Leadership and Managment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership and Managment - Assignment Example pend largely on the acceptance and diffusion of policy ideas (p.502).† It is important to note that prior to our new reform, all the stakeholders have been used to the previous work arrangements. Supporting Doetter and Gotze’s insight, it will be ignorant of us to assume that the employees and other members of the staff will easily adapt in the new system. Our goals might be hindered in the process and it is a common understanding that those goals are the only reason the new reform is being launched. Compatibility issues may occur in form of difficulties in the working relationships (Daly, Speedy & Jackson, 2004). The new arrangement brings with it new tasks and specialization, plus, of course, greater higher levels of seriousness in what we do as an organization. In the meantime, the preexisting work relationships will certainly become destroyed. That might not rhyme so well with the workers. Adapting to virtually new masters and supervisions in the fields that did not carry much weight before will bring slowness in terms of implementation of the new working policy. In the meantime, workers will be demoralized and hence low productivity will ensue. The Department of Health (2013) and NHS Employers (2013) underpins the necessity of engaging employees in working as a team. However, in our case, such processes might prove to be tougher than we expect especially now that we behave new employees some of whom are from completely different disciplines. Diversity policy The fact that new policy comes with some shortcomings (Bassett, 2012) is one that we must live with. The introduction of new employees some of whom are from different disciplines can easily compromise governance into ensuring that all arms of management work to their best levels and towards fulfillment of... This paper approves that in terms of compatibility and coordination, new workers may find it difficult to adapt to the new environment while the old workers may find it hard to accommodate the new changes in the reform agenda. The result is slowed productivity of our organization, tainting of its name and fame due to unimproved services and loss of costs in terms of costs of hiring new employees. If not well managed, diversity may breed hate among workers which will sabotage coordination, productivity and thus the performance of the company altogether in that order. Insubordination is an already recognizable phenomenon in our organization. This is different from the conflict of personalities. It is the process of demeaning others because they are inexperience or are not learned as one. This paper makes a conclusion that there will be the need to sensitize the entire workforce and the key stakeholders of the new reform necessities. To this end, it will be vital to conduct major inclusive workshops to explain that the new changes are the most effective for the attainment of the goals of our organization. During such inclusive workshop, it will be necessary and possible to coin in the importance of diversity – we are there not to compete but to learn and complement each other. The problem of insubordination is sensitive and if addressed appropriately, it may be termed as rude. Therefore, it may be embedded in the issue of diversity. But first we must come up with a comprehensive employee behavior and policy as an in-between help.

Starbucks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 7

Starbucks - Essay Example Productivity: â€Å"Starbucks plans to open significantly fewer new stores in the U.S., over the 2009 to 2011 period, to less than 400 net new stores per year, opening approximately 250 company-operated stores in each of the three years. At the same time, the company plans to continue to accelerate its International unit expansion, targeting net new store openings as follows; approximately 1,050 in 2009, 1,150 in 2010, and 1,300 in 2011† (Business Wire, 2008, 3). Competitive Position: â€Å"Total store count will be approximately 21,500 stores by the end of fiscal 2011, with the companys international presence growing from approximately 30 percent to over 40 percent of the global store portfolio† (Business Wire,2008, 3). Employee Development and Relations: Starbucks envisions to promote cultural diversity in the workforce and to continue providing comprehensive benefits and incentives, including access to numerous partner clubs and programs that assist in the holistic development of personnel, providing a balance between work and family life (Starbucks: Working at Starbucks, 2011, 1). Public Responsibility: Starbucks is committed to be a responsible company by extending corporate responsibility to the community, to protect the environment, to implement ethical sourcing of raw materials and provide wellness by awareness of health components in their products (Starbucks: Responsibility, 2011). This section requires an analysis of the firm’s current long-term objectives, as identified and enumerated under Section 1. In this regard, given the Starbucks had outlined their long term objectives in the light of the seven areas of profitability, productivity, competitive position, employee development, employee relations, technological leadership, and public responsibility, it is validated and supported that Starbucks possess the qualities that strategic

