Motivational Theories and Organizational Performance Relations

Motivational Theories and Organizational Performance Relations Introduction Remuneration and reward of employees are some of the ways that can be used to retain employees. By reward we mean that the efforts of the employee are recognized. Singling out and rewarding workers inspires them to look for ways of undertaking their tasks effectively and lack of it can completely dishearten them. A reward system has to be effective and able to instil the desired behaviour for efficient performance.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Motivational Theories and Organizational Performance Relations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The reward system can either use financial mechanism or non-financial. People need to be encouraged and appreciated in order to achieve their mission and that of others. Motivation is the act of encouraging someone to carry out a task better than he intended to. It is common for employees to take up jobs because of the motivation they get. Failure to motivate employee s may result in poor performance of a company. There are generally many forms of motivation, for instance, some employees are motivated by the challenges they encounter while carrying out their tasks, others are motivated by the attention they attract, while majority are motivated by the amount of money they expect to earn. The last factor plays a great role in the success of every person, most people stay in jobs because of the pay scale, the incentives, and rewards they get from their employer. This paper will look at some motivational theories as it tries to relate them with an organizational performance. Equity Theory Equity theory is one of the theories of motivation. It is used to describe the relationship between employees and the motivation they get to work hard and their perception about fair treatment in the work place. For a long time, employers have considered their employees as just inputs to be used for the production of goods and services. However, this perception is gradually fading as employers get more and more enlightened about motivating their employees. From research, it is clear that, employees are not only motivated by money, but also their attitudes. The equity theory was first developed by John Adams in early 1963. Adams was a behavioural psychologist who held that, employees are always seeking for equity between the outcomes they get out of their efforts and the inputs they bring into a company.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More An employee inputs are the positive contribution he makes for the betterment of an organization including the work he does, his skills, behaviour, and experience while outcomes are the rewards he gets out of his hard work, this may be in the form of appreciation, promotion, incentives, salary rise, to name but a few (Jonathan 650). Fair treatment is a virtue that motivates employees to work hard for an organization and also to maintain a good working environment with their co-workers. When employees perceive themselves as being over or under rewarded, they may experience distress which may cause the organization to bring back equity in the relationship. Equity can be computed in terms of individual employee’s contribution and the accrued benefits (Anon. â€Å"Adams’ Equity theory† 2). This means that, the partner who contributes less (in terms of investment, or other financial resources) receives fewer benefits (in terms of financial rewards, love, or financial security). Lack of equity, in the form of underpayment may provoke anger whereas overpayment results in guilt. The major point of concern is the pecuniary reward received (whether in the form of wages or salary) and it is thus the central cause of equity or lack of the same (Diefendorff 489). When an employee feels that his contributions are not recognized in terms of pay, he tends to become hostile tow ards the organization and his performance drops. He no longer works to boost the performance of the organization but just to maintain his job position. This is when employees starts taking sick leaves or searching for other jobs. Having realized this, all organization should give priority to employee satisfaction since they are the ones responsible for its success (Denise 20). Expectancy Theory According to Taylor (117), the expectancy theory is concerned with the mental processes that an employee goes through before making a choice. It tries to describe the relation between rewards and performance. Employees perceive that they should be given rewards that consummate with their organizational performance.