Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Transformational Leadership Plan Essay Example for Free

Transformational Leadership Plan Essay ABSTRACT Innovation and Transformational Leadership with respect to modern organizational hierarchies. The paper goes on to synthesize aspects of transformational leadership into an individual leadership plan, summarize outcomes of transformational leadership and innovation and present varied views stemming from empirical data on organizational philosophies. Several scholarly journals and industry papers were gleaned, they are listed in the annotated bibliography. Results and Outcomes of Innovation and Transformational Leadership Transformational leaders motivate others to do more than they originally intended and often even more than they thought possible. Such leaders set more challenging expectations and typically achieve higher performances. Transformational leadership is an expansion of transactional leadership. Transactional leadership emphasizes the transaction or exchange that takes place among leaders, colleagues, and followers. This exchange is based on the leader discussing with others what is required and specifying the conditions and rewards these others will receive if they fulfill the requirements. True transformational leaders raise the level of moral maturity of those whom they lead. They convert their followers into leaders. They broaden and enlarge the interests of those whom they lead. They motivate their associates, colleagues, followers, clients, and even their bosses to go beyond their individual self-interests for the good of the group, organization, or society. Transformational leaders address each followers sense of self-worth in order to engage the follower in true commitment and involvement in the effort at hand. This is one of the things that transformational leadership adds to the transactional exchange. Transformational leadership adds to transactional leadership in its effects on follower satisfaction and performance. Transformational leadership does not replace transactional leadership. That is, constructive and especially corrective transactions may have only marginal impact on followers unless accompanied by one or more components of transformational leadership for getting the most out of transactions: The follower needs to feel valued by the leader, the follower needs to find meaning in what he or she is doing, and the follower needs a sense of ownership in whats being done. Transactional leadership, particularly contingent reward, provides a broad basis for effective leadership, but a greater amount of effort, effectiveness, innovation, risk taking, and satisfaction can be achieved by transactional leadership if it is augmented by transformational leadership. When peers of military cadet leaders were asked what characterized the important traits of a good leader, they tended to describe such traits of inspiration, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration as self-confidence, persuasiveness, concern for the well-being of others, the ability to articulate ones ideas and thoughts, providing models to be emulated by others, holding high expectations for him—or herself and others, keeping others well-informed, and maintaining high self-motivation. Given a team task, the innovation process begins with the creativity of individuals. The generation of a new idea is a cognitive process, located within individuals, albeit fostered by interaction processes in teams. Thus, first and foremost, innovative individuals are both creative and innovative (i.e., they dont just have creative ideas; they also try to implement them). They are people who have a preference for thinking in novel ways, who think globally instead of locally (distinguishing the forest from the trees). They have appropriate intellectual abilities, including synthetic abilities (to see problems in new ways and escape the bounds of conventional thinking), analytic abilities to recognize which ideas are worth pursuing, and the practical contextual abilities to persuade others of the value of their ideas. Having a good idea about whether the Earth revolves around the sun or vice versa is not enough. Galileo, if he were alive today, might note that Richard Branson and Bill Gates did not succeed by simply being mavericks; they were also able to charm, persuade, and inspire people. To be innovative and creative we also require sufficient knowledge of the field to be able to move it forward, while not being so conceptually trapped in it that we are unable to conceive of alternative courses. People who are confident of their abilities are more likely to innovate in the workplace. In a study of role innovation among more than 2,000 UK managers, it was found that confidence and motivation to develop knowledge and skills predicted innovation following job change. Tolerance of ambiguity, widely associated with creativity, enables individuals to avoid the problems of following mental ruts and increases the chances of unusual responses and the discovery of novelty (Burpitt Bigoness, 2002). Innovative people also tend to be self-disciplined, with a high degree of drive and motivation and a concern with achieving excellence. This perseverance against social pressures presumably reduces the dangers of premature abandonment. Minority influence theory in social psychology suggests that perseverance acts to bring about change in the views of majorities and is a necessary behavioral style among innovators. An employee of 3M discovered Post-it notes because he sang in the church choir and needed some effective way of marking the place of hymns between services. Knowing of an adhesive with poor properties (it didnt stick well) being explored at 3M, he had the idea of using it on small strips of paper to mark the hymnal. But the real innovation came in his persistence in selling the idea to secretaries, chief executives, the marketing department, and the sales department in the organization. It became an annual $200 million business for 3M. Innovative people tend to be self-directed, enjoying and requiring freedom in their work. They have a high need for freedom, control, and discretion in the workplace and appear to find bureaucratic limitations or the exercise of control by managers frustrating. Such people need clear work objectives along with high autonomy to perform well. Indeed, in a study of 13 oil company teams, Jerry et. Al. found that the innovativeness of individuals in teams was superior as a predictor of team innovation to measures of group climate and process. In a more sophisticated longitudinal study of 27 top management teams in hospitals, it was found that the proportion of innovative individuals within the team did not predict the overall level of innovation but did predict the radical ness (changes to the status quo) of the innovations implemented by teams. Another influence on team innovation is the extent to which team members have the relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities to work effectively in groups. Some researchers believe that team members require appropriate team knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), or â€Å"team integration skills†. These are distinct from the technical KSAs that are relevant to task performance (such as medical skills for a physician on a breast cancer care team). They include conflict resolution skills, collaborative problem-solving skills, and communication skills such as the skill to utilize decentralized communication networks to enhance communication. Other key integration skills, they argue, include goal setting and performance management and the skill to coordinate and synchronize activities, information, and tasks among members. The more of these integration skills team members have, the more likely it is that the benefits of team working and team diversity will manifest, not just in terms of team performance, but also in innovation proposals and their successful implementation. Leadership processes in teams will moderate the relationship among team member characteristics, team processes, and innovation. Leadership processes will either encourage or block the expression of behaviors and skills supportive of team innovation. A dominant, directive leader may prevent attempts by team members to bring about change and steadily reduce their confidence and perseverance in initiating innovation implementation. Moreover, such a leader might inhibit the expression of team KSAs by repeatedly dominating decision making or discussion. A more transformational leadership style is likely to enhance the impact of individual characteristics such as confidence, innovativeness, and tolerance of ambiguity on group processes (such as support for innovation) and thereby innovation implementation. Synthesize aspects of transformational leadership into an individual leadership plan It has been discovered that most of the large global companies studied operate, to one degree or another, under a traditional model of strong individual leadership at the top. Moreover, the quality of that leadership bears on the overall performance of those companies. A few of the companies studied—and some business units within others—are characterized by a different pattern of leadership. Instead of leadership being a solo act, an aria sung by the CEO, in these organizations it is a shared responsibility, more like a chorus of diverse voices singing in unison. Significantly, this characteristic is more than the frequently observed phenomenon of â€Å"cascading† leadership (in which a strong leader at the top empowers other leaders down the line). Although cascading is often a part of what is observed, more to the point in these organizations many of the key tasks and responsibilities of leadership are institutionalized in the systems, practices, and cultures of the organization. Typically, cascading leadership depends on the continuing support of whoever is the leader of an organization at any given time; behavior that is not personality dependent. Eventually, it has been realized that this form of leadership is rooted in systems, processes, and culture. Without the presence of a high-profile leader (or â€Å"superior† goading or exhorting them on) that people at all levels in these organizations †¦ Act more like owners and entrepreneurs than employees or hired hands (that is, they assume owner like responsibility for financial performance and managing risk). Take the initiative to solve problems and to act, in general, with a sense of urgency. Willingly accept accountability for meeting commitments, and for living the values of the organization. Share a common philosophy and language of leadership that paradoxically includes tolerance for contrary views and a willingness to experiment. Create, maintain, and adhere to systems and procedures designed to measure and reward these distributed leadership behaviors. Obviously, this is not a new model of leadership. Doubtless, it has been around a long time and we, missed it because we were blinded by the powerful light that emanates from high-profile leaders. We were also prisoners of the current wisdom about the necessity for personalized, take-charge leadership—particularly in times of rapid change. Moreover, it is important to stress that the organization based model identified was not the only one observed, nor was it necessarily always the most effective. In fact, the two most successful companies in an empirical sample operate, on two different models, Oracle being headed by a single strong leader, and Enron with widely diffused and systematized leadership responsibilities. Thus we are not advocating a newly discovered â€Å"best way to lead†; instead, calling attention to a previously unnoticed— but equally viable—alternative to the traditional leadership model. Among other things, this discovery helps to explain some persistent contradictions to the dominant model of leadership. If leadership were solely an individual trait †¦ Why is it that some companies continually demonstrate the capacity to innovate, renew strategies and products, and outperform competition in their industries over the tenures of several different chief executives? Intel, for instance, has been a rip-roaring success under the leadership of, in sequence, Gordon Moore, Andrew Grove, and now, Craig Barrett. Why is it that some CEOs who have succeeded in one organization often turn in so-so performances in the next? Consider George Fisher, who was a star at Motorola, but far less effective at Kodak. (Conversely, why is it that some companies headed by singularly unimpressive CEOs nonetheless rack up good performance records?) Why is that academics are unable to quantify the relationship between CEO style on one hand and organizational performance on the other? (In fact, they have found no objective correlation between those two factors—concluding, unhelpfully, that â€Å"it all depends.