A Study On Dividend Signaling Theories Finance Essay

A Study On Dividend Signaling Theories Finance Essay Introduction Dividend announcement is a significant event that is closely scrutinized by a firms important stakeholders such as investors and financial analysts. Typically, dividend announcement contains information that signals firms earnings condition. Consequently, financial markets may react to these information releases by directly affecting the announcing firms stock price. Finance literature suggests that dividend announcement affects a firms stock price. Stock price may react positively or negatively to dividend announcements. For example, Dewenter and Warther (1998) and Fukuda (2000) both provide evidence of a positive (negative) market reaction to dividend increases (decreases). Dividend signaling is a tool which investors can use to investigate the impact of dividend announcements on stock prices. Literature review is focused on dividend signaling and more specifically on the effect of dividend announcement to the stock price. Relatively to the literature review, it hasnt been directed any research attention about dividend signaling but it has been analyzed some empirical studies in an order to examine the stock price effect to dividend announcement in real markets. Moreover, the studies will be compared and analyzed, based on signaling theory, in an effort to explain further dividend signaling effect. The paper is organized as follows: Section 1 describes generally about dividend signaling based on empirical and theoretical evidence. Section 2 describes the analysis of some empirical studies and section 3 concludes the results of these studies. Signaling theory The signaling theory claims that dividends should reflect the managers superior inside information about the firms future earnings conditions. Future earnings and trigger price can change any time, therefore, managers use dividends as an instrument to signal their superior information about the changes in earnings conditions. (C. Chen and C. Wu, 1999). Signaling theory also predicts that higher dividends signal better earnings performance and therefore, lead to a higher market value of the firm (Kathleen P. Fuller, 2002). There are numeral studies about different scenarios for dividend signaling. Bhattacharya (1979) and Miller and Rock (1985) argue that when there are information asymmetries between firms and outside shareholders, it is possible to induce a signaling role for dividends. Furthermore, managers are well informed about dividends payments but they dont reveal always the necessary information about firms profitability to the shareholders. (As it is found in M. Donga, C. Robinson and C. Veld, 2005 p. 127) Miller and Modigliani (1961) claim, in their dividend signaling hypothesis, that firms increase dividends to convey positive information about earnings prospects. According to this hypothesis, dividend changes can be interpreted as forecasts of future profitability (as it is found in K. Harada, P. Nguyen, 2005, p. 504) Campbell and Shiller (1987) state that the stock price reflects all information about future dividends and therefore, stock price forecasts future dividends and any changes in the process of dividends affects the behavior of the future dividend.( as it is found in C. Chen and C. Wu, 1999, p.30) Consistent with theoretical predictions, studies support that when dividends are increased stock prices tend to increase and when dividends are decreased stock prices tend to decrease. Based on these studies there is a positive correlation between dividend and stock price. On the other hand, some researchers argue that there is not any significant relationship between dividend changes and stock price. Michaely, and Thaler (2002) counter-argue that dividends signal the past and not the future. (as it is found U. S. Dhillon et al, p.2) 2. Stock price reaction to dividend announcements According to financial literature about dividend signaling hypothesis, dividend increasing companies earn positive stock return and dividend decreasing companies earn negative stock return. To understand better this event, it is important to analyze some empirical studies about the market reaction to dividend announcements and to compare their results. Researchers use variable models of signaling dividends in an order to examine the influence of dividend announcement in the stock price. These studies attempt to reconcile the theory with the evidence by considering the fundamentals of numerous companies and detailing the context in which the dividend changes takes place. Generally, it has been examined what happens when the dividend increases and when the dividend decreases. REGULAR DIVIDENTS H. DeAngelo et al. ( 1996) have constructed a sample of 145 large firms by