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Motivational Theories and Organizational Performance Relations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is a form of organizational behaviour that holds that, employees are likely to perf orm better if they perceive their rewards to be high. This motivation theory was proposed by Victor Vroom, a management specialist in Yale. It predicts that, majority of employees will seem to be motivated if they suppose that the reward they expect to get is directly proportional to the work done, and if they value the rewards expected from the organization (Swamson 6). This theory emphasizes on the need to base reward on an individual’s performance. These rewards should be able to offset the work done by the employees. It is only through this considerate rewarding that employees are motivated to work even harder because they expect the rewards to rise as their performance rises. Expectancy theory can also be used to describe employee’s behaviour in the work place. If an employee is not well competent in a given area, no reward mechanism can motivate him to perform better. It is therefore important for all organizations to consider the individuals’ personal fac tors before deciding which reward mechanism to use on them. This is because, an organization may increase the expected rewards for a particular employee as a way of motivating him to work harder but, if the respective employee does not possess the qualities needed for the job; the increase in rewards will not result in comparable improvement in performance (Lawrence 190). According to Vroom, there are three variables in the theory of expectancy, these are: Expectancy denoted as E, Valance (V), and instrumentality (I). Expectancy is the belief held by an employee that a specific action will result in a given level of outcome, valance can be defined as the strength of an individual towards achieving a preferred outcome (Smith and Mazin 60). This valance has to be positive if the individual expects to achieve the preferred outcome. On the other hand, instrumentality can be defined as the extent to which the achievement of first level outcomes determines the achievement of the second le vel.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More All these factors describe the relationship between employee’s behaviour and the level of expected outcome. The higher the level of outcome, the better the behaviour of employees and the reverse is true (Richard 243). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory Abraham Maslow (a researcher), explored the connection between reward and motivation and came up with a theory called Maslow’s hierarchy of need. Maslow discovered that human beings have different types of needs that they want to be met. They include; basic needs security, self esteem, self actualization, and group needs. To fulfil these needs, sets of motivating rewards have to be used. Some of the basic needs can be fulfilled through provision of good standards of living by means of honest pay structures (Anon. â€Å"Human needs and rewards† 1). Provision of secure working environment coupled with training on safety and health issues can assist in meeting the security needs of the employees. On the other hand, reward systems on job promotion based on employee’s efforts, skills, and experience can help in raising their self esteem and meet the needs that come with it. Employees’ team working groups that are well structured with good communication help in fulfilling the group needs. Self actualization needs can be fulfilled by encouraging employee developments by use of appraisal tool where employees gauge their performance. The HRM should use a reward system that helps in meeting most of employees’ needs. This will encourage employees and motivate them to work harder to achieve the organizations goals and objectives. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation Herzberg’s two factor theory was developed after carrying out an interview among 203 American employees. Each employee was asked whether they were satisfied in any of the jobs they had taken. They all gave some positive and negative sides of each job and commented that, one is faced with differ ent challenges when he changes the work environment. Herzberg wanted to know whether there are other factors for employee satisfaction other than rewards (Storey 61). He found out that, employees are normally satisfied (or dissatisfied) with their job because of the motivators put in place (such as recognition). There are other factors called hygiene factors (such as job security, salary, and other benefits) which do not give positive satisfaction although their absence normally results in employee dissatisfaction. Motivation factors are used to motivate employees to work harder for better performance whereas hygiene factors are necessary in ensuring that an employee does not get dissatisfied with the work done. They are merely put in place to provide a favourable atmosphere for the employees but do not necessary motivate them to work. However, both factors have to be present if an organization has to perform well in the ever changing global market (Bohlander 40). Motivational Theor ies at Belcher limited The boss of Belcher Limited, Mr. Smith, did not use any of the motivational theories discussed above. For instance, Miss Emily was not given a fair salary merit. She had made a lot of contributions in her first year of employment which was not given recognition. Mr. Smith did not even approve some of her ideas and gave no explanation for the decline. This disheartened Emily and discouraged her from coming out with new ideas. It is clear that, Mr. Smith did not use the equity theory of motivation; all the employees in the accounts department were given equal salary merit (6 percent) irrespective of the contribution