Leadership Audit Analysis Essay

This set of audits focus on the handwork and skills that a leader needs to possess. â€Å"A skill is the ability to use one’s knowledge to do something well. † These audits are important because a leader can have the right character, but not be competent enough to be a success in a specific position. In this second analysis Aubrey Malphurs in his book Being Leaders gives the reader seven audits to determine if they have the skill set that a Christian leader needs to be effective in the ministry. â€Å"Psalm 78:72 says that David led his people not only with ‘integrity of heart’ but also with ‘skillful hands. ’† Malphurs separates the skill audit into relational and task skills. â€Å"Relational skills are based on the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-39). † If leaders cannot effectively get along with people then they will severely hinder their ability to reach those in need. Malphurs says â€Å"task skills are based on the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). † These are the abilities used in conveying the message the leader is trying to communicate. For a leader to succeed they must effectively learn to communicate to people in the proper manner. This set of audits also deals with the importance of knowing one’s leadership style and core values. A leader must know their own mindset and abilities to determine whether or not they will be a good fit in a leadership position at a certain locale. Although it is God who places leaders in a position; the prepared leader is the one with the potential to be most successful. A Relational Skills Audit Relational skills are of utmost importance for anyone in a leadership position especially for a pastor. If a leader is going to be effective they are going to have to learn to deal with people and work through people. The work of God is too great for one person to be able to handle it alone. People have said, â€Å"I like the ministry; it is just the people I do not like. † Ministry is more than just a job and it is more than handling materials. True ministry is all about reaching people and watching God work in and through them. While no one likes to discipline another person it is a necessary task a leader must take on. To be an effective disciplinarian a person needs at least two qualities. The first is a love for the truth and for what is right. If a person does not have a genuine love for what is right, they will be more apt to allow bad behavior to slide. As a leader I am passionate that there is a correct way and an incorrect way to behave based upon the Word of God. Secondly, there must be an authentic love for people. If a leader loves the people he is going to want what is best for their lives even if it involves confronting them about their problems. God has given me a love for both of these aspects as I deal with faculty and students every day in the position God has placed us in. I thoroughly enjoy empowering and encouraging other people whom I work with. I take great pleasure in trying to get other people to reach their full potential and to give them the materials to succeed. Many times I will purposely put someone in a position where they have to get out of their comfort zone so that they might be encouraged to see their potential for God. The biggest weakness in this audit would probably be networking. I am a person who likes to be given a job and left alone to do it. I do not always take the time to seek out others who can help me accomplish it. I am also a person who is somewhat an introvert so I feel like I am a bother to ask someone to help. I am sure they would help if I only took the time and effort to ask. The Task Skills Audit To be able to competently fulfill a task is a must for anyone who desires longevity in a leadership position. While God is not looking for ability but availability, he does expect the people he calls to perfect the talents they do possess. Jesus brought this point out so vividly in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew chapter twenty-five. The person who is perfecting their talent is a person whom people will notice. Solomon said, â€Å"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? e shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men† (Proverbs 22:29; KJV). The art of preaching is a task that I have worked hard on. When God first called me to preach I was so nervous that I would dry-heave when I got behind the pulpit. I struggled putting together an outline of more than one point. I have, with the help of the Lord, conquered my fear of standing before people and ministering passio nately, authoritatively, and illustratively. Recently I conducted a survey among students of the good qualities of preachers they listen to on a regular basis. One of my top qualities they pointed out was my preparedness. Time management is another one of my strong points. I have learned to reject the good in order to pursue the great. I work a full time job, take two college courses, and preach on Sunday nights; therefore, I have had to learn to prioritize my time to be as effective as I can in all areas. I have also learned how to schedule in relaxation time, lest I fall apart. Advertising is one of my weaker areas. I am not one to impose on someone else, so I have a hard time trying to push a product on anyone. I have learned in past business ventures that I am not a natural salesman. I need to start speaking up more for a â€Å"product† I believe in instead of just portraying it by my example and use of it. The Leadership Style Audit Leaders are the ones in front directing how an organization is being run. The fact is â€Å"that leaders are doers and what they do is influence. † â€Å"Every leader has a style of influence that has an impact on people, so it’s important that leaders correctly perceive how they influence their followers. † When I took this audit I found that I have an Analytical-Director leadership style. I have a desire for God’s work to be done in a quality way. When God created the world he stepped back and looked at it, and saw that it was very good (Gen. 1:31). I believe that Christians ought to have the best materials available and they should produce the best materials possible. As a leader I am also self-disciplined and a self-starter. I am one who sees a job that needs to be done and jumps in and sees that it is accomplished. My weakness would be that I do not enjoy someone looking over my shoulder. If I need help I will gladly seek someone out who has the ability to help me. I would also have to say that there are times when I am â€Å"cool, distant, and reserved. † My other strength is being a director. I not only like to challenge myself to do the best I can, but I enjoy challenging those around me to step up their efforts and do more for God. I am not afraid to change a policy or procedure if there is a better way to achieve something. I have learned not to make hasty decisions. In order to receive the best outcome I chart the best course to accomplish the task. There are times when I can be bossy, especially when I am stressed over a mountain of problems that are piling up at once. The Structure Audit Sensing the need of when to take on responsibility has always been a strength of mine. I am a person who likes to have a plan to see that tasks are finished. That plan will include a way to get the job done with plenty of time to spare. I do not enjoy work piling up and trying to complete a responsibility at the last moment. I know how to put a plan in place and delegate it out so that it is accomplished. When an organization has a combination of a centralized and a decentralized ministry structure it functions the best. I believe in having the best and brightest leaders at the top of the ministry organization. I do feel they should make the most of the decisions. I believe though that those who are closer to the situation are on the first line of defense. I think they should report to those in charge with major problems and what they feel is the best solution on key tasks. There should not be a lot of â€Å"red tape. † I believe they should work together to see that the task is accomplished in the best way with the leader on top making the final decision. I