Arguing Positions in the Classroom, Daily Life, and Job - Essay Example

MBA When considering the difference between arguing positions in the room, daily life, and job there are distinct differences in the means ofargumentation. For instance, consider the issue of health care reform. The classroom environment would consider the issue as related to the classroom discussion, and one would also assume a level of education and competency among the other students; as such, the argument would include more detailed information. Within daily life the matter becomes one of more pure personal opinion, and must be structured in a way that the individual you are arguing with understands the argument; as such, the argument oftentimes will veer more towards the understanding of the two individuals and it will progress more rapidly as points can be understood more succinctly. In this situation the participants may also feel more comfortable to speak without political correctness as the classroom environment contains a diverse selection of the population, of which speaking too bluntly could result in offending someone. Finally, arguing in a work environment requires that the individual pay particular attention to other individual as it’s of particular importance not to offend coworkers or customers in a business situation. 2. When consider perceptions made at work using attribution theory I recognize that in many instances I have attributed my own shortcomings to events such as inadequate training or similar such things in an effort to maintain a positive self-image. Examining selective perception, I believe that having the confidence of my co-workers behind me leads me to believe that I am capable of performing the task at hand, and this confidence actually affects my ability to perform the tasks. I see the halo effect at play with certain individuals; for instance, muscular or attractive individuals are often erroneously perceived as competent in a number of tasks of which they are otherwise not as qualified as others. I see contrast effect when dealing with a confrontation about a certain issue, and then later dealing with another individual about another issue; in these respects, the first issue often effects the perception of the second. Projection occurs when I have an internal issue that I project on others. Finally, stereotyping occurs in much the same way that halo effect does, in that individuals who look a certain way are often believed to possess certain qualities. 3. Communication is not inherently the same if it does through different means. Marshall McLuhan famously said that the medium is the message, meaning that the medium of communication actually determines the type of message that will be conveyed. At work a manager may choose to deliver information in person as a means of directly and more forcefully communicating with the audience. Similarly, an email may convey that the information is not as overridingly important, or is secondary to the importance of the business meeting or direct speech. Oftentimes I have experienced information that has been mis-communicated in emails because some of the intricacies of language are lost when transferring the spoken word to text. In these instances, it’s necessary to ensure that the individual received and fully understood the message by following the message with another that gets their confirmation. Assessed Discussion Question Construct and Support an Argument I want to attend (masters program) because I care about knowledge in-itself, and I realize this is my best opportunity to be around other students, with similar interests, purpose, and goals. I have developed a considerable amount as a result of my previous time spent at (ba program), and I have been brought to new intellectual horizons. I believe in purpose, or at least something that transcends blind allegiance to the dollar, and this belief has taken me beyond the previous concerns I had with merely succeeding in business, into a realm of existence where I desire to contribute to the world in meaningful ways. This essay argues that my underlining intentions in pursuing a graduate education are to both advance my skills and realize my already existing competencies as evidenced by the Jungian personality assessment. I have always been passionate about business, which led me to pursue many of my own interests within this field. In pursuing my graduate education, I will have the opportunity to learn how to utilize my background to extend these concepts and be a positive force in promoting them. In considering my Jungian Personality assessment there are a number of factors that are notable as they both speak to and contribute to my underlining motivation for attending graduate school. The assessment notes that I demonstrate relatively moderate levels of all the factors, with the exception of the emotional stability factor. I believe my scholastic success thus far, as well as my desire to pursue a career in business is a direct response of my aptitudes in these categories. I understand that upper level academic work requires aptitude in a number of fields, not just one distinct area; furthermore, business also requires that individuals develop a diverse level of such competencies. My motivations to excel academically are diverse. Throughout high school my primary motivation for excelling was a desire to attend college. I realized that only through adequate progress and strong academic standards that I would have the opportunity to pursue my education at the collegiate level. This desire to attend college was instilled in me by my parents and society, as the prevailing wisdom was and continues to be that attending college is necessary if one is to find their place in the contemporary work place. The pressure to attain a higher education and excel was also instilled in me by the trends of social pressure, as my friends and immediate surroundings conditioned me to understand that without a college degree I would be considered a less accomplished and cultured individual. Although my undergraduate program expanded my intellectual capabilities, I realize that achieving my goals depends on developing leadership abilities and increasing my social capital. I’m in the height of my youth and I need to seize it, find and celebrate it in others, and not forget for an instant that all things must pass. I have had great success in leadership positions, but I am aware that I have not yet realized my full potential. After investigating my leadership style and learning style, I have come to realize that to successfully carry my career plans to fruition I will need to become a more effective manager of people. I realize that my low Jungian assessment for emotional stability may contribute to my challenges in further developing my leadership ability. Another significant concern I have about my future career will be to develop the necessary support to expand and take full-advantage of my life. I realize it will be necessary to cultivate a number of business contacts, as this is a central element of success in the real world business market. (Sullivan 2003) I will also have to work towards developing contacts and remaining in-touch with them throughout my career. My hope is that through the MBA program I can contribute to the perspectives of the school’s student population, which will help foster an even more unique environment for myself and other students to interact and learn about each other. I have a positive and pro-active perspective on life and have always sought out ways to become more involved, helping to contribute to a more vibrant and stimulating environment for students and faculty alike. As can be seen my intentions and motivations for pursuing a graduate education are closely related to my desire to improve upon my existing competencies to advance my skills in life and the business world. Ultimately, I am seeking to become a part of (masters program), because I think books and ideas are important, that they can illuminate life, place our priorities in context, and help us recognize poignancy in things others may miss. Because I feel the same idea applies to certain people and I need to find more of them and they need to find me. Because I’m not sure if the unexamined life is worth living, but a day in my life hasn’t passed where I have not examined the question. And because I can’t find a more exciting place to do it. References Jungian Personality self-assessment ‘What’s My Personality Type?’ Sullivan, Arthur; Steven M. Sheffrin (2003). Economics: Principles in action. Upper Saddle River. Pearson Prentice Hall. Read More