searching Compustats primary and research tapes for NYSE-listed firms (public utilities, limited partnerships, American depositary receipts (ADRs), and Canadian companies) with a decline in annual earnings that follows at least ten earnings reports indicating strictly increasing earnings, i.e., after nine or more consecutive annual earnings increases. According to this sample, they have analyzed the stock markets announcement, day and over longer horizon (1-3 years), reaction to firms dividend increases. Sample firms have experienced an economically small, but statistically significant average equity value increase ~ roughly one-half of 1% ~ when there was an announcement of dividend increase. These findings indicate a positive association among stock market views and dividend increases because the information that company provides, justify a higher quality value. (H. DeAngelo et al. ,1996) U. S. Dhillon et al (2003) have developed a sample of 1700 firms (updated on a quarterly basis) with dividend forecasts in the Value Line Investment Survey. Their analysis contains, among other items, forecasts of the dividend for the current calendar year (and, in some cases, the next year) along with the publication date. Consistent to dividend signaling hypothesis, they have focused on the results of stock price reaction, at a two-day cumulative excess return, to dividend announcements using two different methods. In their study, they have presented the stock price reaction for positive, negative and no dividend changes. Capturing on the fraction of the sample that reflects the analysts expectation of a dividend increase, it has been noted a strong market reaction to dividend increases. In other words it has observed that for positive dividend announcements there was a positive stock price reaction. In the case that the dividend decreases, there is a significant negative price rea ction meaning that for negative dividends announcements there was a negative price reaction. In this study is also be examined the announcements of no dividend changes. The sample, in this case, is divided into three sub-samples: (1) positive dividend surprises, when analysts expectations of a dividend decrease did not materialize, (2) negative dividend surprises, when analysts expectations of a dividend increase did not occur, and (3) no dividend surprise, when analysts forecast of no dividend change was met. The results have demonstrated a significant relation between dividend changes and market reaction. Furthermore, whether dividends increase or remain unchanged, a significant positive reaction is observed when announced dividends exceed analysts forecasts. In contrast, a significant negative price reaction is observed when announced dividends are below analysts forecasts, and the price reaction is insignificant when announced dividends match expectations. (U. S. Dhillon et al, 2003) K.P. Fuller (2003) has used a sample of firms with unexpected dividend increases announced and has examined how the trading behavior of various investors affect a firms need to employ dividend changes to signal private information to the market. He has hypothesized that insider buying (selling) prior to a dividend increase is associated with significant and positive (negative) price reactions. The results have supported that the greater the amount of informed trading, the lower the price reaction to a dividend signal. Further, the larger the buy demand relative to the sell demand prior to the signal, the smaller the price reaction to an unexpected dividend increase. (K.P. Fuller, 2003) K. Harada and P. Nguyen (2005) have examined the relationship between dividend adjustments and long-term stock returns for a large sample of Japanese firms, over three different holding periods. A very significant issue in the research is the conditions under which the adjustments take place using the model of dividend changes. Based on signaling hypothesis, there is a significant association between dividend changes and subsequent earnings. At the 12-month horizon, firms were expected to increase their dividends (about 3.5%) but risk adjusted returns were found significantly negative (about -2.7%). At the 24-month horizon, stock returns were found also negative for the firms that expected to increase dividends (about -2.5%). In this research, it has to be mentioned that the results are much less significant, at less than 5% level due to the larger dispersion of (risk-adjusted) returns. At the 36-month period, the firms that did not present the appropriate conditions for a dividend increase have displayed a negative stock performance of dividend-increasing (about -6.35%). But when the firm was expected to increase the dividend (under appropriate conditions) , there was resulted a significantly positive association between dividend increases and risk-adjusted returns (about +14.5%). Overall, the stock performance evaluated over 12-24 months appears that stock returns are consistent with improved profitability only after an extended period of 36 months. That happens because the information presents a good