†) Moreover, as history shows, businesses that become dependent on a single leader run a considerable risk. If that individual retires or leaves (or dies in office), the organization may well lose its continuing capacity to succeed—witness the performance of General Motors after Alfred Sloan, ITT after Harold Geneen, Polaroid after Edwin Land, and Coca-Cola after Roberto Goizueta. More frequently, organizations learn the hard way that no one individual can save a company from mediocre performance—and no one individual, no matter how gifted a leader, can be â€Å"right† all the time. As one CEO said, â€Å"None of us is as smart as all of us.† Since leadership is, by definition, doing things through the efforts of others, it is obvious that there is little that a business leader—acting alone—can do to affect company performance (other than try to â€Å"look good† to investors) (Howell    Avoiio, 2003). In light of these observations, it should not have been so surprising that our research revealed that, in many successful companies, leadership is treated as an institutional capacity and not solely as an individual trait. It turns out that many corporations whose familiar names perennially appear on â€Å"most respected† lists are ones with the highest institutionalized leadership capacities. Like individual IQs, companies have collective LQs—leadership quotients— that can be measured and compared. (Moreover, unlike individual IQ an organizations leadership capacity can be bolstered through appropriately directed effort.) Hence, we now are better able to explain why companies like Intel, ABB, GE, Enron, BP, Ford, Nestlà ©, and Motorola continue to renew themselves year after year, and over the tenures of many different leaders: Such companies are not only chock-full of leaders from the executive suite to the shop floor, they make conscious efforts to build their LQs, that is, their overall organizational leadership capacities. That last point requires an important clarification. Some companies with continuing records of success do not pay much, or any, attention to traditional—that is, individual—leadership development. Instead of asking â€Å"What qualities do we need to develop in our leader?† these companies continually ask â€Å"What qualities do we need to develop in our organization?† And, though this may seem to defy the current wisdom about the importance of leadership, on reflection it squares with experience. At Motorola, for example, there has been a decades long pattern of self-renewal that has continually belied the predictions of Wall Street analysts who, on at least four occasions, have written the company off for dead. When it has suffered one of its periodic setbacks, how could Motorola reasonably be expected to turn itself around without a take-charge leader like Jack Welch at its helm? But it has done so repeatedly, and under the collective leadership of several different individuals. In light of what we have learned from our study, we posit that the secret sauce at Motorola is the companys strong, institutionalized leadership capacity— systems consciously created by former-CEO Bob Galvins leadership teams over a period of thirty years (Dong et. Al. 2001). And the effectiveness of the organizational leadership model should not come as a surprise to those who have tried to change the behavior of a CEO—or of any executive whose career has been validated by rising to the top. Powerful executives tend to see leadership as positional. To them, by definition, the CEO is the leader of the corporation. For example, a couple of years ago we suggested to the CEO of a Fortune 500 company that he (and his executive team) might benefit from a leadership development program. He looked at us as if we were space aliens and testily replied, â€Å"If the board thought there was someone who was more qualified to lead this company, they would have named him and not me.† Given that such ego-driven denial is fairly common in executive suites, it makes practical sense that the high-LQ companies in our study focus on identifying business-related activities as the source of leadership development—that is, they stress improving the ability of their leaders collectively to do their central tasks, rather than on trying to fix them as individuals. The lesson we take from this is not that individual leadership behaviors are unimportant, but that in some cases, at least, it may be more effective to treat them as secondary to organizational issues. Moreover, it is far easier for leaders to learn to do things differently in terms of business processes than it is for them to change who they are. III. Summarize the outcomes of transformational leadership and innovation Among the components of transformational leadership, idealized influence and inspirational leadership are most effective and satisfying; individualized consideration is a bit less so. But in turn, all four 1s of transformational leadership are more effective than is constructive transaction. However, constructive transactions remain reasonably effective and satisfying in most situations, except where a leader has no control of the ways a follower may be rewarded for good performance. Actively taking corrective action—that is, managing by exception by arranging to monitor the performance of followers—is somewhat less effective and satisfying, but passively waiting for problems to arise or remaining oblivious until a mishap occurs is seen as poor, ineffective leadership and is dissatisfying. The most ineffective and dissatisfying style is laissez-faire leadership avoiding leadership and abdicating responsibilities. Analyses of over 5,000 cases have affirmed these findings. Transformational leadership adds to transactional leadership in its effects on follower satisfaction and performance. Transformational leadership does not replace transactional leadership. That is, constructive and especially corrective transactions may have only marginal impact on followers unless accompanied by one or more components of transformational leadership for getting the most out of transactions: The follower needs to feel valued by the leader, the follower needs to find meaning in what he or she is doing, and the follower needs a sense of ownership in whats being done. Transactional leadership, particularly contingent reward, provides a broad basis for effective leadership, but a greater amount of effort, effectiveness, innovation, risk taking, and satisfaction can be achieved by transactional leadership if it is augmented by transformational leadership. Transformational leadership can be directive or participative, as well as democratic or authoritarian, elitist or leveling. Sometimes, transformational leadership is misunderstood as elitist and antidemocratic. Since the 1930s, the praises of democratic, participative leadership have been sung. Most managers have at least learned that before making a decision it pays to consult with those who will implement the decision, although fewer managers pursue a democratic vote or strive for consensus in a participative discussion with ail those involved. There are many good reasons for encouraging shared decision making, empowering followers, and self-managing. Nonetheless, many circumstances call for a leader to be authoritative, decisive and directive. Democratic decisions can become a pooling of ignorance among a group of novices. Novices may wish direction and advice on what to do and how to do it. Even when no leader is appointed, someone must begin to take initiatives and soon comes to be seen as a leader. Many confuse transformational leadership with democratic, participative leadership. It often may be so, but at times it can also be directive, decisive, and authoritative. Idealized leaders can direct followers who are counting on them to help get the team out of a crisis by employing radical solutions to deal with the problems. Again, inspirational leaders can be highly directive in their appeals. Intellectually stimulating leaders may challenge their followers. Individually considerate leaders could rise above the demands for equality from their followers to treat them differently according to their different needs for growth. At the same time, transformational leaders can share vision building and Idea generation that could be a democratic and collective enterprise. Such leaders can encourage follower participation in the change processes involved. In the same way, transactional leadership can be either directive or participative. Most leaders profiles include both transformational and transactional leadership. The attitudes and behavior of Otto Von Bismarck, whose efforts led to the unification of Germany in 1871, illustrate how transformational and transactional leadership can be directive or participative, democratic or authoritative (Deborah, 1999). Interviews with executives about the leadership they had seen produced numerous behavioral examples of transformational leadership. Idealized influence or charismatic leadership was attributed to the interviewees leaders for demonstrating such traits as setting examples, showing determination, possessing extraordinary talents, taking risks, creating in followers a sense of empowerment, showing dedication to â€Å"the cause, † creating a sense of a joint mission, dealing with crises using radical solutions, and engendering in their followers faith in the leadership. Inspirational leadership included providing meaning and challenge, painting an optimistic future, molding expectations, creating self-fulfilling prophesies, and thinking ahead. Intellectual stimulation was judged to be present when leaders questioned assumptions, encouraged followers to employ intuition, entertained ideas that may have seemed silly at first, created imaginative visions, asked subordinates to rework problems they thought had already been solved, and saw unusual patterns. Individualized consideration was apparent to interviewees when their leaders answered them with minimum delay, showed that they were concerned for their followers well-being, assigned tasks based on needs and abilities, encouraged two-way exchanges of ideas, were available when needed, encouraged self-development, practiced walk around management, and effectively mentored, counseled, and coached. When peers of military cadet leaders were asked what characterized the important traits of a good leader, they tended to describe such traits of inspiration, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration as self-confidence, persuasiveness, concern for the well-being of others, the ability to articulate ones ideas and thoughts, providing models to be emulated by others, holding high expectations for him—or herself and others, keeping others well-informed, and maintaining high self-motivation (Atwater, Lau, Bass, Avolio, Camobreco, Whitmore, 1994). COMPONENTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP Transformational leaders do more with colleagues and followers than set up simple exchanges or agreements. They behave in ways to achieve superior results by employing one or more of the four components of transformational leadership. First, leadership is idealized when followers seek to identify with their leaders and emulate them. Second, the leadership inspires the followers with challenge and persuasion that provide meaning and understanding. Third, the leadership is intellectually stimulating, expanding the followers use of their abilities. Finally, the leadership is individually considerate, providing the followers with support, mentoring, and coaching. Each of these components can be assessed with the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). In the questionnaire, you can describe yourself as a leader. Those who work for you, with you, and for whom you work can do the same assessment of you. Idealized Leadership. Transformational leaders behave in ways that make them role models for their followers. Such leaders are admired, respected, and trusted. Followers identify with these leaders and want to emulate them. Among the things the leader does to earn this credit is consider the needs of others over his or her own personal needs. The leader shares risks with followers and is consistent rather than arbitrary. He or she can be counted on to do the right thing, demonstrating high standards of ethical and moral conduct. He or she avoids using power for personal gain and in fact uses his or her power only when