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Culture and Technology
Introduction
Over the years, the way of life of a people has advanced with the change in technology and increased awareness. These changes are also influenced by the increasing migration of people resulting to existence among different races and ethnic communities. The question of whether technology or culture influences the other has been widely discussed with many controversial results given. However, this concept is determined by which of the true is more important to different groups and the level of development they have. Culture has also been known to act as the comfort zone of many people where they fit in comfortably. Therefore, the circumstances that may lead to its change are very slim. It responds also responds less to technological changes (Finin, 2006) as opposed to how technology would respond to people’s way of life. Areas of life such as leadership, eating habits, perception to certain issues in the society and governance are a determinant of culture of a people. Aside from the technological influence that is equalizing the world today and covering up the differences, culture is the tool that distinguishes one group from another. This goes further to illustrate the relationship between culture and technology in an organization. It reflects the coexistence between employees and the norms they are more acquitted to over the operating period.
It is also worth identifying some of the cultural practices experienced in organizations. This could be in terms of the ethical standards practiced and leadership of the firm. For instance of leadership, it could be either transactional or transformational. Some organizations have been known to encourage the transactional leadership such that it becomes a tradition/cultural practice in the organization which every leader lives up to. This is where use of threats and reward is done to manipulate good performance from the employees. In most cases, the leader uses this to get personal favors from the voiceless employees. Transformational leadership on the other hand is whereby the leader incorporates various ideas to achieve proper changes for the benefit of the organization. It is adopted by the later leaders in the same organization due to its obviously good results and basis of honesty, transparency and integrity (Moe, Pappas, Murray, 2007). According to this research, technology is likely to be positively accepted where the leadership is transformational since it works towards upholding the good image of the organization and eliminating the detrimental qualities. The situation is contrary to the transactional leadership for fear of discovery of the forceful acts that the use of technology might expose. As discussed earlier, technology advancement is reliant on the working/ethical culture of the organization, thus determines its acceptability.
In relation to leadership, leaders vary depending on their field of specialization. For instance, the leadership required in a hospital is totally different from that in a law firm. Workers in a law firm are trained towards working to win cases and bring to the organization as much money as possible. Their culture is money sided where failure to achieve this goal is a threat to a person’s employment. Transactional leadership is put into much more use here than other leadership styles. In the event of technological change, the incorporation of advanced methods may be seen as a hindrance to the development (Moe, Pappas, Murray, 2007). Therefore, it is altered to suit their goals and ethical culture or totally scrapped. On the other hand, the employees in a hospital are trained towards saving lives and serving the patients/clients first. Making money and maximizing profits is secondary to any other objective. Therefore, achieving this must is possible under the leadership of a transformational leader who encourages and finds better ways for the employees to improve their skills. As was discussed earlier, this trend is carried forward by the leaders who take after, thus, making it their culture. For the sufficiency in serving, technological changes are well received and approved since they provide better ways to reach the patients with all transparency. Effectiveness in this case is also an advantage.
Dafoulas, and Macaulay, (2001) argue/state that, “… virtual software development teams and how cultural differences between them or their members may affect activities in different stages of the development cycle.” The previous discussions have focused on the effects of leadership and the relationship of the same to technology and culture. However, the effects of culture are not only seen in leadership. Existence of teams in organizations and any other association is influenced by culture and the technological effects on the culture of the people. This may be because of different beliefs and work ethics among the different team members. It is also because of the cultural differences in the team and the environment or the tasks they are exposed to. Therefore, caution is important in the implementation of the activities with regards to cultural differences. As opposed to an organization leadership where the leadership style is emulated to uphold the culture, here the most important factor is getting the team mates to work together. In this case, technology may be acceptable depending on the ole it plays towards enlightening the team members. For instance as (Dafoulas, and Macaulay, 2001) argued, it will be more acceptable where it enhances communication between different teams for better coexistence. Conversely, its reception will be quite hostile in a case where the technological changes are meant to change the working system of the team or team members. This is attributed to the attachment of people to their organizational/individual/team culture such that any change whether for the better is resisted.