portrait of the company, after 1 or 2 years, and the market participants react positive to this favorable information. On the other hand, in the research was examined the dividend decreases and the relationship with the stock price. The researchers supported that there is a significant positive association between the dividend decreases and stock price. More specifically, at the 12-month horizon, it is noted that dividend reductions are associated with a positive market reaction. (about +2.3%). Over the time, it was observed a significant positive increase association (about 4.5%, from 2.3% at 12-month horizon to 6.8% at 36-month horizon). These results concern firms that decrease their dividends. Regarding the firms that are expected to decrease their dividends, at the 12-month horizon expected dividend reductions that have been implemented result a significantly positive abnormal return (about +3.12%) that continues to increase at the 24-month horizon (+5.98%). An interesting observation that is provided among the two types is that only the first type of expected dividend reductions is associated w ith a positive stock performance, whereas the second type does not generate a significant change in the firms value. (K. Harada, P. Nguyen, 2005) SPECIAL DIVIDENTS Brickley (1982, 1983) has examined how the special dividend announcement related with the stock price. He supported that when firms announce unanticipated special dividends the stock prices increase by about 2%. According to his study, investors treat special dividends as hedged managerial signals about future profitability, in a way that unanticipated specials are associated with weaker stock market reactions than are regular dividend increases of comparable size. He also claims that regular dividend increases have a significantly more favorable market impact than do unanticipated specials. (Brickley, 1983) H. DeAngelo et al. (2000) have studied the stock markets reaction to special dividends. Their study indicates that the sign of special dividend changes do not systematically convey significant information. They observed a positive average stock market reaction (about 1%) when firms increase special dividends. The results have shown that the stock market typically reacts positive to the special dividend increases. Furthermore, they found that the stock market typically reacts favorably to the fact that a special dividend is declared (holding regular dividends constant), but that the market reaction is not systematically related to the sign or magnitude of the change from one positive special dividend payment to another. (H. DeAngelo et al., 2000) Conclusion According to the dividend-signaling hypothesis (Miller and Modigliani, 1961), firms increase their dividends to signal a growth in subsequent earnings. Moreover, dividend increase announcement may have a significant effect in the stock market price. Therefore, a number of studies have been examined in an attempt to understand the relation between dividend announcement and stock price. Many researchers have analyzed dividend signaling effect, based on different models, and they have found almost the same results. H. DeAngelo et al. (1996), U. S. Dhillon et al (2003) and K. Harada and P. Nguyen (2005) have found a significant positive association between dividend increases announcement and stock price, contrary to K.P. Fuller (2003) that has found a significant negative association between dividend increases announcement and stock price response. Other researchers have examined how special dividend announcement affects stock price. Brickley (1983) and H. DeAngelo et al. (2000) have resulted that stock market typically reacts favorably to the declaration of a special dividend, holding the regular dividend constant. Furthermore they have found that the stock market response averages approximately 1%, both when firms increase specials and when they reduce them to a still-positive level. Overall, their data indicate that although special dividends generally convey good news to investors, any such signaling content is typically small. To assume, the signaling models that have been chosen predict a positive relationship between dividend (regular and special) changes and stock price reaction to the announcement. The results are related with the financial literature, which provides extensive evidence that stock prices react to dividend changes. Even though a great number of researchers have resulted a positive association between the two factors, there is a researcher that has supported a negative association between the factors and that has led some analysts to question the signaling role of dividends. Analysts claim that dividend signaling is a very important issue and that it is related with other factors too. For example, the greater the number of informed traders active in a firms stock, the less likely it is that the firm needs to signal its intrinsic value. To conclude, analysts must continue to study the dividend signaling effect and more specifically to examine other significant factors associated with divid end announcement.