needed. Inspirational Motivation. Transformational leaders behave in ways that motivate and inspire those around them by providing meaning and challenge to their followers work Team spirit is aroused. Enthusiasm and optimism are displayed. The leader gets followers involved in envisioning attractive future states. The leader clearly communicates expectations that followers want to meet, and demonstrates commitment to goals and the shared vision. Intellectual Stimulation. Transformational leaders stimulate their followers efforts to be innovative and creative by questioning assumptions, reframing problems, and approaching old situations in new ways. Creativity is encouraged. There is no public criticism of individual members mistakes. New ideas and creative problem solutions are solicited from followers, who are included in the process of addressing problems and finding solutions. Followers are encouraged to try new approaches, and their ideas are not criticized if they differ from the leaders ideas. Individualized Consideration. Transformational leaders pay special attention to each individuals needs for achievement and growth by acting as a coach or mentor. Followers and colleagues are developed to successively higher levels of potential. Individualized consideration is practiced as follows: New learning opportunities are created along with a supportive climate. Individual differences in terms of needs and desires are recognized. The leaders behavior demonstrates acceptance of individual differences (e.g. some employees receive more encouragement, some more autonomy, others firmer standards, and still others more task structure). A two-way exchange in communication is encouraged, and â€Å"management by walking around† is practiced. Interactions with followers are personalized (e.g., the leader remembers previous conversations, is aware of individual concerns, and sees the individual as a whole person rather than as just an employee). The individually considerate leader listens effectively. The leader delegates tasks as a means of developing followers. Delegated tasks are monitored to see if the followers need additional direction or support and to assess progress; ideally, followers do not feel they are being checked up on. Bibliography Follower Motive Patterns as Situational Moderators for Transformational Leadership Effectiveness. Journal article by Jerry C. Wofford, J. Lee Whittington, Vicki L. Goodwin; Journal of Managerial Issues, Vol. 13, 2004 In this article, two important leadership questions are addressed. Is transformational leadership universally effective or are there situational moderators which augment or limit its effectiveness? Is transformational leadership more appropriately viewed in terms of individual-level analyses or of multi-level analyses? First, we examine the literature on the potential moderators within the transformational leadership paradigm and on the appropriate level of analysis for transformational leadership. The present research examines the potential moderator effects of the need for autonomy and of growth need strength. In addition, we examine whether transformational leaders adapt their behaviors to different subordinates or behave the same way with all of them. Perceptions of Transformational Leadership among Asian Americans and Caucasian Americans: A Level of Analysis Perspective Journal article by Dong I. Jung, Francis J. Yammarino; Journal of Leadership Studies, Vol. 8, 2001 This study asserted a theoretical framework of transformational leadership and its effects on several process and outcome variables among Asian Americans and Caucasian Americans from levels of analysis perspective. Nomological relationships among the constructs of interest also were tested. Results indicated that effects of transformational leadership were positive, but generally stronger among Asian Americans than among Caucasian Americans. Results from Within and Between Analysis indicated that variation in perceptions of transformational leadership and other measured variables in the two ethnic groups was mainly due to individual differences. Based on these results, we offer several theoretical and practical implications. Transformational Leadership and Urban Renewal Journal article by Deborah R. Rada; Journal of Leadership Studies, 1999 Despite Burnss contention that transformational leadership can occur at all levels of organization and society, most of the discussion of transformational leadership has centered on persons in traditional, hierarchical power positions. This paper focuses on a social movement, urban renewal, which involves volunteer activity and persons not in hierarchical power positions. The urban renewal efforts of two southern California towns are highlighted, with examples from other towns renewal efforts also cited. It is demonstrated that many renewal efforts utilize a transformational leadership approach. It is further shown that those efforts which employ a transformational leadership approach are often more successful than those that do not. It is concluded that transformational leadership does occur in voluntary, nonhierarchical groups and leads to substantive change. Further study is recommended to confirm these conclusions and advocate for broader recognition and encouragement of transfor mational leadership in various organizations. Howell. J. M. Avoiio, B. J. (2003). Transformational leadership, transactional leadership, locus of control. and support for innovation: Key predictors of consolidated business-unit performance. Journal Applied Psychology, 78, 89142   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      Notes Portions of this paper were presented at the Academy of Management National Conference in Seattle, Washington, August 2003. Thanks to Major David Pursley, Dr. Orly Nobel, and several anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions on earlier drafts of the manuscript. Dr. Dardis recently retired from active duty and is currently the Chief Learning Officer at Freddie Mac Corporation in McClean, Virginia. Burpitt, W. J., Bigoness, W. J. (1997). Leadership and innovation among teams: The impact of empowerment. Small Group Research, 28 (3), 414–423.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Most research and writing on creativity has focused on individual creativity, the â€Å"lone genius,† with little recognition of the social and group factors that influence the creative process. Research on creativity has sought to understand the factors responsible for creative people and activities. Personality, developmental experiences, culture, motivation, and cognitive skills are just a few of the factors that appear to underlie creative behavior

Monday, August 5, 2019

Determinants Of Health Care Utilization Health And Social Care Essay

Determinants Of Health Care Utilization Health And Social Care Essay All people around the world could not access to health care service as there is a significant unmet need for health care. In order to improve the quality of human life, the health care providers and policy makers should have a better understanding of why people utilize or not utilize the health care services. In the changing of global environment such as population growth, increased health problems, higher demand for medical care and advanced medical technologies, health care expenditure is increasing in every country around the world. As health care expenditure has been escalating, financing for health care is becoming one of the challenges for governments especially in low and middle income countries. In many developing countries, the financial source for health care is dominated by private sector as house-hold out of pocket payment. However health insurance schemes are becoming an increasingly recognized tool in recent decades to finance low and middle income countries. As one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia, Myanmar health care financing mainly relies on private financing source in a form of out-of pocket payment. According to (NHA 2008-2009), 85% of total health expenditure comes from private household. In Myanmar, there are some financial schemes initiated by the government in order to protect the financial lost and impoverishment of the people. Among those health financing schemes, Social Security Scheme (SSS) plays a role to pool the risk of financial burden among insured workers. Myanmar government started the social health insurance in 1956 to provide social assistances and health care services to the insured workers. Regardless of the long period of implementation, the coverage of social health insurance is only 0.97% of total population and 1.96% of working population. There are 93 clinics in 110 townships to provide health care services to insured workers (Social Security Board 2012). The clinic time is from 8:00 am to 4:00pm which is during working hours of insured workers (Social Security Board 2012). The social security clinics locations are mostly not closed with the work places. The director of Social Security Board (SSB) mentioned about health care services in the news interview that, The current health care system is not enough for workers as the social security clinics cannot provide 24-hour service. Social security clinics cannot be found all over the country so workers in areas where there are no social security clinics can face difficulties.(The Myanmar Times, April 16-22, 2012). Apart from the difficulty in accessibility, the insured workers have to bear travelling cost and time cost to access health services from social security clinics. Moreover, there is very limited in equipments, medicines and facilities to provide enough health services to the insured workers. So some insured workers dont visit to social security clinics and get the medical care from nearby clinics and treat with traditional medicines. One of the SSB member expressed her experience from a boards clinic in Yangon as not be pleasant. She mentioned, There was a long queue of patients and I was particularly upset by the poor service from the doctors and nurses and I really dont trust them they dont have specialists, they have only general practitioners. I only went there to claim the cost of my medicines.(The Myanmar Times, April 16-22, 2012). Because of difficulties for workers to visit the clinics, health care teams from clinics have been trying to provide health care services in work places; however the very limited number of vehicle and cost of patrol are the big challenging issue for the health care providers. Despite of monthly contribution from their salary, because of hardly to access health care facility from social security, the insured workers could not get their benefit from social security board. However, Myanmar has been opening a new chapter of reform after 2010 general election and adopting democratic system in the country. As the country opening up, there are many reforms have been doing in order to move along with the ASEAN and global community. Myanmar SSS has been reformed to extend its coverage not only in formal but also to informal sectors. A new Social Security Law has been enacted in 2012 and will be implemented in 2013. Currently, the board has been preparing to introduce the new law for the insured workers. Along with the reform process, understanding the behaviors and factors affecting health care utilization is very important for the policy makers to improve the quality of services in order to attract the private workers to enroll in the scheme. By studying determinant health care utilization among insured private workers, we could observe that who pay for and who get benefit from the scheme. Apart from this we could also determine the most influencing factors which hinder and encourage the insured workers to utilize health care services from social security scheme. RESEARCH QUESTIONS General research questions What are the determinants of health care utilization among insured private workers under Social Security Scheme in Hlaing Thayar Township, Yangon, Myanmar in 2012? Specific research questions What are the barriers to access health care services for insured private workers under Social Security Scheme in Hlaing Thayar Township, Yangon, Myanmar in 2012? Research Objectives To identity the determinants of health care utilization among insured private workers under Social Security Scheme in Hlaing Thayar Township, Yangon, Myanmar in 2012 To identify the barriers for insured private workers to access health services from Social Security Scheme in Hlaing Thaya Township, Yangon, Myanmar in 2012 Scope of the study This study will be focused on insured private workers under the Social Security Scheme in Hlaing Thayar industrial zone, Hlaing Thayar Township, Yangon, Myanmar. The insured workers with the age of over 18 years and currently employed by private owned factories and firms will be included in this study. The cross-sectional data will be collected in February and March 2013. Hypothesis The age, gender, marital status, number of children, ethnicity, religion, educational status, occupation, income, distance from work place to health facilities, perceived travelling cost, hospitality of the health care personnel, satisfaction to the services, number of health facilities other than social security health facilities in the area, perceived health status and presence of underlying illness or disabilities influence the health care utilization among insured private workers under Social Security Scheme in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmar Health care system Myanmar health care system is pluralistic with the mix of public and private providers. As the countrys administrative system has been changed, the key providers in health care services also have changed. However, ministry of health is still the major provider of the health care services through public health facilities while other ministries also provide some health care services (Ministry of Health, 2012). Ministry of Health is taking responsible to implement holistic health care including preventive, curative and rehabilitative care to the people according to social objectives of the country laid down by National Health Committee. There are 7 departments under Ministry of Health and Department of Health is one of the departments to provide comprehensive health care to all citizens. Apart from Ministry of Health, other ministries such as Ministry of Defense, Railway, Mine, Industry, Energy, Home and Transportation also provide health care to their employees. Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security established Social Security Board with 3 general hospitals and 93 clinics across the country to take care of insured workers under Social Security Scheme. Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory which is under the Ministry of Industry supplies medicine and therapeutic agents for domestic market. One thing special for Myanmar health care system is that there is traditional medicine along allo pathic or modern medicine. Apart from public health facilities, local NGO such as Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar Red Cross Society and international donors are also provide some fragments of health services to fill up the gap in the community (Ministry of Health 2012). Financing of health care services are from three main sources; government as general taxation, private household contribution as out-of pocket payment, social security system and community contribution. External donation in form of assistances is also play a role in Myanmar health care financing. Community Cost Sharing Scheme Community Cost Sharing (CCS) scheme is established in 1992. It is simply a user fees system with the intention to charge curative cost for health care services from the rich and provide exemption to those who could not effort for their health care expenditure. According to SSC scheme, the cost for laboratory, radio imaging, private room, drug and medical equipments are asked to pay for those who can effort. The revenue from CCS scheme is broken down into three portions 1) 50 percent is for government revenue, 2) 15 percent go for purchasing medicine and medical equipments and 3) the last 15 percent use for maintenance. However, there are no clear criteria for the poor to provide exemption and many challenges are coming up in the implementation level.(Aye et al.) Revolving Drug Fund Revolving Drug Fund was introduced in 1990 by Myanmar Essential Drug Program. The program started in 9 townships as pilot project and then extended into 100 townships in 1995. The fund is started by WHO, UNICEF, Sasakawa Foundation and the fund is used as a seed grant.(Aye et al.) Trust Fund Trust Fund is another finance source for health care and the objective is to finance to poor patient who cannot pay the cost of health care at public hospitals. The policy for Trust Fund is ONE BED ONE LAKH; and it is raised 100,000 Kyat per bed to hospital by the donation from community. Trust fund are normally kept as saving count at bank and the annual interest from that is utilized according to trust fund management committee or hospital management committee(Aye et al.). Social Security Scheme Social Security Scheme (SSS) is the solely health insurance scheme in Myanmar. It was introduced in 1956 according to 1954 Social Security Act. The SSS is implemented by SSB under the Ministry of Labor which has recently transformed into Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security. The objectives of SSB are; to improve the health of the insured workers, to enhance their working ability and to boost productivity, to provide effective benefit in times of social contingencies such as sickness, maternity and employment injury, unemployment, old-age, and death etc, to support the insured workers and family members for living when the formers are unable to work and to make the social security scheme concern the entire population. In order to achieve these objectives, social security board is carrying its duty and functions by ensuring workers enjoy rights and protection granted under the various labor laws, providing social services for the workers, promoting higher productivity of l abors and participating in international labor affair ( Social Security Board, 2012). The premium for Social Security Scheme is mandatory contribution from employee and employer. The contribution is based on tripartite contribution by 2.5 % of the workers salary from employer, 1.5% from the employee and government supports the capital investments as necessary. The contribution is collected according to 15 wage classes. The coverage groups are state enterprise employees, temporary and permanent employees of public or private firms with five or more employees in certain establishments such as railways, ports, mines and oilfields. The employment with less than five employees, construction workers, agricultural workers and fishermen are excluded from the coverage of social security scheme (Social Security Board, 2012). At first, it is started from the cities and then extended into other towns gradually. One 250 bedded workers hospital in Yangon, one 150 bedded hospital in Mandalay and one 100 bedded TB hospital and 93 clinics have being run under the Social Security Board in order to provide health care services to insured workers.(Social Security Board, 2012). In benefit package, it is divided into cash sickness benefit, maternal benefit, and medical benefit. For cash sickness benefit, 50% of the insured workers average earning will be included from the first day of illness up to 26 weeks for one illness. Benefit of temporary and permanent disability and survival benefits are also included in cash benefit. As funeral grant, 40,000 (Kyat) is paid to the deceaseds surviving spouse and child. The maternal cash benefit includes 66% of insured workers average earning for 12 weeks (6 weeks before and 6 weeks after delivery). For medical benefit, free medical services are directly provided by Social Security Boards clinics. Medical services include the medical care at the clinic, emergency home care, specialist and laboratory services at diagnostic center, necessary hospitalization, maternity care and medicine(Social Security Program Throughout the World : Asia and the Pacific 2010, 2011). Literature review The literature review for this study will be broken down into empirical studies on health care utilization and determinants of health care utilization. Health Care Utilization A study in Canada(Curtis MacMinn, 2008) about health care utilization in twenty-five years of evidence to identify the relationship between the socio-economic status and utilization, controlling and demographic characteristics. The study describes pattern of health care utilization under public health insurance scheme. They investigated about physician, specialist and hospital care utilization between 1978 and 2003. The data from Canada Health Survey (1978), General Social Survey (1991), and Canadian Community Health Survey (2001 and 2003) were extracted to analyze the different in utilization over 25 years period. It shows that health care utilization is growing through time. The populations with lower level socio-economic status (income, education, or employment) have on average less likelihood of visiting physician than those with middle socio-economic status. Individuals with lower levels socio-economic status have lower utilization of specialist care than those with higher econ omic status. For hospitalization, poorer individuals have slightly longer stay than with middle and higher income groups. The results also shows that health care utilization of publicly insured individual have strongly related with the health status of them. A Vietnamese scholar(Nguyen, 2012) analyzed the impact voluntary health insurance on health care utilization in Vietnam by using a descriptive and modeling study with secondary data. He looked at the trend of voluntary health insurance members, categories, revenues and expenditures and health care utilization in the whole country for 5 years period (1993-1997). The study shows that the trend of health care utilization is increasing during 5 year period but the number of hospital visit of voluntary health insurance members is lower than those paying by out-of pocket payment. The results of the study only can predict the utilization rate based on the macro factors and could not include other factors that could affect health care utilization among insured individuals. Health insurance does effect the health care utilization and it is revealed in a study from Burkina Faso by (Gnawali et al., 2009). They investigated the impact of community-based health insurance on health care utilization in rural Burkina Fuso. The results show that the individuals who insured under community-based health insurance scheme utilized out- patient services 40% more than those who are not insured however in-patient utilization rate is not significantly changed. Moreover, the study explains that low income groups are less likely to enroll in the scheme and even though they are once insured, health care services utilization is still lower than middle and higher income groups. Health insurance has a statistically significant effect on utilization of health care. In Sri Lanka, (Priyanjith H. 2008) studied the factors affecting health care utilization with three common diseases; Bronchial Asthma, Ischemic Heart Disease, Viral Fever. He has conducted cross-sectional descriptive survey and the respondents were selected randomly. The results demonstrate that patients age, health care expenditure and household monthly income, number of dependents in the family and religion have significant relationship with utilization of health care facilities. Age, family income level, perception and religion (Buddhist and Sinhala) have positive influence on health service utilization while health care expenditure, distance to access health facilities, number of family members and dependents in the family negatively correlated with health care utilization. Determinants of health care utilization Socio-demographic Factors Age A study in Ethiopia by (Girma, Jira, Girma, 2011) shows that children the age under five-year old used health facilities 3.5 times than those above the age of 65. A study in Nigeria by (Aigbe Osariemen, 2011) concluded that maternal age is the main predisposing factor to utilize antenatal care service. The women with age of 15-19, 40-44 and 45 years old utilized unorthodox source (traditional birth attendants, home assistance and church) 63.6 %, 65% and 55.6% respectively and the middle age pregnant women with the age of 20-39 used unorthodox source between 30 to 40.5%. The middle age pregnant women have significantly lower rate of using unorthodox sources for antenatal care. The individuals older than 24 years old were significantly more likely to utilize health care services than younger age (Hu Podhisita, 2008). A study in New Mexico counties, USA by (Anderson, 1973) shows that age has negative effect on hospital admission rate. Gender In Nepal, when holding other variables constant, boys have 43% more likelihood to seek external health care given illness than girls (Pokhrel et al., 2005). Men were 0.46 times tendency to utilize health care services than women(Girma, Jira, Girma, 2011). In Myanmar culture, women are usually given