they had made in the company. To make it worse, one of the employees (who had been hired recently) got the highest salary merit (10 percent) simply because he was a favourite of the boss. We have seen that, the kind of reward given to any employee should be equivalent to the contributions made since this is one of the ways of motivating employees. Gi ving the new employee a ten percent salary merit did not only discourage the others, but also was not a prudent move on the part of the company. This is because reward scheme should be positively related to the work done, individual’s experience, and skills. Expectancy theory suggests that, employees make choices on how to work depending on the reward they expect to get at the end of the day. If an employee is assured of getting a higher reward for the efforts he put, then there is a likelihood of him performing better (Likert 80). However, this is not the case at Belcher limited, the reward system seems to be static and is not influenced by individual performance. Emily received the same salary merit as all the other employees although her performance was far above the others. This discouraged her and she was not even sure of what to expect in her second year of employment. This changed her organizational behaviour and general perspective of her work, she choose to take few days sick leave even though she was not sick. She even declined from giving more ideas to the company and chose to remain silent just like the others. This is a clear indication that, if an organization wants to succeed, it must recognize and reward the efforts of the work force, failure to do so results in poor performance which in turn lowers production of the organization (Halepota 18). Emily was satisfied with her job not because of the motivation it gave her, but because of the hygiene factors. She was assured of a fixed salary, job security, and other benefits including sick leave. She just enjoyed working like the others, making friends, taking some time off but was not motivated to put an extra effort. She even started looking for another job where she could get the motivation she needed because she knew that, she had a lot of potential that needed some recognition and motivation. If Belcher wants to retain its employees, it has to use all the motivation theories discussed a bove. As the employees meet the organization’s expectations, it is important for the organization to realize that the employees also have their targets that they want to be met. The employee must be appraised appropriately to enable the human resources department recognize the areas that need to be improved (Bratton and Gold 100). Those who have attained the expectations of the management should be rewarded accordingly Conclusion Few are the times when supervisors recommend employees for any task well done. They forget that employees are normal beings who feel good if appreciated. Research has proved that, recognition and praise from supervisors and managers is one of the most important reward mechanism for motivating employees. Employees feel motivated when their contribution to the organization is noticed and appreciated. Supervisors should recognize the value of employees in the organization and the importance of thanking them either through writing or verbally for their p recise contributions. Anonymous. Human needs and rewards. Web. Anonymous. Adams’ Equity theory. Balancing employee inputs and outputs. Web. https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_96.htm Bohlander, George Snell, Scott. Managing Human Resources. London: Cengage Learning, 2009. Bratton, John and Gold, Jeffrey. Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice. London: Routledge, 2001. Denise, Weiss. Motivational interventions and their effect on corporate performance. University of South Alabama, January 2005. Database: ABI/INFORM complete. Diefendorff, James M. Motivational traits. Encyclopaedia of industrial and organizational psychology, January 2007, Vol. 2 p489-492. Halepota, Hassan Ali. Motivational theories and their application in construction. Cost engineering, March 2005, Vol. 47 Issue 3, p14-18. Jonathan, Klein. Feasibility Theory: A resource-munificence model of work motivation and behaviour. Academy of management Review, October 1990, Vol. 15 Issue 4 p646-665 . Lawrence Walker, R. beyond Expectancy theory: An integrative motivational model from health care. Academy of Management Review April 1982, Vol. 7 Issue 2, p187-194. Likert, Rensis. Motivational Approach to management development. Harvard Business Review, July 2009, Vol. 37 Issue 4 p75-82. Richard, Oliver. Expectancy theory predictions of salesmen’s performance. Journal of marketing research (JMR), August 1994, Vol. 11 Issue, p243-253. Storey, John. New perspectives on human resource management. London: Cengage Learning EMEA, 1998. Swamson, Richard. Foundations of Human Resource Development: Easy read Large Edition. San Francisco: ReadHowYouWant.com, 2009. Smith, A. Shawn and Mazin, A. Rebecca. The HR answer book: an indispensable guide for managers and human resources professionals. New York: Amacom Div American Mgmt Assn, 2004. Taylor, Michael. Employee recognition schemes- do they work? China Staff. June 2008, Vol. 14 Issue 6 p117.

