Examining Intergroup Relations from different angles

Examining Intergroup Relations from different angles Intergroup relations started to take form in understanding individual characteristics from the beginning of the twentieth century. The theory of intergroup relations for individual, group, intergroup, and organizational relations defines boundaries, power, cognition, and leadership behaviors. Intergroup relations can be examined from so many different angles. There is even a wide variety of areas of study that have theories into a multitude of issues concerning intergroup relations. However, with the array of research into intergroup relations, narrowing down the topic of research to social psychology, and studying the characteristic, and behavior will be sufficient enough to have a wide range of understanding into group and individual behavior. Certain perceptions can be developed toward a group member or members  involving negative or positive intergroup relations, such as: social categorization, stereotypes, intergroup bias, motivations, prejudices, and the functional relationsh ip process within a group. INTRODUCTION TO INTERGROUP RELATIONS What is the meaning behind intergroup relations? Why is it so widely studied in social psychology? These are questions that are asked when analyzing the meaning of intergroup relations. To better understand intergroup relations you first have to dive into where it all began and how the term was discovered. In the 1960s and 1970s social psychologists began studying individuals and social interaction. The study of group dynamics proved to be unsuccessful and expensive, so they decided to research the dynamic on a smaller scale by breaking down individuals rather than placing them in larger social structures for their research. However, this setting failed and the setting became inaccurate. As time went on though, investigation of group dynamics was not a dead topic. The research into intergroup relations was yet again opened up for study in the 1980s and 1990s, but this time investigation into human behavior in a group setting (Johnson Johnson, 2009). The numbers of issues found were: cooperation, conflict resolution, distributive justice, intergroup relations, and cross cultural interactions. This was a major step in research for group and individual behavior among a group setting. It was then a doorway to other fields for research that ultimately became one of the most dominated areas of study on group dynamics. Intergroup relations in simpler terms can be described as feelings, evaluations, beliefs and behaviors that groups and members may have toward one another. It can have both positive and negative impacts among those individuals that are among the group or outside their group. The psychological process that is associated with intergroup relations among many is social categorization. This can be described as the personalities, motivations of group members, observations, and the practical relationship between groups and those outside groups. SOCIAL CATEGORIZATION Social Categorization is a fundamental part of intergroup relations. It involves identifying people that are within your group and those that our outside of your group members. The theory behind social categorization arises from the earlier work of Tajfel of social identity theory. By evaluating an individuals self-image for which they perceive him or herself; these aspects can also contribute positively or negatively as well when defining their group identity with we or us as one would with me or I. Social categorization is social perception that involves relating to those within your group and discriminating against those that are not in your group. This can cause conflict when one relates with their individual self image to their own group and then having to work with others that are outside of your group members. When relating yourself characteristic and building a trusting relationship with those within your group, members tend to view others more negatively when others from the outside are brought into your group; even if those from the outside have similar characteristics of your own. Once group membership has been established people distinguish individuals who are members as the in-group and those who are members of other group as the out-group (Dovidio, April 21, 1990). When intergroup boundaries between out-group and in-group have been pronounced people tend to discriminate against the out-group than those in their in-group. People then attribute more strongly to their in-group, and then in turn favor and contribute more toward their group. This is because ones self-esteem is more enhanced in their own group than in different group memberships. When different groups are not interdependent and group memberships are thrown together; intergroup biases are produced. INTERGROUP BIAS Intergroup bias generally defines the members (the in-group) to be more favorable to their own group than to the non-members (the out-group). Bias can cause such behavior such as: discrimination, stereo-typing, and prejudice. This essentially means that trust is turned over to the in-group and not given to the out-group. Individuals tend to give more to their own group than relinquishing those rewards to members of other groups. When social identity is developed among members in a group, it is hard for those members to be able to reach out and identify with outside group members. Once a trust line has been established it is difficult to create non derogation towards the out-group (Dovidio, April 21, 1990). In order to decrease intergroup bias is to make group members aware of the consequences that surround this behavior. Or by placing groups with other groups on more of a daily basis in order to establish less competition and less trust issues