feel that power is best served when it is shared. If a leader has the right people around them then their span of control does not have to be as great. There should be teamwork on the top tiers of leadership where everyone is responsible for a certain portion of the work so that no one is bogged down by too many details and responsibilities. When a team member is bogged down they can become easily worn down. I do not feel that any certain person has ownership of a certain work. I do believe that there needs to be a strong sense of stewardship in the hearts of the leaders. They need to realize that they have a grave responsibility before God for his work. They also have a great accountability to the people who they serve to see that God’s work is carried out efficiently and effectively in the right manner. The Leader’s Core Value Audit The Leader’s Core Value Audit is important because a leader will only rise as high as his foundation will allow him. The taller the building; the deeper and stronger the foundation needs to be. It is my desire as a leader to have a solid core that God can use and build upon. The principle of fairness is very important to me. I grew up in a dysfunctional home and have witnessed firsthand what mistreatment consists of. I have seen the negative impact on a person and the suffering they have went through to serve God. I try to make sure that everyone feels welcomed and that they know that their part of the ministry is making an impact on the bigger picture. As a Christian leader I feel it is extremely important to know the Bible. It is the only book that is alive and changes the reader. It is the sword that God has given us to take the battle to the enemy and to defend the faith that has been delivered to the saints (Eph. 6; Jude 1). It is a command in the Word of God that for a minister to be approved he must know how to study and interpret the Word of God effectively (II Tim. 2:15). A person’s relationship with the Lord should be the number one priority in life; after that, it should be the leader’s family. Paul told Timothy in his search for leaders, â€Å"For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? † (I Tim. 3:5). If a leader fails in the mission of taking care of their family, which should be closest to their heart, why should the church trust them to have their best interest in mind? Cultural relevance is an area I can improve upon. I am effective in ministering to those I am familiar with and share a common background. I need to spend more time studying the cultures of other groups to devise ways to better communicate the gospel with them. The Ideal Circumstances Audit God has a certain place in the ministry for everyone. That is why he gave the church different gifts so it might be healthy and profitable. It is only when leaders find their God-given place that they can be used and profitable to their fullest extent. God has made each person with different preferences and the Ideal Circumstances Audit can help a person narrow their focus to a position where they can fit in more easily. My ideal setting would be in a church that is growing. I am passionate about growth. I do not enjoy being around ministries that are declining. It is my passion to see churches come alive in their outreach vision as well as in the spirituality of their services. When people come to church they should be able to have an anticipation that they are going to get fed from the Word of God. They should be excited about coming because there is going to be an atmosphere where the presence of God is going to be in the midst. I would like to pastor a medium size church that is about middle-aged. A church of this magnitude is big enough to make a noticeable impact on a community. It is also small enough where the pastor can have a personal relationship with his congregation. I would like to pastor a church where there is a combination of all ages. A good mixture of ages makes for a healthy church, because each has their own gifts. Children put smiles on people’s faces. Young people add life and energy to the services and outreach of a church. The middle-aged group provides the majority of the workers in the church. The older adults provide the stability and maturity that a church needs. It does not matter to me what the ethnicity of the members are. I do prefer a church located in the suburbs. This location allows a church to have outreaches in both the inner city and rural areas. The Pastor-Organization Fit Audit The Pastor-Organization Audit helps a pastor determine how close their views match the views of a congregation. The work of the ministry can be difficult under the best situations; therefore, it is important that a perspective leader know what they are getting themselves into before they commit to a position. While it is God who sends leaders to fulfill positions this audit serves to help the leader prepare a plan for success. In my current position the church’s doctrinal beliefs and mine correspond. This is an absolute must for any position I take in the ministry. It is hard to stay on the same page if there are doctrinal differences because you are looking through two different types of glasses. Malphurs points out that â€Å"it would be wise to explore the nonessentials of both the leader and the church. † The more the leader and the congregation know about each other the less chance there will be for conflict. I believe that it is important that the leader have the capabilities that the church is lacking. It can be very frustrating for a leader to feel like they are not contributing to the overall success of an organization. It is hard for a leader to put their whole self into something when they feel like someone else can do just as good of a job and that they are just one of many. There are times when there does not appear to be a perfect fit when it is still God’s will for a leader to be there. A church might have plateaued and grown comfortable and God desires for a certain type of leader to come in and infuse fresh vision and direction. I have also seen churches going through troubles where God sent the right leader there to correct the problem. In both of these situations there was not a perfect fit at first and some people resisted the change. In the end God had his way and the churches prospered. The best thing for a leader to do is make sure they know the voice and plan of God. Conclusion This set of leadership audit analysis has been eye-opening. I found out that my leadership style is analytical-director. This has clued me in on my strong areas that I can continue to shore up and my weak areas that I need to be more mindful of. I have received a greater desire to pass on the burdens of my heart and ministry into others. I want to see strong leadership become apparent in the lives of my students; however, I will not see this to the extent that I want unless I â€Å"sell† it to them with the same passion that the importance of leadership has on me. In order for me to see excellent leadership produced I ust be in front to show what proper leadership is by example. Children are produced by parents and portray their parent’s values and personalities. I want my students to produce what I have lived and help propel them to even greater heights. I have not always found myself in the ideal circumstances to be able to enforce what I thought was the best solution to a task at hand, but a good director is able to take a deep breath and submit to the final authority. If there have been repercussions in the outcome of that situation, I have learned to not act smug but help pick up the pieces. When I have been in the final authority position, I have been able to look back and learn from those times when I was a team member and keep those tragedies from reoccurring. I am trying harder learned to fit into the organization that I am presently in and be the team member I need to be to help the organization to run efficiently even when I disagree with certain decisions. I am learning to a greater degree when and how to address issues and when to remain silent when things are not handled properly. It is my desire to reach to be more, do more, and learn more so that I can be as complete of a leader as I can be.