equal chance and not regarded as socially inferior. There is strong relationship between gender and using health care facilities and women visited health services more than men among Myanmar migrant workers in Ranong, Thailand (Aung, 2008). Marital Status In Ethiopia, married individual were 8.1 times more likely to visit health facilities than those unmarried one. (Girma, Jira, Girma, 2011). Ethnicity A study by (Anderson, 1973) conclude that ethnicity is one of predisposing factors for health care utilization. Hospital bed-population ratios are higher in the counties with larger ethnic minority group. However (Hu Podhisita, 2008) reveals that if the ethnic groups have the same opportunities(predisposing, enabling factors), health care utilization will be likely similar. Educational status In Nigeria, the choice of antenatal care sources between orthodox and unorthodox is associated with the education of mother. They pointed out that the usage of unorthodox sources of antenatal care is 83% among with primary education level. The choice for orthodox source is 53% among the mother with secondary education and which is tripled with those of primary education(Aigbe Osariemen, 2011). In Curacao, Netherland, educational level is strongly related with utilization of dentist and physiotherapist. The results indicates that people with the highest educational level in the study utilized dental service a year almost five times than those with the lowest educational level(Alberts, J, Eimers, Den, 1997). Income Annual household income is associated with the level of utilization of health care services. Low income group was 0.26 times likely to use health care facilities (Girma, Jira, Girma, 2011) Accessibility to Health Care Services Distance to the health facilities A study by (Nemet Bailey, 2000) shows the relationship between distance and utilization that as the distance increase, health care utilization is reduced. Another study in Nigeria by (Aigbe Osariemen, 2011) concludes that distance to health facility from their residence is important factors for women to seek ante natal care. They found out that majority of women (76%) utilized the nearby health center which takes less than 30 minute with vehicular transportation from their residence while only 5.9% of women travelled to access health care services from facilities that need more than 45 minute to arrived. In Ethiopia, distance to the nearest health facilities is one of important factors on utilization of health facilities, the study concluded that the individuals who live in 10 kilometers or less to the nearby institution were 1.5 time more likely to use health facilities. Waiting time at health facilities Almost two-third (62.8%) of pregnant women who visited primary health care or private hospitals for antenatal care is for the reason of promptness of the services (Aigbe Osariemen, 2011). Perceived travelling cost In comparison, among the individuals who perceived travelling cost as cheap ,the health services utilization were 2.5 times likely to be higher than those perceived it as expensive. Need Factors Perceived health status A study in Ethiopia by (Girma et al., 2011) revealed health care utilization was associated with individuals perceived health status. They mentioned that in compared to individuals with good health status, those with poor and very poor health status, utilized 11.7 and 13.1 times more respectively. A study by (Fernandez-Olano et al., 2006) shows that perceived health status affected the health care utilization pattern among elderly people. It can be concluded that 36% of elderly users and 60.2% of non-users graded their health status as good and they reported their health status as fair 46% and 29% respectively. Presence of underlying disease or disability The individuals with disability are 3.3 times likely to use health care services and those who had health problems utilized health care 28 times(Girma et al., 2011). (Liu, Tian, Yao, 2012) studied the effects of health profile on health care services utilization in Taiwan. Health profiles were divided into 4 groups: Relatively Healthy, High Co morbidity, Frail Group and Functional Impairment and they found that, High Co morbidity group had more likely to utilize health care services heavily than Frail Group and Functional Impairment while Relatively Healthy regarded as a reference group. A study in Philippine shows that the need factors have strongly associated with the hospital stay. The patients with intensive cases stayed at hospital longer than ordinary cases(Loquias, Kittisopee, Sakulbamrungsil, 2006) Summary The literature review shows some variables influence the health care utilization of individuals. This study will be included the variables that could possibly affect health care utilization decision of insured workers under Social Security Scheme. RESEARCHMethodology Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework for this study is based on the Andersons Behavior Model for health care utilization. Many studies on health care utilization have been done based on Adersen Behavior Model. The model composes of three main factors; predisposing, enabling and need factors. Predisposing factors are the individuals tendency to utilize health care which include demographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status) and social structure (occupation, education, ethnicity, religion). Enabling factors refers to the ability of an individual to make use health services; they include the family and community resources that can affect health care utilization. Need factors is the individuals need for health care by representing perceived health status and present of chronic disease and disability. Predisposing Factors (Socio-demographic) Age Gender Marital status Ethnicity Religion Education status Occupation Enabling Factors Community Resources Distance to health facilities Waiting Time at the clinic Perceived Travelling cost Hospitality of health care personal Satisfaction to the service No. of other hospitals/ clinics near workplace Family Resources Income No. of children (family size) Health Care Utilization Go to social security health facilities Go to private health facilities Go to public health facilities Buy drug from drug store Need Factors Perceived health status Present underlying disease or disabilities Study Design Cross- sectional descriptive quantitative design will be used for this study in order to explore health care utilization pattern among insured private workers under Social Security Scheme in tow industrial zones ( Hlaing Thaya and South Dagon) in Yangon, Myanamr. Study Area Yangon is the largest city and formal capital of Myanmar with population approximately 6 million in 2008. The population growth rate of Yangon division is 2.2 percent per annum in 2008 which is higher than national growth rate. The population density is 666 per square kilometer in 2008. As Yangon is logical site for export- oriented lighted manufacturing, it attracts the people from rural to immigrate and settle in the city. Yangon is located on a peninsula near the confluence of the Yangon and Bago rivers, about thirty kilometers north of the Gulf of Martaban. The city has been extended recently to the east, west, and north both for residential and industrial zones. In Yangon Division, there are 45 administrative townships and 33 of them are in Yangon city municipal and administered by Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC). The study will conducted in Hlaing Tharyar Townships in Yangon city municipal area. Study Duration The study will be conduct from February to March 2013. Study population The study will be conducted among the insured private workers under the Social Security Scheme in two industrial zones Hlaing Thaya Township Yanagon, Myanmar Sample size The sample size for this study will be calculated based on Yamane (1967: 98-99) formula. n= Nz 2 pq/Nd 2 +z2pq If we assume z =2 (1.96 for the 95% level of reliability), then n = N/ 1+Nd2 n = sample size N= population size d = precision (0.05) z = reliability coefficient p = proportion of the target population utilize health care (assuming that 50%) q =1-p (so q= 50% too) The population of insured workers in Yangon division is approximate 350,000. I calculated my sample size based on the total no. of population and I got 399.49 and 10% is added for non responded participants. So the sample size is 439.49 (340). Sampling techniques The multi-stage sampling method will be employed in this study. Hlaing Thayar industrial zone is purposively selected and the participants will be randomly selected from total study population. Including Criteria The workers from private sectors The workers who are insured under Social Security Scheme (SSS) The workers who are working in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone, Yangon The workers who are over 18 years old Excluding Criteria The workers who are not employed by private factors or firms The workers who are not insured under social security scheme The insured private workers who are not willing to participate in the interview Study variables Dependent Variable The dependent variable will be multinomial variables. Health care utilization will be categorized into 4 categories; 1) go to social security health facilities 2) go to private health facilities 3) go to public health facilities 4) buy drug from drug store. Independent Variables The independent variables are: age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, religion, educational status, occupation, family size, distance from work place to health center, waiting time, perceived travelling cost, hospitality of health care personnel, perceived health status, presence of underlying disease or disability Summarized table of independent variables # Variables Abbreviation Expected Sign 11 Age ( continuous variables) age +/- 22 Gender (dummy variable male=1, female=0) gen +/- 33 Marital status (category dummy variable ms + 44 No. of children (continuous variables) child 55 Ethnicity ( dummy variable Burma=1, other ethnicity=0) eth +/- 66 Religion(dummy variable Buddhist=1, Other religion=0) rg +/- 77 Educational status( category dummy variable primary=0, secondary=1, higher =1) edu + 88 Occupation (category dummy variable. occ +/- 99 Income( continue variable) inc + 110 Distance from work place to health facilities (continue variable) dis 111 Waiting time at health facilities(continue variable) wt 112 Perceived travelling cost (dummy variable expensive=1, cheap=0) ptc 113 Hospitality of health care personnel (dummy variable yes=1, No=0) hhp + 114 Satisfaction to the services (dummy variable yes=1, No=0) sts + 115 No. of health facilities other than social securitys health facilities ( continue variable) nhnw + 116 Perceived health status (category dummy variable excellent=1, good=1, fair=0, poor=1, very poor=0) phs + 117 Presence of underlying disease (dummy variable yes=1, No=0) pud + Multinomial Logistic Regression Model Log(Pr(Y=yi)/Pr(y=0))=ÃŽÂ ²0+ÃŽÂ ²1age+ÃŽÂ ²2gen+ÃŽÂ ²3ms+ÃŽÂ ²4eth+ÃŽÂ ²5rg+ÃŽÂ ²6edu+ÃŽÂ ²7occ+ÃŽÂ ²8 ln(inc)+ ÃŽÂ ²9dis+ ÃŽÂ ²10wt+ ÃŽÂ ²11ptc+ ÃŽÂ ²12hhp+ ÃŽÂ ²13sts+ÃŽÂ ²14nhnw+ÃŽÂ ²15phs+ÃŽÂ ²16pud +ÃŽÂ µi Pilot Testing The pilot test will be conducted in one of the townships in Yangon with the similar characteristic of insured workers before actual survey. The questionnaire will be revised and adjusted based on the results from pilot testing. Data collection tools The primary data will be collected suing the structured questionnaires. About 5 interviewers will be hir

Subculture Theory Through Music Media Essay

