accounting research and what types of deficiencies are faced by business firms in using positive accounting theory? What is the relation of PAT with the accounting research program? How to perform research programs in accounting and its roles and key purposes? How the intellectual project of scientific research is linked with the positive accounting research? (Mintz, 2013). What are the key areas of positive accounting research accounting research? Hence, all these research questions will be addressed in order to attain the key goals and objectives of the study effectively. Theoretical Framework Used In Research Article: Essentially, this exploration study is portrayed with the suitable and powerful theoretical framework related with the bookkeeping, evaluating, and back that could be utilized as a part of the genuine business to enhance general profitability and accomplish long haul money related targets. The review is likewise gives hypothetical data about the positive accounting theory and research that can be effectively comprehended by the peruser to lead additionally examine (Rao, 2006). Besides, the examination utilizes different hypothetical application and ideas as to bookkeeping, accounting, inspecting, bookkeeping hypotheses and so forth. The review is additionally offer more extensive degree for the further research and recommends how the positive bookkeeping hypothesis is connected with the positive research in bookkeeping and how to get to human conduct in setting of bookkeeping. The review is not just valuable and essential for the perusers, organizations and understudies in understand ing the hypothetical ideas of bookkeeping additionally understanding the more extensive territory of positive bookkeeping research in business (Ronen Yaari, 2008). In the meantime, the accounting ideas with respect to epistemology, metaphysics, positive accounting research, positive bookkeeping hypothesis, scholarly venture of logical research, bookkeeping research programs, inadequacies and advantages of positive bookkeeping hypothesis and research has been clarified and characterized by the exploration to satisfy the points, goals and motivation behind the review (Godfrey, Hodgson, Tarca, Hamilton, Holmes, 2010). Significance and Limitations: The primary centrality of study is that, both numerical and hypothetical strategies are utilized by the researcher with a specific end goal to build up a reasonable comprehension about the positive bookkeeping hypothesis and research. The specialist had characterized and clarified every last foremost, ideas of positive bookkeeping exploration and hypothesis. Similarly, this review is gives profundity data about the exploration subject (Godfrey, Hodgson, Tarca, Hamilton, Holmes, 2010). Besides, the review is directed adequately by the specialist by utilizing different technique for bookkeeping. Conversely, the key impediment of the review is that, the analyst had utilized more confused numerical models to speak to the review and achieve the exploration objectives. Thus, the strategies utilized by the analyst are more unpredictable and confounding to get it (Henderson, Peirson, Herbohn, Howieson, 2015). Additionally, the scientist had not legitimately centered on achieving the key ob jectives of the review; he/she had concentrated just on depicting the examination theme. Also, the review obviously shows need utilization of essential information accumulation strategy. For example, in the review essential strategy is disregarded by utilizing auxiliary wellspring of data. The review is additionally mirrors that there are no exploration inquiries, goals, and points distinguished. Henceforth, there is no connection among the examination targets and research subject (Ashton, 2013). In the same way, this research study is not only have limitations but also characterized with the various features. Conclusion: It is reasoned that, positive accounting examination is a noteworthy region of positive bookkeeping hypothesis that has more extensive degree and utilized as a part of scholarly venture by the business firms to achieve their money related and monetary goals. Positive bookkeeping research program gives particular and inventive business chances to the organizations to get to their genuine and real accounting exchanges viably. At long last, it can be inferred that, organizations ought to concentrate on positive bookkeeping exploration, projects and hypotheses with a specific end goal to accomplish their key targets successfully. Moreover, it can be said that, positive accounting theory is provides various opportunities to the business firms in order to overcome and deal with the several accounting and auditing related issues. For case, it improves productivity and brings innovation within the various functions and tasks related to the accounting. Moreover, accounting research can also b e conducted to understand the real events within the accounting transactions and policies. Overall, it can be concluded that, business firms must focus on using the applications of positive accounting theory and research to perform a wide range of accounting and financial functions at the workplace. References: Ashton, R.H. (2013). The Evolution of Behavioral Accounting Research (RLE Accounting): An Overview. UK: Routledge. Dennis, I. (2015). Auditing Theory. UK: Routledge. Dunmore, P.V. (2009). Retrieved From: https://sydney.edu.au/business/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/59988/Paul_Dunmore_MEAFA_2010.pdf Godfrey, J., Hodgson, A., Tarca, A., Hamilton, J., Holmes, S. (2010). Accounting Theory. USA: Wiley. Henderson, S., Peirson, G., Herbohn, K. Howieson, B. (2015). Issues in Financial Accounting. USA: Pearson Higher Education AU. Jones, S. (2015). The Routledge Companion to Financial Accounting Theory. USA: Routledge. Mckibbin, W. (2005). Isoquantal Capital Modulation: A Harmonic Modeling Approach to Understanding and Managing the Investment Decision. USA: Universal-Publishers. Mintz, S. (2013). Accounting for the Public Interest: Perspectives on Accountability, Professionalism and Role in Society. USA: Springer Science Business Media, 2013 Neelan, M.H. (2007). Focus on Finance and Accounting Research. USA: Nova Publishers. Rao, P.M. (2006). Accounting Theory and Standards. USA: Deep and Deep Publications. Ronen, J., Yaari, V. (2008). Earnings Management: Emerging Insights in Theory, Practice, and Research. USA: Springer Science Business Media. Smith, M. (2014). Research Methods in Accounting. USA: SAGE. Wilson, R.M.S. (2015). Accounting Education Research: Prize-winning Contributions. UK: Routledge. Wolk, H.I. (2008). Accounting Theory: Conceptual Issues in a Political and Economic Environment. USA: SAGE.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Probuild Construction †Implementation of HRM Strategies

