Lloyds TSB & HBOS Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Lloyds TSB & HBOS - Case Study Example In order to better understand the culture of both the organisations we will analyse the cultures of both the organisations according to the five attributes used by Hofstede in a study involving 160000 IBM managers across more than 60 countries. According to Hofstede five fundamental differences in national styles were found while examining the culture of the organisation. The power distance in the Lloyds TSB seems to be lower as compare to HBOS where bosses are seen as more autocratic or paternalistic as compare to Lloyds TSB. The decision making at both the organisations is of consultative style. Again the employees at the Lloyds TSB are more participative and involved in the operations and decision making of the organisation as compare to HBOS (Higgs, 1996). Individualism is prevalent in the British culture as a result both the organisations have the culture of organising the work in such a way that the self interest of employees is aligned with the management of the organisation (Huczynski & Buchanan, 2007). As described by Hofstede (1997, p. 120) described uncertainty avoiding societies are a society where there are many formal laws and informal rules controlling the rights and duties of employers and employees. At Llyods TSB the uncertainty avoidance is at low level therefore the organisation effectively implement teams with higher levels of autonomy. Whereas again at HBOS the employee empowerment is lower as compare to Lloyds TSB. Masculinity In both the organisations masculinity and Femininity traits are prevalent and can be experienced by undertaking an analysis of the behaviours of the managers. Hence the notion of learning by experience is not centric (Burden and Proctor, 2000). Confucian dynamism As mentioned by Hofstede there is higher acceptance of the legitimacy of hierarchy and the valuing of perseverance and thrift, all without undue emphasis on tradition and social obligations which could impede business initiative in the Western cultures. The organisational cultures of both the organisations verify the findings of Hofstede. 2. How would you describe the prevailing leadership styles employed by each organisation A leader has the qualities to influence others through his persuasive measures such as the communication, display of confidence, can gain information regarding the problem being addressed and persuade the masses in the desired direction (Prasad, 2006; p. 264). SOCIAL VALUES ECONOMIC CONDITIONS LEADER STRUCTURE FOLLOWERS POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS [Source: Taken from, Prasad LM, (2006) Organizational Behaviour, Fig 26.1 p 287] All these factors interact together to determine the leader's ability to influence others. In HBOS the leaders of the organization practice a distinct participative style. The strong

Theories of Government: National Socialism

Theories of Government: National Socialism Name: Jamie Cox Title: National Socialism (Nazism)

Hemp Essay -- essays research papers fc

Throughout American history our country has come to rely on many different natural resources. With technology and the population increasing, the number of fossil fuel reserves and natural forests are going down. What America needs is a renewable source of fuels and fibers that will meet the growing needs of the future, but will not damage our environment. One of the most promising sources of fiber, fuel, and natural oil is hemp. Hemp, also known as Cannabis Sativa L, has been used in our country since the early 17th century (Schreiber 160). Although hemp is considered an illegal drug, many people forget that it is a part of our country’s history. Despite its negative connotations, hemp has the potential to revolutionize the paper, cotton, and fuel industries. Its long fibers can be weaved with others to make stronger clothing, while its pulp can be used to make stronger paper. It has been known as an important resource for thousands of years, and in the future, perhaps it will be again. Hemp is a plant that originated in Asia several thousand years ago (Schreiber 7). Its genus is called Cannabis, to which there are three sub species, Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Hemp is of the sativa family, which normally grows to about 4 meters and has a hollow, fibrous stem. When grown industrially, the male plant is used primarily because it grows tall and spindly, producing the most fiber, and allowing the farmer to plant more in a smaller area. The female plant is much shorter, and produces buds. Hemp is often confused with another plant of the same genus, Marijuana. Because of this confusion it is imperative that the differences between these two plants are understood. Although very similar, Marijuana is not the same plant as hemp (Williams 2). Marijuana, also known as pot, hashish, or weed, is grown for its buds and leaves, to produce psychoactive effects when introduced into the human body. Marijuana has high levels of THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydracannibinol), the i ngredient that causes the user to be high. Whereas industrial hemp typically has a THC level less than one percent, marijuana can have levels up to twenty percent (Washuk 1). Med Byrd, head paper scientist at NCSU said, "You couldn't get high off hemp even if you smoked a joint the size of a telephone pole." Hemp is also contains a substance called cannibidiol, which actually inhibits THC. Under ... ...come the worlds leading crop again, as it once was. Bibliography Barnard, Jeff. â€Å"Hemps Profile Getting Higher But Marijuana Factor Still a Bummer.† Los Angeles Times [Electric Library] 23 August 1998 Cauchon, Dennis. â€Å"Canadian Hemp Isn’t Going to Pot.† USA Today [Electric Library] 7 October 1998. Pg13A Jenkins, Phil. â€Å"Field Of Opportunity.† Canadian Geographic [Electric Library] 1 March 1999 Julin, Brian. â€Å"The Hemp FAQ.† www.cannabis.com/faqs/hemp1.shtml 1994 Kicklighter, Kirk. â€Å"Getting Hemp Over The Hump.† The News & Observer [Electric Library] 4 July 1998. McDougal, Jeanette. â€Å"Good Reasons to Stay Skeptical About Legalizing Industrial Hemp.† Minneapolis Start Tribune [Electric Library] 29 April 1999. Pg24A McGraw, Dan. â€Å"Hemp is High Fashion.† U.S. News & World Report [Electric Library] 20 January 1997 Pg54-56 Quinn, Patrick. â€Å"Greeks Seek to Weed Out Hemp.† The Associated Press News Service [Electric Library] 13 November 1998 Schreiber, Gisela. The Hemp Handbook. Great Britain: Vision Paperbacks, 1999. Williams, Ted. â€Å"Legalize It!† Audubon Magazine [Email] November 1999. Washuk, Bonnie. â€Å"Hemp Touted as a Better Paper Source.† Sun Journal [Electric Library] 5 April 1998.

