Comparing responsible leadership with transactional leadership

Comparing responsible leadership with transactional leadership The main purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the dimensions of responsible leadership with transactional leadership. Therefore, this paper will start off with giving the definition on both of the leadership styles. Then, it will be followed by analysing the six dimensions of responsible leadership which will be use to compare and contrast with transactional leadership. The dimensions comprise of the roles the leader fulfils, the relationship between the leader and follower, the values that derived from the relationships, the ethical perspective, the responsibilities while making decisions and finally, the sustainability. DEFINITION OF RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AND TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP Responsible leadership has been defined as the art of building and sustaining morally sound relationship with all relevant stakeholders of an organisation (Maak Pless 2006, p.5). Transactional leadership is described as leaders and followers being in an exchange relationship (Dubrin, Dalglish Miller 2006, p. 105). COMPARING AND CONTRASTING THE TWO LEADERSHIP STYLES The first dimension to be compare and contrast is the role of responsible leadership. According to Maak and Pless (2006), the roles of responsible leadership are being a servant, steward, citizen, visionary, story-teller and meaning enabler, coach, architect and change agent. All these eight roles are supposed to act interdependently with each other as a whole. Moreover, according to Dachler (cited in Maak and Pless 2006, p. 107), all these roles are relational, that is, they concern specific responsibilities or activities vis-a-vis relational processes in the construction of organisational realities. A responsible leader fulfils being accountable for everyone within their surroundings to have a positive social interaction between both inside and outside the organisation. On the other hand, a transactional leader role is just to help the subordinates by clarifying them the role and task requirements to attain designated outcome and what they will receive in return. Another dimension is the relationship between a leader and the followers. In the context of responsible leadership, followers mean the stakeholders, whereas transactional leadership means just the subordinates. Responsible leadership is more suited with the twenty first century, this is due to todays ways of business interaction; the networking structures. Leaders and the stakeholders are of equal status where the stakeholders do not need to depend on the leader fully and have ultimate power or authority to achieve stated vision. Maak and Pless (2006, p. 104) wrote that leadership legitimacy does not come with position, status, reward or power. As for transactional leadership, it is more into hierarchical order, where the leader is seen as on the top and in charge of everything. And as for the subordinates, they need to follow what the leader says. Status and power plays its role. As stated in Hood (2003, p. 267) transactional leadership is based on bureaucratic authority and legitim ate power in the organisation. Relationships lead to another dimension for being a responsible leader that is in terms of its values. Some of the values are made up of honesty, empowerment and friendliness. Responsible leaders need to communicate effectively with their stakeholders as to respect and create positive friendly environment with each other. The leader needs to ensure that everyone are treated fairly and equal where their needs and interests are taken into account. Being an honest leader build the culture of trust that proves to motivate and inspire others by Caldwell and Dixon (2009), and as by doing so may create a long lasting intimate relationship (loyalty) which is relatively important for making future deals (ingredients of integrity). Pless (2007, p. 450) state that responsible leadership manifest itself in defining moments, in which leaders have to make fundamental decisions with long-term effect on people, environment and/or the future of the organization. As for delegating responsibilities, it is connected in the form of empowerment as it yields high trust, productive communication between individuals and teams (Remmel 2004). As for the values of transactional leadership, the relationship of friendliness build is only for short-term period as when the goal is achieve successfully then the transaction is complete, which neglects the importance of people in creating long-term wealth. Cameron (2003) and Senge (2006) cited in Caldwell and Dixon (2010, p. 97). Therefore, the trust given by the leader to the subordinates are only in the duration of the task is suppose to be completed, where in term of empowerment, it is lacking but do exist. The leader must make sure the followers are aware and being clarified of their tasks to be carried out efficiently with awards attached to it which can be said as the driven motivator. As proven by Houghton and Yoho (1005, p. 76) theorists have suggested that the directive and transactional styles will result in low levels of empowerment among followers. The fourth dimension of responsible leadership is ethics. Ethics can be defined as code of moral principles and values that governs the behaviours of a person or group with respect to right or wrong (Samson Daft 2009, p. 174). By looking at the definition, it can be said that morality is considered to be a significant quality to have as a leader. Moreover, there are two out