Cyber Terrorism Essay -- Internet Web Cyberspace Terror Essays

Cyber Terrorism Thus far we have scratched the surface of the ever-perplexing problem of terrorism. As it has evolved those in the position of countering it have also gained some valuable experience. Even with this knowledge it is very difficult, bordering on impossible to prevent terrorist acts from occurring. In the recent past there has been an extra element added to this confusing and dangerous equation, the Internet and other computer capabilities. Cyber-terrorism is a realistic possibility but is it as detrimental as other forms of conventional terrorism such as a car bomb? I will argue that the implications of a cyber attack could be just as harmful. Traditionally terrorist acts target a specific locale and are executed precisely in this spot. This has been a limit of the damage inflicted upon those the perpetrator hopes to influence and the general public. This playing field has grown enormously to what could be conceived as boundless proportions. "Individuals or groups can now use Cyberspace to threaten International governments, or terrorize the citizens of a country" (cybercrimes.net). The creation of a boundless area of attack makes it that much harder to determine where an act will be taken. Since it is easy to figure out that for cyber-terrorism to occur computers need to be accessible to the groups or individuals committing acts, why not restrict who can use computers? This has actually been considered but would be rather difficult to do in today's world. "Increasingly, America depends on computers'? (Cyberterrorism~ Fact or Fantasy?). We are not alone in this dependency, more and more of global business and personal activities are conducted via the Internet. This in itself indicates a major difference... ...ding civilian officials are aware of the possibility of organized cyber-attacks and have aligned themselves to work toward ensuring computer safety. Even though there are efforts being made to address the possibility of a computer disaster it will more than likely happen anyway. Cyber-terrorism, the wave of the future, is potentially much more harmful than anything we have seen before. Works Cited Cyberterrorism. www. cybercrimes .net. Online. 3 March 2002. Desmond, Paul. â€Å"Thwarting Cyberterrorism.† Network World 18 February 2002: Proquest. Online. 4 March 2002. Groves, Shanna. â€Å"The War on Terrorism: Cyberterrorists Beware.† Information Management Journal Jan/Feb 2002: Proquest. Online. 4 March 2002. Pollitt, Mark M. â€Å"Cyberterrorism- Fact or Fantasy?† FBI Laboratory: www. cs.georgetown.edu. Online. 3 March 2002.

Services Marketing and Management

Defining Services Services are about the economic activities offered by one party to another. On the other hand is about exchange for the customer money, time, and effort, service customers expect to obtain value from access to goods, labor, facilities, environments, professional skills, networks, and systems; but they do not normally take ownership of any of the physical elements involved. And then services also involve a from of rental, offering benefits without transfer of ownership such as include rental of good. Defining four categories of services and exampleBased on differences in nature of service act tangible or intangible and who or what is direct recipient of service people or possessions, there are four categories of services: first one is people processing second one is possession processing, third one Mental stimulus processing, the last one is information processing. (1) People Processing is about services that are directed at the people themselves. Customers must phys ically enter the service factory. The managers should think about the process and output from customer's perspective.The people processing example have hospitals and fitness centers. (2) Possession Processing is about customers may ask service organizations to provide treatment for some of their physical possessions. Customers are less physically involved compared to people processing services. Production and consumption are separable. The possession processing example have repair services and house cleaning services (3) Mental Stimulus Processing is about the services touch people's minds, and have the power to shape attitudes and influence behavior. Core content of services is information-based. t can be inventoried The mental stimulus processing example have consulting, education and broadcasting. (4) Information processing is about information is the most intangible form of service output but may be transformed into enduring forms of service output. Some services are most highly dependent on the effective collection and processing of information. The information processing example have accounting, banking and financial. â€Å"It has been argued that businesses should see themselves as offering a customer-satisfying service rather than a goods-producing process. In this question, I think different companies will have different practices, some businesses should see themselves as offering a the customer-satisfying the service rather than a goods-producing process. Although a company can do these two completely to satisfy the customer needs. but some businesses need to provide themselves as offering a goods-producing process. But now companies are more focused on customer service. About the J. B. McKitterick, a General Electric executive, he say some marketing concept about the customer service is important.In a paper written in 1957, he observed that the principal marketing function of company is to determine what the customer wants and then develop the appr opriate product or service. Which was to develop products and then build customer interest in those products. The foundation for the marketing concept about the customer satisfaction is of primary importance. A growing number of company are