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UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics
Topic: UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics
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UK and European Comparative Governance and Politics
Introduction
Descriptive representation of groups such as women and ethnic minorities has become a contentious issue in not only academic literature but in the politics in most modern democracies such as the UK. The main aim of the descriptive representation of women in these democracies has often been noted as a losing battle against men, especially local men, with consequences for the descriptive representation of women and ethnic minorities (Mackay, 2004, p.103). This topic has received much attention by feminist theorists in political issues as they focus on the problems of relative exclusion of women and ethnic minorities. It has been established that there is underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities in parliament and in national, local and regional assemblies. Though there have been intense political activism and advocacy, these global trends towards transformation in the political arena, there has not been proper transformation in gender roles and ethnic minority groups in political leadership.
There have been various factors that have been attributed to women underrepresentation in politics though they are being phased out through affirmative action and activism for gender equality. It has been affirmed that the political science profession has been viewed as a very “male dominated” profession and that the “high politics” remain to be stubbornly masculine (Beeman et al, 2009, p.882). This paper offers information concerning descriptive representation of women and ethnic minorities in the UK political arena by demystifying the long standing claim that women have consistently been marginalized within democracies and institutions. These assertions imply that there is need for institutional restructuring through suggesting policies that can be implemented in the modern democracies to embrace women and ethnic minorities’ representation in leadership and political ranks. These aspects will help in dispelling mistrust among the affected under-presented groups since they consider the political leadership governing them as unjust, illegitimate and democratic deficit.
Gendered Political Leadership
The social aspects in any nation whether advanced in its democratic leadership or not are heavily influenced by gendered representation in leadership. This statement derives its authenticity and validity from the social constructivism approach in which any discussion that invokes women’s differences- in perceptions to power, in governance practices, can resonate with conservative squabbles (Mackay, 2004, p.117). These arguments can result in discrimination, prejudice and exacerbate stereotyping. In some historical contexts women leadership aspirations have been supported with reference to their sameness to men and at times with reference to their difference. These different perceptions form the basis upon which analysis of the UK democracy should just improve the descriptive representation of women and ethnic minorities in political or leadership positions. Social constructivism is seen in these perceptions as they recognize embedded structural power imbalances.
The constructivism approach links the experiences of women’s lives rather than their biological imperatives. This means that women enter the political and leadership positions differently than men due to their workplace locations and their household chores and responsibilities (Eschle, 2002, p.321) This means that the women’s work in bridges their private and public experiences implying that the pervasive discrimination and violence that they experience influence their political strategies. These perceptions ought to be routed out through institutional reengineering so as to enlighten people that gender is a social relation and not the property of a person. This will help in demystifying the negative perceptions that people in developed democracies have concerning women leadership and political strategies. This has to be coupled with emphasis on both gender hierarchies and globalization so as to make representation of the underrepresented groups is made more meaningful.
Greater descriptive representation in the modern democracy does not appear to be enough since there is need to restructure and dispel any negative misconception concerning women leadership and polity mechanisms. Globalization has to be promoted by intensifying international social interrelatedness whereby diffusion of neoliberal economic convention based on the rise of transnational corporations is promoted (Beeman et al, 2009, p.867) This will aid in diffusion of democratic institutions not only in the UK but across the world but this has to be supported with reconstruction of democracy using global and feminist frameworks. There is need for reform and expansion of the liberal rights and duties so as to make them more universally acceptable and internationally applicable. These strategies will ensure that representation of women in political and leadership positions is facilitated so as to attain equality and confidence in the political strategies in the UK and other modern democracies.
Radical measures ought to be implemented so as to gain control of existing state bodies and construct substantive participatory democracy and a socialized nation. Democratic inter-state organizations should be developed as stipulated in the proposals to overcome gendered marginalization of democracy in the feminist democratic theory so as to create a more woman-friendly polity (Perret & Lucio, 2009, p.1304). These assertions imply that the practical way of engendering the UK democracy should involve liberal and reformist orientation through institutional changes to expand women’s public presence. For instance, advocacy for social policies like provision of child-care facilities, aimed at giving women the time and skills to participate as equals in the public realm. There is need to implement quotas in the political systems on party lists and in parliament. Cultivation of culturally diverse forms of political communication and institutionalization mechanisms that are envisaged as a basis of a new mode of ethical political discourse are needed.