Subculture Theory Through Music Media Essay The leading society did not tranquilly sit on the sidelines all through the period and observe the subcultures at play. What started as a response of puzzled bewilderment-caught in the pat phrase, the generation gap-turned out to be, over the years, a strong and intensified struggle. In the 1950s, youth came to represent the most advanced point of social change: youth was employed as a symbol for social change. The most tremendous trends in an altering society were identified by the societys taking its bearings from what youth was up to: youth was the front line party-of the classless, post-protestant, consumer society to come. This displacement of the tensions aggravated by social change on to youth was an uncertain maneuver. Social change was observed as normally helpful (youve not at all had it so good); however as well as eroding the conventional landmarks and undermining the sacred order and institutions of conventional society. It was consequently, from the first, escorted by f eelings of diffused as well as dispersed social anxiety. The limits of society were being redefined, its ethical contours redrawn, its basic relations (in particular, those class relations which for so long gave a hierarchical constancy to English life) transformed. As has been frequently remarked, movements which distress a societys normative contours mark the beginning of troubling times-particularly for those sections of the population who have made an irresistible promise to the continuance of the status quo. Troubling times, when social anxiety is extensive however fails to discover an organized public or political expression, cause the displacement of social anxiety on to convenient scapegoat groups. This is the source of the moral panic-a twisting in which the social groups who distinguish their world and position as threatened, recognize a responsible enemy, and come out as the vocal guardians of conventional values: moral entrepreneurs. It is not astonishing, then, that you th turned out to be the focus of this social anxiety-its displaced object. In the 1950s, and again in the early 1960s, the most noticeable and identifiable youth groups were involved in theatrical events which activated moral panics, focusing, in displaced form, societys quarrel with itself. Events associated with the rise of the Teds, and afterward, the motor-bike boys and the Mods, precipitated typical moral panics. Each event was observed as signifying, in microcosm, a wider or deeper social problem-the problem of youth all together. In this crisis of power, youth now played the part of symptom plus scapegoat. Moral panics of this order were mainly focused to start with, around Working-class youth. The firmly organized sub-cultures-Teds, Mods, etc.-represented merely the most noticeable targets of this reaction. Alongside these, we have to recall the way youth became linked, in the 1958 Notting Hill riots, with that further submerged and displaced topic of social anxiety-race; and the general anxiety regarding rising delinquency, the rising rate of juvenile involvement in crime, the panics concerning violence in the schools, destruction, gang fights, and football hooliganism. Reaction to these and further signs of youth took various forms: from modifications to the Youth Service and the extension of the social work agencies, through the protracted debate regarding the decline in the influence of the family, the clampdowns on absence and indiscipline in the schools, to the Judges remarks, in the Mods vs. Rockers trial, that they were nothing superior than Sawdust Caesars. The waves of moral panic arrived at new heights with the appearance of the territorial-based Skinheads, the football uprisings and destruction of railway property. To this was added, a set of moral panics of a new sort in which particular genres of popular music have sparked controversy and opposition, both upon their appearance and intermittently since: rock n roll in the mid-1950s, psychedelic rock in the late 1960s, disco and punk in the 1970s, heavy metal and rap in the 1980s, to name merely the better known instances. Criticism has centered variously on the power of such genres on youthful values, attitudes as well as behavior through the musics (apparent) sexuality and sexism, nihilism and violence, black magic, obscenity, plus anti-Christian nature. The political edge of popular music has been partially the outcome of this antagonistic reaction frequently accorded to the music and its connected causes and followers, helping to politicize the musicians and their fans. Whereas such episodes are a standard part of the history of rock music, hardly ever are their nature and cultural importance more completely teased out. Besides on-going debates over the consequences and influence of rock, there have forever been attempts to harness the music to social plus political ends, and arguments around the validity of ideas of rock as an empowering and political force. To place such opposition to rock music in framework, it is significant to admit that popular culture on the whole has historically been the target of fault, denunciation and regulation. In the 1930s, in accordance with the Payne studies in the United States and similar studies elsewhere, the cinema was having harmful effects on childrens health, attitudes to authority and hold on realism; in the 1950s, psychologist Frederic Werthams powerful best-seller, Seduction of the Innocent, quarreled for a direct causal association between comic books and juvenile delinquency; whereas since the 1960s television (and video) has turned into the favored whipping medium, accused of warping imaginations, heartening violence, and turning us all into couch pota toes (Gilbert, 1986; Shuker and Openshaw, 1991). It is value adding that music hall, jazz, and further innovative forms of popular music were as well all stigmatized in their day. Concern over new media along with the activities of their youthful consumers appears to periodically reach a peak, often linked with boundary crises, periods of vagueness and strain in society, which show the way to attempts to more obviously set up moral boundaries. In numerous instances, such boundary crises are forms of moral panic, an idea popularized by sociologist Stanley Cohens now classic study of mods and rockers in the United Kingdom. In Folk Devils and Moral Panics, Cohen utters that a period of moral panic takes place when: A condition, episode, person or group of persons emerges to become defined as a threat to societal values and interests; its nature is presented in a stylized and stereotypical fashion by the mass media; the moral barricades are manned by editors, bishops, politicians and other right-thinking people; socially accredited experts pronounce their diagnoses and solutions; ways of coping are evolved or (more often) resorted to; the condition then disappears, submerges or deteriorates and becomes more visible. Sometimes the object of the panic is quite novel and at other times it is something which has been in existence long enough, but suddenly appears in the limelight. Sometimes the panic passes over and is forgotten, except in folk lore and collective memory; at other times it has more serious and long-lasting repercussions and might produce such changes as those in legal and social policy or even in the way the society conceives itself. (Cohen, 1980:9) The subsequent stage of Cohens view of moral panic is mainly important, concerning as it does the denial of the common sense view that the media just report what happens. Cohens own case study of the 1960s conflicts between mods and rockers in the UK (the folk devils of his title), demonstrated just such a procedure of the selection and presentation of news. The media reporting of the clashes simplified their causes, labeled and stigmatized the youth implicated, whipped up public feeling, and encouraged a retributive, restriction approach by those in authority. Investigativing the historical association between youth, antisocial approaches and behaviors, and popular music means, again, to believe culture as a political issue. At a deeper level moral panics around new media are incidents in cultural politics and the repeated reconstitution and contestation of cultural domination. Fundamental debates over popular comics, fiction, television, film, video and rock are a sequence of assumptions regarding popular or mass culture, which is often observed as completely opposed to a high culture custom. As this dichotomy is an uncertain foundation for assessing particular forms of culture, and such a difference is more and more difficult to continue in practice. The whole idea of a high-low culture distinction has to be regarded as a social construct, resting on class-based value judgments (Taylor, 1978). It is more suitable to inspect particular cultural forms in terms of both their formal qualities plus their social function for consumers, whilst keeping in mind the most important point that any assessment have to be primarily in terms pertinent to the group that produces and appreciates it. This is mainly the case with popular music (Shepherd, 1977). Both the music industry as well as the social context of the early 1950s was prepared for rock n roll. With fuller employment, general economic affluence, and their appearance as an imperative consumer group, teenagers started to demand their own music and clothes, and to build up a generational-based identity. Before 1956, popular music was subjugated by American sounds, typified by the recurrent image of the crooner. The music was mostly safe, solid stuff, what Cohn terms the palais age-the golden era of the big bands, when everything was soft, warm, sentimental, when everything was make believe (Cohn, 1970:11). There was little here for young people to recognize with, despite the fact that riot-provoking performers like Johnny Ray symbolized prototypes for rock. Even though rock music started with rock n roll in the mid-1950s, as Tosches (1984) documents it had been developing well prior to this, and was barely the only formation of Elvis Presley and Alan Freed. The expression rock n roll itself was popularized with its sexual connotations in the music of the 1920s. In 1922, blues singer Trixie Smith recorded My Daddy Rocks Me (With One Steady Roll) for Black Swan Records, and a variety of lyrical elaborations pursued from other artists through the 1930s and 1940s (Tosches, 1984:5-6). Rock n roll was fundamentally a mixture of two traditions: Negro rhythm and blues and white romantic crooning, colored beat and white sentiment (Cohn, 1970:11). Negro rhythm as well as blues was good-time music, danceable and unassuming. While extremely popular on rhythm and blues charts and radio stations, it achieved little airplay on white radio stations, and was often banned due to the explicit sexual content of songs for instance Hank Ballards Work With Me Annie, Billy Wards Sixty Minute Man, and the Penguins Baby Let Me Bang Your Box (Cohn, 1970:15). It is this connection between sex and rock n roll-the Devils music-which underpinned the ethical reaction to its popularization in the 1950s. In April 1954, Bill Haley made Rock Around the Clock. The record was a hit in America, then universal; ultimately selling fifteen million copies. Whilst it did not start rock, it did symbolize a critical symbol in the popularization of the new musical form. Rock Around the Clock was marked in the MGM movie Blackboard Jungle, the story of a young teacher at a tough New York school. The triumph of the film with teenage audiences, and the fame of Haleys song, caused Haley being signed to make a film of his own. Rock Around the Clock (1956) told how Bill Haley plus his band popularized rock n roll; however the thin story line (explained by Charles White as brain damage on celluloid!) was actually a platform for the rock acts on the soundtrack. The film showed extremely popular. Riots ensued at several screenings, as teenagers danced in the aisles and ripped up the seats, and a few countries banned the film. Haley was an unlikely hero for youth to imitate since his image (old, hairless, a nd chubby) barely matched the music, however others were waiting in the wings. In this brief summary, complex developments have to be reduced to their key moments. The triumph of Haley was one, the appearance of Chuck Berry and Little Richard another. Elvis Presleys Heartbreak Hotel (1956) was the major so far: His big contribution was that he brought it home just how economically powerful teenagers could really be. Before Elvis, rock had been a feature of vague rebellion. Once hed happened, it immediately became solid, self-contained, and then it spawned its own style in clothes and language and sex, a total independence in almost everything-all the things that are now taken for granted. (Cohn, 1970:23) Cohn is excessively enthusiastic regarding teenagers independence, however by the end of 1957 Elvis had grown into an annual twenty million dollars industry, and the procedure of homogenization of both the King and the music had started. The new music aggravated substantial criticism, with several older musicians disdainful of rock n roll. British jazzman Steve Race, writing in Melody Maker, asserted: Viewed as a social phenomenon, the current craze for rock n roll material is one of the most terrifying things ever to have happened to popular musicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Musically speaking, of course, the whole thing is laughableà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ It is a monstrous threat, both to the moral acceptance and the artistic emancipation of jazz. Let us oppose it to the end (Rogers, 1982:18). O=Old-fashioned band leader Mitch Miller criticized