Ethical, legal and societal issues of information technology systems

Ethical, legal and societal issues of information technology systems Introduction Most professions practiced in different global locations have stipulated codes of ethics or professional codes of conduct. The codes are essential given that the professionals are provided with advantage over other individuals. Typically, the professionals’ practice in respective fields has the possibility of influencing the rest of the public.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Ethical, legal and societal issues of information technology systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The codes offer guidelines for the professionals on how to execute their mandate and duties responsibly. However, the dawn of information technology has brought with it a host of ethical and legal concerns that are exclusive to the 21st century (Walcerz, 2013). The issue on the use of technology is intricate and complicated starting from personal online privacy to the disclosure of classified information. These have the potential to distract the lives of many individuals and institutions, as was the case in the Bradley Manning situation. The saga involved the release of classified military reports and diplomatic cables to the WikiLeaks and consequently to the entire world. The saga ignited debates from many quarters some arguing that Bradley acted in good faith as a whistleblower (Carr, 2013). Others viewed the move by the American soldier as an act of espionage hence a traitor. Stakeholders The United States Military The US Military was a key stakeholder in Bradley Manning case. The situation involved the leaking of classified military information to WikiLeaks by Bradley. The reports included a video by the military where two Apache army airplanes gunned down a crowd of Iraqis in the city of Baghdad. The footage shows the US military fire at civilians that left twelve men dead and several children fatally wounded. The US military personnel would be heard shouting appalling things while urging coll eagues to fire on the group (Porter, 2013). The revelations by Bradley meant that the military was deeply concerned with other reports that were eventually released by Bradley through WikiLeaks. The military became involved given its effort to stop further disclosure of its classified information. Public The release of classified reports according to Bradley was motivated by the appalling things that were happening in the military during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as the antagonizing treatment of prisoners of war at Guantanamo Bay. Bradley sought to make it public the horrifying events that were taking place within military circles.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Prior to the release of the reports, the military had alleged it had lost the video. The public outcry that followed the release of the â€Å"Collateral Murder† footage by Julian As sange of WikiLeaks in April 2010 prompted Bradley to release other reports. The public criticized the government for allowing impunity leading to the loss of lives of innocent civilians. The public remains at loggerheads with the US Federal Government over multiplicity of issues that were revealed in hundreds of thousands military reports and diplomatic cables. Federal government and national security agencies Bradley released over 91,000 documents containing classified information. The documents detailed military activities that took place between 2004 and 2010. These activities included airstrike in Baghdad that left 147 civilians dead (Porter, 2013). The government was dragged into the issue when it became apparent that Pakistan and Iran had assisted the US and its allies in striking Iraq. The reports revealed that the Obama administration considered North Korea an enemy given that it traded weaponry to Osama bin Laden. The leaked documents indicated that the military had been br ibing Afghanistan media houses to report news that favored the United States. The leaks further revealed that the personnel working for the US Department of Defense hired teen prostitutes. The White House had to step in to safeguard the Obama administration legacy as democratic. The Pentagon and President Obama alleged that the leaked reports exposed and endangered the lives of Afghani informers. The national security agency apparatus was thrown into a spin by the rapid folding of events. They argued that Bradley intentionally leaked the classified information to Assange who was an enemy of the United States and eventually was within Osama’s reach. The agencies claimed that Bradley deliberately and knowingly revealed intelligence information that exposed undercover agents.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Ethical, legal and societal issues of information technology systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This would also compromise ambassadors and risk the lives of military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, the agencies argued that Bradley effectively placed the US security secrets into the enemies’ possession including the leader of the dreaded Al-Qaeda terrorist network. The agencies were key players in the prosecution of Bradley as it presented evidence that Osama asked for and eventually obtained Afghanistan battleground information as well as communications published by WikiLeaks. The security agencies worked around the clock to ensure that the existing security loopholes that may be exploited by terrorists and enemies were sealed to mitigate dangers posed to the US national security. Bradley Manning Bradley developed a knack for computers at an early age. His activities as a private staff in the military meant that he could access sensitive information in the military database. The revelations made by Bradley during the prosecution indicated that he was c onvinced that he was acting on behalf of the American public who deserved to know all about the ‘Collateral Murder’ by the military in Bagdad. By releasing the classified information to Assange, Bradley allegedly sought to clear his conscience about the deaths of the Reuter reporters, innocent children and men who were killed by hail of bullets from the US military Apache helicopter. Bradley took the position as he was convinced that the society should be based on justice as opposed to transparency and accountability. WikiLeaks The networks founded and administered by Julian Assange became a hotspot upon the release of the leaks to the public domain. WikiLeaks released classified military footage that portrayed the indiscriminate murder of ten Iraqis in New Baghdad including children and Reuter employees from an Apache helicopter. The military was part of the cover up. In fact, it did not reveal how the Reuter employees were murdered. The military indicated that it was not aware of how children were caught up in the collateral murder. In a surprising turn of events, the investigations by the military concluded that the military personnel involved in the shooting acted according to the law of armed conflict and rules of engagement. WikiLeaks obtained the classified rules of engagement through Bradley. WikiLeaks through its founder, Julian Assange engaged the US government in heated debates leading to the prosecution of Bradley and the eventual conviction to 35 years in prison.