The Effects of the Problems and the Possible Solutions in the Social Context - Research Proposal Example

Creativity and Innovation Table of Contents Creativity and Innovation Table of Contents 2 Part One: Social Issue-Social Inequality 4 Introduction 4 Causes of Social Inequality 4 Effects of Social Discrimination 6 Stigmatization 6 Abuse at work places 6 Deny opportunities for personal advancement 7 Segregation of the community 7 Underdevelopment 7 Dealing with Social Discrimination 7 Public awareness and affirmative action 8 Development of education system 8 Equitable resource allocation 8 Legislation and advocacy for equality and social justice 9 Personal Opinion on Solving Social Discrimination Issues 9 Conclusion 9 Part 2: The Most Creative Company 10 Introduction 10 About Google. 10 Conclusion 13 Part One: Social Issue-Social Inequality Introduction Social inequality is a situation in which there is an uneven distribution of resources along defined patterns of the social aspects of life like economic class, gender, age, education status, social power, health status and racial lines (Babones 2009 pg. 13). Researchers find these problems interesting topics of discussion and they have formed propositions about the causes and effects of each of them. These problems are a barrier to personal advancement considering that they are along the social lines of life. Humans are social beings and therefore, there is a need for a clinical approach to the problems in their immediate context. Administrative units across the globe also consider these as dehumanizing and therefore have mechanisms in place to protect the citizens against them (Williams 2005 pg.87). This paper discusses the effects of the problems and proposes the possible solutions in the social context. To make the issues more elaborate, some of the social problems are considered. Causes of Social Inequality Social units represent all lines of human life, across all continents and in all nations. It therefore follows that social inequality is a global problem resulting from the following causes: 1. Social roles like leadership in administrative units (Taylor 2004 pg. 60).  On tribal basis, assumption of power in chiefdoms and kingships present a line along which people are discriminated. Those who occupy these leadership positions occupy a higher social status in life as compared to those governed. Such examples are comparable to the African ancient social units as well as some European kingdoms like the UK, in which the Royal Family upholds higher esteem than the rest of the people. 2. Some cultures create social differences among the people (Babones 2009 pg. 130). They present some privileges to a few individuals at the expense of others. For example, some cultures treat men with higher respect than women. In such contexts, men are more powerful than women are and therefore have more opportunities for self-advancement than women have. Another cultural practice that creates discrimination is the religious affiliation of individuals. Some religions do not value women, men and children as being the same. Some treat men as being superior to women and children. In such communities, less consideration is put on the less privileged and they are therefore taught to be respectful to the more privileged. This causes the oppression of the weak and denial of a platform to express themselves, usually on selfish contempt of the men. 3. Ascribed and achieved privileges. Ascribed characteristics are birth privileges, which we do little to change. They include sex, skin colour, age, physicality, race among other characteristics. These characteristics present lines of discrimination in life, and form perhaps the most complicated aspects of social discrimination. On the other hand, acquired characteristics appear through experience and may include merit status in academics and wealth (Williams 2005 pg. 101). People with higher education statuses and wealth are more powerful than the less educated and poor people. 4. Social stratification, defined as the grouping of people into categories depending on the guidelines of merit. Some states and nations have clearly distinguished residential areas, marked by urban zoning and administrative units (Dorling, Wilkinson, and Pickett 2011 pg. 301).  Such differences make the public to consider some people superior to others. Whatever the cause of the problem, these social problems are a setback in attainment of personal and institutional goals. They cause some people, in this case, those of the low and despised class not to feel a part of the rest of the community. Each category of social discrimination presents different problems to solve. It is therefore imperative that individuals research into the most practical methods of problem solving. The effects of some of the categories of social discrimination call for robust methods of problem solving, which do not relate to each other. Effects of Social Discrimination As mentioned earlier, the whole world faces the problem of social discrimination. The effects range in magnitude from place to place, some of which this paper discusses as follows: Stigmatization People discriminated against may feel stigmatized and lack the morale and personal urge to participate in community programs. They may feel as not being a part of the rest and therefore consider themselves out of all projects. The effects of such a move are an even deteriorated relationship between members of the community, a factor that hinders development (Taylor 2004 pg. 50). Abuse at work places Due to social criteria, some people are discriminated by employers and managers at their places of work. Some may not get promotions despite their hard work; others may never get pay rises even if they worked consistently (Dorling, Wilkinson, and Pickett 2011 pg. 90). There are chances that some employees are not involved in implementation of development project on basis of their social rank. These are de-moralising events and on an overall scale, they cause developmental setbacks. Deny opportunities for personal advancement Discrimination may deny the less privileged a chance to develop their talents and gifting (Babones 2009 pg. 100). Some may not have chances to join schools on basis of poor health statuses, race and other factors. In the past centuries, such cases were common in African colonial states where the Blacks did not attend the same schools as the Whites. This denied Africans chances to develop themselves academically. Segregation of the community When people discriminate against each other along the social lines, they create