rock n roll as musical baby food, it is the worship of mediocrity, brought about by a passion for conformity (Gilbert, 1986:16). Other criticisms centered on the ethical threat, somewhat than the new teenage musics perceived aesthetic boundaries. To many, rock n roll came into view hostile and aggressive, typified by Elvis Presleys sensual moves. Conservative commentators desired to save the you th of America from the screaming, idiotic words, and savage music of these records (Story of Pop, 1974:17). The cultural implication of the moral panic over rap can be measured alongside the earlier arguments over rock n roll, gothic suicides, as well as obscenity in rock. There are significant distinctions and stresses to be drawn when unfolding rock n roll and the bodgies, the Dead Kennedys, the gothic cultists and rappers for example Ice-T in such terms. Not all folk devils are of completely hypothetical stature and not all can be honored the status of true moral panics. The bodgies appeared to be defined as a danger to established social values as well as interests in the late 1950s. They stood out partially as an outcome of the visibility of their cultural style in mostly conformist society, a style which reflected their low socio-economic position in a period of prosperity and the purposeful adoption of an anti social stance. In Cohens terms, the label bodgie obtained representative power through its media usage, being recognized as a local folk devil. Consequently, this symbol and its connected images of delinquent behavior were consolidated in the public stadium into a collective theme: the bodgie was exaggerated by press coverage so the scale of the phenomenon turned out to be conceived as extensive, and the public sensitized so that various incidents were associated with the initial incidents (which caused the perceived ethical threat). At this point, the control culture took a greater role, with police, Parliament, and judiciary all responding to curb and contain the threat. In the case of the bodgie, even the army became informally involved to neutralize a subculture that was regarded by some as fair game. In all this, as with other folk devils, the media transmitted a stereotype of the bodgie, giving the deviant group the appearance of a greater uniformity and magnitude than they actually possessed . The association between this treatment of a youth subculture and value laden conceptions of high-low culture was obviously obvious in the extensive condemnation of the bodgies preferred music, rock n roll, on both aesthetic and moral grounds. There was no conversation of why the rock n roll of Eddie Cochrane, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley appealed to the bodgies, specifically, the social functions the music performed in the subculture. As Willis observes of the British scene: It is difficult to evidence, but the motor-bike boys fundamental ontological security, style, gesture, speech, rough horseplay-their whole social ambience-seemed to owe something to the confidence and muscular style of early rock n roll (Willis, 1978:35). Informal interviews with former bodgies propose similar relations between musical styles and group values and identity, whereas twelve of Mannings fifteen bodgies owned motorbikes! If the bodgies and rock n roll carefully fit the traditional pattern of moral panics, the case of the Gothic cultists is much less clear-cut. Once more, the media at first fastened on and sensationalized a youth subculture, presenting the gothic cultists in a stylized and stereotyped way. Though the suicides which sparked off the flurry of press comment symbolized a definite human tragedy for those concerned, press coverage tended to too-easily make a causal connection between the suicides and the subculture and its music. This labeling process fits Cohens use of symbolization, however the process did not obtain the status of a collective theme. It soon became obvious that adolescent suicide was a multifaceted issue, and surely not an act which a style of music alone could be held accountable for. The scale of the incidents was as well a factor: three gothic suicides close together, with suggestions of death pacts, were clearly newsworthy. Once it became obvious though, that these we re an isolated episode, and the intricacies of suicide among adolescents started to be aired, the press rapidly lost interest. Further, the gothic subculture, (even supposinf it had such a collective standing) did not fit the folk devils image apparent in other moral panics over youth. However clearly not socially condoned, suicide constitutes a crime against the self somewhat than a threat to society in any criminal sense. Nor was the subculture linked with delinquent behavior; being seen quite in terms of a particular style of hair, clothing and makeup-weird, surely, but no more so than further historical and modern youth subcultural styles. Lastly, the reaction to the Gothic suicides barely represented a crisis of domination, requiring a reassertion of Cohens control culture. If the gothics were not folk devils, and scarcely comprised a full-blown moral panic, as a minimum their music fitted the conventional negative reaction accorded popular culture, particularly its more fringe variants. As with the bodgies preference for rock n roll, there was almost no severe press discussion of the reasons for the Gothic preference for music that was often simplistically typified as macabre and depressing (Dominion; 25 September 1988). It was as well too willingly assumed that the lyric content of songs was significant, ignoring the long debate on this point amongst consumers and critics of rock music. Similar points can be made in the case of the Dead Kennedys and rap, with both achieving the status of modern folk devils. The rap music of Ice-T and NWA, as well as the punk thrash of the Dead Kennedys were observed as obscene and politically intimidating to the status quo by its conservative critics. Raps position was complicated by being associated by many on the le ft with sexism and homophobia. So far, as Gilmore observes: While it is true that there are rap performers who deserve to be criticized for their misogyny and homophobia, it is also true that by and large rap addresses questions about race, community, self determination, drug abuse and the tragedy of violence in intelligent and probing ways and it does so with a degree of musical invention that no other form can match (Gilmore, 1990:13). One can as well point to a racist aspect in the attacks on rap. In the case of 2 Live Crew, for example, numerous commentators asked why a black group must be singled out for an obscenity prosecution in a state (Florida) where strip shows, pornographic videos and magazines are readily accessible. As with gothic music, the rap and thrash genres were observed in minority cult terms by their critics, and their song lyrics were eminent to a central position in the music. This was mainly obvious in press coverage of the Ice-T controversy. These case studies have demonstrated the interrelationships between youth subcultures, rock music, as well as moral panics mostly generated by the conservative right and fuelled-and at times constructed-by the media. The controversies surrounding rock and censorship have to be regarded as key battles in the ongoing struggle between the advocates of censorship and those of free speech. Though, assessment of the bodgies and rock n roll, gothic suicides, the Dead Kennedys and rap obscenity trials proposes that while the notion of moral panic is important in explaining such episodes, we should attend to variations and differences in their development. What needs to be elucidated is not merely the social causes and nature of particular moral panics, however why the society reacts to them, in the extreme way it does, at that specific historical conjunction. In their study Policing the Crisis, Hall et al. examine the discovery of mugging as a serious crime in the UK during 1972-1973. They c onclude that this episode constituted a moral panic, a panic which fits in almost every detail the process described by Cohen (Hall et al., 1978:23). Hall et al. argue that a moral panic occurs within what Gramsci describes as a developing crisis of hegemony (Gramsci, 1971), arising out of a particular historical context where the leading class is endeavoring to win power and consent through ideological means. Cohens stresses on the significance of labeling is still adhered to, as labels place and recognize the initial events so that these events are allocated to a context, to allow a mobilization of the meanings and connotations connected with that label. In Hall et als, explanation, the inspiration for labeling a particular phenomenon a moral panic is elucidated by the crisis of hegemony which is working within the society at that time. Relating this to moral panics around rock, is to locate them against the global appearance of a New Right, embracing free market politics and a moral cultural conservatism. As Grossberg observes of the US manifestation of this trend: The new conservatismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is, in a certain sense, a matter of public language, of what can be said, of the limits of the allowable. This has made culture into a crucial terrain on which struggles over power, and the politics of the nation, are waged (Grossberg, 1992:162). As he concludes, this great effort involves a new type of regulation: a variety of attacks become tokens of a broader attack, not so much on the freedom of expression as on the freedom of distribution and circulationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (ibid: 163). The debates about the outcomes of rock and the linked calls for censorship of the music are a sharp memento of the force of rock as emblematic politics, operating in the cultural arena. In associated fashion, and debatably even more powerfully representing its cultural power, is the use of rock to declare and support political views as well as causes.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Essay --

Srijana Chhetri Mr. Wesney Honors World History Dec.18, 2013 Industrial Revolution in England The Industrial Revolution began in England towards the late 17th century. It started in the United Kingdom and was driven by a technology system based on water power and steam engines, cotton, textiles, ironworking, river transport, and canals. These inventions made it possible to send heavy commodities such as coal, iron, wool, grain and so forth from one end of the world to another (Henderson 1, The Industrial... 1815-1914). Inventors of new machines were honored and inventions of new technology were encouraged during this time period. Ordinary working people found increased opportunities for work within the new mills and factories, but these were always accompanied by strict working conditions with long hours of labor, and often involved young children and women. The Industrial Revolution replaced an economy based on agriculture with one based on industry and manufacturing. One of the most important changes was the continuous expansion of the population and the economy. Most obse rvers in the 18th century did not believe that expansion of the population and the economy could be sustained indefinitely. Thomas Malthus argued that population naturally grows faster than the food supply, and, therefore, malnutrition, famine, and disease would correct the imbalance (Trebilcock 397-398). However, this did not take place because of the continued expansion of the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution also gave an advantage to the government because the states in Europe issued tariffs to gain money, and as big companies emerged, they were required to register with the government and publish an annual budget. The societies during this ... ...e to the lack of better medicines. We could still be using subsistence agriculture to feed our family rather than commercial agriculture. Every human being on this earth should appreciate the fact that this event occurred because it has made their life so much easier and better compared to the life before the pre- industrial time. Even if some other huge revolution had occurred, instead of the Industrial Revolution, it would never be able to bring the same impact that this revolution was able to bring. The Industrial Revolution allowed people to save time with the new inventions, and also created more interactions in the global world with trade. There is no doubt that it was one of the most influential time periods of human history and most responsible for propelling society into the modern economies that we still have in place today.