giving increased attention to customer service. such as Financial institutions, beauty industry, airlines, retail stores, restaurants, manufacturers, and wholesalers face the problem of gaining and retaining the patronage of customers.Building long-term relationships with customers has been given a high priority by the majority of Hong Kong this place most successful enterprises. Many companies realize that customer satisfaction is an important key to success. Customer service can be defined as those activities that enhance or facilitate the purchase and use of the product. Competition in the industry too many, their products are the same or very similar. We have entered the age of boundless competition, triggered in large part by an expanding gl obal economy. Multinational competition has increased dramatically in recent years.To compete successfully in markets where products are the same or very similar, and prices are basically the same, so the customer service is often the only competitive advantage available. Many companies will do the survey, they will ask the customer need and they want the company will focus on customer-satisfying service or goods-producing process, the customer's answers is want to focus in customer-satisfying service. such as the company will have some training programme to give the staff. Now more people want the company can provide a good service more than a goods-producing process. ecause customers want the sales can to help them and address their needs. They will feel happy for their shopping. After their shopping, if some people feel this company have a good service, they would recommend to their friend. I think this can effectively to promote their company's products. It can attract more peop le to come the company to buy their product. On the other hand, such as financial, beauty these industries, these industries need to have and provide good customer service, because these industries require face-to-face contact with customers every time. o they need to provide the good customer service. And then the companies also hope that the customer service is ranked first, in addition, for the brand name of the company to establish good reputation, and this can increase the visibility of their company, more people can know their company information. On the other hand, they can attract more customers use the company's services or to buy the company's products. I think every company need have their customer-friendly systems and training. because the staff can know how to handled in a timely fashion. it can add value and build customer loyalty. uch as the cashier at the supermarket, the receptionist at the doctor's office, and the front-desk clerk at the hotel often have the first opportunity to serve the customer. they need to possess the social skills needed to build customer loyalty. The ultimate purpose of every business should be to satisfy the customer. Increased levels of competition require a greater commitment to customer service. some company is offering a goods-producing process rather than a customer-satisfying service. if they don't have a good service, the customer will not come to second time. o this type company can not only focus in the producing process. They also need to focus in the customer service. it can attract the customer come to next time. in this time, i think all company need focus this two type can do a good company and do very well. the company need to have quality results, good service, and a fair price to sell their product and provide their service. If the businesses that did not focus on customer feelings and emotions so they will lost customer. I will suggest the company need for continual reinforcement, and continuing good customer service programs.

Les Miserables Essay

Les Miserables (the title is the same in French and English) is the most well-known of Victor Hugo’s novels. It describes the miserable life of French workers, and especially their children. Hugo calls for social action to improve the unfortunate poor’s lives. This excerpt describes the character Marius, and how he has worked very hard to succeed in life. Excerpt from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) Misery is the same with anything else. As time passes, it gradually becomes bearable. Marius had emerged from the narrow passage of his life; now the path widened out a bit. Through sheer hard work, courage, and a strong will, he had managed to earn around seven hundred francs a year. He had learned English and German. Thanks to Courfeyrac, the man who introduced him to his publisher friend, Marius held a position in the literary department of the publishing house, where he filled the useful role of utility. He wrote prospectuses, translated articles from journals, annotated publications, compiled biographies, and so on. His net gain, year in, year out, was seven hundred francs. He was able to survive on this income. How? Not badly. Here is how he lived. For a yearly rent of thirty francs, Marius lived in a miserable little room without a fireplace in the Gorbeau tenement. There was only a bare minimum of furniture which belonged to him. He paid the old woman who took care of the building a sum three francs a month to sweep his room, and bring him some warm water, a fresh egg, and a small loaf of bread every morning. This egg and bread cost him between two and four cents, because eggs varied in price. At six o’clock in the evening, he went downstairs to eat dinner at Rousseau’s in the Rue Saint Jacques. He had no soup, but he ate a plate of meat for six pennies, half a plate of vegetables for three pennies, and a dessert for the same price. As for bread, he could eat as much as he liked for three pennies, but instead of wine, he drank water. Then he paid at the counter, where Madame Rousseau sat majestically, a large woman with a pleasant face. She would smile as Marius