It is imperative noting that gender is central to conventional political processes and institutions with far reaching implications for the analysis of public power political life. This assertion implies that the integration gender issues in the political institutions presents fundamental challenges to the main understandings of political life and links public and private as well as formal and informal spheres (Mackay, 2004, p.119). This means that the presence of women as elected members in parliaments, assemblies and councils is not enough to portray democracy in modern democracies. There is need for gender balance on aspects of equality, justice, and fairness besides the legitimacy of the democratic system. Descriptive representation ought to be done away with since women may not act in women’s interests but just as a signifier of justice, inclusion and recognition.
Developed democracies such as the UK ought to embrace substantive representation in which theoretical and practical expectation that once present (in sufficient numbers) women representatives ‘act for’ women. This has to ensure women’s interests, needs, and concerns are more fully represented with practical policy outcomes that are desirable are attained (Childs & Cowley, 2011, p.14). This means that women ought to offer particular knowledge, values and skills to politics in relation to the political behavior and institutional policies or norms. Substantial representation of women should be preferred in the leadership and political arena in democracies across the world. This will develop a diversity of women’s perspectives that can be integrated in the political debate. The eventual effect will be creation of synergy and improving deliberation and greater representation on aspects that have not yet been inserted into the political agenda.
Improving greater descriptive representation in the UK democracy and other modern democracies is not enough to assert that there is gender equality in the political and leadership positions. There is need to have women assigned tasks in leadership positions so as to hold positional powers through cabinet and ministerial posts. Though there are some form of substantive representation an empirical study of the UK shows that structure is not wholly integrated in the political system (Perret & Lucio, 2009, p.1297) Recent studies even indicate that women politicians in the current political systems make a small difference in political institutions. This is based on the fact that current political systems have made some form of progress about the nature, scope and the necessary conditions for substantive representation. Women have been reported to perceive themselves as working in a different way to their male counterparts, meaning that they ‘act for’ women.
Ethnic Minorities Representation in Politics
There are ongoing debates relating to ethnic minority representation in political leadership positions in modern democracies such as the UK. The main concept has been to rectify the disparity between the representation of women, ethnic minorities and disabled people with expanded terms of reference to include sexuality in restructuring the political systems. There have been political injustices in the UK regarding the ethnic minorities as the politics of presence involve inclusion of the ethnic minority groups without consideration the theoretical and practical ideologies that can shape desirable democratic outcomes (Childs & Cowley, 2011, p.16). It ought to be noted that ethnic minority representation should not be based on politics of presence in which people are just supposed to have someone who speaks for them. There is need to have one of their own speaking for them, someone who broadly shares and understands their interests and experiences.
Through enhancing substantive representation of the ethnic minorities in the political landscapes people will have confidence in the government due to the legitimacy associated with political equality. This means that the perception of the formerly excluded are equally fit to govern. The political institutions will be valued since the ethnic minorities will make plausible claims that people like them are involved in the issues of national importance and therefore consider those institutions legitimate (Eschle, 2002, p.315). This will communicate a message to all people that anyone can stand for office irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds since political aspects will be demystified as not being a preserve for professional politicians. The eventual effect will be the enhancement of peace and unity since aspects of discrimination based on social differences based on people’s ethnic backgrounds will be dispelled.
Considering social constructivism in redesigning the political landscape of the UK has to assess the perceptions ethnic minorities face in relation to ‘other’ people. This will form basis upon which proper policies can be implemented so as to only have descriptive representation in politics but have substantive representation. It has been established through literary study and analysis that lack of empathy and shared experiences could be a major problem that ought to be tackled as far as ethnic minority representation is concerned in the present modern democracies like the one in the UK (Beeman et al, 2009, p.884). Being led by a politician from a different ethnic group may spark inequality through some form of discrimination on the basis of race and this implies there is the need to have similar interests and experiences with other members of the group in order to effectively lead them.