Besides accepting of changes, culture has also been known to largely influence the performance of the team depending on the task. According to Brannick, Salas, and Prince, (1997), “… the extent to which team members share strong, common artifacts and symbols will influence their shared knowledge structure… they will be more accepting of each other” (Pg 74). The author bases the findings on a research that proves people with the same origin, beliefs and possibly background are ore understanding of each other than would be those with different origins. This is because of the shared expectations, hardships and experiences which they feel bind them together. Absence of this bond creates tension among team members due the unpredictable nature of each other. This illustrates the influence that culture may have on people’s performance. Working together for the good of the organization will be more likely where trust is built before any work begins. However, research has also proved that team members can become fond of each other even where they are not from similar backgrounds, thus performing as expected. This happens where the culture of the organization they are working for is supportive of team work and healthy competition. Instead of the teammates fighting to outdo each other, their energy is more focused towards glorifying each other and building the organization. (Brannick, Salas, and Prince, 1997) elaborate this concept by stating how use of a reward system gives the team mates morale and enhances appropriate behavior and attitude towards work, thus enhancing the spirit of healthy competition.
Teas are known to be set up to work together, incorporate a wide range of ideas depending on the area of specialization to achieve a defined goal of the organization. However, another kind of teams researched referred to as learning team has an equally tasking responsibility towards enhancing the performance of the organization. Here, the members focus on providing proper training to the organizations’ employees and offering solutions where they are needed. Incase of trouble by the members of the firm, the team mentioned offers referral services though a system specifically set up to meet the needs of the workers (Hawkins, ). This is very vital for any firm to avoid circumstances where mistakes are made for lack of confirmation services and proper guidelines. Like any other department in an organization, they have a set of rules and regulations that they work with which they have adhered to and made a culture. Fro instance, intense research is needed to ensure readily available solutions incase of trouble with the system or the procedures. Here, technology can be best adjusted to suit the needs of the organization. This is because there is need to ensure a well functioning system and full knowledge of the members here. It is therefore not very rigid to introduce technology in this sector as it affects the work positively and eases the work of the members, thus the culture can be adjusted as well to work well with the introduction of the new technology.
In future, research based on the influence of culture and technology on teams could be more comprehensive. This is to ensure all the factors affecting the issue are well addressed. For instance, the views of team members on the effects of technological changes and the value they attach to their culture should be incorporated in the research. Secondly, I would suggest that the researcher conducts their own investigations of work ethics and culture to ensure they get an independent opinion of influence of culture and technology to their work and ability to perform. This is essential o compare the interviewees views with that of the independent findings of the researcher. Another important aspect of the research would be to understand why people are reluctant to changes in their way of life. Mostly, people would rather maintain old habits than adjust to what the society considers better for them. It is therefore necessary for the researcher to understand this concept. Thus, it will enable them impose technology acceptance to the people depending on the loopholes found and the possibility of the changes influencing their lives positively.
In the study of culture, technology and their effects on various ethics and working components of organizations such as team work, it is possible to discover gaps that may lead to security problems. For instance, distributed and located teams may cause controversy to the organization in terms of performance ability. Where the team members are not in ne location, technology is important to enhance communication and relationship among them. It also keeps them updated in all areas of the associations operations where they will work in line with the agreements. This is not the case in areas where they are located because it is easier to communicate without much involvement of technology.
Conclusion
The discussion of culture and technology is detailed in terms of which of either are more influential to the other. This is a discussion brought up by the debate over whether culture is more diverse and adhered to or whether technology has better chances of getting reception over culture. It is however evident that culture is more critical and people attached to a particular way of life are less likely to adjust to new lifestyle. However, here is evidence that technology incorporation in an organization culture is dependent on the field which the firm works on and the degrees of benefit if the proposed technological change is applied. Certain factors such as leadership, team work and learning teams also determine the reception and incorporation of technology. However, it is more beneficial for most organizations to use advanced technology in their operations. Hough culture is known to bind people together; technology has the advantage of bringing different people together, thus, wider range of ideas and better coexistence among the organization members and management as well.
