The Ideal Bureaucracy Essay Example

The Ideal Bureaucracy Paper Max Weber was a German sociologist who studied a variety of human interaction and developed a number of social theories. One of the highlights of his career work was his ideal bureaucracy theory, to which he defined bureaucracy as having certain characteristics that make up the bureaucratic entity. According to Max Weber, the authority in ideal bureaucracy revolves around legal competence and functions according to these criteria: 1) they are personally free and subject only to their impersonal official obligations; 2) they are organized in clearly defined hierarchy of offices; 3) each office has clearly defined competence; 4) there is free selection; 5) candidates are selected based on technical qualifications; 6) they are remunerated by fixed salaries; 7) the office is the primary occupation; 8) there is system of promotion; 9) the official works independently and without appropriation of his position; and 10) the official is subject to strict and systematic discipline and control in the conduct of the office. We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal Bureaucracy specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal Bureaucracy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal Bureaucracy specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer He also posited that, if given the chance, the monocratic variety of bureaucracy is capable of attaining the highest degree of efficiency and would be the most rational known means of carrying out the imperative control over human beings. The primary source of the superiority of bureaucratic administration lies in the role of technical knowledge. He also likened that bureaucratic apparatus should be independent and possess there own means of subsistence. Like in the case of war, if the bureaucratic machinery is technically efficient, it will continue to function normally just as it had for the previous legal government. This model of ideal bureaucratic organization can be summarized to possess the following characteristics: 1) Management by rules. A bureaucracy follows a consistent set of rules that control the functions of the organization. 2) Division of labor. Authority and responsibility are clearly defined and officially sanctioned. 3) Formal hierarchical structure. An organization is organized into a hierarchy of authority and follows a clear chain of command. 4) Personnel hired on grounds of technical competence. Appointment to a position within the organization is made on the grounds of technical competence. 5) Managers are salaried officials. 6) Written documents. Written documents ensure that there is continuity of the organization’s policies and procedures. Given the ideal picture of how a bureaucracy should function, this model offers a stable and hierarchical model for an organization. The term bureaucracy may have gained negative connotation but some of its criteria still applies in modern organization. Firstly, the employment based on technical qualifications should be upheld, both in public and private sectors, if efficiency is highly valued. If employees hired posses the specific characteristics demanded by the job, it is most likely that a function will be properly carried out. Aided with an evaluation based on particular performance standard, it will provide an objective goal to perform as much as possible. Currently, both private and private organizations used the performance-based incentives as a way of motivating employees to excel and give beyond the minimum requirements of their positions. Secondly, the characteristic of being purposely impersonal also has positive implication. By treating co-employees and customers equally, individual differences may be lessened, leading to rendering of services without the biases. If such action is demanded from each employee, equal treatment may be given to all regardless of social classes. Thirdly, the concept of written rules and decisions is still applicable even in a highly evolving business and organizational environment. Documentation is one of the requirements in quality management systems, such as ISO 9000 family of standards, to ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders. Decisions are documented to serve as guide of actions, which can be used by the managers in initially assessing a problem. Though no two situations are the same, documentation is a way of tracing the different parts of an operation, which even a newly hired member of an organization can use to guide how a job should be done. Bureaucracy is often associated with delay and inefficiency. Some theorists argued that Weber’s model may have worked during his time but considered obsolete now. In the words of Dwight Waldo, â€Å"Why would an instrument (bureaucracy) designed to be impersonal and calculating be expected to be effective in delivery sympathy and compassion?† Indeed some points in the given model were criticized by many theorists. Firstly, the top-down and centralized authority is considered too slow and unresponsive to the world of rapid change, technological revolution, global competition and demanding customers. By strictly adhering to the hierarchy of authorities, timely resolution of conflicts or addressing a simple matter may be difficult. The employee may choose not to do anything to resolve a problem, on the basis that it is beyond his or her jurisdiction, to avoid conflict with the manager who may have different views. Secondly, the government sector is now venturing into entrepreneurism through its public-private partnership efforts. The spirit of flexibility is required which emphasizes â€Å"getting a job done†, by considering whatever is at hand rather than looking at the strict rules on â€Å"how a job should be done†. Aside from cost, time is another consideration of efficiency. The centralization of authorities and rigid hierarchy may make it difficult to attain time efficient decisions. Thirdly, most organizations in private and public sectors benchmark on teamwork in attaining its goal. Weber’s model of a knowledge-equipped yet isolated worker, whose primary concern should be confined within his/her explicit functions, would find it very difficult to adjust in multi-tasking environment. Managers who follow strict hierarchy in giving decisions may also find it difficult to accept or consider suggestions coming from the rank-in-file, however sharp those suggestions are. Bureaucracy is of great importance in carrying out the ideals of a government. Its people are one of the important factors of translating government programs to actual services. An efficient and well-disciplined bureaucracy may also translate to good governance. Max Weber’s ideal bureaucracy may be considered outdated in certain aspects but it still possessed some relevant considerations. Bureaucratic competence would assure the citizenry that only equipped individuals hold important positions, especially those that would be affecting a large number of people. Bureaucratic neutrality is still also highly valued. Neutrality does not necessarily depersonalize the government, rather, it values equal treatment and unbiased distribution of government services, regardless of social classes. Affected by various factors, our culture change and evolve. Our concept now of how our government should be may differ after a while. In the same way, our ideals of how our bureaucracy should be may also change in the future. Nevertheless, the Filipino bureaucracy, as partner of our government, must aspire competence and efficiency in carrying its tasks. Reforms may come in different names. Trials may beset our country, but a well-disciplined and competent bureaucracy will always be a plus-factor to any regime of government.