The Relationship between School and Society Assignment

The Relationship between School and Society - Assignment Example However, time took drastic turn with the passage of time, and now an overwhelming majority of the individuals study in various schools, colleges, universities, academies and other formal educational institutions, from where the individuals seek professional education and obtain certificates and degrees in order to enter into practical life as qualified and skilled persons. Wilson (2011, p. ) is of the view that the increasing emphasis upon specific knowledge and the acquisition of credentials as the pathway for young adults seeking any hope of attaining financially rewarding occupations and navigating the existing social structure has captured the attention of the parents and students alike, which has paved the way towards the popularity of learning even in the poor and underdeveloped nations of the world. My respected parents got me admitted to a well-reputed school in the city when I was four years old. That was the institution from where I learned how to read and write. Like all s chools, my institution also taught me language, literature, pure and social sciences, humanities, mathematics and other disciplines. Somehow, I developed the special aptitude for political science, history, theology, philosophy, and literature. During the beginning of my educational career, the parts of the curriculum carrying civics, history, and spiritualism captured my attraction, and I always obtained excellent grades in these disciplines. My taste did not witness any decline in these subjects; as a result, I selected these subjects for my undergraduate program. I studied Plato, Descartes, Machiavelli, Nietzsche, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Adam Smith, Keynes and other political economists and sociological and political science theorists. The utilitarian theory articulated by J.S. Mill and structural-functional theory by Herbert Spencer opened new avenues of wisdom and foresight to me. I keenly studied the 1930 and 1970s economic recessions and drew out the causes and consequences of the same in an analytical way. I found Marxist conflict perspective to be highly moving (Ritzer, 2007, p. 88), and I looked for developing a worker-friendly corporate environment for the future years to come. I obtained the education under the system that was close to the Jeffersonian model of education. Famous statesman and educationalist of early nineteenth century Thomas Jefferson had introduced the education system where the children gradually climb the educational ladder in the light of their age-group. Stage I consists of primary school years, which should be specified for children of the age-group between 6 to 8 years. The students belonging to the age group from 9 to 16 years should be offered the education of intermediate level at secondary school, which is Stage II of education. Stage III of education focuses on the university years, which offers higher studies to the students. Consequently, the students should complete their education gradually and in a systematic way, wh ere the level of education should be determined in the light of the mental capabilities and understandings of the students, so that they could easily comprehend with the curriculum being taught to them at schools (Miller, 1998, p. 3).  

International Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Accounting - Essay Example The objectives of this standard are to give a framework on how to incorporate foreign currency transactions and foreign operations or subsidiaries in the financial statement of the parent company. It also shows how to translate financial statement into presentation currency. The most critical thing in this concept is to determine which exchange rate or rates to use and how to account for the exchange difference in the financial statement. The standard requires the entire initial foreign transaction to be recorded on the bases of the prevailing exchange rate, however, it recognizes the use of average exchange rate to numerous transactions occurring during the year (Doupnik & Perera, 2011). The basis for translation can either be current method or temporal method. Temporal method uses the exchange rate that prevailed when the asset and liabilities were acquired. If the assets are based on historical cost the correct exchange rate to use is also historical. Consequently if liabilities a nd assets are based on current cost the rate to use is also the current one. ... Companies listed in Australia stock exchange reflect the present performance thus, they are the most suitable to influence decision making by stakeholders. With application of IAS 21 it is possible to compare company performance in the two stock exchanges. Companies of the same size in Europe are more profitable than Australian companies simply because exchange rate in ? is higher than â‚ ¬. With financial exchange translation there is either again or a loss in the exchange difference. This component is treated as component of finances in the statement of financial position. Works Cited Books, LLC. (2010). International Accounting Standards:International Financial Reporting Standards, International Public Sector Accounting Standards. Memphis, : Books LLC. Choi, F., & Meek, G. K. (2010). International Accounting. New York: PRENTICE HALL. Doupnik, T., & Perera, H. (2011). International Accounting. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies,Inc.,. Melville, A. (2009). International Financial Re porting. New York: Financial Times/Prentice Hall. Previts, G. (2008). Research in Accounting Regulation, Volume 20. Oxford:

Peer Pressure Essay Example for Free