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More WikiLeaks allegedly went to great lengths to validate the legitimacy of information obtained. The information was mostly obtained from military whistleblowers. It then disseminates the information to the public although some posed risk to the national security. The access to information by the Al-Qaeda network compromised the lives of secret agents in Afghanistan, Iraq and the entire Gulf Region. Professionals should hence endeavor to maintain integrity in executing their duties. Situation from the stakeholders perspective Military The military personnel prosecuting Bradley’s case were explicit in stating the stand of the military on matters ‘espionage’ and classified information. In one situation when the military courtroom judge inquired from the prosecutor regarding the action that he would have taken if the reports were leaked to the dailies, he responded that the same charges would be pressed against Bradley. The question was meaningful as it brought out wha t the military and the government considered ethical with regard to Bradley’s situation. The ‘yes’ answer revealed and presented the clear danger of whistle-blowing in the national security platform (Benkler, 2013). The vigor that the prosecutor employed in executing the case was a signal that the military would employ aggressive tactics in interpreting law that would present the government with a large stick to execute unclearly defined national security exposures. According to the military perspective, Bradley had turned into a traitor and deserved dire consequences. The Public Typically, the public supports individuals who reveal thrilling revelations on impunity and corruption in the government circles. However, when the individuals are cornered, there is little the public can do above demonstrating in support. This was the case with Bradley currently serving a 35-year jail term. The public is divided in viewing Bradley as a traitor and a sainted whistleblowe r. The Federal government and national security agencies Bradley may have been a sainted whistleblower in the eyes of his supporters. On the other hand, he was a traitor in the eyes of the federal government and security agencies (Keller, 2013). The government pressed charges of ‘aiding the enemy’ against Bradley. In turn, he was charged with various counts of violating the Espionage Act. Besides, aiding the enemy is reprimandable by death. Bradley Inherently, Bradley performed a typical American act. That is, he stood alone in taking a large force head-on. He intended to perform a heroic crusade for the good of America and the entire world. He believed there was moral essence to expose the undertakings by the American government and the military. He believed he was standing on high ethical grounds and acting on behalf of humanity that deserved to know about military engagements in wars. WikiLeaks The American patriots view WikiLeaks as an enemy willing to support other enemies in an effort to bring down the United States. The network is alleged to supply the al-Qaeda terrorist network with crucial cables and information on military operations in the Gulf region. On the contrary, Assange in particular view himself as a whistleblower that presents pressure valve hampered by individual risks although fueled through ethical courage mustered by the whistleblower. WikiLeaks view the actions and motives by Bradley as components of the long-respected tradition of exposing the undoing by the incumbent and past administrations. WikiLeaks takes the view that governments are for, of, and by the people. Since it exists at the behest of the people, it reserves no right to secrets. Major areas of conflict The different stakeholders in Bradley’s case take different perspectives. Bradley believed that he was justified in releasing the leaks to Assange. Just like Bradley, Assange believed that the act of releasing the leaks to the public was morally justifi ed since the secrets belonged to the public domain. Assange uses the motivation as the driving force to release controversial information from different sources. On the other hand, the military and the federal government view the actions by whistleblowers as a threat to the national security of the United States. International code of ethics The Australian Computer Society code of ethics The Australian Computer Society (ACS) values the professionals in executing the mandates bestowed to them by the members. The codes prescribed in the manuscript require the members to proceed with respect, decorum and efficacy of career in the arts and sciences of information processing. The code requires the members to maintain high standards of aptitude and ethical conduct devoid of dishonesty and impartiality. It requires the members to serve with forthright openness and be loyal to employers. In this respect, members must subscribe to the requirements of the employer irrespective of their take o n issues that may influence their relationship with the public, the employer and the public. In view of Bradley case, the military would have been justified to act in the way it responded to the exposure of classified information. The code would have expected Bradley to act responsibly in his undertakings as a military officer. Bradley would have been expected to serve the interest of the federal government, his employer (the military) and the entire American population. Secrecy is highly regarded in national security matters. It is typically necessary and justified in security issues. The charges pressed against Bradley were in support of the ACS values. The code places significant concern on individuals affected by the conduct of the member. Bradley would have been expected to maintain high degree of secrecy to avoid putting the security of the US in the hands of the enemy including the Al-Qaeda network. The exposure of the diplomatic cables and classified information exposed the American agents to danger. The British Computer Society (BCS) code of conduct The code of conduct sets the professional standards of competence, behavior and ethical practice for computer operation in the UK. The code expects employers, customers, the public and other professionals to anticipate similar standards of proficiency and conduct from members of the BCS as expected from the distinguished members of other profession such as engineers (Gotterbarn, 1992). The BCS sets standards of technical capacity that members must satisfy. It also stipulates standards of conduct that members must be conventional to and failure to which they are held responsible for any lapse. Accountability and competence are elemental for associates of a professional institution. The BCS has for decades contributed to the raising of standards of technical competence in the information systems community. In view of the BCS code of conduct, Bradley acted in contradiction to the BCS stipulated conduct. The B CS believes that members should be aware of the accountability of its members. This is not only for members to possess but also to exercise the proficiency consistently according to high personal integrity. The BCS revised the society’s code of conduct to ensure that the code remains sufficient and relevant to modern needs. It also gave widespread publicity so that the public is aware of the standards to expect from the members. Conversely, if the BCS codes were to be applied in the Bradley case, the council would have reprimanded Bradley. Bradley had duty to his employer called the military. He would have been