of four values based founded by Rokeachs (1973) cited in Hood (2003) that are significantly related to ethical practises, that are social and morality-based values. Social values include such items as freedom and equality, and morality-based values include politeness, helpfulness, affection, and forgiveness. Responsible leaders, their ethics lies on both since as stated before, socially, the stakeholders do not need to depend on the leader, they are free and of equal status as the leader. In term of morality, making an ethical judgement considering the situation and condition of the stakeholders is regarded as a norm for a responsible leader because it is their ethical desires to serve others. As Pless (2007, p. 438) states, responsible leadership research examines the leadership dynamics in the context of stakeholder society and includes the ethical perspective. They are responsible to heed for the stakeholders needs and interest (Pless 2007). As for transactional leaders, their ethics basically just lie on the morality-based values. This is because, the subordinates have no freedom and dedicated to what the leader wishes, and also basically they do their job respectively in order to attain stated goal with the help of the leader. The fifth dimension of responsible leadership is responsibilities. A responsibility here means the ethics of what the leader does (Maak Pless 2006, p. 35). This part relates to the previous dimension where it can be said that ethics played a major part in being a responsible leader; the heart. Leader is responsible for decision-making. The case of making a tough decision is a common thing that a leader would have gone through. The responsibility is related to ones ethics of making the right or wrong decision. One has to take a look at different scopes before deriving a verdict. Hence, the issue of trust should also be bear in mind while making decision. As the relationship of trust is build between leader and followers, then as a leader, one is responsible to behave and make decision ethically. This applies to both types of leadership and they need to act morally and be responsibly. The main difference is only to who does the leader is held responsible while making an ethical decisi on. As a responsible leader, they have a bigger scope whom to deal with that is the stakeholders. As for transactional leaders, the followers only consist of the subordinates in the organisation. The final dimension of responsible leadership is sustainability. The sustainability issue can be in the form of having sustainable relationships and also the future. As stated in Maak (2007, p. 329) it takes responsible leadership and responsible leaders to build and sustain a business that is of benefit to multiple stakeholders. To have sustainable relationships, as a responsible leader, it requires them to include the stakeholders before claiming conclusions to ensure ethically sound decision making. Maak (2007, p. 331) states key to responsible leadership is thus the ability to enable and broker sustainable, mutual beneficial relationships with stakeholders, to create stakeholder goodwill and trust and ultimately a trusted business in society. As to reach sustainable future, responsible leaders should have a shared business vision to be reached together with the stakeholders. Maak (2007, p. 334) writes in a stakeholder society an agreeable vision would need to include the aspirati on to be (come) and inclusive, responsible, and active business in society. In contrast, sustainable relationships cannot be reached in transactional leadership since to reach beneficial relationships it involves number of stakeholders. Furthermore, the vision that is practiced in transactional leadership style is only to reach the stated goal which is clearly not sustainable as it is not forward looking to the future. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the six dimensions of responsible leadership that is being used to compare with transactional leadership are the roles, relationships, values, ethics, responsibilities and sustianability. As for the roles, there are eight interdependent roles of responsible leaders, and for transactional leaders, they only need to clarify the tasks to their subordinates with rewards attached to it. Secondly, relationships between leader and followers are being considered. The followers in responsible leadership are the stakeholders which consist of both inside and outside the organisation. Whereas for the transactional style, the followers are only within the organisation that is the subordinates. Thirdly, the values of honesty, empowerment and friendliness have been touched. Honesty between the leader and the follower build a culture of trust, however the period of trustiness between those two leadership styles differ. That is, responsible leadership will last longer than the transact ional leadership style because responsible leaders are thinking ahead of time for making future deals. And as for empowerment, responsible leadership results higher than transactional leadership style. Fourthly are the ethical perspective in terms of social and morality-values. Responsible leaders ethics is derived from both but transactional only from the morality-values. Fifthly, it is the responsibilities of decision making where the responsible leaders have to take into account of a wider range of people rather than the transactional leaders while making any judgement. And finally, the sustainable issue of having a sustainable relationships and future which turns out only achievable in a responsible leadership style and not transactional leadership.