Peer Pressure Essay According to Took (2007), making decisions on your own is hard enough, but when other people get involved and try to pressure you one way or another it can be even harder. People who are your age, like your classmates, are called peers. When they try to influence how you act, to get you to do something, its called Peer Pressure. Its something everyone has to deal with even adults. Peer Pressure is one thing that all teens have in common. You cant escape it; it is everywhere. No matter how popular you are, how well liked you may be or how together you feel, sooner or later you will have to face peer pressure. Whether it is pressure to conform to a group norm or pressure to act a certain way. People are influenced by peers because they want to fit in, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing, or have what others have. Mueller states that, â€Å"The ugly reality is that Peer Pressure reaches its greatest intensity at just the age when kids tend to be most insensitive and cruel. † Every Peer group has its own identity and which greatly depends on the personality of its members. Feller (1995), has stated that despite the differences between groups, the group members always try and influence each other. They have some conformity to common set of rules and norms, which a member must not break without being forced to leave the group. Also Peer Pressure can be either positive or negative. Pressure exerted in a positive way can help motivate you on to be the best you can be. Keeping up with the schoolwork or being more articipative in class are the traits of positive Peer Pressure exerted on you by the group. Negative Peer Pressure can make you do things you don’t want to do, like having early sex or taking drugs. It can make you feel depressed and de-motivated. â€Å"Responding to Peer Pressure is part of human nature — but some people are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. People who are low on confidence and those who tend to follow rather than lead could be more likely to seek their peers pproval by giving in to a risky challenge or suggestion. People who are unsure of themselves, new to the group, or inexperienced with peer pressure may also be more likely to give in,† (Lyness, 2006). Also Feller (1995), in his study, states that Peer Pressure can be very subtle-you may not realize its happening. Some groups use Peer Pressure as a tool to gain power over members, whereas other don’t intend to exert the pressure, they just do that naturally. According to Hardcastle, there are certain personality traits or risk factors that make you ore prone to give in to pressure. Some kids give in to Peer Pressure because of low self esteem and lack of confidence, whereas others give in to pressure because they want to be liked, to fit in, or because they feel that others would make fun of them if they don’t go along with the group. Messier, states that, â€Å"The only pressure Im under is the pressure Ive put on myself. † The idea that everyones doing it may influence some kids to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind.

Bay of pigs :: essays research papers

The Bay of Pigs Invasion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By late 1958 Castro was still fighting a guerilla war against the Fulgencio Batista. Before he came to power, there was an incident between his troops and some vacationing American troops from the nearby American naval base at Guantanamo Bay. During the incident some U.S. Marines were held captive by Castro’s forces but were later released after a ransom was secretly paid. Because of what happened the United States and the chief of U.S. Naval Operations, Admiral Burke, wanted to send in the Marines to destroy Castro's forces but Secretary of State Foster Dulles didn’t want any of that to happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Castro overthrew Batista in 1959. Originally Castro was not a communist. Fearful of Castro's revolution, people with money, like doctors, lawyers, and the Mafia, left Cuba for the United States. To prevent the loss of more capital Castro's solution was to nationalize some of the businesses in Cuba. In the process of nationalizing some business he came into conflict with American interests .U.S. businesses were taken over, and the process of socialization began with little if any talk of compromise. There were also rumors of Cuban involvement in trying to invade Panama, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic and by this time Castro had been turn down by the United States for any aid. Being rejected by the Americans, he met with foreign minister Anasta Mikoyan to secure a $100 million loan from the Soviet Union. It was then that the American Intelligence and Foreign Relations communities decided that Castro was leaning towards communism and had to be dealt with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the spring of 1960, President Eisenhower approved a plan to send small groups of American trained, Cuban exiles, to work underground as guerrillas to overthrow Castro. By the fall, the plan was changed to a full invasion with air support by exile Cubans in American supplied planes. The group was to be trained in Panama, but with the growth of the operation and the quickening pace of events in Cuba, it was decided to move things to a base in Guatemala. The plan was rushed. The man in charge of the operation was CIA’s Deputy Director Richard Bissell. President Kennedy could have stopped the invasion or at least slowed it down if he wanted to, but he probably didn't do so for his own reasons. For one, his campaign called for some form of action against Cuba , and to back out now would mean having groups of Cuban exiles going around talking about how the U. Bay of pigs :: essays