expected to carry out his responsibilities with appropriate care and diligence devoid of compromising the secrets of the military in accordance with the requirements of the military. Bradley’s professional judgment was overruled and he had to bear the consequences of his actions. Members of the BCS are not allowed to disclose or authorize the disclosure of confi dential information obtained in the course of professional practice. Bradley violated the code by leaking classified information without prior written authorization by the military, and the government direction to release the information by a court of law. Bradley compromised his responsibilities, as he did not seek to avoid being in a position where he became privy to information relating to activities that conflicted his professional responsibility. In this regard, the stakeholders held the position that Bradley acted in contravention of his professional position. The IITP code of professional conduct This obligatory code outlines moral and professional conditions for information technology professionals in New Zealand. The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) was founded in 1960. The members of the institute shall conduct professional activities with decorum, honesty and respect that merit the trust of the society and profession. The members shall employ honesty, expertise, judgm ent and inventiveness to add positively to the wellbeing of the community. In view of Bradley case, the IITP code would have required Bradley to take reasonable steps to enlighten himself and the employer of the economic, legal and social repercussions that would arise from his action of leaking classified information to WikiLeaks. The stakeholder position The stakeholders in each of the codes of professional conduct have high regards for the professionals to act in accordance with the stipulated codes. The designers of the codes sought to have the professionals align to the standards that do not compromise the security of information in possession by the professionals. The stakeholders hold the codes in high esteem. The members of the respective institutions are expected to treat the profession in stipulated standards devoid of compromising the position of the member and respect for the profession. Ethical viewpoints Ethical viewpoint means the way a professional views a situation in logical sense founded on a set of moral principles. Different professionals hold varied viewpoints depending on the circumstances. In view of Bradley case, different stakeholders held different viewpoints. Bradley on his part held the position that his action to release leaks to Assange was justified by the fact that the military had intentionally withheld information that was sensitive to the American society. Bradley believed that releasing the information to the public domain would help in revealing the military action in the suburb of new Bagdad. On the other hand, the military personnel, security agents and the federal government officials held the viewpoint that Bradley had acted maliciously and in contravention of the ethical standards stipulated under his profession as a security analyst. The vigor via which the prosecution of the case by the military court martial took was evident that the military anticipated having Bradley behind bars for a long time. The prosecution h ad sought to have Bradley charged with aiding the enemy which is punishable by death. Key differences between various ethical viewpoints The different ethical viewpoints taken by the stakeholders were meant to justify the position taken. The military considered Bradley’s position as one that compromised the national security of the United States. By initiating charges of aiding the enemy, the court martial prosecution sought to prove that indeed Bradley was a traitor that deserved severe consequences. Personal view on Bradley Manning In the recent past, there have been significant discussions regarding professionals leaking information that pose risks to the stakeholders. WikiLeaks and Bradley have been topics raising international concerns on how professionals handle ethical issues. The fact is based on the volume and sensitivity of the information Bradley leaked to Assange and consequently released by WikiLeaks. Discussions reveal that the media and authorities believe that there is a single central character to be concerned with in this regard. However, the protagonist is altogether different. Bradley would have been well intended to reveal his concerns about the undertakings of the government, security agencies and the military. The code of ethics stipulated in the military codes expected Bradley to maintain the integrity of information by not revealing the information to outsiders. The military personnel are bound by shared ethics and culture. It was wrong for Bradley to leak the information irrespective of the magnitude of the ills of the Bush and Obama administrations. This is founded on the fact that the revelations posed danger to the national security, the US citizen and agents outside the US. Bradley independently leaked thousands of classified documents. The move did not make him a folk champion in the broader culture. Manning took matters in his own hands by taking the large forces of the government individually. His whistle blowing has dir e consequences where national security is concerned. This fact did not deter him from leaking the information, as he believed that there was ethical significance to render secrets visible to the public that deserved to know more. Bradley performed the act of self-sacrifice. However, there was an unavoidable manifestation of self-aggrandizement. Some Americans are not ready to accept the novel version of informational cowboy. Some Americans hold the view that Bradley was hardly a well-intended whistleblower. Some indicate that he was ‘essentially a little person with bloated self-esteem and self-importance. Considering the Daniel Ellsberg case, Bradley was treated rudely by the Obama administration. Ellsberg was criticized for leaking the Pentagon Papers. Contemporarily, he is viewed as a chronological figure who founded the much-required accountability to the America’s hearing and determination of the Vietnam War. Unlike Ellsberg, Bradley is legally endangered and livin g in the position between a hero and a villain. Asked why he preferred to give the sensitive information of WikiLeaks instead of selling the documents to Russia or China, Bradley responded in true activist fashion, ‘It is public data belonging to the public domain and should be free (Ludlow, 2010). Subjective opinion Revealing controversial information Civic-minded individuals that encounter what they trust to be corrupt and illegal conduct typically take it upon themselves to leak relevant classified information. The Bush and Obama administrations as well as the Congress are notorious for betraying the established norms of the US system. These actions often incite whistleblowers to release classified information as a way of expressing discontent. Whistleblower laws that allow them an avenue for expressing dissatisfaction with federal and military activities motivate disgruntled employees within government circles. Key factors affecting decision include the fact that most Amer icans are sensitive to acts of civil disobedience. The Bush and Obama administrations along with the Congress have infringed basic customs and serious law in the pretext of national