Challenges of Small Businesses :: Essays Papers

Challenges of Small Businesses Growth in the small and medium business in Canada and other developed countries has been very significant. This sector of the business community now represents about 40 percent of GDP and accounts more than half of total employment. Today small businesses are more diverse and more vigorous than ever, but they also faces newer and more challenges or inhibitors to their growth than their older conter parts. This research will attempt to find the answer to the following hypothetical question: "What are the barrier to entry, inhibitors to growth, and detriments to the health of small business and entrepreneurship today?" Access to capital and credit at various stages in the business life cycle is identified as the major hurdle by the entrepreneurs. For many small firms and most start-ups, the personal funds of the business owners and entrepreneur and those of relatives and acquaintances constitute as the major source of capital. For many small businesses, especially during the early years of their operation, credit is simply not available. For many others, the limited available credit is not through bank loans. Due to this many of them rely on multiple credit card balances and home equity loans as major sources of credit for start-up firm. Because banks are bound by laws and regulations to prudent lending standards that require them a risk management assessment for each loan made. These regulations were made more vigor during the late 1980'' and early 1990 . Banks always found that lending to manufacturing firm with hard asset such as property, equipment, and inventory has always been easier than lending to today's expanding service sector firms. Because the service sector firms own few hard asses, therefor lending judgment have to be based in terms of character, markets, and cashflow, which make it difficult to the bank to meet the regulations for the approval of the loan. Additional, the banking industry, as well as the entire financial sector of the economy, is undergoing rapid change. In the future banking industry will be divided into global, national and super-regional banks and a much smaller number of community banks. It is expected of these banks primarily super regional banks and community banks will extend their services to the needs smaller business through large loan processing centers utilizing credit-scoring techniques and "intelligent models" (artificial intelligence-derived computer-based models) .

Nanotechnology Use in Fire Protection †Need for Environmental Friendliness Essay

There is a serious need to develop a more effective fire protection technology as the morbidities and the mortalities from the current seem to be rather insufficient. However, the nanotechnology fire protection industry is still in the infancy stage, developing solutions that are out of reach of the common man today. Nanotechnology is not only found to increase the durability, strength and efficiency of the material, but also increase it fire resistance along with self-cleansing action. A great number of fire-retarders have nanotechnology incorporated. A checklist needs to be prepared that would be required by the end user to ensure adequate protection of human life and the environment. Nanotechnology can also help in the detection and prevention of fires. The technology seems to be promising with various applications. However, only if the stakeholders become more interested would this technology become cheaper and permit more extensive use. Introduction Due to the serious impact of fire on the mortality, morbidity (burns, etc) and the losses to property, there is an urgent need for fire protection considering the overcrowding in cities and the serious impact of fires on the environment. In the year 2003, about 70 billion Euros were lost over fire damages, and hence, people are trying to build fire resistant buildings with both active and passive features (Innovations Report, 2004). Nanotechnology currently has a very small market segment as more and more fire-resistant materials and electronics are being used to tackle fire problems. In the Beijing Olympics concluded in the year 2008, fire protection was adequately provided in various sports construction sites by the use of Nanotechnology. There are more than 48 different applications in fire protection with nanotechnology. Some of the common applications required in fire protection include smoke detectors, alarm systems, resistant building material, etc, and nanotechnology has held strong promises in curbing some of the problems of the future (Innovations Report, 2004). In the year 2004, the nanotechnology market in the fire segment was 30 billion dollars, and is expected to almost double within a decade of introduction. As molecules can appropriately be modified to make them more fire-resistant, companies around the world are increasingly creating these modifications. Each year the nanotechnology market grows by about 25%. Nanotechnology is also said to be environmentally-friendly. China is said to be the current leader in the use of nanotechnology in fire protection (Innovations Report, 2004). The EPA is also supporting research in the use of nanotechnology for fire protection and safety. In February 2007, the EPA published a White paper on Nanotechnology and considered the same to help in preventing pollution to the environment. The White paper also focused on responsible use of nanotechnology by using recycling of the same and also ensures that the same was not toxic to the populations (EPA, 2007). Using nanotechnology has several advantages in reducing pollution & ill-effects on the environment:- 1. Reducing any waste substances that are released into the environment, 2. Using substances that are not so toxic, 3. Using conservative methods that could effectively reduce pollution and also recycling and reusing material, thus effectively preventing wastes 4. Increase in the general surface area of the article 5. Improvement in the strength of the material without considerable increase in the weight 6. Materials that use less raw materials and lesser electricity during manufacture 7. Changes to the electrical conductivity, color and opaqucity of the materials 8. Products that are used become less self-cleansing can be used 9. there would be a reduced need to have chemicals that would retard flames and fires 10. Components that are used in construction of automobiles can become more resistant to wear and tear, erosion and fatigue 11. Nanoscale catalysts can effectively help to reduce pollution 12. using the nanoscale catalysts, raw materials would be utilized more efficiently and reduced amounts of wastes would be generated (EPA, 2007) Advantages of Nanotechnology with reference to fire protection Body Nanotechnology involves the use small particles of materials or manipulating them in such a way that their properties would be enhanced, with potential application on a larger scale especially for construction purposes. Nanotechnology involves creating these modifications at ten to the power of -9 of a meter or the nanometer level. It is a new science with more recent applications and can be considered to be an extension of work that has been occurring on a microscopic level (micrometer). Processes and products with concrete, steel, glass, and composites are using nanotechnology. The concrete that would be used can be manipulated easily and is more durable, stronger and environmentally-friendly. Steel and glass can become tougher. Once, these materials are stronger, durable, and tougher, and their manipulation is improved, the impact on the environment would also be positive as the materials are more efficient. Not only is the process of manufacture improved by using nanotechnology, but also during actual fabrication or manipulation at the construction site (Mann, 2006). Most of the nanotechnology applications have been held back due to the limitations in costs. Nanotechnology is quite expensive for the modern world to incorporate due to the infancy of technology. With costs of using the same very high and rather very limited applications, many people prefer ignoring nanotechnology, resulting in isolation. Researchers feel that within the next five years, there could be significant use of nanotechnology in the field of constructions and others, such that application of the same would not be so exorbitant. Nanotechnology at the moment requires strong funding for research and motivation. The government needs to take an active role in the same with interest in improving the current environmental degradation. Besides, researchers and the industry need to collaborate more strongly. There should be a strong thirst for innovation such that nanotechnology should be applied with greater force (Mann, 2006). With the introduction of any kind of new technology, importance should be given to the life-cycle of the products, toxicity of the product and exposure that could be occurring to both humans and others in the environment. With relation to the life-cycle several factors need to be taken into consideration including design, level of production, application of the product, disposal, disintegration in the environment, etc. At the users end, a checklist need to be utilized that would ensure that enough of prevention is taking place in protecting the environment and human life. Some of the queries that can form a part of this checklist include:- ? Steps need to be taken to reduce the unintended consequences of the life-cycle of the product ? Real-time application of the products that can prevent pollution ? Barriers that are present for adopting nanotechnology in the modern world ? Methods of overcoming these barriers ? Areas of nanotechnology in which further research needs to be performed ? Manner in which the beneficial properties of nanotechnology can be used to create innovative products that can reduce pollution ? Role the regulatory bodies, courts and the government can perform (EPA, 2007) Today, the walls of homes and offices have huge amounts of lead in the paints and often this can be toxic during use or disposal. Nanotechnology and nanoengineering can help improve the composition of these materials such that they are less toxic to human health and the environment. Today, the impact of floods and erosion beaches are very critical considering the ill-effects of global warming. By changing the way natural materials function at the nanoscale, their environmental-friendliness can be improved (EPA, 2007). Not only would nanotechnology help in reducing the carbon dioxide levels by changing how the material works at the nanoscale, but also help the way in which a building is using energy (EPA, 2007). The same modification to cement can effectively help in fire protection as spray-on coats. The present cements that are being used are very brittle and need polymers to make them more adhesive. With modifications at the nanoscale to cement, they are stronger, more durable and can tolerate high temperatures when present in coats. Effectively carbon nanotubes (CNT’s) are mixed with cement material to mimic something similar to composites with high strength. Another option instead of using CNT’s is polypropylene which is a cheaper option and can improve fire protection (Mann, 2006). Using nanotechnology, better solar cells can be manufactured that are more efficient and cheaper. Besides, nanotechnology can help in heat recovery and also in treatment of water and air at the building. However, these technologies are not current and scientists are suggesting that they can be used, although we have already woken up to the dawn of the future (EPA, 2007). The self-assembly of buildings can be improved using nanotechnology. Molecules can be designed into complementary shapes such that they produce only minimum energy, which effectively helps in fire prevetion (Mann, 2006). Nanotechnology also plays an important role in fire hazard management and prevention. Today having a nanocomposite as one of the materials present in the flame retardant has been considered an advantage. Cross linked systems that provide polyureas and polyurethane foams seem effective in controlling fires. Another new tool that has been developed to combat flames is confocal microscopy (used in chemical analysis and material testing by collecting the light that is in focus and excluding light out of focus) (Leica, 2010). Previously, all the flame retardant systems had certain toxic components that could harm human life and have a negative effect on the environment. However, flexible and rigid polyurethane structures have been used in a number of applications such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, cars, aircrafts, etc. By altering them at the nanoscale, their resistance to fire can be improved. Previously, the open cell structures of the foams prevented stability during fire fighting. Even additives that increase the foam stability would have a negative effect on the environment. These additives include halogens and phosphorus based compounds that have a negative effect over human health. As most of these substances are volatile, during fire fighting, the high temperature would cause evaporation of these materials causing more damage to the environment (EPA, 2007). Nanotechnology can also be used to develop nano-electromechanical systems and circuitry that would connect detectors at various places in the buildings. The nano-devices would be effectively embedded into surfaces and would be able to detect fire easily (Mann, 2006). Another application of nanotechnology for fire protection is in nanoclays that can help to lower the rate at which plastics burn as it can increase the char forming abilities and prevents plastics from melting and dripping. When used along with other flame retardants, there is more effective fire retardation (EPA, 2007). With regards to fire protection specifically certain queries need to be answered in the checklist:- ? Extracting of raw materials during processing should not be damaging to the environment ? Emission of nanomaterial to the environment ? Reaction or additives to polymers ? Nanomaterials properties during use ? Exposure of nanomaterials to the industrial workers during manufacture ? Reaction of nanomaterials to light, heat, dust, etc ? Ability to recycle the nanomaterials ? Protection of workers during manufacture ? Nanomaterials during combustion and burning ? Ability to transport the nanomaterial ? Effects of exposing the user to nanomaterial A company by name GreenShield FR has developed a nanomaterial treatment for several groups of materials including polyester so that the material can become fire resistant as well as provide protection from water and staining. There are three sets of coat which are applied of the nanomaterial onto the surface. The first layer helps