research papers The Bay of Pigs Invasion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By late 1958 Castro was still fighting a guerilla war against the Fulgencio Batista. Before he came to power, there was an incident between his troops and some vacationing American troops from the nearby American naval base at Guantanamo Bay. During the incident some U.S. Marines were held captive by Castro’s forces but were later released after a ransom was secretly paid. Because of what happened the United States and the chief of U.S. Naval Operations, Admiral Burke, wanted to send in the Marines to destroy Castro's forces but Secretary of State Foster Dulles didn’t want any of that to happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Castro overthrew Batista in 1959. Originally Castro was not a communist. Fearful of Castro's revolution, people with money, like doctors, lawyers, and the Mafia, left Cuba for the United States. To prevent the loss of more capital Castro's solution was to nationalize some of the businesses in Cuba. In the process of nationalizing some business he came into conflict with American interests .U.S. businesses were taken over, and the process of socialization began with little if any talk of compromise. There were also rumors of Cuban involvement in trying to invade Panama, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic and by this time Castro had been turn down by the United States for any aid. Being rejected by the Americans, he met with foreign minister Anasta Mikoyan to secure a $100 million loan from the Soviet Union. It was then that the American Intelligence and Foreign Relations communities decided that Castro was leaning towards communism and had to be dealt with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the spring of 1960, President Eisenhower approved a plan to send small groups of American trained, Cuban exiles, to work underground as guerrillas to overthrow Castro. By the fall, the plan was changed to a full invasion with air support by exile Cubans in American supplied planes. The group was to be trained in Panama, but with the growth of the operation and the quickening pace of events in Cuba, it was decided to move things to a base in Guatemala. The plan was rushed. The man in charge of the operation was CIA’s Deputy Director Richard Bissell. President Kennedy could have stopped the invasion or at least slowed it down if he wanted to, but he probably didn't do so for his own reasons. For one, his campaign called for some form of action against Cuba , and to back out now would mean having groups of Cuban exiles going around talking about how the U.

Christian vocation coursework Essay

Describe how a Christian may follow the call to discipleship through daily life and work Vocation is the idea that people get a call from god to do a certain job this can also be said about being called into Christianity by god, it may not be an actual call or a big flash of light but just s feeling that you have created by god. ‘Vocation’ comes from the Latin word meaning ‘to be called’. Some Christians may say that they were called to Christianity and so were all Christians. For example Jesus was called by god, he heard his voice when he was baptised by John. Discipleship is another term used my Christians used to mean following Jesus like his disciples did, living a Christian lifestyle and helping others also apply to discipleship. Christians follow Jesus by following his examples like his love, service and compassion towards others. Someone who has chosen to follow Jesus should be living a caring helpful life, possibly in a caring profession such as a doctor, nurse or teacher. Any job can be a vocation, some Christians say god has a plan for everyone and he may call you to a job that isn’t related to Christianity at all. St. Paul said in Colossians 3:23 â€Å"whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the lord, not for men.† Possibly meaning that god has called everyone to their jobs because he knows its right for them so work for him and do the job well. A Christian may choose his or her job just simply because they want to do the job although this want or urge to do a job could be put down to god. I don’t think there are any jobs unsuitable for Christians, Jesus loved everyone anyway even if they were a sinner he did not commend what they did but he still loved them. I do not think your religion should constrain your job opportunities. A Christian may serve god in an ordinary job by obeying the 10 commandments in their job and generally being caring and helpful. Christians can put Christian teachings into their family lives by following Paul’s teachings and the 10 commandments. Paul’s teachings say, â€Å"A wife, must put her husband first. This is her duty as a follower of the lord. A husband must love his wife and not abuse her. Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the lord. Parents, don’t be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up. (a)(ii) Explain why some Christians join communities and take vows or poverty, chastity and obedience. Christian communities are a group of Christians who live together. A convent is where a group of female Christians would live also known as nuns and male Christians or monks would live in a monastery. A contemplative order is focusing your life on god, in prayer and everyday life. An example of a contemplative community is the poor clares. The normal day in the poor clares community may consist of many things, gardening, housework, cooking, cleaning, helping the elderly and sick, praying or working in the shop; making candles, encaustic wax cards, as well as cards created and printed on a computer, turning wood and knitting garment on their knitting machine. The nuns do this type of work involving their hands because it leaves their minds free to focus on god and pray. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 how â€Å"no one can serve two masters†, â€Å"you cannot serve both god any money† so the nuns in the poor clare community decide to â€Å"serve god† and his people and help them rather than work for money. An active order is doing something about what you believe in, for example if you want to be one of Jesus’ disciples you would follow in his footsteps and his examples and help people maybe by helping out at a hospital or a school. People or monasteries and convents today are living like the first Christians as recorded in the book of acts because the first Christians lived out alone in the desert, Christians live in s slightly similar way today. They have no possessions, they cannot have sex and they dedicate their time to thinking if they are contemplative, as you would alone in a desert, or doing things to help others. Living in a Christian community would help a Christian to follow their call to discipleship because of the vows they take when they join, they have to do things in a similar way to Jesus therefore helping to follow their call to discipleship. Some Christians may say joining a Christian community is a vocation because whatever they do as a job or joining a community is a vocation. God has a plan for them and they follow it via vocation. Some Christians believe that god want them to live in a religious community rather than an ordinary one because its better for them and other who they would be helping. A vow is an oath or promise you make. Nuns and monks take vows when they join a religious community; they take a vow of poverty so they are not tied down by possessions and money and can focus on god. Christ was poor to make us rich so they follow in his footsteps and enforce discipleship. They also take a vow of chastity, which means they must remain celibate so they can devote themselves to god as Jesus did. Also a relationship with someone from the opposite sex will get in the way of god and praying; St. Paul advises Christians to be celibate so they can â€Å"be devoted to the lord†. Obedience is the third vow they take, by this vow they give to God their freewill. They must be obedient to their abbot or abbess. Again showing their discipleship, because Jesus was obedient until the point of death on the cross for god. It is important for Christians to make these vows in front of a community because then there is witnesses so you cant get out of the commitment and also if you are doubtful they can remind you about them. (a)(iii) Explain the purpose and practice of one particular religious community. The poor Clares are a religious community for women who want to dedicate their lives to god. They originated in 1212 by St Francis and St Clare in Assisi in Italy. The poor clares are a contemplative community. The contemplative community of nuns started as a way of being united with god and to follow Jesus. The aims of the poor Clare community are mostly â€Å"to pray for the world and the Church†, to live a life through their prayers, dedicated to god and â€Å"to live out the Gospel command of love† which means to live their lives as god wanted helping others and loving them. The normal day in the poor clares community may consist of many things, gardening, housework, cooking, cleaning, helping the elderly and sick, praying or working in the shop; making candles, encaustic wax cards, as well as cards created and printed on a computer, turning wood and knitting garment on their knitting machine. The nuns do this type of work involving their hands because it leaves their minds free to focus on god and pray. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 how â€Å"no one can serve two masters†, â€Å"you cannot serve both god any money† so the nuns in the poor clare community decide to â€Å"serve god† and his people and help them rather than work for money. Their timetable is shown below 5.00 Rise 5.45 Readings – a morning invitation to prayer composed of some psalms and two readings, one from Scripture and one from a Christian teacher or saint. These nourish our spirits for the day ahead. A quick breakfast followed by time for personal prayer, reading, study until 7.30 7.30 Morning Prayer, the Prayer of Praise to God followed by Spiritual reading 8.30 Holy Mass followed by a short Office and then work until 11.50 11.50 A short Prayer written by Francis of Assisi and Scripture reading 12.30 Dinner; some free time until 2.15 2.15 back to work with a tea break at 3.30 and a short prayer together in the refectory at 4.00 to sanctify our work 5.50 Evening prayer 6.30 Supper followed by an hour of personal prayer time until 8.15 8.15 Compline or Night Prayer, which closes the day. The poor clares take three vows as a sign of their commitment and consecration to God. The vow of chastity allows the nuns to focus their love on god, they give god their bodies and souls and their right to marry. They also take the vow of poverty so they are not tied down by possessions and money and can focus on god. Christ was poor to make us rich so they follow in his footsteps and enforce discipleship. Obedience is the third vow they take, by this vow they give to God their freewill. Again showing their discipleship, because Jesus was obedient until the point of death on the cross for god. (b) â€Å"Christians should lead active rather than contemplative lives.