References:
Finin, T. (2006). Does technology change culture or culture change technology? Retrieved from http://ebiquity.umbc.edu/blogger/2006/07/10/does-technology-change-culture-or-culture-change-technology/
Hawkins, T. R. (1997). The learning congregation: A new vision of leadership. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press.
Brannick, M., Salas, E., & Prince, C. (1997). Team Performance Assessment And Measurement: Theory, Methods, And Applications. Routledge.
Dafoulas, G., & Macaulay, L. (2001). Investigating Cultural Differences in Virtual Softwae Teams.
Moe, J., Pappas, G. & Murray, S. (2007). Transformational Leadership, Transnational Culture And Political Competence In Globalizing Health Care Services: A Case Study Of Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Center. Globolization and Health.
The Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana
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The Benefits of the Legalization of Marijuana
Introduction
Statistics show that 95, 000 individuals die annually, including 27, 000 women and 68, 000 women. These individuals did not die due to marijuana use but rather from a drug that is much more accessible nationally; alcohol. The consumption of marijuana has always carried a hostile and unfair stigma. Marijuana has been deemed a ‘getaway drug’ for some years now. The drug has also been at the center of media attention following its legalization. As more states legalize marijuana, there seems to be growing debate as to its regular availability. Ever since marijuana was approved for recreational use ten years ago, politicians have kept pushing for rejections of its national legalization. However, the stigma associated with its use has not transformed much since the notion of recreation use was first introduced. However, as more studies are conducted, the more it gets normalized and individuals with negative viewpoints will begin to see its benefits. As the drug continues to be legalized, society will begin to experience its benefits first-hand and eventually do away with the negative stigma that comes with its use. This essay delves into the benefits of the legalization of marijuana.
Background
Across the United States, the use of marijuana is prohibited at the federal level. This is despite several states passing laws that allow for its recreational and medical use. As of May 2002, the use of medical cannabis products is legal in 37 states, while 18 other states permit its use for non-medical products and personal consumption (Axisa, 13). States continue to propose new laws that encourage legal activity. Worth noting, the 2020 presidential elections that took place in November took the attention of cannabis legalization. Several important decisions were made at the polls where numerous states voted for the determination of the future of the legal marijuana industry in one form or another. Several states, including New Jersey, Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona borrowed a leaf from Washington’s or Colorado’s book to legalize marijuana consumption for recreational purposes. Since then, state legalization on the matter remains heavily divided. After the November elections, Judge Christina Klinger, a South Dakota Judge, ruled the measure unconstitutional. South Dakota’s Supreme Court ruled against the legalization of marijuana while Arizona in contrast collected over $284 in tax revenue from its legalization. The economic benefits of legalizing marijuana outweigh the disadvantages as evidenced in the move of the first states to change positions.
Income and Improved Job Opportunities
One of the benefits of the legalization of marijuana is that it creates more job opportunities for people because it pumps more money into the economy. In 2019 alone, the United States recorded up to $12.2 billion in annual sales (Bradford and David, 75). At the time, only 11 states had legalized recreational use of marijuana. Since 2019, four more states have made the move to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. As the years go by, more states are decriminalizing marijuana, enabling states and the country to make money. For instance, in Massachusetts alone, cannabis retailers report gross sales of up to $393 million. Notably, customers spent $2.2 million within the first five days of marijuana legalization alone. In Nevada, it is anticipated that up to 41, 000 additional jobs will be available by 2024. This is expected to bring up to $1.7 billion dollars in income which is estimated at around $42, 500 annually. However, the national legalization of marijuana would translate into about 1 million jobs by the end of 2025. The jobs created would be in the production process of cannabis that goes into its production including cultivation, distribution, and sales. These jobs would boost not only the economy but also ignite an untapped field of study for the workforce and education.