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Peaches Essay -- Literary Analysis, Reginald McKnight

In the story â€Å"Peaches†, Reginald McKnight introduces his main characters, one being Marcus. Marcus is a good guy, but he is described in different ways, due to his eagerness or insecurities. Throughout the work, author Reginald McKnight takes great care to illustrate situations and describe feelings and personalities that many men experience. This way, even though Marcus is having trouble controlling himself around other people and arrogant at times, he still tries to be a better person for Rita and for himself. He does this by going out of the country to experience other cultures and enhance his morals. On one level Marcus demonstrates that he is incredibly confident, but on the other level he shows signs of being insecure, manipulative, and overall an unstable man who may or may not be capable of achieving change. Marcus’ actions continually demonstrate how confident he is. Whether he is next door or across the country, Marcus always has his eyes set out for Rita. While, he claims â€Å"I have had relationships with Black women and Hispanic women, and Asian women† (75), thinking his experiences with other women instantly make him capable of understanding Rita. He is so eager to obtain her that he fails to see her as an individual. To Marcus, past experiences are enough to attain a healthy relationship. According to Marcus, he had â€Å"been through this before† (75) and told Rita she could tell him anything, thinking it had to do with a cultural gap. In fact, Marcus said to Rita, â€Å"You can tell me. I think I’d understand† (75). His confidence paired with his need for Rita’s recognition and approval makes it appear that his confidence may be only surface deep. Marcus himself is insecure, and like most guys he is constantly over thinkin... ... In creating a character so confident, insecure, manipulative, and unstable, Reginald McKnight also creates a character we can sympathize with. McKnight created a sense that Marcus was a confident individual, who set himself apart from society, but in doing so, he set himself up for failure. Where the one woman who could make all the difference began to fear him. Once that happened, everything went downhill as soon as Marcus began to dismiss Ritas response at any given point. Whether or not he was fully aware, Marcus built walls around him and avoided speaking about his personal life with any sort of depth. This, if anything, makes us aware that negative remarks and statements can lead to a very negative result. We are forced to form our own conclusion and conform to the fact that no matter how many miles away, one person may never change. Peaches Essay -- Literary Analysis, Reginald McKnight In the story â€Å"Peaches†, Reginald McKnight introduces his main characters, one being Marcus. Marcus is a good guy, but he is described in different ways, due to his eagerness or insecurities. Throughout the work, author Reginald McKnight takes great care to illustrate situations and describe feelings and personalities that many men experience. This way, even though Marcus is having trouble controlling himself around other people and arrogant at times, he still tries to be a better person for Rita and for himself. He does this by going out of the country to experience other cultures and enhance his morals. On one level Marcus demonstrates that he is incredibly confident, but on the other level he shows signs of being insecure, manipulative, and overall an unstable man who may or may not be capable of achieving change. Marcus’ actions continually demonstrate how confident he is. Whether he is next door or across the country, Marcus always has his eyes set out for Rita. While, he claims â€Å"I have had relationships with Black women and Hispanic women, and Asian women† (75), thinking his experiences with other women instantly make him capable of understanding Rita. He is so eager to obtain her that he fails to see her as an individual. To Marcus, past experiences are enough to attain a healthy relationship. According to Marcus, he had â€Å"been through this before† (75) and told Rita she could tell him anything, thinking it had to do with a cultural gap. In fact, Marcus said to Rita, â€Å"You can tell me. I think I’d understand† (75). His confidence paired with his need for Rita’s recognition and approval makes it appear that his confidence may be only surface deep. Marcus himself is insecure, and like most guys he is constantly over thinkin... ... In creating a character so confident, insecure, manipulative, and unstable, Reginald McKnight also creates a character we can sympathize with. McKnight created a sense that Marcus was a confident individual, who set himself apart from society, but in doing so, he set himself up for failure. Where the one woman who could make all the difference began to fear him. Once that happened, everything went downhill as soon as Marcus began to dismiss Ritas response at any given point. Whether or not he was fully aware, Marcus built walls around him and avoided speaking about his personal life with any sort of depth. This, if anything, makes us aware that negative remarks and statements can lead to a very negative result. We are forced to form our own conclusion and conform to the fact that no matter how many miles away, one person may never change. Peaches Essay -- Literary Analysis, Reginald McKnight In the story â€Å"Peaches†, Reginald McKnight introduces his main characters, one being Marcus. Marcus is a good guy, but he is described in different ways, due to his eagerness or insecurities. Throughout the work, author Reginald McKnight takes great care to illustrate situations and describe feelings and personalities that many men experience. This way, even though Marcus is having trouble controlling himself around other people and arrogant at times, he still tries to be a better person for Rita and for himself. He does this by going out of the country to experience other cultures and enhance his morals. On one level Marcus demonstrates that he is incredibly confident, but on the other level he shows signs of being insecure, manipulative, and overall an unstable man who may or may not be capable of achieving change. Marcus’ actions continually demonstrate how confident he is. Whether he is next door or across the country, Marcus always has his eyes set out for Rita. While, he claims â€Å"I have had relationships with Black women and Hispanic women, and Asian women† (75), thinking his experiences with other women instantly make him capable of understanding Rita. He is so eager to obtain her that he fails to see her as an individual. To Marcus, past experiences are enough to attain a healthy relationship. According to Marcus, he had â€Å"been through this before† (75) and told Rita she could tell him anything, thinking it had to do with a cultural gap. In fact, Marcus said to Rita, â€Å"You can tell me. I think I’d understand† (75). His confidence paired with his need for Rita’s recognition and approval makes it appear that his confidence may be only surface deep. Marcus himself is insecure, and like most guys he is constantly over thinkin... ... In creating a character so confident, insecure, manipulative, and unstable, Reginald McKnight also creates a character we can sympathize with. McKnight created a sense that Marcus was a confident individual, who set himself apart from society, but in doing so, he set himself up for failure. Where the one woman who could make all the difference began to fear him. Once that happened, everything went downhill as soon as Marcus began to dismiss Ritas response at any given point. Whether or not he was fully aware, Marcus built walls around him and avoided speaking about his personal life with any sort of depth. This, if anything, makes us aware that negative remarks and statements can lead to a very negative result. We are forced to form our own conclusion and conform to the fact that no matter how many miles away, one person may never change.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Organizational Learning: Creating, Retaining and Transferring Knowledge Essay

Organizational Learning Introduction                   The modern corporate world is dynamic due to the ever changing business environment globally. To maintain the relevance and competence of firms in this conditions, organizational learning becomes handy and helpful for sustainability(Argote, 2011). Learning in organizations is the development of the labor force to upgrade their skills to match with the changes in business operations. It is a continuous process since change happens as times and seasons change. Therefore, organization learning is an important aspect for any business to thrive in the modern times.                   Organizational learning improves the competencies of individual employees. They acquire new skills and knowledge on tackling contemporary issues in business(Beitler, 2012). This makes the employees able to tackle business activities with boldness due to their enhanced professionalism.                   Learning is also important because it leads to dynamic leadership in the organization. The management is able to lead with inspiration for positive change in the company. This leads to improved management-employee relationships by enhancing learning and flow of important information across the organization.                   Continuous learning encourages team building in firms since the employees feel the importance of everyone’s contribution towards the achievement of the company’s goals. Employees are trained to perform other roles apart from their assigned ones. In the event of absence, another employ can stand for the absent one and hence teamwork(Argote, 2011).                   Learning and change have a great impact on employees of a given organization. Learning enhances working relationships between employees of different departments who mingle during the training sessions. Change helps individual to navigate the hierarchy of the organization(Beitler, 2012). When one employee is promoted due to advanced skills, another person gets promoted to take up his position and hence a positive impact on one another. References Argote, L. (2011). Organizational Learning: Creating, Retaining and Transferring Knowledge. New York: Springer Publishing Corporation . Beitler, M. (2012). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization. Chicago: Doubleday Publishers Ltd. Source document

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Housing and Habitability Essay

Question 1: You are an environmental health inspector asked investigate problems at a local low-income and poorly main apartment complex. There is lead-based paint peeling from the walls, and mold growing on the walls. Living in a room that has lead-based paint peeling from the walls and mold growing on the walls has certain health complications. The two factors are considered to be the worst indoor air pollutants and its effect can be seen after repeated exposure or soon after exposure. Occupants of an apartment with such conditions are exposed to such risks whether children or old people. Lead-based paint peeling from the walls has a number of health complications to low income family members especially children (Stewart, 2001). Excessive exposure to lead can cause damage to nervous system and the brain making it hard for the victim to have good health. Other main health problems include high blood pressure, headaches, and muscle pain, difficulties during pregnancy and digestive problems. Control of lead-based paint from peeling off the walls is a major challenge for low income earning family living in a poorly maintained apartment. The following measures can be taken to control lead paint health problems;  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning up paint chips once they peel off.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washing children’s hands more frequently and items they play with such as toys.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Planting grass to cover soil with high levels of lead  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cleaning painted surfaces weekly and rinsing the cleaning tools thoroughly.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keeping children from chewing painted surfaces Molds are other major health hazards as they are invisible organisms that grow on walls under suitable conditions such as light, water and air. Health problems associated with molds include breathing problems, asthma, and irritation of skin, eyes, sneezing, nausea, headache and fatigue. Control of molds requires the application of simple measures such as opening the windows to let fresh air flow inside the building (Strang, 2003). With enough sunlight and clean air, humidity inside the rooms is decreased hence eliminating growth of molds. Question 2: One of your goals is to protect the health of swimmers at a local recreational pool. Discuss two methods that have been used to treat swimming pool water, ozonation and chlorination. The health of swimmers is usually at risk as the water is in most cases contaminated. There are two commonly used methods to treat swimming pool water such as ozonation and chlorination. Any swimmer has high chances of contaminating swimming pool through sweat, urine, mucous, skin flaks or hair ointments. These contaminants can be treated through the use of ozonation which proves to be the most beneficial and advanced method of treating swimming pool water (Ball, 2006). Ozonation works by injecting ozone on the filter then coagulant is added. Once filtration is done chlorine product is added as a residual concentration. Once the chlorine mixes with ozone, the level of chlorine reduces making the process one of the best treatment method. The ozone reduces large molecules into small molecules which are easily decomposed by the filter. Ozonation has a number of benefits which include increase in the quality of swimming water as the level of chlorine is reduced. Another benefit is oxidization of organic and inorganic matter without formation of by-products and clearing away of chlorine scent which might have some health problems. Chlorination is another method used to treat swimming pool water whereby chlorine is used as a disinfectant.   Routine chlorination is used to kill harmful microorganisms which act as health threat. Chlorine reacts with organics and produces nitrogen trichloride and chloramines which are dangerous chemicals. As disinfectant, chlorine prevents the growth of bacteria or algae making the swimming pool water safe. Ozonation is the best method of treating swimming pool water compared to chlorination. Ozone is used as a purification agent while chlorine is used as a disinfectant (Goldstein, Martin, 2002). This means that there are no harmful by products produced through ozonation while chlorine produces dangerous chemicals which are harmful to swimmers.