among others. By taking out the element that can cause intergroup bias can help those participating in a group environment to see that each member, whether in their group or others, are key factors to being successful. Being able to observe others culture, style and individual character without discriminating from the beginning will help each member find balance in their group and others they become involved in. No one group is better than the other. Each has separate tools that can make the ease of intergroup relations work victoriously. GROUP CULTURE When evaluating group dynamics in intergroup relations one benefit, as stated, is the culture and style that each individual will bring such as: the history and common ancestry, as well as cultural characteristics. But when viewing culture as it relates to intergroup bias, groups that are involved in intercultural encounters tend to run into conflicts due to sociocultural adaptation. The more different the languages, family structures, religion, standard of living and values of the two groups, the more cultural distance there will be between these groups. With these cultural characteristics and cultural distance that is placed in groups it can have a tendency to take shape as ethnocentrism where one ethnic group views their culture as better than another. When ethnocentrism is present we measure our culture based on others of different ethnicity. This is derived from the cultural conditioning that each individual has encountered as children. Children are typically raised to fit into particular cultures and sometimes when individuals are conditioned we see others ethnic background in a more negative light than positive (Messick Mackie, 1989). Groups tend to place distance between those that are of different in cultural background because they perceive them with dissimilarity to their own culture. Sometimes, it is difficult for groups to adapt to those with greater cultural dissimilarities. It is important for those placed in groups to be able to learn more about each individuals own interaction styles, and be able to set structure within those group to have a higher success rate in their groups. When structuring a groups interaction styles and applying everyones cultural differences; you can take those differences and use them to benefit a higher success rate. Being able to learn and understand others cultural beliefs and backgrounds can truly add benefit to each group established (Spielberger, 2004). GROUP BEHAVIOR AND MEMBERSHIP A group is a social system that involves interaction among members and a common group identity. When discussing group dynamics and how it correlates with intergroup relations, evaluating the conflicts, social categorization, and cultural differences; it is also important to evaluate the fundamental behaviors of group processes as a whole. Groups have a sense of we-ness that helps them to identify themselves as belonging to a certain entity. A group is an important part of sociological concept since it plays such a complex part in everyday life. Group membership is part of an individuals social identity. It is a key element of social control over individuals social pressures towards having to conform. Especially when they can deviate risking their membership as a result of that risk. However, social consequences help establish an important understanding of social life as a whole. We live in a very physical and cognitive world and when discussing group membership and the social pressures, understanding the social influence and group behavior in group memberships is one of the most important keys to everyday life (Messick Mackie, 1989). There are several types of group environments that we encounter in a life time; from sports, school, work, family and peers. Every type of group contact comes with social influence and behaviors from each individual involved in the group setting. Individuals affect one another in several different ways depending on their experiences. Experiences that each individual has encountered in their lifetime; is the key tool in intergroup relations. It is what makes group behavior an important asset when discussing the theory behind intergroup contact and how they all in the end relate to one another. Ultimately, the individuals experiences, needs, social influences and relationships are what make up how individuals approach group membership. SUMMARY Intergroup relations are essentially determined by how people relate to one another as well as how they categorize others. Perceptions is what shapes individuals personal needs and values, and by the behavior between groups. This process intermingles and works in sync with each other. With this categorization of people in groups it can sometimes cause the intergroup bias and conflict among the group members or members outside of the group (Dovidio, April 21, 1990). However, with conflict and social categorization come goals to help implement positive group membership. Different groups and culture can help organize and produce efforts to achieve a mutually desired outcome; as long as conditions and discipline is applied. Being able to work together and understand everyones individual needs and goals will help establish a positive intergroup dynamic. Certain perceptions are developed toward a group member or members that are  involved in a negative or positive intergroup relation. Social categorization, stereotypes, intergroup bias, motivations, prejudices, and the functional relationship process within a group. These basic processes are the fundamental interpretations of intergroup relations and the dynamics that in turn produce a group membership that can successfully be achieved with hard work, understanding and the basic desires to work as a group and overcome the biasness that can take place.