hatred for one another (Taylor 2004 pg. 200). They therefore divide the world into sections that do not coordinate to work for success. The world is one community and love for humanity is the most basic unifying factor for all people. We are required to work together to make the world a better place for the future generations. Discrimination makes the world unfriendly and hostile for the less privileged, putting them away from all opportunities (Surgevil and Evrim 2011 pg. 9) Underdevelopment Developing the world depends on the levels of unity of the people. There is a challenge when people discriminate against each other because they will not unite to work for success. It leaves the undeveloped regions of the world in a poorer state over time (Williams 2005 pg. 19). Dealing with Social Discrimination As this analysis suggests, social discrimination negatively affects human development and needs a check. In trying to solve the problem, the following methods are useful: Public awareness and affirmative action Considering that the problem of social discrimination is global, there is a need that as many people as possible are educated on the existence and effects of discrimination (Taylor 2004 pg. 200). This is specifically relevant in creating a long-lasting impact on the population. It can be through the media, having a wide coverage and ability to reach the audience in local languages. This is critical because it will teach the marginalised on their opportunities to advance in the same social context. Development of education system Education is the best tool to change the ideologies of the world and shift power regimes from one geographical section to another. By incorporating, the topic of social discrimination in in to the curriculums, countries and the world at large will attain the anti-discrimination goal (Dorling, Wilkinson, and Pickett 2011 pg. 91). Students will have orientation on the importance of equality among all people and carry the same to the social scene, helping to transform the world. Equitable resource allocation According to Williams, 2005 pg. 100, to control discrimination along the economic perspective, there is a need for all governments to ensure equitable distribution of resources. This will ensure that there is an equal chance for all people to advance and develop themselves. It will also help to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor, reducing further, the effects of economic discrimination. Legislation and advocacy for equality and social justice The rule of law is supposed to be fair and just to all citizens of any nation (Petersen and Krings 2009 pg. 10). The constitutions of almost all nations contain chapters that guard against infringement of the rights and privileges of citizens. In cases of discrimination, there is a need for appropriate legislative measures to apply in accordance with the constitution. Those found guilty of socially discriminating against others should face the law and act as examples to the rest (Dorling, Wilkinson, and Pickett 2011 pg. 44). It is therefore, the immediate tool of solving such problems. Personal Opinion on Solving Social Discrimination Issues In my opinion, cases of social discrimination need reporting to the authorities for proper interpretation of the law on the topic. This will ensure justice for the victims and at the same time, teach those involved a lesson that will change the world. Considering the magnitude of the case, it is also possible for mediation between the conflicting parties, only if it is applicable. Conclusion Social discrimination is a global problem, which needs a solution. There are cases globally of racial, religious, age, economic, health, gender and political discrimination. Such problems divide the world and prevent development from taking course apart from causing the affected persons affliction (Kavathatzopoulos 2010 pg. 6). In trying to solve, there is a need that the rule of law intervenes in the immediate context and educative programs on the dangers of the vice be a part of curriculums for schools. This, together with public awareness creates long-lasting impact on the population against social discrimination. For the world to be an enjoyable home for all races of the world, social discrimination needs elimination. Part 2: The Most Creative Company Introduction Creativity is the power to go beyond the traditional ideas, rules, systems, relations or other aspects and bring to existence better ideas, forms and methods of approaching things (Inauen and Schenker-Wicki 2012 pg. 4). This definition puts us in to the perspective of a creative company. Relating to this, there is a need to analyse the creative aspects of companies. A creative company is one that keeps innovating methods that add value to the customers and maintain productivity (Ogrady 2009 pg. 60). Other aspects that determine the levels of creativity within a company are the structural plans and managerial structure. It therefore follows that creativity is in terms of creation of a worker friendly environment, having in place a good managerial plan, researching into production of better products, caring for the environment among other aspects. Google is the most innovative company that deals with providing internet services and products. Its innovativeness has been greatly captured in its product of Android operating systems and the Chrome operating systems About Google. The company was founded by Ph.D. students; Sergey Brin and Larry Page. It is a multinational company based in America. The company works towards making the world a global village. Its headquarter office is located at Mountain View, California. Google specialises in provision of internet services and products. It provides software and search engines and does online advertising. Online advertisement through its AdWords provides its main way of generating income. With the digital revolution of the world, Google has seen a rapid growth. One of the main characteristics of technology is its dynamic nature. To fit in such a dynamic world, the company therefore has to come up with new services or new methods of service delivery as well as new or better products. Innovative aspects of the Company. Management. One of the key characteristics that has seen continued innovativeness in the company is the successful application of the stakeholder’s model of thinking approach. The company considers all the stakeholders as legitimate. The company acknowledges that anyone can be a source of innovation. In so doing, it opens the ground for any individual to offer new ideas regardless of their