However, besides considering empathy in facilitating representation of the minority groups in the political and leadership positions, there is need to consider the people’s ability. This means that an excellent, intelligent, and well-educated candidate ought to be selected so as to fight for the rights, aspirations and interests. Transformational leadership should be adopted so as to facilitate proper services provision and unity among people from different ethnic minority groups irrespective of their social, economic and political backgrounds Mackay, 2004, p.120). Integrating diversity in leadership will help in solving many of the social problems that democracies face as there will be a wide pool of ideas from representatives who understand their people leading to better governance. These assertions imply that advocating for descriptive representation of select minority groups is not enough but substantive representation should be embraced so as to scale heights of appropriate political leadership in the UK.
Implications from Women and Ethnic Minority Representation in Politics
Issues raised concerning women and ethnic minorities groups representation in politics in democratic countries form a basis for further study both by the academicians and political institutions. This affirmation is based on the fact that the current political system is based on identity in which social aspects of people have to be incorporated in the political structures. In structuring and reengineering the political issues in the UK, the ethnic minorities and women should not be viewed based on their sex imbalance and sexism or their ethnic minorities respectively (Childs & Cowley, 2011, p.18). There is need to place more consideration on institutionalized advantages and disadvantages so as to avoid problems associated with inequality and exclusionary practices within political institutions.
This means that behavioral patterns shaped by cultural codes of masculinity and femininity as well as institutional norms and values have to be integrated in the political systems to pave way for democracy to prevail. Approaches and methods to be used in modifying the democratic stance of the UK and other modern democratic countries should not only highlight observable differences but also contextualize them (Eschle, 2002, p.329). This means that issues that capture gender and ethnic minorities dynamics ought to be evaluated so as understand the interactions between people in political institutions and implications of the interactions. These interactions will form an elaborate basis upon which gendered norms, ethnic values and practices of ostensibly neutral political institutions can be developed.
These assertions imply that the UK ought to put in place policies needed to operationalize the social constructs of gender and ethnic minorities so as to have a society that values democracy. These aspects will ensure that substantive political representation is preferred to the descriptive representation. The assertions in this paper imply that improving the descriptive representation of women and minority ethnic groups is not enough; there is need to restructure the political system to embrace substantive representation in political or leadership positions. Feminist movements, use of policies in political parties that embrace gender equality and diversity as well as general public civic education on democracy ought to be used to demystify negative perceptions on women and ethnic minority groups’ representation in politics (Walby, 2003, p.45).
References
Childs, S & Cowley, P, 2011, The Politics of Local Presence: Is there a Case for Descriptive Representation? Political Studies. Mar2011, Vol. 59 Issue 1, p1-19.
Mackay, F, 2004, Gender and Political Representation in the UK: The State of the ‘Discipline’. British Journal of Politics & International Relations, Feb2004, Vol. 6 Issue 1, p99-120
Perret, R & Lucio, M, 2009, Trade Unions and Relations with Black and Minority-Ethnic Community Groups in the United Kingdom: The Development of New Alliances? Journal of Ethnic & Migration Studies, Sep2009, Vol. 35 Issue 8, p1295-1314
Beeman, J et al, 2009, Beyond Structures to Democracy as Culture. American Behavioral Scientist, Feb2009, Vol. 52 Issue 6, p867-884,
Eschle, C, 2002, Engendering Global Democracy. International Feminist Journal of Politics. Dec2002, Vol. 4 Issue 3, p315-341
Walby, S, 2003, Policy Developments for Workplace Gender Equity in a Global Era: The Importance of the EU in the UK. Review of Policy Research. Spring2003, Vol. 20 Issue 1, p45
UES FGM, CAM answer question 1-4
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UES FGM, CAM answer question 1-4
What is the role of biology in shaping personality? Cite relevant examples to support your position.