security. Civic-minded individuals are privy to the activities that motivate them to take controversial positions regarding the leaking of classified and sensitive information. Leakers are also motivated by the urge to get information to the public domain through the media to expose government guidelines to meticulous society discussions. Ethical/legal concerns arising from the spread of internet The development of technology is rapid. In fact, the development progressively affects lives in more ways than we are conscious about. It is imperative for the community to think constantly about the contemporary world we live in and the tools available for dealing with the changing world. The more tools that we develop the more explicit and implicit moral and legal issues that emerge. The power of the internet to reach global locations comes with it issues in conducting business. New technologies for collecting, manipulating and disseminating information have significantly impacted on the use and spread of information. Alongside the development of new technologies, there are ethical and legal dilemmas that emerge. The pace and effectiveness of electronic information systems including the domestic and global networks and databases compel individuals to face completely new rights, laws and responsibilities. Information is a source of power for the holder. It is essential to the success of individuals who have access to it. Developments in technology encompass communal and legal interactions. It is hence important to make moral considerations in how information is utilized by those with access to information. The spread of the internet modernly touch lives of individuals, the place of work and most government levels. Even individuals without access to technology are considerably affected. Th e rapid development of information systems legal issues lag behind technical developments. Information ethics bridge the widening gap as individuals and institutions discuss how the utilization of technology should proceed. Information morals involve choices people make relative to the rest of the society. It includes suitable behavioral standards and guidelines leading members of an occupation. Ethical issues related to information systems comprise of the control of and right of entry to information. Confidentiality of information and the mishandling of the same as well as other considerations are essential in dealing with information ethics. Conclusion Globalization and the rapid increase in the use of information technology systems in the emerging knowledge society raise many ethical, legal and societal issues. The access to information, the freedom of expression and the right to privacy pose challenges and complex concerns to human existence. Many advocates of civic-minded indiv iduals consider information technology systems as a basic right for all humans with government information as part of the public domain. It is imperative for the stakeholders to develop holistic, integrated and cohesive policies at national and international levels to guarantee effective and beneficial application of information systems. The policies will help in mitigating situations such as the Bradley and Assange’s cases. Governments should also ensure that information that will not compromise national security is made available to the public for the public to assess the operations of the government. The citizens’ vote for the government hence, the public deserves access to information held within government circles. The government, traditional media and security organizations should get unglued from the perception that there must be a single mastermind behind operations such as Assange’s WikiLeaks. Conversely, it is imperative for professionals to uphold the professional code of ethics in their respective professionals. References Benkler, Y 2013, The dangerous logic of the Bradley Manning case, newrepublic.com/article/112554. Carr, D 2013, Whistleblowers in limbo, neither a hero nor traitor, nytimes.com/2013/08/01/business/media/whistle-blowers-in-limbo-neither-hero-nor-traitor.html?ref=bradleyemanning. Gotterbarn, D 1992, ‘British computer society code of conduct’, British Computer Society code of Conduct, pp. 1-5. Keller, B 2013, Manning and Snowden, http://keller.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/30/manning-and-snowden/?ref=bradleyemanning_r=0. Ludlow, P 2010, ‘WikiLeaks and hacktivist culture’, The Nation, vol.1 no.2, pp. 25-27. Porter, C 2013, Who is Bradley Manning and why should you care? news.com.au/technology/who-is-bradley-manning-and-why-should-you-care/story-e6frfro0-1226658755452. Walcerz, M 2013, Legal and ethical issues in technology, ehow.com/list_7640133_legal-ethical-issues-technology.html.

Gender, Management and Leadership The WritePass Journal

Gender, Management and Leadership Introduction Gender, Management and Leadership ). Her dominating behaviour helps Anne Wintour make sure that all business processes are controlled and monitored. However, Seperich and McCalley (2006) argue that the â€Å"fear of the boss† among employees may result in obstruction for creativity emergence, which is an integral part of business process in the fashion editing industry. Anne Wintour’s leadership style is driven by her willingness to bypass gender lines. This implies that she is willing to decrease the significance of sexism in the context of management and leadership (Daily Mail, 2011). Conclusion This paper was written to demonstrate differences in the leadership styles between the male and female CEOs. Anne Wintour of Vogue USA and Larry Page of Google Corporation were discussed and analysed. As a result of the case study analysis, it has been concluded that authoritative and democratic types of leadership work well in the context of organizational performance. This is mainly due to the fact that both companies have maintained a stable financial growth, and have acquired an international brand reputation. As a result, even though the authoritative leadership style of Anne Wintour might be considered as an obstacle to the productivity of the company; whereas Larry Page’s introvert character has also negatively affected Google’s performance, the vision of these leaders drive the success of the related organizations. Further research would be required to determine whether authoritative or democratic leadership styles are more suitable to particular genders. Also, the limitation in this analysis is that CEOs from different industries and with different leadership styles have been chosen. This may have led to analysis bias. References Abiodoun R. (2010). Leadership Behavior Impact on Employees Loyalty, Engagement and Organizational Performance. Author House: USA Bloomberg. (2012). Ambassador Anna Wintour Would Make the U.S. Look Good. Available: bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-04/ambassador-anna-wintour-would-make-the-u-s-look-good.html (Accessed on 6/2/2013) CNN Money. (2011). What would Larry Page do? Leadership lessons from Googles doyen. Available: http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/04/18/what-would-larry-page-do-leadership-lessons-from-googles-doyen/ (Accessed on 6/2/2013) Daily Mail. (2011). Anna Wintour claims she is not intimidating Vogue interns may beg to differ. Available: dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2030249/Anna-Wintour-claims-intimidating-Vogue-interns-beg-differ.html#axzz2KDbDbfUR (Accessed on 6/2/2013) Everett A., (2011). Benefits and Challenges of Fun in the Workplace. Library Leadership and Management, 25, 1, 1-10 Google Official Website. (2013). Available: www.google.com (Accessed on 6/2/2013) Lewin, K., Lippit, R. and White, R. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created social climates. Journal of Social Psychology, 10, 271-301 Manning G., Curtis K. (2003). The Art of Leadership. McGraw Hill: USA Manlow V. (2009). Designing Clothes: Culture and Organization of the Fashion Industry. Transaction Publishers: USA Northouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership, theory and practice. (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Seperich G., McCalley R. (2006). Managing Power And People. M.E. Sharpe: USA Vogue Official Website. (2013). Available: www.vogue.com (Accessed on 6/2/2013)