The Difference Between Extrapolation and Interpolation

The Difference Between Extrapolation and Interpolation Extrapolation and interpolation are both used to estimate hypothetical values for a variable based on other observations. There are a variety of interpolation and extrapolation methods based on the overall trend that is observed in the data. These two methods have names that are very similar.  We will examine the differences between them. Prefixes To tell the difference between extrapolation and interpolation, we need to look at the prefixes â€Å"extra† and â€Å"inter.† The prefix â€Å"extra† means â€Å"outside† or â€Å"in addition to.† The prefix â€Å"inter† means â€Å"in between† or â€Å"among.† Just knowing these meanings (from their originals in Latin) goes a long way to distinguish between the two methods. The Setting For both methods, we assume a few things. We have identified an independent variable and a dependent variable. Through sampling or a collection of data, we have a number of pairings of these variables. We also assume that we have formulated a model for our data. This may be a least squares line of best fit, or it could be some other type of curve that approximates our data. In any case, we have a function that relates the independent variable to the dependent variable. The goal is not just the model for its own sake, we typically want to use our model for prediction. More specifically, given an independent variable, what will the predicted value of the corresponding dependent variable be? The value that we enter for our independent variable will determine whether we are working with extrapolation or interpolation. Interpolation We could use our function to predict the value of the dependent variable for an independent variable that is in the midst of our data. In this case, we are performing interpolation. Suppose that data with x between 0 and 10 is used to produce a regression line y 2x 5. We can use this line of best fit to estimate the y value corresponding to x 6. Simply plug this value into our equation and we see that y 2(6) 5 17. Because our x value is among the range of values used to make the line of best fit, this is an example of interpolation. Extrapolation We could use our function to predict the value of the dependent variable for an independent variable that is outside the range of our data. In this case, we are performing extrapolation. Suppose as before that data with x between 0 and 10 is used to produce a regression line y 2x 5. We can use this line of best fit to estimate the y value corresponding to x 20. Simply plug this value into our equation and we see that y 2(20) 5 45. Because our x value is not among the range of values used to make the line of best fit, this is an example of extrapolation. Caution Of the two methods, interpolation is preferred. This is because we have a greater likelihood of obtaining a valid estimate. When we use extrapolation, we are making the assumption that our observed trend continues for values of x outside the range we used to form our model. This may not be the case, and so we must be very careful when using extrapolation techniques.