Essay on Plants on Earth

Plants and humans are perhaps the most important organisms, however, us humans, have caused the death of thousands of plants by starting fires and by cutting down trees for things such as paper and furniture. Plants make oxygen which is very important for our survival; we can't live without it. In the year 2003 alone, 774500 acres of land, that contained not only threes but animals too, were burned in California (Jane Strong, 2003). Some of this land was burned due to natural fires but some of it was probably cause by humans that weren't careful enough.These fires do only kill threes and animals sometimes even other people are harmed. People also cut down threes to make furniture and other things needed for construction. As I look around my house I can see that a lot of the things I have, are made of wood. The chair I'm sitting on, the pencils I use to write, the dining table, and even the house is made of wood. It was then that I thought about how many threes had to be cut down just to make my house. How many threes had to be cut down to make all of the houses in Arlington.People also waste a lot of paper without thinking that they are killing threes; people should recycle and think twice when they waste paper. As the number of people in the world increases, the need for wood increases too. Food companies as well as the companies who cut down threes need to look for ways to make plants grown faster in order to satisfy the need for wood. People have to grow a higher number of plants than the number they cut down. This is necessary because if they number of plants in the world is too low there would be too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; this would be harmful to us because they air would be contaminated.Many food companies use chemicals to make their plants grow faster; they also use chemicals to make their plants stronger against insects and some diseases. Some people do not want to buy these products because they think that they do not have as many nutr ients and vitamins as they would have if they would have been water with normal water. Plants have to be watered with water that has no chemicals. This is good because it ensures that the water doesn't have any chemicals that could harm the consumers and that they would be natural.These chemicals sometimes change the taste of the vegetables or fruits. Plants need water so they can grow. It's very possible that the type of water that is used to water the plant may affect the growth rate of the plants. Finding the appropriate type of water would be a great help for farmers who want their plants to grow as fast as possible. The type of water that is used to water a plant is an important factor. This may be what the companies that make vegetables and the companies that cut down threes might want to change, in order to make all of the plants grow faster.This would be a great help for them because it would give them the opportunity to produce more threes without harming the environment. F inding a way to make plants grow faster without using chemicals is something people should be concerned about, because its plants that give us the air we breathe. Plants are also a very important source of food. If the right type of water is be found the plant growth would be increased, therefore the number of plants would increase and the food as well as the wood companies wouldn't have to worry bout the number of threes.

Map of the Mid-Ocean Ridges

DescartesMeditations, To What Extent Are We Able To...

â€Å"With reference to Descartes’ ‘Meditations’, to what extent are we able to distinguish between reality and illusion?† ‘Meditations’ outlines Descartes’ method of justifying, through reasoning alone, his initial beliefs concerning the existence of reality as he perceives it. This challenge of scepticism is itself achieved through adopting a temporary sceptical approach in meditations 1 and 2. By way of mental deconstruction and evaluation of all that he had previously considered true, Descartes is left with only the elements that he is able to ascertain are ‘certain and indubitable’ . He first asserts our apparent inability to distrust our senses in distinguishing reality from illusion. This process forms the foundations from which he may†¦show more content†¦In the first meditation, through providing three arguments (waves) as to the nature of our inability to distinguish reality from illusion, Descartes makes a convincing argument as to why we would, prior to his reasoned proof of existence of God, disregard all a posteriroi knowledge as a viable source of information abou the world. In the first wave Descartes questions the legitammacy of the information provided by the senses. He provides the example of the way in which our sense of perspective funtions, stating ‘senses occasionally decieve us about things that are veru small or very far away’ , to call into question that which we so often rely on to provide us with an accurate account of ‘reality’. Descartes’ method demands that if reason is to doubt a foundation then all knowledge based on that foundation should be rejected; of the senses he articulates having ‘occcasionlly found that they decieved [him]’ following with the statement that ‘it is prudent never to trust those who have decieved us’ . In this way Descartes is seeking to undermine empiricism, his abandoning of he sense principle is utilied to porve that senses are our main soucrce of error. A possible contradiction of this could perhaps be Descartes’

The Food Personalities Of Gender Expectations - 1379 Words