† Contemplative means to life your life dedicated to god through prayer, to live a contemplative life. An example of a contemplative community is the poor clares. a day in the poor clares community may consist of things such as , gardening, housework, cooking, cleaning, helping the elderly and sick, praying or working in the shop; making candles, encaustic wax cards, as well as cards created and printed on a computer, turning wood and knitting garment on their knitting machine. The nuns do this type of work involving their hands because it leaves their minds free to focus on god and pray. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 how â€Å"no one can serve two masters†, â€Å"you cannot serve both god any money† so the nuns in the poor clare community decide to â€Å"serve god† and his people and help them rather than work for money. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk; he took a vow of silence amongst other vows his writings have had a big influence on many Christians. He took part in many social protests even though he had to be silent; he took part in such protests as the struggle for racial equality in the USA and the struggle against nuclear weapons in the Vietnam War. An active life for a Christian is doing something about what you believe in, for example a Christian can help follow their path to discipleship by following Jesus and helping others by helping people at hospitals, nursing homes, schools etc. ‘ordinary’ Christians can lead active lives by living in a Christian lifestyle and helping others also apply to discipleship. Christians follow Jesus by following his examples like his love, service and compassion towards others so do this in your everyday life and work and you will be living an active life. ‘Extra-ordinary’ Christian could do many great things for example Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement he was a Baptist minister, and had a huge impact on the people of America. his most influential and well-known speech is the â€Å"I Have A Dream† speech. In 1964, he became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. he spoke out against injustices against black people of america, they were not allowed to vote, not allowed in the same places as white people and got half the pay. Martin luther king changed this Another example of a ‘extra-ordinary’ active christian was Mother Teresa (August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997), she was born a roman catholic nun, she won the nobel peace prize in 1979. she was fascinated by stories of the lives of missionaries and their service. By the early 1970s, Mother Teresa had become an international celebrity. Her fame can be partly attributed to the 1969 documentary ‘Something Beautiful for God’. In 1982, at the height of the siege in Beirut, Mother Teresa rescued 37 children trapped in a front line hospital by negotioating a temporary cease-fire between the Israeli army and Palestinian guerillas. Mother Teresa inspired a wide variety of commemorations. Besides receiving numerous honors during her lifetime, she has also been memorialized through museums, been named patroness of various churches, and had various structures and roads named after her. In conclusion living an active life is far more beneficial to others and is more noticeable, living a contemplative life is good if you believe prayers work and they really were helping. Christians serve god in many different ways some more subtle than others. However it is to be taken into consideration that active Christians do pray and contemplate and contemplative Christians do work and help others. In my opinion active Christians are making a more valuable contribution to the world because I do not believe that prayers do anything and even if god doesn’t exist active Christians are still doing something good for the world

Animal Vivisection Is A Essential Aspect Of All Sciences

Experimentation is a vital aspect of all sciences, as it validates hypothesis and furthers scientific development. However, many believe that science crosses the line when animals become subjected to experimentation as a way to further research. This is a controversial topic, as it examines what to us, as humans, is more important, morality or science? These animals are forced to endure pain and suffering, in an attempt to prolong and ease the lives of humans. Animal vivisection is unethical, and there are alternatives that can be utilized, therefore, it should be lessened, and ultimately eradicated. Firstly, it is important to understand what exactly animal vivisection is, as well as the aspects of science in which it is used.†¦show more content†¦This is when companies test certain compounds, such as makeup, on animals to determine if they are safe for human use. The testing of vaccines on animals also occurs to ensure that they are benign to human use. In relation to vacc ine testing, large quantities of animals are used during each test, to guarantee the validity of the trial. The final aspect of science that uses vivisection is education. In this area of science, animals are often killed prior to the studies, which typically are the dissection of the animals. Vivisection is commonly used in these five areas of science, as a way to test products, or to validate or disprove hypothesis. It becomes clear that animal vivisection should be outlawed when examining the statistics on animals that are used for experiments. The most startling fact pertaining to animal vivisection is that there is no solid statistics in relation to the amount of animals that are used in experiments: The Office of Technology Assessment, which provides official statistics on the numbers of animals used, maintains that it is not possible to know even whether the number of animals used [in experimentation] is increasing or decreasing. Their quote from 1986 [estimates that] between seventeen and twenty-two million animals [were used] in research. (Donni) While there is no agreed upon number of the amount of animals