Elimination of the Black Market
Another benefit of legalizing marijuana is that it helps eliminate the black market of marijuana sales. According to a survey done by the Colorado Consumers Coalition, people will still find other illicit means of buying marijuana even though it is illegal (Collingwood, Ben, and Sarah, 3). The marijuana black market remains as popular as ever, and even with increased legalization, the number of consumers purchasing through illegal means will also increase. The same study found that consuming marijuana the legal way is 40% more expensive than purchasing it off the black market. This is an indication that consumers would rather buy it the old-fashioned way on the black market than using legal means and this has a lot to do with the negative stigma associated with its use.
Improved Tax
The third benefit of the legalization of marijuana has to do with increased tax revenue. Washington and Colorado have recorded better sales than anticipated in regard to the buoyant tax revenues. Washington collected $559.5 million is legal revenue from marijuana in 2021, which is $85 million more than the previous year. Colorado collected over 423 million in marijuana tax revenue in 2021, a 10% increase from the previous year. The total tax revenue collected from all states in 2019 was $1.7 billion. The total revenue has more than doubled in the last two years. The aggregate revenue for states that have permitted marijuana use got t the $3.7 billion mark for adult-use sales. This is excluding the revenue that is generated for towns, cities, and statewide budgets. Additionally, the figure also excluded six states who had decriminalized its use and had not begun collecting tax revenue for 2021. A study by New Frontier cannabis analytics shows that by 2025, legal marijuana can generate an extra $105.6 billion in federal tax.
Increased Investment Opportunities
Another benefit of the legalization of marijuana is better investment opportunities. The legalization of marijuana comes with a possibility of immense benefits for local and national economies. Decriminalizing marijuana use could be useful in securing investors from various areas of the country. While cannabis use remains illegal at federal levels, investors find it difficult to build on the growth taking place in the industry. The number of companies relating to marijuana that are trading on public stock exchanges is little, and while investors have an option of using over-the-counter exchanges, many successful businesses in the early cannabis spaces base their operations in Canada and other countries (Fasesan, 165). If marijuana was to become legalized on a national level, companies would have the freedom to list stocks in United States exchanges hence building liquidity and paving the way for more investors. If the growth rate of the marijuana space keeps up at the same pace as in the recent years, there is a possibility that investors will develop an interest in the industry.
Minimizes the Side Effects of Other Illnesses
Another benefit of medical marijuana is that it reduces the side effect of other illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS. These chronic illnesses are destructive on the body and have side effects such as extremely low appetite and headaches. However, medical professionals discovered that THC-based drugs tend to have the same effect as other plant-based medications. THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis has been found to stimulate receptors responsible for controlling appetite (Settas, 22). Specifically, THC stimulates the CB1 receptor which is affected by such harsh diseases and does not function well. The medications based on THC stimulate the CB1 receptors in patients igniting them to their normal eating habits.
Saves on Money
Another benefit of the legalization of marijuana is that it helps in saving money. Considering the monetary benefits of decriminalizing marijuana, it is critical to think of how much money might be saved and the revenue that can be generated in the process. As of now, the enforcement of marijuana costs the federal government numerous billion dollars annually. An American Civil Liberties Union 2013 study estimates the costs to be about $3.6 billion annually. As more states continue legalizing marijuana, the costs of enforcement are more likely to reduce (Grech, 46). If marijuana were made legal on a national level, the costs would even drop more considerably. Additionally, if marijuana was no longer considered a controlled substance, there would be fewer cases pertaining to the substance going to trial leading to fewer incarcerations and by extension, more money would be saved. Legal marijuana would also benefit the medical consumer of marijuana-based products. This is because as more states continue to legalize marijuana, its price is likely to reduce overall because of commoditization. While this might not seem as good news immediately, people consuming cannabis-based products are likely to benefit from the lower prices.
Benefits Patients Suffering From Brain Dysfunctions
Another benefit of the legalization of marijuana is that it benefits patients battling chronic brain dysfunctions. Marijuana has been known to improve the condition of Alzheimer’s disease. In small doses, THC consumption slows down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, giving the patient more time (Homel, and Rick 20). Marijuana has been known to impede beta-amyloid, which has been commonly thought to trigger the illness. While marijuana has not been proven to boost memory that is already affected by the illness, it plays a critical role in regressing the illness. Marijuana decreases beta-amyloid concentration and curtails the inflammation of the brain. These benefits people presenting with the Alzheimer’s disease as it gives doctors and researchers time to find a potential cure for something different that can help.