After finishing an initial review of the shows, I identified common themes between the food personalities in terms of gender expectations. From this sample, I identified five culinary personas: homemaker, non-traditional female, craftsman, explorer, and non-traditional male (gastrosexual). Even though these hosts had unique characteristics, the thematic presence of gender division between domestic cooking and professional cooking underlined all the personalities. These identified attributes for the most part do adhere to the traditional femininity and masculinity with some divergent examples. Persona Attributes The traditionally female culinary persona portrays a woman’s culinary authority lies in the domestic kitchen. Although this study†¦show more content†¦The emotion behind Drummond’s cooking was reflected in the rest of women who fit this persona. This emotion and placement in the domestic kitchen displays the traditional feminine characteristics of emotionality and domesticity. While Food Network presented only traditionally feminine personas in their programing, Cooking Channel provided one female food personality who crossed traditional gender lines. Harry Eastwood, British host of Sinful Sweets, explores and travels the United States finding bakeries and confectionaries. As a culinary expert and accomplished chef, she casually discusses technical knowledge of baking and often gives critical suggestions for how the dessert could be better. This professional expertise separates her from the rest of female hosts because her professionalism and absence from the domestic setting draws attention to her greater culinary authority than untrained home cooks. While Eastwood departs from the traditional female attributes, she highlights the attributes associated with traditional masculinity. These personas represent professional culinary authorities whose legitimacy stems from artistic experimentation and technical training. These personas find motivation by sharing culinary knowledge and are associated with traditionally masculine occupations like craftsman or explorer. Like the feminine personalities, the

Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation Free Essays

string(35) " enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous\." Sojourners Recovery and Becket Springs offer options such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and pharmacological options that do increase the likelihood of remaining abstinent after treatment. Alternative methods of treatment at these centers, such as acupuncture, have not been proven to be effective at promoting abstinence, but may help to ease withdrawal symptoms. In addition to enrolling in a rehabilitation program at a licensed facility, the individual should seek out support from his or her family members, as this will help the individual cope with the enormous stress of giving up alcohol. We will write a custom essay sample on Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation or any similar topic only for you Order Now Alcohol has a long and storied history in not Just American culture, but in many other world cultures as well. Its use in beverages is believed to have begun almost 10,000 years ago when civilizations in ancient Persia and the Middle East produced a fermented drink from honey and wild yeasts (â€Å"An Alcohol History Timeline,† 2011). Wine, beer and liquor would eventually follow (in that order), as numerous societies enjoyed the intoxicating effects of the drug. During the 19th century in the United States, the average American drank 7 gallons of pure alcohol per year (â€Å"What in America’s History,† 2005). This rampant drinking led to temperance movements and reformers that pushed for local and national prohibition. Groups such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WEST) would eventually merge with the Anti- Saloon League and form a powerful coalition that elected officials to Congress and put pressure on the government to ratify Prohibition (â€Å"What in America’s History,† 2005). The National Prohibition Act was subsequently enacted in 1920, outlawing the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol. The Act was repealed 13 years later in 1933, but the message was clear: the effects of alcohol were seen by many as ungenerous and destructive, and these effects needed to be addressed. Today, the problems of alcohol abuse and alcoholism have become almost epidemic in American society, as recent studies have asserted that 53% of adults in the U. S. Have reported that one or more of their close relatives has a serious problem with drinking (â€Å"Alcohol Stats,† 2013). Each year in the United States alone, nearly 50,000 cases of alcohol overdose are reported, and in 2009, over 30 million people stated they had driven under the influence of alcohol at least once in the previous year (â€Å"Alcohol Stats,† 2013). In 2007, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 14,000 alcoholic liver disease deaths and over 23,000 alcohol-induced deaths (not counting accidents and murders) (â€Å"Alcohol Stats,† 2013). The CDC also reported that in 2006, excessive alcohol consumption cost the United States’ economy $223. Billion (â€Å"Excessive Drinking,† 2014). In an effort to combat the dangers of alcohol abuse and alcoholism, numerous in- patient and out-patient treatment centers are available to those that are seeking help for their affliction. This paper takes a look at four of these treatment options in the rater Cincinnati area. These options include Alcoholics Anonymous, Sojourner Recovery Services in Ham ilton, OH, Delbert House in