Questions: Case Study: The Probuild Constructions Story Prebuild Constructions was established in 1987. The company has been involved in such major projects as the new Grandstand at Flemington Racecourse, the Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and Toyotas corporate headquarters in Port Melbourne. In May 2005, Probuild successfully applied for a Victorian Government Better Work and Family Balance grant. The company wanted to investigate work-family balance at Probuild and develop a program that would work for the employees and the company. A working group made up of staff, union and management representatives was established to oversee a survey of all staff and the development of initiatives as part of a work-family balance program. The survey, distributed to all 150 employees in Victoria, was designed to: Gather information about the work, family and life pressures currently impacting on them and their families. Assess initiatives already in place to assist staff to manage these pressures. Iden tify new initiatives that would have the greatest impact on staff satisfaction. To gain a picture about the impact working at Probuild was having on families, a separate survey was also prepared and circulated to the partners/ wives/ husbands of all employees. The response to the surveys was very good, with a 57 per cent return rate from employees and 70 per cent return rate from their partners/ wives/ husbands. Overall, employees reported that they were happy working for Probuild but that the constant pressure and long hours made it very difficult to successfully combine work and family. Several responded that the long hours- particularly working Saturdays- were having an adverse impact on their personal relationships. And the response from employees partners/ wives/ husbands was even stronger. They reported that the long hours and workload meant that they had to take almost full responsibility for day-to-day household management and family care, even though many were engaged in pa id work. Probuild decided that the response from partners required further discussion so invitations to take part in a focus group were sent home via payslips. Sixteen partners/ wives/ husbands took part in the focus group. This led to recognition that the companys work-family balance strategy needed to include: Flexibility for different employees and their families to make choices that suited them best, with acknowledgement of the differing needs of salary and hourly rate. Reassurance that taking up work-family balances options would not undermine anyones employment or position with Probuild. A commitment to reducing the number of Saturdays employees are required to work. Working from all the information gathered by the survey and the focus groups, the working group met regularly to move the Probuild project to its next steps. A work-family policy was developed based on these five guiding principles: All initiatives must be of mutual benefit to the individual and company. Achi eving better work and life balance is a team effort involving individuals and managers. There is not one solution that will meet everyones needs. Hard work can be done flexibly. Good communications are fundamental to success. All employees and their partners/ wives/ husbands were invited to attend a major launch where they received an information pack outlining how the company intended to develop a better work and family culture. The pack contained a booklet to provide practical information for staff and their partners so they could assess their own needs and then set and achieve goals to bring about better work-life balance. Following a launch, specific action plans were developed to address key issues. An intensive training, development and coaching program was instigated for managers and performance review processes were changed to ensure that every employees work and family needs are documented. Probuild Constructions was an Award Winner at the 2009-10 National Work-Life Bala nce Awards, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in providing innovative work-life balance solutions in the construction sector. Probuild was also awarded the overall National Award Winner of the 2009-2010 National Work-Life Balance Awards, acknowledging its outstanding achievements in providing innovative work-life balance solutions in the construction industry. For Director of Probuild, Ted Yencken, the new work-family balance program is a key element in Probuilds ability to retain and attract employees. Ted suggested that the development of our work/life balance policy, principles and programs are the fundamental steps to creating a workplace culture which will be more supportive of work and life balance and which will deliver better outcomes for business. (Extract taken from the Probuild Constructions case study, Better work and family balance- moving to a more family friendly construction industry, irv.vic.gov.au) Task: Based on the above case study, write an essay th at answers all the questions: 1. Why do employees value opportunities for workplace flexibility? Would this strategy work in all organisations and industries? You should critically analyse your answer in terms of work-life balance theories. 2. Is it possible for companies to be competitive and at the same time create a workplace that provides for flexibility and work-family balance? You may relate your answer to the flexible work arrangement theories, business competitiveness theories. 