Benefits Patients with Health Complications
Another benefit of the legalization of marijuana is that it is beneficial to patients that have health complications. Medical marijuana is used to manage pain in health complications such as arthritis, migraines and fibromyalgia (Hall et al., 1580). It functions through cannabinoids that adjust the pain pathways in the brain. This produces a feeling of euphoria and not pain and this is due to the nerves that sense pain. The nerves contain high cannabinoid receptors. As the patient ingests cannabinoids, they plant themselves on receptors so as to initiate the feeling of relief. It was also shown in a study carried out in 1981 that when cannabis is used as a low-dosage opiate, it relieves pain effectively. However, using opiates in current studies is not a long-term solution.
Beneficial to Victims of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Another benefit of the legalization of marijuana is that it has proved beneficial to patients presenting with PTSD. PTSD pushes its victims to results to strategies such as anxiety or panic attacks or having visions about the traumatic incident as a way of relieving the trauma. Marijuana helps such patients through stimulating CB1 receptor cells and the endocannabinoid system located in their brains. The Endocannabinoid system controls bodily functions such as memory, stress, mood, and pain. Through stimulating the system and CBI receptor, it enables individuals to cope with trauma in a positive way.
Conclusion
In closing, the legalization of marijuana for recreational use has a plethora of benefits for users and even the nation. Legalizing marijuana creates job opportunities, eliminates the black market, increases taxes, and brings more opportunities of opportunities. Additionally, legalizing marijuana helps save money and manage chronic illnesses, including cancer, AIDS, arthritis, PTSD, and brain dysfunctions like Alzheimer’s. While there are also downsides that come with legalizing marijuana, it goes without saying that its benefits outweigh the disadvantages. This topic of legalization is faced with backlash from minds that do not believe in its legalization. Moving forward, it is key for people to keep an open mind on the matter so as not to miss out on the many ways that marijuana has made life better. Hopefully, in the future, people can reduce the negative stigma associated with its source and focus on the positive outcomes.
Works Cited
Axisa, Liam. “A comparative approach to the legalization of marijuana in Malta-an analysis of policies and economic effects of regulation.” (2020).
Bradford, Ashley C., and W. David Bradford. “Factors driving the diffusion of medical marijuana legalization in the United States.” Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy 24.1 (2017): 75-84.
Collingwood, Loren, Ben Gonzalez O’Brien, and Sarah Dreier. “Evaluating ballot initiative support for legalised marijuana: The case of Washington.” International Journal of Drug Policy 56 (2018): 6-20.
Fasesan, O. A. “Legalisation and Liberalization of Cannabis: The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Global Trend.” Annals of Health Research 8.3 (2022): 165-176.
Grech, Francesca. Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes: costs and benefits. BS thesis. University of Malta, 2018.
Hall, Wayne, et al. “Public health implications of legalising the production and sale of cannabis for medicinal and recreational use.” The Lancet 394.10208 (2019): 1580-1590.
Homel, Peter, and Rick Brown. “Marijuana legalisation in the United States: an Australian perspective.” Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice [electronic resource] 535 (2017): 1-20.
Settas, Andrea. An Analysis of the Potential Fiscal and Health Benefits of the Legalisation of the Sale of Marijuana in South Africa. MS thesis. Faculty of Commerce, 2021.
Culture and Its Social Contracts
Culture and Its Social Contracts
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Institution
Introduction
The comprehension of culture has always been considered fundamental in the understanding of the behavior and traits of individuals in particular societies. Culture is defined as the totality of the socially transmitted beliefs, behavioral patterns, institutions, arts, as well as all other products pertaining to human thought and work. While this is the case, the behavior of human beings has mainly been dictated by the rules and regulations pertaining to the governing bodies under which the individuals live (Haerens, 2011). This is especially considering the social contract under which contemporary human societies live, where they surrender their rights and freedoms to the state so as to allow the state to safeguard their remaining freedoms and rights. This may be clearly understood through close examination of the Latino community or culture, within the precincts of the economic, social and political structures.