Cincinnati, OH, and Becket Springs in West Chester, OH. The model of treatment that each facility or program employs will be examined, as well as success rates and recidivism. Additionally, this report will look at the efficacy of various models of alcohol treatment and how successful they are for the patient. Ultimately, it will lend advice as to the optimal treatment strategy one should choose when trying to overcome one’s addiction to alcohol. Treatment Review One of the most common and well-known methods of alcohol treatment in the United States is the group-oriented, outpatient design of Alcoholics Anonymous (AAA). At its core, AAA is a 12-step program that utilizes anonymous group meetings to help facilitate the overarching goal of abstinence for each of its members (â€Å"Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps,† 2010). The 12 steps are divided into four phases: admitting one has an addiction and needs to abstain; submission of the alcoholic’s will to â€Å"the power of God or a Higher Authority’; making amends to those the individual has armed or wronged in the past; and spreading the message of AAA and its 12 steps to others (â€Å"Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps,† 2010). By â€Å"working the steps† and attending the meetings, the individual is purportedly given a plan and support group to help him or her resist the urge to drink alcohol. According to Lee Ann Gaskets, Drop, of University of California-Berkeley, there is controversy on the research into the capability of AAA. Therefore, she provides â€Å"a focused review of the literature on AAA effectiveness† (Gaskets, 2009). Using six criteria to establish a causal link between AAA ND abstinence, Swastikas states that there is some evidence that AAA is an effective course of treatment for someone seeking to quit drinking. She writes, â€Å"rates of abstinence are about twice as high among those who attend AAA, and higher levels of attendance are related to higher rates of abstinence† (Swastikas, 2009). Still, she ultimately concedes that more exhaustive research needs to be completed before judging the effectiveness of AAA. In a separate article entitled â€Å"Exposing the Myth of Alcoholics Anonymous,† freelance technical writer and attendee of â€Å"hundreds of AAA tenting,† Stephen Mohr rejects the notion that AAA is an effective mode of treatment for alcoholics. He writes, â€Å"The truth is that the available evidence strongly suggests that AAA treatment provides very little or no long-term help for active alcoholics. Further, there is ample evidence that long-term repeated exposure to this program is actually dangerous to many alcoholics who would fare better if left on their own† (Mohr, 2009). Mohr cites Ass own statistics when establishing the ineffectiveness of AAA, writing, â€Å"in 1989 AAA reported that, on average, after six months 3 percent of new attendees had left the program and that after one year only 5 to 7 percent remained† (Mohr, 2009). Perhaps more damning, Mohr recounts the findings of Harvard psychiatrist Dry. George Valiant. Beginning in 1983 and then every year for eight years afterward, Dry. Valiant followed up on 100 alcoholic subjects admitted to a clinic in Cambridge, MA, and who were subsequently enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous. You read "Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation" in category "Papers" He found that only five of the 100 subjects never relapsed back into alcoholic drinking, which was a rate no better than if they had been left to attempt abstinence on their own (Mohr, 2009). Worse yet, he found that three subjects a year died from their drinking habits, despite being enrolled in the 12-step program (Mohr, 2009). And while these findings were from the asses, the fact that AAA has not changed its approach and/or treatment methods in the 80+ years of its existence indicates that they are still pertinent to today. Moreover, these data suggest that AAA is not only ineffective, but the fact that it is so widely regarded as the premier source of alcohol treatment prevents patients from pursuing more useful modes of treatment – ones that could potentially save the alcoholic’s life. The Becket Springs rehabilitation facility in West Chester, OH, is one of the alternatives to AAA that an individual suffering from alcoholism may consider. Becket Springs offers both in- patient and outpatient services to help meet the needs of the patient. The in-patient program’s goal is â€Å"to teach [the individual] the tools of recovery and relapse prevention so that [he or she] can create a life worth living† (Patient Handbook, 2). When the patient is first admitted, he or she is assessed to develop an individual treatment plan. The assessment team and the patient will formulate a set of goals to Ochs on during treatment. The assessment team itself is comprised of a psychiatrist, psychologist, staff nurse, patient care assistant, recreational therapist and social therapist all working together to facilitate the recovery of the patient. Individual treatment includes detoxification (if necessary), medical prescriptions written by a psychiatrist, psychological evaluations with the psychologist, group therapy through â€Å"games, crafts, leisure education, creative expression and relaxation training,† and individual and family therapy provided by a licensed therapist or social worker (Patient Handbook, 2). Becket Springs encourages communication between the patient and family throughout treatment, and designates a daily time period for phone calls in addition to a visitation schedule that allows