The role of biology in shaping relationships revolves around the genetic makeup of an individual, which determines not only his or her physical features such as height, complexion and hair texture, but also innate characteristics such as personality. This is seen, for example, in cases of twins who have been found to have similar personalities whether they are raised apart or together. For example, fraternal twins have been found to have similar sexual preferences irrespective of whether they are raised apart or together.
What is the role of culture in personality development? Cite relevant examples to support your position.
A society’s cultural features create certain unique features in the socialization of the children. Common socialization mechanisms and elements may be used to form common features personality features or even a configuration of personality features that are typical for the members of the immediate society. For example, African Americans are different from their African brothers irrespective of their shared lineage, thanks to their socialization in America.
Some social scientists argue that there is some truth in cultural stereotypes; others argue that there is so much individual variation in behavior within any society that stereotypes are invalid. What do you think?
As much as there is an element of uniqueness in every individual in the society, there are those characteristics that are inherent in a certain society. These characteristics are passed from one generation to another or even from one individual to another through socialization. In essence, there exists some truth in stereotypes as far as certain societies having certain characteristics is concerned.
How do you account for the increasing popularity of alternative health care practices at this point in the history of the United States?
The increase in the popularity of alternative healthcare practices can be attributed to their being natural in which case there are few complications. In addition, most of the alternative healthcare practices can be carried out at home, in which case they save a lot of time and money. Apart from their low costs, alternative healthcare practices have been practiced for a long time and has sometimes been considered as the most appropriate in dealing with certain ailments especially where individuals are not responding to conventional medication.
USE CAM2005, SPECTOR5 ANSWER QUESTION 1-14
What differences in meaning are implied by the terms disease, illness, sickness, injury, and disability? Which terms are used most commonly in your profession? Why?
Disease refers to the malfunction of the body processes or rather the explanatory model of illness that is bases on the complex development mechanisms. Illness is the expression of the experience of an individual with deviations from a state that he or she defines as healthy, as well as the significance that he, his environment and his family gives to the deviations and their personal EM on the generation. Sickness combines both the illness and disease sides of the coin, in which case it includes the technical and the socialized, personal, explanatory models of being ill. Disability reflects an interaction between the features of an individual’s body and the societal features, while injury is a body wound that emanates from accident, violence or sudden physical injury.
What is the role of culture in sickness and healing?
Culture influences an individual’s personality and outlook of life. In essence, it determines how an individual views a certain ailment or sickness, as well as his or her views on the effectiveness of remedies given for the ailment. This, eventually, has a bearing on the effectiveness of the medication as pertaining to the placebo effect and the nocebo effect, especially having in mind that traditional healing acknowledges that healing results from the connection with the spiritual world.
What is meant by the social construction of illness and the production of health?
Social construction of illness and the production of health revolve around the idea that all illnesses are constructed socially at the experiential level on the basis of how individuals understand and live with the illness. Some illnesses are certainly embedded with cultural meaning, which shapes the response of the society to the afflicted, as well as the experiences of the illness. In the production of health, medical knowledge pertaining to a disease or illness is not necessarily derived from nature but may be developed or constructed by the claims-makers, as well as other interested parties.
In what ways is the western biomedical system similar and dissimilar to other ethno-medical systems you have learned about? How does CAM bridge this gap?
Western biomedical systems and ethno-medical systems are similar in the acknowledgement of the role of the unseen as far as the health of an individual is concerned. However, they differ in the techniques that they use to restore the health of an individual since ethno-medical systems mostly emphasize on treating the spirit and the emotional aspect of the patient, while western medical systems lay emphasis on the physical. CAM bridges this gap by incorporating treatments that cater for the physical and the spiritual, as well as the emotional or psychological aspect.
How can you explain the continuing role of Shamans and Folk healers in societies around the world? Is this CAM?