Finding an Editor Whos Right For You †By Stacey Dyer

Finding an Editor Whos Right For You – By Stacey Dyer Finding an editor who is right for you – by Stacey Dyer Check out all the newest Reedsy success stories right here!‘Punch Wedding Planning in the Face’ is what we are told to do by Stacey Dyer in one of the most outlandish books to have been seen on Reedsy. We thought it would be great to showcase the first gender-neutral, LGBTQ-wedding planning book ever in the universe (that we know of!) created on our very own Reedsy platform. Stacey Dyer talks us through her thoughts and experiences of working with one of our editors and how it helped bring a fresh perspective to her work and really bring it to life.For authors new and experienced, an editor helps to polish and sculpt your work into a final, sparkling piece of written art. New to publishing and working on my first book, I hit a wall after a few rounds of self-editing. I knew it wasn’t ready for the printed page but I didn’t know how to make it better, at least by myself. Maybe it's time to find an editor... But how?Finding an editor on ReedsyThanks to Reedsy , I was able to peruse and choose from their extensive list of editors. While I didn’t know what the average cost was, how much to budget, or truly what to look for in an editor, I knew what mattered most to me:Finding an editor who understood my brazen voice and wouldn’t try to sterilize itFinding an editor who was comfortable working with a gender-neutral, LGBT-friendly bookFinding an editor who might be able to embody a product manager, helping me to apply the purpose of the book throughout each chapterThe best part about Reedsy’s quoting process is the encouraged messaging between vendors and authors. I asked for a sample pass from those who responded to my query and shared a bit more about the vision of my book. From just this little bit of back and forth, I was able to gain a sense of how these editors might work with me. Rachel Small was one who caught my eye right away. The best part about Reedsy is the encouraged messaging between vendors and authors. When Rachel and I started to discuss AstroWed, she got it, immediately. There was energy and a collaborative nature to our exchange that got me excited about the future of the book. She was also laughing (very important for AstroWed!) and understood my voice as well as my goals. Rachel was indeed THE ONE.After that lively exchange, she sent a quote for editing AstroWed in all its 27,000-word glory. (The concept of asking for quotes based on number of words was new to me. It’s my first time working with an editor and writing a book for that matter, but Reedsy made it easy to understand.) Our Editing ProcessWe did a quick Skype call to chat about the following aspects of the editing process:How Rachel likes to workHow I like to workHow do we attack this book together?Common turnaround times when delivering the chaptersHow many chapters will/should get delivered?We settled on doing two chapters at a time and to let Chapters 1 and 2 shine a brighter light on our process together.Three fantastic tactics emerged:Rachel often makes the comment "OK?" to bring attention to a change she’s suggesting (usually because she’s changed the wording). I respond to many of these to give her extra context around the subject matter and either accept or suggest additional changes.I comment to these comments and other questions/suggestions throughout the doc like it’s a chat room from 1998. This makes it feel less like work and more like collaboration!I send my version back to her for further conversation. Usually a couple of overarching questions or ideas pop up and we flesh them out to shape future chapters.But enough with the words! Here’s what our process looks like in action:Day one1 -   Upon first receipt, the docs look like this: 2 -   Usually in the morning, I take a first pass to read through all comments, suggestions, and changes. I do this to also clear the clutter in the sidebar (it feels so overwhelming at first!) because when things look like progress, it usually means it IS progress.3 -   I highlight anything I need to write to, take a design note of, or chew on for a bit longer 5 -   I close the doc and move on to other things, allowing my idle mind to roll around in the suggestions and tasks ahead of me.Day twoI respond and write to all the suggestions I can.If there’s anything that stumps me, I leave it alone and tackle the things I can write to with ease.Day threeI address anything I couldn’t write to yesterday and just muster up the guts to get it done. (Often it’s just that I needed a day to think about the task in the back of my mind. These things come to me usually when I’m about to fall asleep, and therefore I end up with a lot of emails in my inbox from yours truly.)I turn off the â€Å"review view† and put myself in the reader’s shoes. I read through everything with fresh eyes, free of comments and sidebar clutter. After making a handful of small tweaks, I hit save and send the chapters back on their merry way to Rachel, who adds them to the master document.What’s left?To date, Rachel and I have c ompleted our initial passes on all the chapters. Since AstroWed is the universe’s most kickass wedding planning workbook, designed with a gender-neutral space theme, the final steps toward publishing are no small feat!Now it’s time to throw on my illustrator and designer hats, followed by Rachel taking one final pass across the whole doc for polish, grammar, and word choice. This will culminate into an epic pour of wine with Space-Odyssey-2001-like music in the background as I apply her changes in the final design doc, make one final proofread pass, and then prep all things for KDP Print. No big deal though†¦ I got this...I hope this helps you and other authors out there, and, at the very least, makes the path to publishing more tangible. I didn’t know what to expect, but I found Reedsy, and then Rachel, and then this funky 1998-chat-inspired method to keep a positive mindset on a boatload of work. I thought I was going crazy towards the end of my self-edit s, but having a fresh-eyed outsider is worth all the time and money in the world.Bottom line: Whatever motivates you to keep the momentum going, embrace it with a bear hug. Finding the right editor for you is one of the most fruitful decisions you’ll make in the journey of writing. "Finding the right editor for you is one of the most fruitful decisions you’ll make." How do you work with your editor? What keeps you motivated when going through the revisions? Share your experiences with us, or ask Stacey any question, in the comments below!