two hour-long visits per week and a family meal during the weekend. Along these same lines, Sojourner Recovery Services, located in Hamilton, OH, is a non-profit organization that provides in-patient and outpatient substance abuse treatment for those addicted and their families. Sojourners assessment service is a thorough evaluation conducted during a face-to-face session in order to determine the extent of addiction and optimal recovery strategy. The staff at Sojourner takes a holistic approach toward treatment, and offers a diverse array of programs, including: one-on-one counseling, lectures, group therapy, family sessions and discussion groups. The aforementioned staff consists of â€Å"experienced counselors, professionals and volunteers – many of whom are recovering from addiction themselves – that genuinely care about each and every person’s success† (â€Å"Sojourner Recovery,† 2012). Therapy models of recovery include: motivational enhancement to encourage the patient to become receptive to the healing process; â€Å"seeking safety’ to improve coping skills; â€Å"seven challenges† for adolescents seeking recovery; â€Å"stages of change† which helps patients progress through the five stages of recovery; cognitive-behavioral, which utilizes the belief that one’s thoughts cause one’s feelings and behaviors, rather than external people or factors; and acupuncture to help alleviate symptoms and stresses associated with alcohol or drug withdrawal (â€Å"Sojourner Recovery,† 2012). The duration of stay for the in-patient program varies according to the needs of the patient, giving the person as much or as little time as he or she needs. The Delbert House in Cincinnati, OH has a few different branches across the city. The Delbert House located in Clifton, OH, is a non-profit organization focused on intensive inpatient treatment of homeless men dealing with substance abuse – namely, alcohol abuse. According to general manager Chris Weanling, this branch of the Delbert House is a â€Å"shelter-plus-care† operation, which attempts to rid patients of their addictions while helping to reintegrate the individuals as functioning units of society (C. Weanling, personal communication, July 21, 2014). They are encouraged to actively seek out employment and permanent residency. The Delbert House models of treatment include self-help classes, group concussions, one-on-one counseling, AAA meetings, and AN meetings (C. Weanling, personal communication, July 21, 2014). A typical day in the life of a patient starts with a 7:30 a. M. Wake-up call followed with breakfast at 8 a. M. The rest of the morning consists of life-skills classes and chemical dependency education courses. At noon, the patients have lunch, and then attend their various therapy sessions (group and/or individual) in the afternoon. Dinner is served at 5:00 p. M. , and then the patients have some free time before they are required to attend an AAA or AN meeting (C. Weanling, personal communication, July 21, 2014). The Delbert House does not allow patients to use alcohol or any illicit drugs while they are enrolled, and thus each patient is subjected to a random, periodic urinalysis and/or breath-analysis test. In any given month, five or six patients out of 60 will test positive, with the incidences of positive tests fluctuating from season to season and spiking around a holiday(C. Weanling, personal communication, July 21, 2014). The operation is largely state- funded, with tax dollars making it possible for the Delbert House to help the lives of the men it houses (C. Weanling, personal communication, July 21, 2014). Given all the models of alcohol treatment (AAA, group therapy, cognitive behavioral, motivational enhancement, acupuncture, etc. ), Just how effective are they at promoting abstinence within the alcohol abuser? As discussed above, the effectiveness of AAA seems dubious at best, and downright dangerous at worst. This is very unfortunate considering the fact that almost all court-appointed rehabilitation for alcohol offenders in Hamilton County involves AAA or an equivalent 12-step program (â€Å"Treatment Options,† 2009). On the other hand, research on continuous outpatient group therapy seems to indicate its effectiveness. In J. Kim, et al. ‘s article, â€Å"The Effectiveness of Continuous Group Therapy for Outpatients with Alcohol Dependence,† he states that 3, 6 and 12 month abstinence rates of 94 cognitive group therapy subjects â€Å"were 56. 4%, 30. 6%, and 16. 9%,† respectively (Kim et al. , 2011). The same abstinence rates for 83 subjects in a standard outpatient therapy group â€Å"were 28. 6%, 11 . 7% and 5. 2%,† respectively (Kim et al. , 2011). He thus concludes that continuous group therapy for outpatients is a practical and effective means of achieving abstinence. Inpatient group cognitive behavioral therapy (CAB), though, is a little murkier. In their article, â€Å"The Effectiveness of an Inpatient Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Alcohol Dependence,† News and Owe evaluated the effectiveness of attendance at an in-patient CAB program aimed at treating alcohol abuse. The study included 37 males and 34 females that attended 42 CAB sessions in three weeks, with News and Owe gathering evidence on one and three-month follow- ups regarding the drinking habits of the subjects. The study data indicated that greater attendance at CAB sessions for inpatients did not result in greater abstinence rates, nor did it correlate with a reduction in the quantity of alcohol consumed from he levels of pre-treatment (News Owe, 2005). Thus, while patients that attended CAB