Shamans and folk-healers have continued to play a role in the contemporary society thanks to the realization of the interconnectedness of the various aspects of an individual such as the spiritual aspect, emotions and the physical aspect. These are Complementally Alternative Medicine since it tends to move away from the traditional or standard methods of healing. These healers understand that illnesses emanate from human being’s alienation from the world around them and, therefore, try to restore the connection between the physical and the unseen world.
How might one’s perception of the body relate to one’s understanding of the causation of sickness?
An individual’s perception as to the cause of ailment is shaped by his or her perception of the body in that a person’s life lend him to isolation, anxiety and varied ailments that stem from his alienation with the world around him. If an individual believes that he or she is predisposed to a certain illness, there are high chances that he will get sick from those causes. This belief, however, is shaped by an individual’s understanding on the connectedness of the physical and the spiritual realms. In any case, the appropriate understanding of the would allow an individual to eliminate the predisposing factors or causes.
Explain the placebo effect and discuss the relationship of symbol and belief. How is placebo related to nocebo?
The placebo effect of healing occurs when an observable or measurable effect is noticed on an individual simply because he or she believes that the treatment will be effective. This effect underlines a relationship where symbols and sensory experiences such as sight and gullibility, or even thoughts trigger an effect in an individual’s biological and neurochemical systems, which triggers a hopeful outlook on the treatment and affects the physical well-being. The relationship between placebo and nocebo lies in the fact that they are both founded on the role of belief as far as the effectiveness of treatment is concerned, only that nocebo outlines that negative thoughts on the effectiveness of treatment would negatively impact the effectiveness of the same.
Compare Shamanism with professionalism in any health oriented profession. In what ways are they similar and dissimilar?
Shamanism and professional services such as psychiatry can be compared in that both of them pay attention to the unseen in looking for a cure for the varied illnesses. However, the shamanism is a healing modality where healing is accomplished through interaction and relationship with the spiritual or trans-physical world, while the professional psychiatry mainly concentrates on the emotional or psychological aspect. Shamanism healing and rituals may assist individuals to deepen their connections to life and empower them to create relationships with both the unseen and the seen world.
What have you learned from this chapter that might impact how you work with patients or clients in the future?
The key lesson in this chapter revolves around paying attention to the emotional, psychological, as well as the spiritual aspects of a patient when making prescription. This is especially considering that an individual’s spiritual well-being has a bearing on his or her health, and the possibility of recovery. The elimination of negative thoughts that may have a nocebo effect on the individual would, therefore, be imperative.
Discuss the various destinations and purposes of spiritual journeys.
Many people make spiritual journeys to various destinations including the Shrine of Our Lady of Leche, Our Lady of San Juan and the Shrine of St. Peregrine, as well as traditional pilgrimage destinations such as Mecca, Rome and Jerusalem. While many people make the journey in an effort to gain favors such as healing, the key reason for the journey is to search for meaning or something that is missing in an individual’s life. It is taken for the purpose of finding one’s true self with the main focus being on spirituality.
Healing is a term with countless connotations. What does “healing” mean to you? Differentiate between “healing” and “curing.”
In my opinion, healing goes beyond basic curing and revolves around the restoration of an individual’s wholeness where all aspects of an individual would be in harmony. Curing by its nature and concentration on measurable outcomes, focuses on the pathological modifications of the body such as tumor markers, the size of the tumor and other tests. On the other hand, healing takes into consideration the individual who is showing these physical modifications and integrates the emotional and mental aspect of the ailment.
What rituals does your family follow when the birth of a family member occurs? Are they similar or different than those illustrated in the text?
In my family, the birth of a family member is met with rituals such as male circumcision and baptism. In addition, the newborn child is taken to the church as a dedication to God. While there is a definite similarity between these rituals and the ones described in the text, there is a difference as to their context. Most of the rituals described in the text have something to do with the world of spirits and taboos, while circumcision in our family is a matter of cleanliness and religion.
What rituals does your family follow when a death of a family member occurs? Are they similar or different than those illustrated in the text?