Economic structure of the Latino culture
The closing years of the 20th century came with fundamental changes in the socioeconomic landscape of the United States society as evidenced by its Latinization. As at 2009, Latinos were projected to occupy the rank of the largest ethnic minority group (Haerens, 2011). While the society experienced increases in population, as well as economic, educational and political advances in the last several decades, about a third of its populace wallow in poverty. Indeed, a large number of Latino workers are relegated to the lowest rungs in the United States economy, where they find themselves becoming increasingly re-concentrated and displaced in conditions of structural unemployment and underemployment (Avalos, 2004).
The socioeconomic situation in which Latinos live may be directly traced back to the inexorable emergence of the global economy, as well as the recent economic policies pertaining to expansion especially NAFTA. NAFTA has reduced the participation of Latinos in labor provision through transferring well-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry to other “cheap labor” manufacturing centers throughout the world (Avalos, 2004).
Social structures of the Latino community
Latino American families are fundamentally characterized by the extended family, which undertakes a key role in the lives of family members. In essence, there is frequent interaction and strong bonds among numerous kin, with individuals in the extended families living either nearby or within the same compound. Apart from their cooperative nature, individuals are expected to place the familial needs ahead of their own, an aspect that has resulted in the erroneous conclusion that individual advancement and achievement is impeded by family (Arreola, 2004). At an extremely early age, Latino American kids are expected to learn the importance of rigid sex role definitions, deep familiar responsibilities, reverent and respectful treatment accorded to the elderly, as well as the position of the man that comes with authority and respect in the family. As much as a considerable proportion of the male authority may gradually be decreasing as the role of women continues to be redefined, scholars have noted that women in Latino communities are still taking up a subordinate position (Arreola, 2004). Indeed, fathers are accorded authority and prestige, with sons having significantly more independence at an earlier age compared to daughters. Underlining the value that Latinos place on the extended family structure is the fact that parents usually arrange for companion parents or godparents for a child. This also shows that Latinos place immense value on other adults apart from the immediate parents (García, 2003). Not only would these “alternative” parents give advice and correct the child, but they are also expected to respond to the needs of the child.
Political structures of Latinos
The increasing populations of the Latino community have resulted in an increase in political activity and push for political representation. It is well understood that the Latino communities have immense numbers of immigrants (both legal and illegal) in the United States (García, 2009). This means that Latinos are faced with distinctive challenges pertaining to the economic interests and foreign policies of the United States and their countries of origin (Avalos, 2004). However, the increased participation may be demonstrated by the increased number of protests and that occur throughout the cities in the United States, largely comprised of Latinos among other immigrants in an effort to call for action against unfair and punitive policies especially pertaining to immigration reforms (García, 2003). Indeed, the increasingly visible participation by the Latino community underlined the broadening and expansion of the Latino political community.
How the development of this culture has been affected by its social contract
While Latino community may have become one of the most significant minority communities in the United States, its growth and development has continuously been crippled by the “social contract” that Latinos have made in the formation of the society. This is especially considering their largely immigrant status, whether legal or illegal (Arreola, 2004). Their history as immigrants has made it extremely necessary that they only trust their own and seek no cooperation with individuals that they consider as outsiders. They tend to gravitate around their own, which is why scholars have believed that their familial ties have been coming between them and their progress both as individuals and as communities at large (García, 2009).
References
Haerens, M. (2011). The U.S. Latino community. Detroit, MI: Greenhaven Press.
Arreola, D. D. (2004). Hispanic spaces, Latino places: Community and cultural diversity in contemporary America. Austin: University of Texas Press.
García, B. L. (2009). Latino politics. Cambridge: Polity.
García, J. A. (2003). Latino politics in America: Community, culture, and interests. Lanham, Md. [u.a.: Rowman & Littlefield.
Avalos, H. (2004). Introduction to the U.S. Latina and Latino religious experience. Boston: Brill Academic.