Revamp Your Resume 21 Mistakes to Avoid

Revamp Your Resume 21 Mistakes to Avoid 1. Broad, vague examples of work experienceâ€Å"Essentially,† â€Å"Basically,† â€Å"More or less† = I am trying to hide what my real job was and pretend I had a different job. Use numbers, facts, and measurable results to make the case that you were a productive and engaged employee.2. Listing duties instead of accomplishmentsThink about how to frame your sometimes mundane daily to-dos as achievements: â€Å"Successfully coordinated office staff meetings and payroll,† â€Å"Completed annual reorganization of the medical library on schedule and with innovative twist on the Dewey Decimal system†, etc.3. A watered-down, generic objectiveâ€Å"The opportunity of a lifetime† â€Å"The career that touches the hearts of America† â€Å"Great opportunity in office setting† â€Å"Seeking a desk with chair†If you can’t do better than these, skip the objective.4. A one-size-fits-all vibeI know it’s tempting to try to be the ideal candidate for any and every job that crosses your path, but the truth is it’s a) impossible and b) going to result in a super boring resume. Be your poised, professional self on the page- tailor your experience to the specific responsibilities the job seeks. Don’t try to be all things to all people.5. Incorrect contact informationMake sure your address, phone, and professional email (not skateboarderyahoo@hotmail.com, please) are all up to date and spelled correctly. You don’t want to lose a gig because they had to track you down by carrier pigeon.6. Too much creativityWhat so swirly fonts and elaborate stationary and clip art all have in common? They have no business migrating from your scrapbook to your resume. Keep it clean and sharp and polished. A resume  should not look like an art project.7. Typos and grammatical errorsHave an exceptionally literate friend read your resume. Then turn it upside down and read one line at a time with a ruler- it’s the best way to spot typos once your brain has started skimming from over-exposure.8. Emphasis on irrelevant previous positionsWhen I applied for my first editorial positions, I still had my Build-a-Bear Workshop summer on my resume. It came off immediately after I was hired. It was also buried on the second page right above my exemplary skills with Excel and Powerpoint.9. Excessive personal informationAvoid mentioning political affiliations, religious organizations, or any reference to being a â€Å"bright and hopeful spirit.† You never know what will be read as controversial or inappropriate, and you don’t want to find out by pushing someone’s â€Å"autodelete† button.10. â€Å"References available upon request.†Unless you are Captain Obvious applying for an unnecessary superhero job, this one comes with the territory. Presumably somewhere you have worked before there is at least one living soul who can verify your general fitness fo r employment.11. Salary history and/or salary requirementsIt’s like having dessert at a wedding- wait until it’s offered.12. â€Å"Resume† as the titleYour name should be front and center at the top of your resume, with the job you’re applying for as the optional â€Å"title† beneath your name.13. Your present employer’s letterheadI’ve been trying to decide whether this is tacky or just dumb for 10 minutes.14. More than 2 pagesAn important caveat here is if you’ve been asked to prepare a CV (curriculum vitae), which is most common in academic jobs- if they ask for everything, they want everything. Otherwise, curate and edit it down to 2 pages, max.15. Handwritten notes or correctionsOn my very first job application I was so nervous I kept having to white out my answers to routine questions like â€Å"Why do you want to work at the snack bar†. But then I was 12, and on the swim team, so I had an excuse. You are a grown up and it is 2015. You do not.16. Piling your job-related skills and experience at the bottomThis is really the only thing employers care about. They read everything else to be polite. Put it up top!17. Non-specific keywordsâ€Å"Enthusiastic.† â€Å"Focused.† â€Å"Detail-Oriented.† â€Å"Team Player.†Delete, delete, delete, delete.18. Old and outdated experienceAlways update your skills and your work history as soon as the offer letter is dry; if you’re filling in gaps due to illness or family obligations, see if you can capture the experience you gained from volunteer opportunities to cover time when you would ordinarily have been working.19. Pictures of yourselfI recently read about a Portland Trailblazer’s cheerleading audition. They had to turn in headshots. And their measurements. It was grim. Unless you’re heading to a dance callback, ditch the selfies. Don’t describe your physical characteristics or appearance either.20. Honorable mentionsHigh school certificates, participation ribbons, scholarly awards (unless you’re going for a job with some research components), eating contests, beauty pageants†¦ unless somehow you know for 100% sure it’s relevant, leave it off and stick to the transferable skills.21. Reasons why you left a company or positionThe time to finesse â€Å"I flipped my boss’s desk over and kicked the copier down the stairs† is in your second in-person interview, if you get one (mention your â€Å"uncontainable passion† for your job). On your resume, don’t get defensive or feel like you need to explain your start and stop dates.  Resume Mistakes – 21 Things NOT To Include On Your Resume  Read More at www.medreps.com