handed the waiter a one penny tip. Then he left the restaurant. For a total of sixteen cents, he got a dinner and a smile. †¦.. Marius had two complete suits, one of them old, that he wore for everyday use, and the other one new, which he wore on special occasions. Both suits were black. He owned only three shirts: the one he had on, another one that was in the bureau drawer, and the third one that was at the laundry woman’s. When they wore out, he replaced them with new ones, but generally, his shirts were ragged, so he buttoned his coat up to his chin. To reach this stage of prosperity, it had taken Marius many hard, difficult years: years of barely getting by, and years of trudging along. He had never once given up. He had struggled and done without, he had been through every hardship, except going into debt. Instead of borrowing money, he went without food. There had been many days of fasting. During all his hard times, he actually felt encouraged, and sometimes he even felt a certain inner strength. In addition to the memory of his father, Marius carried the memory of Thà ©nardier in his heart. He envisioned the man surrounded by a halo, the brave sergeant Thà ©nardier who had saved his father, a colonel, when he found him among the cannon fire and bullets at Waterloo. Marius always kept the memory of this man together with the memory of his father, and he felt great admiration for them both. It was a bit like a form of worship in two steps. The high altar was reserved for his father the colonel, and the low one for Thà ©nardier. His feelings of gratitude for the man were strengthened by the knowledge that Thà ©nardier had suffered a horrible misfortune. Marius found out that as an unlucky innkeeper, Thà ©nardier had gone bankrupt. After learning this, Marius made countless efforts to track down the miserable Thà ©nardier, who had disappeared. Marius blamed and hated himself for not being able to locate him. He felt that the only debt his father had left him was to succeed in finding Thà ©nardier. Marius felt it was his duty to pay him that tribute. â€Å"After all,† he thought, â€Å"when my father lay dying on the battlefield, it was Thà ©nardier who was able to find him through the smoke, and carry him away on his shoulders. Yet he owed Thà ©nardier nothing, whereas I, who owe so much to Thà ©nardier, cannot get to him in his time of darkness and suffering. I cannot, in my turn, restore him to life. Oh! I will find him!†

Buddhist Ethicle Teachings Essay Example

Buddhist Ethicle Teachings Essay Example Buddhist Ethicle Teachings Essay Buddhist Ethicle Teachings Essay Greeting noble beings of the known world I am a Buddhist monk hear to teach you a little bit about our ethical teachings. Sounds like fun, so lets get straight into it. Buddhism is not only a world religion but it is also a philosophy with between 230 and 500 million followers. Buddhism is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, simply known as â€Å"the Buddha† he is said to have lived in the 5th century BCE in ancient India. Essentially, according to Buddhist teachings, the ethical and moral principles are governed by examining whether a certain action, whether connected to body or speech is likely to be harmful to ones self or to others and thereby avoiding any actions which are likely to be harmful. In Buddhism, there is much talk of a skilled mind. A mind that is skilful avoids actions that are likely to cause suffering or remorse. The five precepts is one of the texts that contain the basic Buddhist code of ethics. The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Another text that is associated with the Buddhist ethical teaching’s is the vinaya. Vinaya can be translated to mean leading out, education and discipline this text also instructs the Buddhist on how to behave. Buddhism has no rules prohibiting homosexuality but in the vinaya the Buddha is opposed to those who openly express homosexual desires and actions. The Buddhist texts do contain a large amount of relationships between men witch some believe to be of homosexual nature even though no sexual contact is mentioned in these instances. Lay Buddhists are Buddhists that aren’t monks, are expected to follow the Five Precepts, the third of which is to â€Å"not engage in sexual misconduct†. What is sexual misconduct? I hear you say well to answer this Buddhists decide their actions by considering the following. Univerasalizability principle How would I like it if someone did this to me? Consequences Does the act causes harm and regret (in oneself or others) or benefit and joy? Utilitarian principle Will the act help or harm the attainment of goals (ultimately spiritual liberation)? Intention Is the act motivated by love, generosity and understanding? Therefore activities such as sexual harassment, child molestation and adultery are considered sexual misconduct. As homosexuality does not come under any of these headings it is considered an appropriate activity and is said that it should be interpreted the same way as heterosexuality. In theory homosexuality is aloud with Buddhist but in practice it is not openly expressed but this is because of the cultural norms of countries. This is also due to the notion of karma which is practiced in many Buddhist countries. Homosexuality is seen as a karmic punishment for committing sexual misconduct in a past life. The five precepts impact a Buddhist directly as it contains information on how one should behave. Furthermore, the five precepts are not commandments or rules but they are a way of training a Buddhist to be kind, honest, truthful to others and one self by: not killing, refraining from sexual misconduct, listening to others, ceasing gossip, respect to others and avoid mistreating drugs and alcohol on a day to day basis. This teaches Buddhists to be respectful, kind and honest people not only to others but to themselves.