In case of the death of a family member, my family engages in washing the body, ritual purification and dressing of the same in line with Judaism. The funeral takes place either immediately after the death or some few days after the death. This is quite different from the rituals described in the text such as cremation, making of masks or even crying loudly.
Write a paragraph about your thoughts on CAM.
In my opinion, Complementally Alternative Medicine (CAM) is safe and effective in curing ailments especially in cases where conventional or standard medication has been proven ineffective. However, I believe that CAM would work best when integrated with standard medications in which case the standard medication would be carrying out the curing process while the CAM would be involved in healing. This is especially having in mind that CAM would incorporate some aspects that cater for emotional and psychological being of the patient.
USE ELABORATING, SPECTOR 8 answer 1-9 questions
Give an example of vantage using examples from your own experience. How might an understanding of vantage impact your professional practices with patients or clients?
I would say that I have a vantage position as far as the knowledge of the interconnectedness of body processes is concerned, which gives me an element of authority in the determination of the appropriate remedies for certain ailments. An understanding of vantage gives an individual the capacity to determine the things that he or she should pay attention to in a certain situation. This is because vantage presents a position, opportunity or condition that provides an advantage and superiority.
What kind of training about observational skills do students in your profession receive? What percentage of professionals in your discipline regularly applies nontechnical observation in their normal interactions with patients and/or clients?
Students in my profession are taught on the importance of making eye contact with patients and all individuals that one comes across. In addition, paying attention to body language would be imperative as it indicates a desire and willingness to communicate or interact. This is especially when combined with a reciprocated eye contact, which may signal that the individual is observing or engaging back. Observational skills are extremely crucial in my profession and, therefore, quite a large percentage of people apply them when dealing with people.
What is the meaning of mutual accommodation? How might mutual accommodation apply in your work place?
Mutual accommodation refers to a process of mutual adaptations that occurs between groups of people or even between individuals, and is usually achieved by reducing or eliminating hostilities, as by arbitration and compromise. In my workplace, mutual accommodation may be achieved though compromise especially having in mind that all individuals have their own likes and preferences which may always be on a collision course. In cases where individuals cannot find a common ground, it is always imperative that outside forces are used to arbitrate disputes among the staff.
What is analytic ethnography?
Analytic ethnography refers to research products and processes in which researchers attempt to offer generic prepositional answers to questions on social organization and life, and uses data based on deep familiarity with a social situation or setting gained by approximation or personal participation. It aims at producing generic and systemic propositions pertaining to social organizations and processes via attention to varied, overlapping research principles. Analytic ethnography enhances dialogue across methods and fields by offering a trans-situational language, and may promote ethnographically-based contributions to policy and intervention.
American Indians, the original inhabitants of North America, are the smallest population cohort. There are countless issues related to the health care needs of the people. Describe several traditional ways of defining health among American Indians.
American Indians believed that health reflect that an individual is living in total synchronization with nature and has the capacity to survive under extremely difficult situations. They believed that the earth is a living organism with desire and will, in which case, human beings must maintain a healthy relationship with nature so as to maintain their health. There were others who believed that the absence of health resulted from lack of prevention using charms, or rather the presence of material objects that intrude one’s body through sorcery.
The knowledge of plants that are used as herbs is a large part of American Indian healing wisdom and practice. Describe examples of traditional herbal remedies.
American Indians used globe mallow to treat wounds and cuts, where the plant’s roots would be chewed to mend broken bones. A person who suffered spider bites would bathe in water where sunflower is soaked, while snakebites would be treated using bladder pod where the plant’s bitter roots would be chewed and placed on the bite. Indian Americans used to grind lichens into powder and rub it on affected gums, while headaches would be treated using fleabane, where the entire herb would be infused and drunk as tea or bound to the head.
There are several variances in mortality rates between the American Indian community and the general population. What are the leading causes of death among American Indians as compared with the causes of death among the entire population of the United States? Discuss reasons for this difference.