Symbolize and meaning of Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Symbolize and meaning of Play - Essay Example The Christmas tree, Nora’s fancy dress costume and the Tarantella dance are powerful symbols which enhance the meaning of the play. The Christmas tree is a symbol of Nora herself. Nora presents a faà §ade to the world just like the tree is covered with glittering ornaments. She presents herself as a frivolous, carefree woman, whose husband calls his â€Å"little skylark,† â€Å"little squirrel† and â€Å"little song-bird† (Ibsen, I). She sparkles like the tree. However, the ‘unornamented’ Nora is a woman of great strength of character, who controls her husband, struggles with debt and is willing to sacrifice herself for her family. She is like the Christmas tree which she wants hidden and seen only â€Å"when it is dressed† (Ibsen, I). As the tree appears denuded of ornaments at the start of Act II, it represents the Nora who is stripping away the outer decorations of her own personality to assert her true identity. Nora’s fancy dress costume is another graphic symbol in the drama. She puts on the costume of a Neapolitan fisher-girl, made for her by Helmer. Again, the dress demonstrates Nora’s superficial assumption of the role prescribed for her by her husband and society. Nora is the â€Å"doll-wife† (Ibsen, III) who Helmer dresses. She submissively tells him, â€Å"Torvald, couldnt you take me in hand and decide what I shall go as, and what sort of a dress I shall wear?† (Ibsen, I). As Nora sheds her assumed identity and prepares to reveal her true personality, she tells her husband that she is â€Å"Taking off my fancy dress† (Ibsen, III). The torn dress also signifies the breaking-down of their marriage. The Tarantella dance is a very powerful symbol of Nora’s state of mind. Nora is deeply affected by Helmer’s condemnation of all deception as he says, â€Å"such an atmosphere of lies infects and poisons the whole life of a home. Each breath the children take in such a house is full of the germs of evil†

Types of Variables Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Types of Variables - Research Paper Example This would help render better educational support and employment in the regions that lag in those. Insurance rate can be calculated from the type of job and income. It can either be high insurance for people in private jobs with high income and low insurance for those in private jobs with low income or those in government jobs with a high profile gets highly insured than those with a low profile government job. These probabilities can be calculated from the table. In the perspective of health care and medicine, we can also derive the possible percentage effects of blood pressure on hypertension. Way in which weight is related to body temperature and hypertension can also be obtained by queries. And research on the high probability of non-smokers getting cancer and smokers getting cancer can be made very simple with the operational table that is categorized well. Under the cancer categorization, one can determine curability of the disease that depends on the stages of cancer. If the c ase is in pathological stage, he/she is in the critical zone and is totally helpless. If a non-smoker categorized under clinical stage, there is a high possibility that he can undergo medication for a certain period of time to recover from the disease. It helps the case study for medical researchers easier. The measure of blood pressure can be referred for other medical factors such as diabetes, premature ventricular contractions, etc. The region categorization in a way provides ordinals of people suffering from cancer or high blood pressure in that particular zone which might be due to the environmental effects of that region. Each variable used above is dependent on the remaining variables. Constructing an abstract operational table with these variables helps us predict how certain factors affect the outcome. It makes hypothesis and fuzzy concepts that seem to appear difficult easier.