sessions did seem to stand an improved chance of abstinence, News and Owe concluded â€Å"this study was unable to provide full support for the effectiveness of group CAB and cognitive models on problem drinking† (News and Owe, 2005). Another strategy for alcohol recovery is that of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that uses the penetration of thin needles into specific â€Å"occupants† along the skin of the body (â€Å"Acupuncture† 2014). Choc and Hang reviewed the efficacy of this approach in their article, â€Å"Acupuncture for Alcohol Dependence: A Systematic Review. † After systematically searching nineteen electronic databases for randomized controlled trials, they found eleven studies that involved 1,110 cases. Though they conclude the results were â€Å"equivocal† and that â€Å"more research and well-designed, rigorous and large clinical trials are necessary,† the data they did discover suggest that there is no difference between acupuncture treatment and â€Å"sham treatments† (Choc and Hang, 2009). In a separate study by Karts, Passive, Frederica, Wises and Schneider, thirty-four alcoholics were treated tit acupuncture to assess its effect on withdrawal symptoms. The study was able to conclude that â€Å"acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment to carbonized medication shows promise for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms† (Karts, Passive, Frederica, Wises, Schneider, 2002). Thus, while acupuncture may not be helpful for an individual hoping to obtain abstinence, it does look to be promising in helping to relieve some of the anguish of going through withdrawal. In addition to models of therapy, most treatment centers also offer medications to help the patient on their road to recovery. Daniel E. Jonas, M. D. , M. P. H. , of University of North Carolina, et al. , completed a recent study that analyzed more than 120 different studies as to the effectiveness of various pharmacological pills on the alcoholic, and found that comparative and oral maltreatment showed the greatest potential for decreasing alcohol ingestion Moons et al. , 2014). Dissimilar, an oral medication available since the asses, did not show adequate evidence to support the notion that it can prevent relapse drinking or improve drinking level outcomes Moons et al. 2014). The article goes on to state that the four most effective medications are commemorates, maltreatment, depreciate and maleness, but cautions that patients should share in the decision-making process with the physician, and medication should be taken in conjunction with other modalities of treatment Moons et al. , 2014). Conclusion Judging by national recovery data, it can require a nearly Herculean effort for an alcoholic to successfully abstai n from alcohol for a long period of time (years). The national average for alcoholics that try to remain abstinent for one year without outside help is around 5% (â€Å"Alcohol Stats,† 2013). Even Alcoholics Anonymous, by its own admission, has a 93% turnover rate in one year. With this in mind, it’s important for anybody that is trying to quit to not try to do so alone. The individual should attempt to enroll in either an inpatient or outpatient program at a local recovery facility. In the Cincinnati area, this could include Sojourner Recovery Services in Hamilton, OH, or Becket Springs in West Chester, OH. Both offer a variety of programs to foster an intrinsic change within the individual, and employs a multitude of treatment models and pharmacological aids that can be blended together for an optimal individual recovery plan. Perhaps most importantly, the person that is trying o recover should actively seek the help from his or her immediate family, if possible. Abstinence from alcohol is very difficult to achieve for an alcoholic, and a strong support system from people close to the affected individual will go a long way to facilitating a successful and long-lasting recovery. How to cite Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation, Papers

Fayols Management Functions and Its free essay sample

Managers motivate employees, influence individuals or teams as they work, select the most effective communication channel or deal in any way with employee behaviour issues, they are leading. In controlling, managers evaluate how well an organisation is achieving its goals and take action to maintain or improve performance, (Waddell, Devin, Jones, George, 2008, p. 9). Controlling when handled well ensures that the overall direction of individuals and groups are consistent with the short and long term goals of the organisation. It also helps to maintain compliance with essential organisation rules and policies. Fayol (Fayol, 1949, p. 107) stated that controlling purpose was to identify weaknesses and problems such that they can be rectified and reoccurrences prevented. In identifying and addressing issues quickly the organisation can maintain its productivity whilst also maintaining an optimum work environment. The planning and controlling management functions are closely related, as the planning functions establishes goals, while the controlling function nsure that the goal is being worked towards by all parties involved. We will write a custom essay sample on Fayols Management Functions and Its or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fayol is seen by some as the founding father of management functions (Raymond E. Miles, Charles C. Snow, Alan D. Meyer and Henry J. Coleman, Jr. , 1978, p. 556). While some of his principle and functions are no longer appropriate, his core functions have