the nanomaterial to adhere to the parent material. The second layer offers repellency and self-cleansing action, and the third layer offers fire-resistance. At the end, the entire material is non-flammable. When these materials degrade they do not release any kind of toxic material into the environment. Nanoclays on the other hand help to lower the amount of energy that is liberated during fire. The nanoclays prevent the materials from bursting and disintegrating and further adding to the fire that has been activated. Nanoclays ensures that the materials burn slowly and at a lower temperature and can work along with several fire retardants (Betts, 2008). Conclusion Nanotechnology is offering strong promises to the field of fire protection, although very little is being utilized today due to the exorbitant costs of nanomaterials. However, these materials are not only more effective and safer, but also more environmentally-friendly. Within the next five years, with greater innovations and understanding of nanotechnology it would be easier to use this technology. Using nanotechnology, materials not only become fire-resistant but also stronger, durable and better self-cleansing. Using nanotechnology, fire cannot only be prevented and retarded, but also monitored and detected using nano-electromechanical detectors. The future for nanotechnology looks good, but researchers and academic organizations should continue with their search to make this technology more affordable and effective. References Betts K. S. (2008). â€Å"New Thinking on Flame Retardants. † Environ Health Perspect. 2008 May; 116(5): A210–A213. http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367656/ EMBL (2010). Leica Manual, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. embl. de/ExternalInfo/almf/htdocs/almf_website/pdf/TCS_SP2_09052000. pdf EPA (2007). Pollution Prevention through Nanotechnology Conference, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. epa. gov/oppt/nano/p2docs/final_nano-conf-brochure. pdf Innovations Report (2004). Nanotechnology in Fire Protection can save Life and secure Health, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. innovations-report. com/html/reports/studies/report-29292. html Mann, S. (2006). Nanotechnology and Construction, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://nanotech. law. asu. edu/Documents/2009/10/Nanotech%20and%20Construction%20Nanoforum%20report_259_9089. pdf Occupational Health & Safety (2010). Microtechnology vs. Nanotechnology, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://ohsonline. com/articles/2010/01/01/microtechnology-vs-nanotechnology. aspx PHYSORG (2010). Chemist monitors nanotechnology’s environmental impact, Retrieved on July 10, 2010, from Web site: http://www. physorg. com/news188736302. html

Book Report on Anthropology of Globalization by Lewellen

Posting-wk-9 It was a long, difficult reading of a technical-term-loaded text, but immensely enjoyed! So much more to be said, but I stop here. I look forward to your lively, insightful interactions and discussions. Major Learnings Chapters 1-2 o Contemporary globalization is an on-going process of not just economic flows, but also cultural flows—the increasing flow of trade, finance, culture, ideas, and people brought about by the technology of communication and travel and by the worldwide spread of neoliberal capitalism†¦ (7). o Globalization is a reality, as well as regionalization and localization. Neoliberal capitalism has a global dominance; regionalism, localization, and globalization form a single, unified system†¦show more content†¦o Sometimes these changes are brought about by discourse, which it the deliberate control of thoughts and actions in a particular place or period (73). However, we even need to deconstruct development discourse. Developers and anthropologists may carry hegemonic philosophy, power discourse and ideology in their approaches to development (75). The dominant discourse must be deconstructed to reveal inherent presuppositions and assumptions, especially those that assert power and control on others (41). o Development transforms women in very different way (e.g., in labor). Development programs often fail to notice local discourses (85). Women need a voice and â€Å"some control over their lives and communities† (Amen!). Missiological Implications 1. The degree of globalization may vary from culture to culture. Globalization is a global, cultural phenomenon. As anthropology practicing missiologists, our tasks of mission must include a study of the history of globalization in the field of mission in which we opearte. Globalization shapes and reshapes culture and consumerism affects every fabric of life in that culture. In order to be a change agent to bring about culture change, we must know what â€Å"culture† we are talking about. 2. Lewellen suggests that contemporary cultural anthropologist should look for not only differences but also similarities, not