RELIGION AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

1. How can we create an ethical relationship between religion and business so that they may cooperate towards a more sustainable and respectful development of life?

A way of creating an ethical relationship between religion and business can be through the establishment of values and model or patterns of behavior while we are being taught the art of business and professional life, including the ethical standers from the family.  At the same time, the establishment of “trust” and “respect” among the different people we would be working with can also help to create and build this relationship.

2. Can you imagine a world without religion where everyone would be trying to get immediate satisfaction to their individual needs?

No, in my personal opinion and experience religion is something that has been always an important and mayor component of human history; at the same time the faith or belief about a superior or divine power (force) is vital for human existence, regardless its name is God, Ahla, or Maoma. Its part of what men is, his nature and been.

3. Religion can create networks of trust and familiarity that facilitates economic transactions. Can you name other positive aspects of this relationship?

Apart from this advantage, religion is an interesting element from which we can create healthy and interesting networks than can become profitable; another example can be the way in which certain religions such as the Judaism or Muslims act in almost every activity according to their precepts and religious parameters; the way they negotiate, they do business in general, they get married, and they are taught and raised are some examples just to mention some.

4. Do you think that stereotyping based on religion has been influenced by economical or political interests, why, whose? What is the role of The Media in this issue?

Media has been a major element on the change of the perception about religion, because with all its power, she has shown all the realities, good or bad, that each one has; at the same time this element (the Media) has the power and ability to publish and release the information according to its “personal” point of view or perception, what can be dangerous and create misperceptions and wrong stereotyping. 

VIRTUAL TEAMS

When we define what a virtual team means, a lot of words or definitions can come to us in order to choose the appropriate and truly ones. For example a good definition that I found on the internet sees: “is a group of individuals who work across time, space and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technology.”[1]

“Virtual Teams”. Retrieved on May 01 2011 from: http://kbconsultingsolutions.com/images/virtual%20team.jpg

What I found interesting about this concept is that in my opinion, is a great and useful globalization consequence, because due to the increasing business relationships among companies from different countries and interdependence in general among the nations, this way of working and doing business allows this success and important movement to grow and increase its use. At the same time, allows the companies worldwide to work with professional and relevant people that before could be much harder because of the time issues, money, traveling barriers as for example visa; among many other benefits.

“Virtual Teams”. Retrieved on May 01 2011, from: http://www.ceibs.edu/link_c/images/20100404/24097.jpg

Also is important to recognize that this model can be used in almost each one of the different industries that exist worldwide, what gives it much more thumbs up!!!!!! In my own concept is a great movement that can gives your company a lot of benefits, but the mayor one is that is able to help you open the doors of the world for you. 

“Internet”. Retreived on May 01 2011, from: http://www.soygik.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/internet-vida.jpg

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[1] “Virtual Teams”. Retrieved on May 01, 2011 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_team

COMMUNICATION

Which ones are the main Cultural Differences in Non-verbal Communication?

A way to define non verbal communication can be “nonverbal communication involves those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are generated by both the source [speaker] and his or her use of the environment and that have potential message value for the source or receiver [listener].   Basically it is sending and receiving messages in a variety of ways without the use of verbal codes (words).  It is both intentional and unintentional.  Most speakers / listeners are not conscious of this”[1]. And if we add to this fact the globalization influence, a cultural factor will become an importer tool or issue to analyze.

“Non-verbal Communication”. Retrieved on April 12^th 2011, from: http://i.ehow.com/images/a05/9c/en/use-nonverbal-communication-200X200.jpg

The posture, the gestures, the touch, the facial expressions, the body movement, and the way in which we are dressed, among others can be important elements to be taken into account at the moment we, as world citizens and business people, interact with other cultures, resulting in a successful and respectful encounter or in an disrespectful and uncomfortable situation for both sides.