been adapted to modern organisational management issues. Plan, lead, organise and control, may have stood the test of time (fell, 2000, p. 345) due to their simplicity and malleability to change with demand for modern management thinking. These four principles may be seen as outdated, but his methods still work. If there is good communication, understanding, unity, continuity, flexibility and precision (Fayol, 1945, p 137 Fayols Management Functions and Its free essay sample Fayol’s Management Functions and its Relevance Today According to Henri Fayol, ‘planning, organising, co-ordinating, commanding and controlling’ (Fell 2000, p. 345), are the core functions behind successful management. At present, these functions have been condensed to four: plan, lead, organise and control. There is great debate as to the relevance of these functions in modern management theory. Fells (2000, p. 345) maintains that these functions have ‘stood the test of time’; and are ‘appropriate to contemporary management’. While others such as Henry Mintzberg have said ‘Fayol’s fifty year description of managerial work is no longer of use to us’(Stephen J. Carroll and Dennis J. Gillen, 1987). ‘Management is the planning, organising, leading and controlling of human and other resources to achieve organisational goals effectively and efficiently’ (Waddell, Devin, Jones, George, 2008, p. 519). This definition is from a contemporary text book, which shows the use of Fayol’s functions in modern management teachings. While looking at the management functions shaped by Fayol, some of his functions are no longer seen as useful in modern day management. We will write a custom essay sample on Fayols Management Functions and Its or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Planning is a key process for any organisation, as it allows management to determine suitable goals and the most appropriate course of action in achieving these goals. Planning (Fayol, 1949, p. 43): ‘means both to assess the future and make provisions for it’. Without any form of a plan, an organisation lacks direction and unity, which will hinder the future success of the organisation. Fell (2000, p. 346) highlights ‘Fayol discusses the feature of a good action plan and highlights: unity, continuity, flexibility and precision’. The need for management to have a plan is crucial when dealing with employees and developing strategies to integrate and co-ordinate activities. Organising in an integral part of any organisation, as it structures working relationships in a way that allows employees to work collectively to achieve the organisations goals. (Waddell, Devin, Jones, George, 2008, p. 2) When managers organise, they determine what tasks are to be done, who is to do them, how the tasks are to be grouped, who reports to whom, and where decisions are to be made. Organising is as much about lines of responsibility and authority as it is about communication flow and the use of resources. Fayol identifies many key objectives of organising which are crucial in the maintaining a productive environment, these include ‘maximising personal development, cle ar delineation of duties, aligning objective with resources and co-ordinating activities’(Fayol, 1949, p. 3). These four key objectives in particular are vital for the harmonisation and productivity of an organisation. The leading function of the managerial role, ‘expresses a clear vision as well as energises and enables organisational members to understand the role they play in achieving organisational goals’ (Waddell, Devin, Jones, George, 2008, p. 52). While leading isn’t a function from Fayol’s management functions, it has adopted some of his philosophies in particular Fell (2000, p 358) ‘aim at making unity, energy, initiative and loyalty prevail among the personal’. This can be seen in the way of employee incentive schemes such as bonuses and career advancements put in place to reward staff when organisational goals are met. When managers motivate employees, influence individuals or teams as they work, select the most effective communication channel or deal in any way with employee behaviour issues, they are leading. In controlling, ‘managers evaluate how well an organisation is achieving its goals and take action to maintain or improve performance’, (Waddell, Devin, Jones, George, 2008, p. 9). Controlling when handled well ensures that the overall direction of individuals and groups are consistent with the short and long term goals of the organisation. It also helps to maintain compliance with essential organisation rules and policies. Fayol (Fayol, 1949, p. 107) stated that controlling purpose was to ‘identify weaknesses and problems such that they can be rectified and reoccurrences prevented’. In identifying and addressing issues quickly the organisation can maintain its productivity whilst also maintaining an optimum work environment. The planning and controlling management functions are closely related, as the planning functions establishes goals, while the controlling function ensure that the goal is being worked towards by all parties involved. Fayol is seen by some as the ‘founding father of management functions’ (Raymond E. Miles, Charles C. Snow, Alan D. Meyer and Henry J. Coleman, Jr. , 1978, p. 556). While some of his principle and functions are no longer appropriate, his core functions have been adapted to modern organisational management issues. Plan, lead, organise and control, may have ‘stood the test of time’ (fell, 2000, p. 45) due to their simplicity and malleability to change with demand for modern management thinking.