level. Another aspect of management that has seen the company’s success on innovations is its partnership with and acquisition of other companies. Google acquired the You Tube site that has radically revolutionised the company by improving its advertising services. The company also partnered with companies such as NASA Ames Research Centre which was to oversee research in nanotechnology, distributed technology and large scale data management among others. All these add to the company’s knowledge of achieving its goal of organising and making information accessible over the world. One of the distinguishing features of the company’s management is the role of the managers of the company. The responsibility of the managers is to guide and connect both the staff and the users as compared to control. Customer Oriented. One of the key characteristics of Google is on customer satisfaction. The urge to offer services to the user’s expectation has been another source of innovation. Google keeps track of the users’ account of their services or products. They then come up with ways to meet the user’s expectations. This for example was the case with Google’s Chrome. During its launch the operating system was very poor in application. On studying its performance account from the users, the system has been continually perfected. It is now one of the best browsers courtesy of the users. New product launch mechanism. A new product by the company undergoes through three phases; release to the market, testing and finally use of feedback tools. The company does not wait until a product is perfected in order to release it to the market. The company works on the launch early and iterate philosophy. It releases the product for the users to give account while it works on the shortcomings of the product. Usually failure of a product in the company results in its axing. However the company identifies the best features of the product and carries them along incorporating them to other products. Staff Support and Open Processes. The company exploits the potential of collective energy. This brings all the stakeholders to a point of convergence to contribute on the company’s processes. The company makes innovative ideas available to all the company’s employees willing to share and try out the ideas. Moreover the staffs are given chances to undertake their own projects. Many of such projects results in new products or ideas relevant to the company. It also encourages maximum productivity from the staff. Employee whose innovations succeed are rewarded by the company management. The Google Founders’ Award was launched in order to encourage entrepreneurial innovations in the company. However notable innovation’s feature in innovations which do not go through are also acknowledged and adopted in the company’s working. Company Diversification. The company has seen the establishment of branches under the company that deal with specific problems in the society. The company diversified from its main goal of search engine. In the year 2013, the company saw the launching of Calico Company. The company was to serve as a centre for health and wellbeing. The company has also specialised in the development of operating systems and web browsing applications. It is currently leading in the production of chrome and Android operating systems. Conclusion For a business to grow and edge out competition, it is critical that it maintains a level of innovativeness and creativity. Google offers a wide range of internet services and products. The company’s achievement is mainly based on its management. The management of the company is exemplary at ensuring that the desired standards of customer satisfaction. The company uses the flat organisation structure model which helps to create good interactive environment between the employees. This is vital in information sharing which is important the company’s working. Innovativeness of the company has been a key role in its income generation. This year, it was ranked second most valuable brand according to the Interbrand ranking. Bibliography. BABONES, S, J, (2009), Social inequality and public health, Bristol, UK, Policy Press. Datta, A, Reed, R, & Jessup, L, 2013, "Commercialization of innovations: an overarching framework and research agenda",American Journal of Business, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 147-191. DORLING, D, WILKINSON, R, G, & PICKETT, K, (2011), Injustice: why social inequality persists, Bristol, Policy. Inauen, M, & Schenker-Wicki, A, 2012, "Fostering radical innovations with open innovation", European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 212-231. IRELAND, R, D, HOSKISSON, R,E, & HITT, M, A, (2008), Understanding business strategy: concepts and cases, Mason, OH, South-Western Cengage Learning. Kavathatzopoulos, I, 1994, "Training professional managers in decision-making about real life business ethics problems: The acquisition of the autonomous problem-solving skill", Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 379. Kuo, M, C, Chang, Y, & Chang, W, C, 2014, "Perceived Organizational Support as a Mediator of Managerial Coaching Skills and Occupational Commitment", Public Administration Research, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 17-32. Nejad, M,G, 2013, "Optimal pricing for the growth of innovations with direct network externalities: an agent-based approach", The Journal of Product and Brand Management, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 180-190. OGRADY, J, D, (2009), Apple Inc, Westport, Conn, Greenwood Press. http://site.ebrary.com/id/10323700. Petersen, L, & Krings, F, 2009, "Are Ethical Codes of Conduct Toothless Tigers for Dealing with Employment Discrimination?", Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 85, no. 4, pp. 501-514. Shun, Y, L, Shankar, V, Erramilli, M, K, & Murthy, B, 2004, "Customer Value, Satisfaction, Loyalty, and Switching Costs: An Illustration From a Business-to-Business Service Context", Academy of Marketing Science.Journal, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 293-311. Surgevil, O, & Evrim, M,A, 2011, "Discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace: Turkey context",Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 30, no. 6, pp. 463-481. TAYLOR, P, (2004), Social inequality in Vietnam and the challenges to reform, Singapore, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. WILLIAMS, C, (2005), Inside Toyland Working Shopping and Social Inequality. Berkerley, University of California Press. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=922885. Read More