3. What other flexibility and work-family balance strategies could Probuild have adopted? What do you believe the productivity outcomes and benefits of such a program would be to Probuild? You may develop your arguments in terms of work life balance/ contextual, culture and job restructuring at the workplace, impact of work-life balance on employee wellbeing, performance, satisfaction, employee retention strategies etc. Answers: Introduction The study is all about the Probuild Construction organization different strategies which they adopted regarding their employees and organizational benefits. There is an description about different opportunities provided by Probuild to their employees regarding their work life balance and performance. The report is having discussion after analyzing the present scenario of Probuild construction and different strategies adopted by the organization. Probuild construction Pvt. Ltd is one of the best national level contractor based company whose main operation area is Australia. The report is based on the analysis and evaluation of the operations which are performed by Probuild Construction Company as per their client. Probuild is a contract based company i.e. they perform construction operation as per their customers (Parboteeah and Cullen, 2011). The report is having brief discussion about the strategies adopted by Probuild construction company for making working environment flexible for the employees and other strategies which company adopted for making their stand in competitive environment. There is also a discussion about the outcome and benefits which will be achieved by Probuild after they have adopted work life balance and business environment strategies. After analyzing and evaluating all the case studies as mentioned in case study some recommendations are given in this report. 1. Value of flexible opportunities for employees in workplace As mentioned in case study flexibility in workplace helped Probuild organization to build strong bonding among the employee and organization. Flexibility in workplace provides high commitment of employees toward their job as well as organization. Flexible work in Probuild includes part time work hours, work from home, sharing of job, flexibility in start and end time and other facilities which motivated Probuild employees (prezi.com, 2015). Probuild construction follow work life balance theory which helped organization in motivating their employees maintaining proper balance between their work life and personal life. As commented by (Ahlvik and Bjrkman) to live a proper life family friend, work all are necessary and employer should always help their employee make a proper balance in all 3 of this. If employees are given proper instruction in starting that how to maintain work life with personnel life, they will be motivated to perform better. As mentioned in case study Probuild const ruction received National work life balance award in 2009 which shows that the organization follow proper strategies for making their employees balance their work life with their personal life. As Probuild is a construction based company so to get better performance outcome, management of Probuild should always focus on their employees health. Flexible opportunities provided by Probuild construction to their employees are as employees were given opportunity of choosing their work starting time in a ethical manner (Ricardo de Souza Freitas, Jos Chiappetta Jabbour and Csar Almada Santos, 2011). If suppose any employees got any injury or health problem he/she would be provided with primary health care and then further care as per needed. As mentioned Probuild took a survey with their employees and their families for analyzing the scenario or problem which they all are facing regarding work life and professional life balance. As discussed in case study Probuild construction is famous fo r their work life balance strategy adoption and its positive outcome which increased companys profit and productivity suddenly. Probuild construction to maintain work life balance focus on the proper and open communication strategy among employees and employer, feedback survey in relation to work from employees family members. Probuild constructions always try to create a positive and best suited environment for their employees which help Probuild to motivate their employees to maintain work life and personal life balance (Rowley and Warner, 2013). As mentioned in case study Probuild avoids giving work load to their employees as they always try to choice job sharing option. Job sharing strategy is adopted by Probuild construction to distribute job equally among the employees as per their skills and knowledge regarding the job. Work life balance theory help every organization in motivating their employees work better as it provide different opportunities in workplace regarding working time, place and work style but in a ethical manner. Every organization will get benefit of work life balance strategy as it will help organization as well as their employees. Different methods which are commonly used by every organization to help their employees in maintaining work life and personal life balance are as sharing of job, flexibility in starting time of work, flexibility in work place and others. 2. Process adopted by Probuild for balancing competitive environment, workplace balance and flexibility within organization Probuild construction adopted work life balance theory to achieve competitive advantage while their working process. Probuild construction as mentioned in case study has achieved success in maintaining their flexibility in workplace and balance among both work as well as personal life. Work life balance theory adopted by Probuild helped them in motivating their employees to perform better by which Probuild company productivity as well as profitability was increased. Flexible work opportunity gave probuild employees choice their work starting time which suited them best and the place of work (Slideshare.net, 2014). If employees are given chance for choosing the time of starting work and best suited place or location of work then will be influenced to provide positive outcome to their organization. Different flexibilities which were provided by Probuild to their employees are flexibility in time and wok location, work from home option if possible, proper scheduled off days from work so that employees can spend time with their family and friends. Rotation in job time i.e. employee who is comfortable with morning should be given morning and others. As mentioned in (Amann and Stachowicz-Stanusch) to increase their profitable in comparison of their competitors Probuild adopted job sharing strategy so that no employees is having work load, every employee is provided with a proper job as per their skills, knowledge and capabilities. The main advantage of job sharing in Probuild was that the tasks assigned to employees were finished on time which makes good impression in front of customers. The strategy adopted by Probuild to balance their employees work life and in the achieving higher profit in comparison of their competitors were as work life balance strategies, proper wage structure of every employees and other. Probuild construction adopted work life balance strategy to provide their employees flexibility in working hours, starting and ending time of work, providin g them less working hour on Saturday and etc. To implement these all strategy in Probuild management of company started doing survey with the help of employees families, friends and employees themselves (Slideshare.net, 2015). As mentioned in case study company distributed survey paper to all 150 employees of Victoria office to identify the effect of working hour and environment on employees personal life. In contrast to this () for increasing competitive advantage organization should try to maintain a proper communication among employee and employer. Good communication cycle will help in knowing easily the problem of employees regarding the work. Probuild construction always tries to avoid long hour working for their employees as it can harm their health which may affect companys productivity. Figure 1 represents the different work life balance strategy adopted by Probuild to achieve competitive advantage. Figure 1: Probuild Work life balance strategy The main objective of adopting work life balance strategy by Probuild is to maintain their hard working, most reliable, high profitable company reputation in the market which always helped them in achieving competitive advantages. Work life balance strategy adoption by Probuild also helped in building strong bonding among employee and employer. 3. Recommended flexible and work family balance strategies for Probuild In contrast to work life balance Probuild adopted a new strategy work family strategy which helped organization in motivating their employees in marinating a proper balance between their work life and other life. To get a positive competitive advantage company require focus on their employee requirement as well as their needs. Work family policy was adopted by Probuild taking into consideration the major problems which their employees use to face in balancing their work life and other life (Pain). Probuild should try to provide their employees paid parental leave as well as work from home facility to their female employees if they want (Slideshare.net, 2015). The most important factor on which Probuild should work is their female employees who participate in both in house job and field jobs. As stated by (Anon) organization can never fulfill every employee needs and requirement but if before making any change in their policies and strategies company properly survey employees and thei r family members, they can know the exact problem. The flexibilities provided by Probuild to their employees regarding work environment, time and other factor helps in motivating their employees to perform better. But on the other hand as stated by (Anon) Probuild should try to provide flexibilities to their employees as per their position in organization. If middle level employees and upper level employee are provided with the same work flexibility then Probuild may suffer in their work. Probuild construction organization provide their employees many flexibilities like starting time and work location as per the choice but Probuild should always work in a ethical way because it is evaluated by a research (Anon) that if people are provide with high privilege regarding work there demand will be increased and they may affect organization work environment. Work family balance strategy adopted by Probuild should be in favor of every employee, if organization ignored any employee he/she c an be de motivated regarding his/her work which can harm organization productivity. Work family strategy adopted by Probuild can only be profitable for organization when their senior management have high level commitment for the organization and their work. To make successful work family strategy Probuild should always monitor their communication among the employees and employer. It was found by a research (Anon) that if construction organization like Probuild provide their employees flexibility and effectiveness in workplace regarding their work time, location and other factor employees will show more satisfaction for their work and loyalty towards organization. Probuild while planning their work family strategy should consider work responsibilities and impact of it on their family. Suppose if employee is suffering from severe health from and he/she is not providing with proper leave, the result of this will be from both employee as well as their family. (Anon, 2015) commented on t his as to motivate employee to an employee perform better organization should always consider their family members while planning any flexibility and work family balance strategy. The other strategies which Probuid construction can adopt are as part time work policy, access to employee child care by providing shift work and etc, job mobility as per the employees skills and knowledge. Outcome and benefits of new recommended strategies The outcome which Probuild achieved by adopting these strategies are as their employees motivational rate was increased which raise their profit and productivity share. The new strategies adopted by Probuild are flexibility in work time, job sharing and flexibility to work from home, choice work location and work time as per individual choice. Probuild provided flexible work schedule so that employee can balance their work and other life at the same time without affecting the work. Job sharing strategy adopted by Probuild helped them to finish their task on time without giving work load to their employees (Parboteeah and Cullen). The adoption of new strategies helped Probuild to build strong bonding among employer and employees, increased loyalty level of their employee towards their work and organization. By a research (Campos e Cunha and Cunha, n.d.) it was found that if both parents are working with a heavy workload every time than their children will be affected in negative manne r. In contrast to this (Anon) commented that if parents are working in such a organization who provide them flexible working time and location their children will be having different qualities and thoughts regarding family and other relationship in comparison of other children (Small Business - Chron.com, 2015). Probuild work life balance strategy help their employees to arrange time for their children and other family members or any other work apart from office work. The new strategy recommended above paid parental leave will also help Probuild construction to maintain a proper employee employer relationship, as employees will be assure that if they want they can take few days leave for taking care of their parents which is very important part of every individuals life. As mentioned by (Cullen and Parboteeah, n.d.) if employer helps employee to create openly and honestly support between their work and personal life, it will attract new employees with high level of trust and loyalty towards their job and organization. Strategies like flexibility in child care, part time work and work shifts can help Probuild to retain more new employees with more concern towards their task. Roles of strategic HRM in Probuild organization Probuild is a construction company so maintain employee and employer relationship by providing different rewards and flexibilities can increase their employee performance as well as organization profitability share. The main role of Probuild human resource management department is to plan and implement strategies within the organization which help in increasing their productivity and retention. As mentioned by (Garcia-Carbonell, Martin-Alcazar and Sanchez-Gardey) Probuild hrm department have different set of responsibilities as recruitment and selection of new employees as per the requirement of organization, plan compensation strategies by taking into consideration both employee and organization, training and development strategies and plan so that employee get influenced to perform better and etc (prezi.com). One of the major responsibilities which managers of Probuild are having is motivating and influencing their employee to perform better. Probuild hrm always try to plan such a reward and pay structure so that their employees find it beneficial. Human resource management of Probuild help organization to gain their employees trust and loyalty regarding their job and responsibility as said by (Kim, Kim and Hong) if employer want their employee to perform better they should always provide them a good pay structure as per their roles and responsibilities. Human resource management department always plan new strategies taking into consideration their employee roles and responsibilities as well as organization gain in terms of finance as well as market reputation. As mentioned by (McEwen, 2011) if human resources management department of any organization is good and supportive for their employees, employer profit and market reputation will automatically increase. Human resource management department of Probuild should always analyze the new strategies adopted by them as mentioned in case study some strategies are flexibility in work time and location, work life balance strategy and etc. As commented by (Noe and Noe, 2012) human resource management people functions are as to analyze the roles and responsibilities of their employer, plan new strategies in favor of both employee and employer, increase the level of retention, recruitment and selection as per the requirement of Probuild, evaluate the problem which employees are facing regarding the work and other life balance process and other. Human resource management department is the backbone of any organization as they have to work for both employee and organization benefits. As commented by (Paauwe, 2004) the main focus point of Probuild human resource management are productivity, quality of work and the services provided to their employees. Work life balance strategy implemented by human resource management department helped Probuild in many ways as in increasing their employee reliability towards their job and towards the organization. Challenges faced by Probuild HRM while managing human resource The main challenges which human resource management department of Probuild face while managing their human resource are as in planning strategies and action which will work as per all employees , so that all employees are benefitted by strategies equally. Commented (Pain, 2014) that any organization cannot fulfill each and every employees needs and demand regarding flexibility and other strategies in work place. Every employee are having their own problems and they want flexibilities as per that only, so the main challenge which hrm of Probuild face is in deciding a strategy which is helpful for every employees and no employee feel ignored. Probuild human resources are their employees who are having different sets of problems and want which managers find difficult in managing (Rowley and Warner). As mentioned in case study Probuild managers evaluated more than 150 employees and their families before implementing work family balance strategy but on the other hand Probuild managers fac ed many problems in deciding what flexibilities should be provided to their employees so that it does not affect organization working environment. Managing human resource is very difficult task as everyone has its own belief and style of working (Working-moms.yoexpert.com, 2015). The other challenge which Probuild human resource management faced was regarding pay structure of their employees, that is managers always tried to convince their employees regarding their salary so that employees can perform better. As mentioned in case study human resource management department of Probuild construction found difficult in managing their employees i.e. the line manager and staff manager. Probuild managers after analyzing the problems faced by their employees in balancing work life and their personal life decided to implement work family balance strategy and flexibility in work time and location. Conclusion The study is all about the Probuild construction company different strategies which they adopted in favor of employees as flexibilities in work time, location and work family balance strategy. Probuild is a construction company so main factor on which they depend is their employees and clients for which they work (Rowley and Warner, 2013). Probuild construction is a contractor based company i.e. the take different task from customers or by any third party which they have to complete in given time duration. 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