Some of the leading causes of mortality among American Indians include heart diseases, unintentional injuries, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, suicide, nephritis, persistent liver diseases and cirrhosis, as well as chronic lower respiratory diseases. The high mortality rates among American Indians may be attributed to historical variations in healthcare distribution, high illiteracy rates, unemployment and overreliance on traditional healing methods. These communities also have relatively higher rates of alcoholism which results in suicide, unintentional injuries and chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis, as well as domestic violence prevalence.
Each of the more than 560 Nations that comprise the American Indian population has both a unique history and HEALTH traditions. Explore the history and HEALTH traditions of a nation not included in the textbook
Native American health traditions are based on the belief in the interconnectedness of everything and everyone one earth. They believed that illnesses are rooted in spiritual problems and are highly likely to invade an individual who has negative thinking, is imbalanced and leads an unhealthy lifestyle. There health traditions aimed at healing rather than curing and used varied practices such as shamanism, purifying rituals, symbolic healing rituals and herbal remedies.
Write a paragraph about a cultural group, ethnography or cultural practice that you find interesting, shocking, thought provoking etc. Discuss your findings and feelings in a culturally relative light.
One of the most shocking cultural practices in Egypt is female genital mutilation, where a lady’s clitoris is cut out the entire or a part of the female genitalia. While this cultural practice is quite painful and comes with a number of serious risks, it is surprising that women are the main advocates of the cut. Female genital mutilation started when soldiers going for war decided to cut a part of their women’s genitalia to prevent them from philandering. The women were kept from philandering, alright, but they remained sickly for the entire time. It is, therefore, surprising that women are the most outspoken advocates of this archaic practice.
Every single business must clearly define its set of values; have a vision and a mission, so as to reach the goals that have
Strategic Plan, Part I: Conceptualizing a BusinessStudent’s name
BUS 475Date
Strategic Plan, Part I: Conceptualizing a BusinessEvery single business must clearly define its set of values; have a vision and a mission, so as to reach the goals that have been determined by their strategic plan. Defining goals, missions, visions and values in documentation allows organizations to carry on business strategically and corporate strategies as well as attain goals. When a firm grows and changes their mission statement, then the organization grows and changes together so as to keep up with development as it upgrades on consumer needs and requirements (Azerolle, &Dodge, 2012).
This research study contains comprehensive documents of vision and mission statement for the Wallflower Athletics and how the documents set them separately from their competition. The Mission Statement of Wallflower Athletics is to develop a health and Fitness Company that is unique to its competitors. The mission statement of Wallflower Athletics shall be geared in regards to what the organization will be trying to offer its consumers and achieve overall. The mission statement discusses all products and services accessible, which the anticipated customer base shall be. The dale that is set forward for Wallflower athletics shall allow them to carry out strategies that increases earnings as well as remain competitive. The Wallflower Athletics mission has always been offering exceptional goods and services to their customers; while allowing them to know that Wall flower Athletics Company cares about their wellbeing. The organization shall develop a web based virtual diet and exercise experience, as well as offer an onsite experience as well (Azerolle, &Dodge, 2012).
This outline of business plan consists of an established web based and brick and mortar athletic company that outlines workouts, sells sporting goods, as well as diet plans to consumers for a monthly charge or per service basis depending on the consumer preferences(DuBois, 2014). Wallflower Athletes organization operates under an administrative structure that is managed in a fiscal sound and openly manner, to support equitable opportunity for all athletes and, it is committed to the greatest standards of ethical conduct. Wall flower Athlete department follows some major principles thus: it aims to achieve and keep up with competitive excellence as it promotes the wellbeing of the consumer’s participants. It promotes an administration that is openly, clearly and responsible as well as it supports the overall goals of the Wall flower community.
This web based fitness programs are very helpful such as the WebEx, which has a virtual instructor and an established exercise as well as a diet that caters for individuals. Consumers who prefer doing personal business shall be able to do it at our local Louisiana location, in addition they shall receive the same benefits going for the same cost as for the online members. Wallflower Athletics shall work with one another as they monitor their progress towards their specialized fitness programs. Members that will participate online shall be monitored through the company’s web based program and those that shall engage in the programs at the company’s physical location they shall be monitored through the company’s fitness system onsite.