Psychological Definitions of Abnormal Behavior Essay Example for Free

Psychological Definitions of Abnormal Behavior Essay According to the science of psychology one’s behavior needs to follow a certain criteria in order to be deemed â€Å"normal†. If one’s behavior does not match the criteria, their behavior is seen as undesirable and wrong (requires change). For this physiologists need to be able to view a person’s behavior and be able to tell the difference between normal and abnormal. Whilst defining the â€Å"normality† of ones behavior physiologists need to be careful to remain objective and as free of any bias as possible, furthermore their experiment to determine ones behavior needs to be repeatable and reliable. In order to do this psychologists often consults the characteristics of ideal mental health proposed by Marie Jahoda in 1958. Marie Jahoda proposed 6 different characteristics for ideal mental health after surveying different doctors and psychologists; this is the list she came up with: * Positive self esteem and a strong sense of identity * Personal growth and development * Ability to cope with stressful situations (integration) * Autonomy and independence * Accurate perception of reality * Successful mastery of the environment, particularly relationships. Jahoda argued that if one does not meet these criteria then ones behavior can be deemed abnormal as a result of an existing problem. This in my opinion provides a strong applicable foundation for the determination of ones â€Å"normality† of behavior. However the problem with Jahoda’s ideal mental health scheme is the fact that the results obtained rely solely on the observer’s judgment, therefore presenting a inevitable bias not to mention the fact that no person can truly ever meet all of the suggested criteria. This mean that according to Jahoda every person is abnormal. Another way to look for abnormal behavior for psychologists is to find deviation form the social norm (majority). This is done by observing ones actions in public and seeing how normal it is. For example if you see someone wearing a bikini/swim trunks whilst walking around a supermarket, his or her behavior would be deemed as abnormal. The limitations of observing behavior in this manor lay in the fact that different cultures have different norms. Not to mention the fact that in any given culture norms evolve. What may have once been acceptable in the 80’s is not necessarily acceptable today. Abnormality of one’s behavior can also be monitored by looking at its statistical frequency. Meaning how common ones behavior is when compared to the rest of the public. If one’s behavior is shared by many it is deemed common and therefore â€Å"normal†, however if ones behavior is uncommon or rare, it is deemed abnormal. For example one may say that an individual who has an IQ below or above the average level of IQ in society is abnormal. The problem with this system is the fact that, it does not account for the desirability of the given behavior. In other words this system claims that both low and high IQ’s are an abnormality that need to be treated. Physiologists and others interested in â€Å"normality†, look over at ones behavior to see how well they can function. If one is unable to function adequately they are deemed abnormal. In order to determine how well one functions, psychologists consult Rosenhan and Seligman’s list of characteristics that define abnormality (1989). Rosenhan and Seligman argued that in order to classify someone as â€Å"inadequate in life† they must meet several of the characteristics as a pose to only one. This is their list: * Suffering * Maladaptiveness (danger to self) * Vividness unconventionality (stands out) * Unpredictably loss of control * Irrationality/incomprehensibility * Causes observer discomfort * Violates moral/social standards The possible limitation to Rosenhan and Seligman’s list of characteristics is the fact that â€Å"normal† people engage in activates which are potentially harmful like drinking or smoking, these people are not classed as abnormal. It is very difficult to classify behavior as to date no scheme to do so exists, which is perfect. Physiologists must tread carefully when labeling one with a disorder. Bias will always be present in one form or another, however the results can be deemed reliable if practicing psychologists consult multiple schemes in order to have a better chance of an accurate diagnosis. Bibliography * Class handout â€Å"abnormal?† Mrs campion. * DefiningAbnormality. AS Psychology /. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. http://as-psychology.pbworks.com/w/page/9174252/DefiningAbnormality. * Abnormal Psychology. Abnormal Psychology. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. http://www.simplypsychology.org/abnormal-psychology.html.

Reye Syndrome :: essays research papers

Reye Syndrome Reye Syndrome is an extremely rare, non-contagious disease thought to be triggered by aspirin use. The actual origin of the disease is unknown. Reye's Syndrome, occasionally called Reye-Jacobsen's Syndrome, is known to follow any viral infection. Two of the most common viral infections it precedes is influenza, â€Å"the flu†, and chicken pox. A now-familiar warning on bottles of aspirin, most notably Tylenol, is not to give Tylenol to a child who is recovering from the chicken pox, a fever, or any other viral infection. The link between aspirin and Reye's Syndrome and is not fully understood, but all reported cases of Reye's Syndrome include a child who has received aspirin before infection. Symptoms of Reye's Syndrome may often be mistook for a recurrence of the flu, or extreme exhaustion. These symptoms include vomiting, confusion, lack of coordination, distorted balance, irritability, a stupor-like state, and a recent infection from a viral illness. The symptoms often begin with vomiting and progress to a stupor and near comatose state. This disease is often found in young children and infants. Over sixty percent of reported Reye's Syndrome cases occur in children under the age of sixteen, with the majority of these cases being in children under six. Although less than five percent of Reye's Syndrome cases occur in people over the age of sixty, the elderly are often the most severely affected, due to old age and weakening immune systems. Infants, while hindered by their young age, can often fight the infections of Reye Syndrome better, for reasons doctors do not yet fully understand. The severity of Reye's Syndrome is classified on a scale of 1-5, with one and two being the onset of symptoms and four and five being the most severe, with the patient being comatose. With the most severe of Reye's Syndrome cases, internal fluid builds up in the brain and there is irreversible brain damage or even death. While the disease is not often fatal, it is essential to treat the disease early. Reye's Syndrome is not contagious, but the diseases that can lead to, such as the flu, and chicken pox, are highly communicable. The first case of Reye's Syndrome was diagnosed in 1963. Looking back into medical journals, there were many â€Å"mystery illnesses† that had the same symptoms as Reye's Syndrome, but no cases were positively diagnosed as being Reye Syndrome until this date. The definitive tests for this disease are a liver biopsy and blood analysis. The liver biopsy can help determine the presence of fat and lipid formation in the liver. Upon surgical examination, the liver is slightly enlarged, firm, and bright yellow.