“Non-verbal Communication”. Retreived on April 12^th 2011, from: http://skillfullydone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/mime.jpg

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[1] “NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION”. Retreived on April 11th 2011, from: http://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell/lead689/NonVerbal.html

THE BRITISH MONARCHY IN THE 21TH CENTURY

On April 29^th 2011, one of the most important and anticipated events of the year will take place on Westminster Abbey, London.  I´m talking about the royal wedding of Prince William and his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton, which was announced at the end of last year…

“Kate and William” Retrieved on April 05, 2011 From:http://c2687462.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/107333_1292250179_486x.jpg

Since the moment the engagement was announced on November 16^th, 2010, the entire world focus its eyes on Great Britain future king and queen, what represents tangible impact on the British economy as well the tourism, political landscape and fashion world, a shown of this matter is the amount of souvenirs and object like mugs, china and stampedes that have been launched in the British streets.

                   

          

“Kate and William” Retrieved on April 05, 2011 from: http://media.photobucket.com/image/kate%20and%20william%20engagement%20cover%20magazines/britishroyalsblog/magazines/kate-william-290.jpg?t=1289448151

“Kate and William mugs” Retrieved on April 05, 2011 from: http://www.aolcdn.com/photogalleryassets/aisledash/955256/ansley-china-set-1040ac111710.jpg

It is expected than more than a billion TV viewers will watch the wedding. A media competition begun since the engagement was announced, were the most important channels such as Discovery Channel and the BBC of London, just to mention some,  are willing to complete to be able to broadcast live and worldwide the event of the year, in a 24-hour special coverage.  

What has been happening since last year shows the importance of this organization worldwide, in different scenarios, regardless we are in 21th century. The relevance in my opinion of such an event is a demonstration of how big, “powerful”, regardless its mayor role is being the head of the Anglicans church among the commonwealth, and important is this monarchy worldwide, taking into account that we live in a “democratic” world, were just a little amount of places have their own queen and king, and if they do, is not worldwide issue or matter. Romanticism?????? Maybe…Let’s see what really will happen that day…

“The British Monarchy” Retrieved on April 05, 2011 from: http://www.debateitout.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/british-monarchy.jpg

At the same time is about the way we as the people see and understand the British monarchy, because I consider that is one of the most important organizations worldwide, one of the oldest and powerful, taking into account that it is related with approximately each one and all the countries in europe, and maintain relation with almost the entire world, regardless their location, history, government, ideals, and culture; and it works just like what it really is: an ORGANIZATION

“The Royal Familiy” Retrieved on April 05, 2011 from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSclrFXIv3OJNued_QGT1qXtsExt-EwXW5AAwKeGFT6YWSA71jwSwN9inFvwd0aA7PngS4eR6goMhukeo8PZR98zJItdgNakLOndkJiF48i5DjqyrYmLoaaUJomcSos9_bBT-3J-5oNE/s1600/british+royal+family.jpg

MANAGING CONFLICT AT WORK & AT HOME

 When a conflict happens in our lives, regardless if it is in our work or in our home there is something to be done, because in my personal opinion, conflict brings a bad energy environment and that is an effect or company that I don’t like at all.

At the moment you stop and analyze what is happening, you start to figure out ways to end this particular situation, in other words, which actions can be done in order to move on and start all over again, with a gift for you, learning a new life lesson.

“managing conflict with your beloved ones”. Retreived on April 01 2011,  from: http://copingwithjane.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Images-relationship-problems.jpg

Accommodating and don’t bothering on doing something can be a solution, but also trying to mediate and reconcile is a nice idea in order to collaborate, when you sat down with the other(s) to chat and discuss what happened and how things can get better, both can be compromising their own will in order to solve the conflict; or when you are hurt because of what have happened, rage feelings are on your mind as for example competing with the other to win him/her/them the point or just starting to accommodate yourself in the situation as an intent to move on from this situation.

So my point goes with a simple argument or point of view, it is about that when dealing with a conflict, you should analyze carefully the entire situation: what really happened, if it was your fault or the other(s), what can be done in order to resolve the situation and move on, in which you must be very intelligent because some of the thing or strategies to be used can be much more successful applied on the personal environment that the work environment, because the relations among the different parties involved on the situation can determine a better way of resolving thing in order to achieve the best outcome possible, and also the best one for you.

“Managing Conflict” Retreived on April 01, 2011 from:

http://www.xprojectmanagement.com/personal-development/communications/page/4/

LEADERSHIP AND CONVERGENCE

How does followers should react when they do not agree with their manager’s directions?

Leadership represents the power or ability a manager or person has in order to guide a group of followers or members of his/her crew or department. In the moment we are analyzing and understanding what leadership means, we should be aware of the huge difference that exist between being a leader and being a manager.

When we are working in a certain company, we are supposed to be guided by a boss, or manager, and in the majority of the cases, he/she is going to be responsible for giving us the direction and parameters as its employees.  When in a situation like this, that happens quite often in all the business around the world, the followers or employees don´t agree with the manager’s directions, something can be done in order to control the situation the best way possible.

Leadership. Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from: http://culturewav.es/system/images/513042/original/leadership.jpg?1281281390

As employees, the situation should be managed based on respect, because in my opinion you can express all what we feel and think in a respectful and polite way, regardless if is agreeing or disagreeing; and after facing you manager in an adequate manner, exposing all your reasons and concerns, your opinion and point of view, the outcome should be positive for both, because at least all the facts are exposed.

Ways to React. Retrieved on February 28, 2011 from:                               http://kevinmartineau.ca/wp-content/uploads/5-ways-people-react-to-change.jpg

ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

1.       What does the statement “all capitalism is crony capitalism” is referring to? Do you agree with this statement or not? Give an example.

The statement “all capitalism is crony capitalism” is referring to the fact that shows that sometimes the success of a company relies on the state or government and not to the free market, all the benefits that are born with this relation, and the way in which these benefits can influence on the market.

In my opinion, I truly agree with this statement because this is how things really work in this globalized world.  The governments in order to achieve their objectives and what they want, thru history have created a strong relationship among them and the entrepreneurs and industrial scenario, because is a relationship that carry benefits for everyone, it’s a win/win situation; it’s a situation that can be seen every day in every country.

2.       What is a Banana Republic? Why the author is comparing India with a Banana Republic?

“Banana Republic” means a country that is highly dependent on the agricultural sector and also highly corrupted, what allows the poor get poorer and the rich richer. The author compares India with a banana republic, because he realizes that if the country continues being the way it is nowadays, that much cronyism, it would end up being much more unstable that what it is actually.

3.       Why is it problematic that in the business world “The Media” becomes a corporation?

Media is extremely powerful, and if it continues advancing through becoming a corporation, the result would be a much more powerful entity; that can highly damage or benefit some one or another; depending the side it takes: attacking/destroying or helping/benefiting.

4.       In this situation, what behaviors are considered unethical for corporations, journalist and the state?

-Corruption: “relations” between high officials, politicians and commanders, and the important corporations in the country.

-Journalist: being able to do what it’s needed in order to achieve their objective; regardless if is something not correct; the news and information they present or discover regardless their consequences.

-State: having preferences with certain corporations/organizations, set objectives that can benefit just a little portion of the country meanwhile the others are suffering.

5. What can The Media, Corporations and the States do in order to behave ethically and in the benefit of the people and not their own interest. Give at least 5 good ideas.  

-The State should act, think and work for the common welfare, for the community needs.

-The Media should be aware of the consequences, and also being able to realize how much good they can do for the community.

-The State should pursue corruption with all its efforts

-Corporations should work harder for their social responsibility and the community they affect, in order to help them develop as much as possible and promote their welfare.

-Media should assume as much as possible and regular a neutral approach over the news and situations they informed about.