Wallflower’s goal is to apply to all health conscious individuals in spite of their age and preference. The onsite and web based experiences shall be carried out by educated and experienced coach, at a cost effective price, as they remain exceedingly interactive. Wallflower Athletics vision appeals to full time career people and the company lets them know that there are ways to lead a healthy lifestyle. The company hopes to provide a web based program as well as offer a brick and mortar location so that they can be able to break into ecommerce areas.
In addition, the vision comprises of a strong sense of achievement to Wallflower Athletics’ employees since they allow them to know that all their hard work does make a difference in the lives of others. Wallflower Athletics has guiding principles and values that show the organization the positive light. The most essential aspect of the organization is that it keeps its members on trail by offering them an atmosphere that is favorable to them so as keep their body in good shape (Azerolle, &Dodge, 2012).
In case there is any issue cropping up, the instructors shall provide special coaching that shall help them create and follow an effective workout routine. The organization goal is to create a safe web based environment that provides help to the members in regards to their needs. The Provision of online fitness consultation shall remain inexpensive and competitive in the market place. Wallflower Athletics has a strategic direction and their goal is to develop the organization both vertically and horizontally in due time. Moreover, Wallflower Athletics strives to maximize their revenue by setting themselves separately from the competition. In future Wallflower Athletics shall align with larger athletic organizations so as to further develop their online presence as well as their brick and mortar location.
Wallflower hopes to build up their name by aligning themselves with larger fitness organizations and allow their members to easily access to the web based gym and fitness centers as well as allow further customization for members personalized health plans. Wallflower Athletics has created a marketing strategy that shall allow them to grow at their desired pace. The company plans on advertising in popular email sites, search engine optimization, and get exposure via social media sites, such as Facebook, twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Their web based gym industry is not very well developed at this point but in due time it will develop since it has a lot of room for growth. In future there shall be increase in demand for this market hence; Wallflower Athletics will stay prepared for that day when they shall have greater competition and rivalry. They shall start from the first day to prove that they offers more professional services and provides greater results for their members and the competition shall embark.
The way that Wallflower Athletics differentiates itself is through incorporation of lasting and strong values within the business model for members and the organization. So as to attain all the goals set out, it has been resolute that remarkable marketing efforts must to take place. Wallflower shall have their name plastered all over the internet as well as in their target audience shopping place. To begin with they shall Offer promotions and discounts to members that sign up as a perfect way of getting people to signup for larger and more in depth exercise, and diet programs. Every activity that Wallflower Athletics does online shall be updated and made available 24/7 to its members so that they can exercise when it is convenient for them.
Since most of Wallflower Athletics’ business shall take place online they will provide lower and more competitive attracting pricing. Their access to expert athletic professionals and perfect online training programs shall sustain Wall flowers competitive edge. To start with, the operating costs of Wallflower Athletics shall be higher since the employees shall require proper training. In addition, an online gym will be created, and data entered shall require be perfecting and storing efficiently. There shall be a cost for skilled experts to come on board while the business commences. Marketing shall help to grow the customer base as it generates income to cover these additional cost and regular operating expenses. With the intention of making the online platform work harmoniously IT, Physical fitness, and health professionals must work together. The employees shall work both from home and within an office setting while being under very easy orders.
In conclusion, the company’s success relies on the Mission, vision, and values as they work hand in hand being in sync with one another and need to endure. Provided the company has a clear mission and vision statement it shall always grow and maintain a positive reputation within the business community.
References
DuBois, L. (2014). How to Write a Business Plan for Your Online Busines.
Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/07/write-a-business-plan-for-your-online-business.html
Mazerolle, Stephanie M. & Thomas M. Dodge. “National Athletic Trainers’ Association-Accredited Postprofessional Athletic Training Education: Attractors And Career Intentions”. Journal of Athletic Training 47.4 (2012): 467-476. Web.