Recent Economic Developments Essay

The world is currently experiencing a dramatic change in the economy with the emerging forces in the world s most rapidly developing nations. These nations have the greatest market share in the global perspective and are a serious threat to established world corporations (Agtmael 2007). Most of the companies in the emerging economies have combined their production trends with information technology, which is encouraging innovation and creativity. Currently there are hundreds of companies from the emerging market that are global competitors. The most notable as described earlier are the Chinese and the Indians; scholars have ascertained that if the current trend in their development is not affected in a negative way, then by the year 2050, China and India would be among the three topmost powerful economies of the world (Marber 2008). Economic analyses have found that the leading companies from the emerging economies are growing at a very fast rate estimated at about 25% per year and more than 29% of their revenue is collected from foreign market, this is expected to grow up to 40% by 2010. Conclusion The social and economic changes in the world have been very critical in determining the economies of the nations. The development of the world financial market has lasted for over a century with different states changing their positions in the system. Bureaucratization is the notable early development of economic policies that saw increased collection of taxes in old empires and eventually enhanced the states ability to borrow money further increasing bureaucracy. Major phenomena that stimulated economic development were agriculture and capitalist economy, but the recent and significant of them was the industrialization which has intensely revolutionized economy. References Agtmael A. (2007). The Emerging Markets Century. How a new Breed Of World-class Companies is Overtaking the World. Free Press. Drori G. S, Meyer J. W and Hwang H. (2006). Globalization and Organizational Change. Oxford University Press. IFM (2003). World economic Outlook. Public Debt in Emerging Markets. International Monetary fund. Kahn H. (1979). World Economic Development. 1979 and Beyond. Taylor and Francis. Marber P. (2008) From Third World to Third Class. The Future of Emerging Markets in the Global Economy. Perseus Books. Staley E. (2008). World Economic Development. Efffects on Advanced Industrial Countries. International Labour Office.

Kashmir Problem

I think that if war is seen as real possibility, all efforts should be on its prevention as war brings killing of innocent people, hunger and devastations. The region of Kashmir would hardly be able to restore uniqueness of the legendary beautiful mountainous area. Moreover, 7 million of people are endangered to be killed. But for what?This question is a matter of interest for many politicians, historians and economists as many countries are involved in the conflict – India, Pakistan are the primary participants of the conflict, and the US has its own position towards the problem. Pakistan and India are known to have dispute over Kashmir as they are willing to divide the region. â€Å"Line of Control† is introduced as a violated truce.The problem is that India views Kashmir region as a part of its nation and it claims that Pakistan has occupied illegally portion of the region. Therefore, Indian government is going to prevent unification between Kashmir and Pakistan. In its turn, Pakistan residents are allowed to choose freely whether they want to live in Kashmir or in Jammu. It goes without saying that India rejects such plebiscite. In my opinion, the most dangerous thing is that both countries are nuclear power. It means that in war they may refer to nuclear weapon which can destroy not only Pakistan or India, but also all neighboring states.I think that everything should be done to solve the conflict peacefully to avoid killing. The article mentions that India had invented more than 300 kg of weapons-grade petroleum in 1995, and it is hard to image what the consequences of such attack may be. Additionally, both countries are hardly equipped with ballistic missiles and fighter jets which could be armed with nuclear weapons.The conflict is worse by the fact that India suffers from terrorist attacks and may refer to military response, whereas Pakistan views India as aggressor which is willing to take full control of Kashmir threatening in such a wa y Pakistan nation. It is rather hard to decide whether India or Pakistan can be considered right. The situation is two-fold, but it is necessary to press Pakistan to give up terrorism as it encourages India to attack.ReferencesKashmir. New York Post On-line. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/kashmir/front.html