International Financial Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

International Financial Management - Assignment Example Fluctuation of the exchange rates between the different currencies the firm transacts through has the potential of exposing the firm to financial losses. The major exposure risk the firm is likely to experience is the transaction risk that distorts the cash flows realized. This is due to the recent behavior of the US dollar against major international currencies. The US dollar has of recent been depreciating against Euro and pound currency. Thus, the cost of the purchases the firm makes using dollar has the potential of increasing when it is converted to Euros or pounds in determining the profit earned. Consequently, it is critical for the firm to undertake measures to manage the exchange rate risks to mitigate probable financial losses in future. Managing the exchange risk facing a firm engaged in cross-border trade requires the management to determine the exposure risks been faced, hedging strategies capable of mitigating the risk and the existing instruments that can be used to cushion the exchange risks. This is done by adopting hedging strategies that help in reducing or eliminating currency risks. A number of hedging options are available in managing the exposure risks the firm faces under it cross-border trade. One of the hedging methods that can be used in managing the exchange risk facing the firm is forward contract. Forward contract allows a firm to exchange foreign currencies at an agreed exchange rate in future (Levi, 2009). Consequently, SN can undertake a forward contract that will guarantee the exchange rate that will be used in exchanging the foreign currencies in future date. The pre-fixed exchange rate that will be used in converting the foreign or domestic currency will counter the exchange rate fluctuation since the firm will be shielded by the agreement from such exposure. This arrangement will allow the firm to convert the Euros or Pounds it is possessing to dollar

Strategists Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategists - Essay Example (7-8) Machiavelli, meanwhile, introduced the concept of the â€Å"just war† in his exhortation on Italians to recapture their own land: â€Å"You have justice on your side; for war is just which is necessary and it is piety to fight where no hope is left in anything else.† (cited in McAlpine 2000, 6) For these two philosophers war or preparedness to engage in it is fundamental for the survival of a state. In regard to military strategy, Sun Tzu captures something of the sense of Machiavelli’s last words in the Prince when he stressed the importance of a positive attitude and the goodness of opportunity – seizing the occasion to put something right, to make a person, place or thing better. According to Sun Tzu, one who foresees victory before a battle will most probably win and that, one who predicts not much of a chance of winning before the fight, will most probably not win. This principle of unashamed act of winning is supported by this text of The Art of War: â€Å"If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbids it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler’s bidding.† (158) Machiavelli’s assertion that men have evil in them as well as good is an important factor when considering his perspectives on leadership. This is highlighted in his discourse of what characterize the ideal prince. Machiavelli believed that a prince as a leader needed above all to pursue virtue, but not the one in the traditional sense. Machiavelli often told the reader that qualities traditionally called virtuous in the Christian or feudal senses were not virtuous at all in a prince. For Machiavelli, a prince who truly understand virtue – in the sense of the qualities needed to perpetuate his state and his own power – would prefer ‘vice’ of meanness, say to the virtue of

Bank of England Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bank of England - Essay Example This paper highlights that it the time of the financial crisis, banks tend to raise the interest rate to discourage investors from borrowing money that is due to depositors. Yield curves are used to predict the changes in economic output and its overall growth. The line plots the interest rates at a given point in time of bonds having similar credit quality but differing in their maturity period. As the paper outlines the shape arising from the yield curve is significant to the investors as it helps give an idea of what the future interest rates change and the change of the economic environment of the country. Yield curves are of three types; Under this type of curve bonds with a shorter-term maturity period will normally yield higher than bonds with longer-term maturity period, which will tend to have lesser returns, this can be a sign of the upcoming recession. When the yield curve is flat, it means that shorter- and longer-term yields are relatively close to each other in terms of their yield; this can be a prediction of an economic transition. The gradient of a yield curve is a significant factor to investors; the bigger the gradient of the yield curve, the bigger the difference between short- and long-term rates of return to investment.The UK government is prudent to note the liability of the economy. The liability nominal yield curves are retrieved from UK gilt prices a nd General Collateral (GC) rates and the UK index-linked bond prices. Gilt-edged securities are Foreseeable and guaranteed for a future pay by the Government to the holder of the gilt. The payment is made in a fixed cash payment (coupon) semi-annually until the maturity date. At maturity, the holder receives the final coupon payment and the principal. Index-linked gilt is intended to: