How freely do women and men communicate publicly in Muslim communities Essay Example for Free

How freely do women and men communicate publicly in Muslim communities Essay Islam is a religion that one actually perceives of being strict and harsh maybe because people are not well affiliated or aware of its teachings or because they misinterpret what the religion actually means. Islam on the other hand is one religion that is the most adaptable to all the situations that occur in any era. Its teachings can be universally accepted and adopted. It’s fair and totally unbiased when it comes to any gender. It’s a religion that is very easy to understand and follow and not strict and complex if understood properly. It does consist of principles that one find really hard to adapt to in today’s world but then those principles if adopted can prove to be of well being of a human himself. (Esposito, 2002). The Muslim culture provides women the most prominent place in the society. Women enjoy equal rights and privileges and are no way inferior to men. The rights and responsibilities are equal but not identical since men and women are both created differently. The Islamic culture does restrict women to stay reserved but that does not mean at all that it restricts women to communicate with men at all especially when it’s necessary. Public communication is not at all prohibited for a men and women in Islam, it just disregards men and a women meeting alone. It just believes in women to ensure their dignity and keep themselves protected and secured against disgraceful conditions and circumstances because in Islam a women is considered highly sacred and dignified and this doesn’t weaken a women or makes her inferior rather it gives her a special position in the society and makes her more strong and respectable and also safeguards her integrity and honor. Social priorities Socially a woman is not considered the bread earner for the family and therefore is not responsible for earning to meet the finances of the family. She is responsible to take care of the house and therefore is more preferred to stay in the house and look after the family rather than going out and exposing herself but if a woman herself wants to contribute in the earnings of the family then it is not at all disregarded by the Muslim culture as long as her honor and dignity stays protected. If we take the example of Hazrat Khadija, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) we can see that she was the most prominent trader in Arab that time, she worked with prophet and therefore there is no specific evidence that says that she has no communication or negotiation with men publicly. Similarly Hazrat Ayesha also is another example of a working lady who used to interact with men for conveying and transmitting the prophet’s message. (Esposito, 2008) . In many other strict Muslim states like Saudi Arabia, Iran etc, Muslim women are not all preferred and liked to work and to earn. Neither are they allowed to even communicate with men who they are not related to publicly and if found doing so are punished for their act. Segregation is done everywhere is weddings, public seminars etc. Even schools are segregated and girls and boys are not allowed to study together. This clearly states that Muslim men and women are not free to communicate publicly and therefore enjoys no interaction between the two genders. Situation in which communication occurs Communication only occurs in cases like if the men and the women knows each other or have a direct relation with each other. If we take a look on what the religion has to say then communication between a men and a women is not wrong publicly, as in communication and interaction is only prohibited when a men and a women are all alone together. Seclusion is prohibited but in the case of the presence of any third person, it is permissible as long as u communicate modestly and with a pure heart, still in many Muslim countries communication even publicly is not allowed at all. They think it’s indecent in immodest for a men and women to interact. Communication before marriages is even not considered that good but still in many Muslim states and cultures communication does take place between men and women before marriages in the presence of elders or other people of the family. Schools and universities are even segregated mostly in Muslim states, therefore there is no communication among girls and boys as school is the main source of communication among youth. What does Islam say about men and women interaction? The Quran (holy book of the Muslims) defines important and necessary elements of all the existing relationships between all the people. It includes respect, tolerance, kindness, self-restraint, honesty, patience, compassion and forgiveness. Such aspects apply between all the relationships let it be parents and children, neighbors, spouses, friends or work partners, regardless of any gender. Even Islam elaborates on what kind of relationship it finds acceptable between men and women, meaning that it does not totally opposes any interaction between them as long as it crosses the limits or boundaries set by the religion that includes physical contact or any immodest action, yet many scholars still does not allow any sort of communication between the two genders. Social Interactions In some Muslim communities, social contact or interaction among men and women, who are not directly related to one another is forbidden and therefore has resulted in segregated recreational places, schools, universities, government offices and businesses and therefore it totally restricts women from any position of power or control. The oppression or domination of women is mainly due to the restrictions on social communication and interactions making the leadership in government not provide basic human rights and liberty . If we talk in general terms, then most of the Muslims have usually adopted such segregation and separation haunted by the fear and thought that allowing social interaction and communication among men and women will result in illegal sexual behavior and physical contact. However as mentioned earlier there is fairly very less or no evidence to support that Islam discourages or totally prohibits social contact or interaction between men and women who are unrelated. These are just the man made values and rules or basically we can say the cultural values that have been followed since ages and have remain unchanged for protecting people against the wrong deeds or any such wrong or immodest behavior that may result in ruining the dignity or character of a person but still the option of complete avoidance in between the opposite gender is considered very unacceptable and impractical for many sensible people and is not a necessary or important element of Islamic social behavior. (Sardar, 2007) Sex segregation in different Muslim communities:- It varies throughout in different Muslim communities. In some communities it’s strict and harsh as compared to others where it is a bit practical and understandable. Let’s take a look in some of the communities and how this issue is dealt there. Afghanistan: Due to Taliban’s leadership in Afghanistan there is a very strict sex segregated system that does not allow women and men to contact in public at all and women even do not enjoy equal opportunities of education or employment. Iran: In Iran Ruhollah Khomeini only favors single- sex schools and strictly discourages women teaching in boy’s school and men teaching in girl’s school. Also public places like cafes, restaurants, schools, libraries, swimming pools, beaches, shopping malls and sport halls are also legally segregated. It was ordered and announced that all the business halls, marriage halls, political meetings and even conference halls should consist of separate sections. Men and women are even ordered to form separate queues. In cinemas and restaurants specially there is always a section labeled as â€Å"only for females†. Women are required to wear a hijab and cover themselves completely. Only the showing of eyes is allowed and a women if found not covered properly given 74 lashes in punishment. Men and women are not even allowed to travel in the same busses or other means of public transports. There are few busses that have separate section for women and men are not even allowed to stand beside them. Saudi Arabia In Saudi Arab sex segregation is even seen in hospitals and health care centers. A female patient is not permissible to be treated by a male doctor unless there is no other female doctor available similarly it is also not permissible for a female doctor to treat a male patient. A woman is not allowed to meet any other guy unveiled except for her spouse. A woman is also forbidden to eat in public as this would expose her face while she is eating as this considered immodest therefore all restaurants in Saudi Arabia has a special section for women to conceal them from men. Women are not even allowed to drive or even get out of their house without their husband or son. Indonesia: Indonesia is a country with the highest Muslim population. Sex segregation is not so harsh as compared to other Muslim communities. Hijab is considered an important part of the dress among women in Indonesia but if not worn does not punish them. Women are seen working in Indonesia a lot and men and women social contact is allowed to some extent in the country. Physical contact is however not permissible but people in Indonesia do practice handshaking and it’s not considered wrong there. Coughlin, 2006) Guidelines for appropriate behavior resulting in healthy men and women public contact:- In some Muslim cultures healthy relationships are not forbidden at all and this is what the religion does not even consider wrong. Therefore appropriate behavior that does not lead to temptation or physical attractiveness should be adopted. In order to maintain healthy relationships between the two sexes, following steps are taken in some practical cultures: Treating one another wi th respect in all conditions: This recommendation is even made by the religion itself. Respectful behavior is one factor that allows both the gender to maintain social contact or interact with each other in a modest and a pure manner. Behaving modestly: Maintaining healthy relationships also involve behaving modestly with one another. It means to avoid provocative behavior such as physical contact, flirtation or harassment. Avoiding seclusion: Seclusion is the situation when men and women are alone in an isolated place. This is not considered right in a Muslim culture as the chance of intimacy is apparent when two people who are attracted to each other are alone in some place. Therefore in order to avoid such temptation it is much better to avoid situations of seclusion so that healthy relationship can’t be maintained between both the sexes Dressing modestly: Dress is one factor that arouses interest and attention of the opposite sex therefore when meeting an opposite sex always dress properly and modestly so that it does not lead to any bad thought in other person’s mind and does not ruin the healthy relation that exists. Conclusion The freedom to which the men and women communicate publicly in Muslim communities varies from community to community. In some states as stated below no communication exists between the sexes where as in others it is a bit lenient. However if we see in general Islam, the religion that Muslims follows only restricts such interactions among the Muslim men and women that lead to any physical contact or immodest behavior or it opposes men and women meeting alone in an isolated place for no productive purpose.

Personality Tests in Recruitment

Personality Tests in Recruitment Personality Test Personality test are frequently used to access the potential of the candidate such as conscientiousness experience optimism, stress tolerance, emotional stabilty, extraversion and proactive. These few personality test are very important and are required needs when they want to be successfull in their performance, when they are having interpersonal interaction in team setting. Pros of personality test There are many diffrent advantages of personality test. The reason why the organization have this test is that they are able to reduce the business cost and also the outcome by identifying the candidate for hireing, promoting and training. This test are conducted by the administrate via paper and pencil or computerized method. The organization are able to carefully select candidate that are pontential in the interpersonal interaction with the team setting, which enable the company to progress in business. Moreover it is one way to cost effective and does not require skill administrator. Cons of personality test Normally personality test question based on behaviour, cognitions and needs, all received only a single score. The scoring system may eliminate the option for alternate interpretation to the answer given. When grouping all the different combination of behaviour and needs, sometime this can lead to misinterpreted. Another problem is self knowledge aspect of the objective exam can be faked. Since not all question and answer given can match the test maker exactly there are not able to elaborate their answer and it can be quite frustrating and inaccurate. In conclusion, one assessment alone can be used, but it is much better to have a complete assessment program, in order to balance out the advantage and disadvantage for each personality assessment type. Biographical data Biographical data is very essential in this era of time and date. Technologies have become an important part of the business, having the knowledge of biographical data such as leadership, knowledge of software, interpersonal skill, tean work skill, knowledge of the job, creativity and many more can help the person to succeed futhur. Biographical data uses question about education, work experience, personality assessments of skill and interest to predit how the candidate can be successful on the job. Pros of biographical data Biographical data is also administrated by paper and pencil or computerized method because it can easily enlarge the numbers, moreover it reduce business cost and does not need administation skill. It is also less likely uses to diffrentiate in results by gender and race. Neverless it produce valid infrences of the organization outcome for example turnover and performance. This is one way identifying individuals for hire, promote, or training who needed skills and abilities. Cons of biographical data. The disadvantage of biographical data is that the candidate will try to project more positive decision outcome to impress the organisation thus this will be more difficult to understand how they actually are , for example it will be difficult to diffrentiate between the positively manage impression to the fake response. This interview conducted does not necessarly provide enough information for development feed back. For example one is enable to change the past and last not least it is time consuming to develop. Work sample Test Work sample test is the the future behavior observed under similar situations. There are three tests which are required to perform on the job. Pros of work samples The advantages of work samples, it has high reliability and it has high content of validity because it is a sample of the actual work to perform that particular job. Besides that, work samples has low adverse of impact because these test is viewed favorable by examinees than aptitude or personality tests. The most interesting part in these work sample test is if the applicants wants to fake job proficiency to increase the test score and performance on job, it is difficult. These tests uses equipment which is the same or to the original equipment used for the job. Cons of work samples It is costly to administer often only can be administered to one applicant at a time. Although the task and duties can be completed in a short period of time, however the test have less ability to predict performance on the job, when it can take day or week to complete. It will be difficult to measure the aptitude of an applicant, because it is unable to see whether the applicant is able to handle more difficult task when they are encountered with. Integrity test Integrity test is used to identify candidates who like to involes in antisocial at work, dishonesty and engage inappropriate behaviour. It is important for the organization to assess the attitude and experience such as candidates honesty, turstworthiness, dependability, reliability and prosocial behaviour. This is usally conducted with direct question regarding previous experiences such as ethnic and integrity also regarding preferences and interest about inferences of future behaviour. Pros of integrity test Integrity test is to make the candidates to understand the important of the coperate value. This test are also done via paper and pencil or computerize method, which is easily to large number. The test produce valid inference of organization of outcome, such as inventory shrinkage, difficulties in dealing with supervision, performance and others. Beside that it is not required any administration skill and it is cost effective. Futhurmore it does not relate in result to by gender and race than other types of test. This test also reduce the business cost by identifying individuals who like to absent or engage in other counter productive behavior. Cons of integrity test The disadvantage of integrity test is the candidate will try to project more positive decision outcome to impress the organization. In some cases the candidates may have difficulty or disliking to questions which are unrelated or intrusive to the job. This can be slightly difficult for the organization to diffrentiate from fake to actual response. Cognitive abilities test Cognitive abilities test is used to see onces abilities by using diffrent question or problems such as the abilities of reading, logic, reasoning and comprehensive mental abilities which leads to success in many diffrence kind of jobs. Pros in cognitive abilities test. By using this method the outcome of success of performance has increace and it is use by many organization. This is use especially for more specialized jobs. There are many various way to adminster these test for example by paper and pencil or computerized method. Most of the company use this method because it is cost effective and does not require skill administration. By using cognitive abilities test the company are able to reduce business cost as there are not easily influents by the test taker to impress the manager on fake responce. When ever a company wishes to promote, hire or train a person there are able to make a decision according to their skill and abilities. Cons in cognitive abilities test. Cons for cognitive test are that there will always be different answer or result by various person or race. As such it is always time consuming in picking out the right candidates for the job. The organization will have to carefully verify all the result and choose according to specific job, that they wish to assign the person before making the final and right decision.

Of Mice And Men :: essays research papers

Of Mice And Men In the masterful story Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck there is a looming theme of loneliness. This theme is told to you through the words and actions of the characters in the story . This story is told through two characters Lennie and George. The setting is 1930’s America. The story involves traveling ranch workers that live only for the one purpose to get paid and waste their money on a few drinks and some pleasure. These men are consumed with loneliness. The care for nothing but themselves. They are very unlike George and Lennie who have each other and a dream. Lennie is a big man with the brain of a child. Lennie never meant to hurt anybody but managed to get himself and his only true friend George into trouble. George is a small smart man who has known Lennie all his life and knows to well that Lennie could not survive on his own lets him travel with him as a favor too Lennie’s aunt Loneliness is defined as Without companions; lone. I will use this definition to describe different aspects of Steinbeck’s treatment of loneliness in this novel. Steinbeck’s use of loneliness is in this novel is very noticeable in some of the dialogue like when Lennie accidentally stumbles into Crook’s home in the stable and they talk. "You got George. You know he’s goin’ to come back. S’pose you didn’t have nobody. S’pose you couldn’t go to the bunk-house and play rummy ‘cause you was black. How’d you like that? S’pose you had to sit out here an’ read books. Sure you could play horse shoes til it got dark, but then you got to read books. Books ain’t no good. A guy needs somebody-to be near him. ‘He whined : ‘A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don’t make no difference who the guy is, long he& amp;#8217;s with you. I tell ya,’ he cried , I tell you a guy gets lonely an’ he gets sick." This shows Crook’s view of the world and how he feels about what his life is about. He feels as though nobody cares for him which is probably true from the quote above. George and Lennie feel they are not alone they have a dream. This dream is what pushes them on. They are often talking of the land they dream of.

Shakespeares Macbeth - Macbeths Dark Quality :: Macbeth essays

Macbeth's Dark Quality      Ã‚   It is obvious to the reader of Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth that there are varying types and degrees of darkness in the drama. We shall look at this in detail within this paper.    L.C. Knights in the essay "Macbeth" describes the moral darkness into which Macbeth lowers himself:    The main theme of the reversal of values is given out simply and clearly in the first scene - "Fair is foul, and foul is fair"; and with it are associated premonitions of the conflict, disorder and moral darkness into which Macbeth will plunge himself.   (95)    Charles Lamb in On the Tragedies of Shakespeare comments on the "images of night" and their impact on the audience:    The state of sublime emotion into which we are elevated by those images of night and horror which Macbeth is made to utter, that solemn prelude with which he entertains the time till the bell shall strike which is to call him to murder Duncan, - when we no longer read it in a book, when we have given up that vantage-ground of abstraction which reading possesses over seing, and come to see a man in his bodily shape before our eyes actually preparing to commit a muder, if the acting be true and impressive as I have witnessed it in Mr. K's performance of that part, the painful anxiety about the act, the natural longing to prevent it while it yet seems unperpetrated, the too close pressing semblance of reality,give a pain and an uneasiness [. . .]. (134)    Roger Warren states in Shakespeare Survey 30 , regarding Trervor Nunn's direction of Macbeth at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1974-75, how the witches represented the darkness of   black magic:    Much of the approach and detail was carried over, particularly the clash between religious purity and black magic. Purity was embodied by Duncan, very infirm (in 1974 he was blind), dressed in white and accompanied by church organ music, set against the black magic of the witches, who even chanted 'Double, double to the Dies Irae. (283)    In "Macbeth as the Imitation of an Action" Francis Fergusson states the place of darkness in the action of the play:    It is the phrase "to outrun the pauser, reason [2.3]," which seems to me to describe the action, or motive, of the play as a whole. Macbeth, of course, literally means that his love for Duncan was so strong and so swift that it got ahead of his reason, which would have counseled a pause.

My Year in France Essay -- How Education Has Changed My Life

The bus is swerving around corners at uncomfortable speeds, but no one seems to notice. My bags are falling all over the place, while everyone else's are clutched calmly at their sides. I'm wearing a collered shirt with khakis, and everyone else is wearing black I'm feeling a little out of place. Â   As the shuttle zooms between the various terminals at Paris's Charles de Gualle Airport, I glance nervously at my watch. I have a reservation on the train to Marseille that leaves in 20 minutes. In French, I call up to the driver from the middle of the bus, 'is this stop the train station ?' No one responds. I call again, 'is this stop the train station?' A girl my age timidly shakes her head 'no.' I approach the bus driver three stops later and ask him which stop is the train station, and he responds, 'it was the last stop, Monsieur.' I asked him why he didn't indicate that fact to me, as he had heard me call out earlier, and he curtly replied, 'you didn't ask me, Monsieur.' Â   I missed that train, and had to go into Paris to take the next train, which got me into Marseille several hours later than planned, and into Aix-en-Provence with just enough time for the receptionist at my hotel to inform me that my room had been sold because they thought I wasn't coming. My year in France was off to a frustrating start. Â   Flash to mid-November, ten weeks later. After rolling out of bed in my loft, which is decorated with seventeenth century frescos, I climbed downstairs to fix my French toast in my well-equiped kitchen, complete with a view of a courtyard. I'm worried about finding time to go shopping for tonight's dinner party, what kind of wine I should pick up, and whether I should go to Florence or ... ...ure don't look American anymore. Gone are the bluejeans and concert T-shirts. Gone are the IU sweatshirts. In are turtleneck pulls, dark slacks, and smart shoes. Â   I have grown accustomed to the breakneck speed French drivers maintain, and have learned to travel light. I now know to ask the bus driver first thing to signal my stop, and they are always happy to do so. Â   It's amazing how quickly something so different can become so familiar. For me, that is what I love about traveling-learning to understand the differences in order to discover all the similarities. Looking into that girl's eyes and seeing her complete and utter despair, I realized that my mere ten weeks had already given me the knowledge and attitude necessary to feel comfortable in this foreign place. The learning curve in the months that have followed has been exponential.

Accounting Information Sytems

Wikipedia: An accounting information system (AIS) is a system of collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data that is used by decision makers. An accounting information system is generally a computer-based method for tracking accounting activity in conjunction with information technology resources. The resulting statistical reports can be used internally by management or externally by other interested parties including investors, creditors and tax authorities. The actual physical devices and systems that allows the AIS to operate and perform its functions 1. Internal controls and security measures: what is implemented to safeguard the data 2. Model Base ManagementThe collection, storage and processing of financial and accounting data that is used by decision makers. An accounting information system is generally a computer-based method for tracking accounting activity in conjunction with information technology resources. The resulting statistical reports can be used internally by management or externally by other interested parties including investors, creditors and tax authorities. An accounting information systems that combines traditional accounting practices such as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with modern information technology resources. Six elements compose the typical accounting information system: People – the system users.Procedure and Instructions – methods for retrieving and processing data. Data – information pertinent to the organization's business practices. Software – computer programs used to process data.Information Technology Infrastructure – hardware used to operate the system. Internal Controls – security measures to protect sensitive data.MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTINGManagement accounting or managerial accounting is concerned with the provisions and use of accounting information to managers within organizations, to provide them with the basis to make informed bu siness decisions that will allow them to be better equipped in their management and  control functions.In contrast to financial accountancy information, management accounting information is: primarily forward-looking, instead of historically  model based with a degree of abstraction to support decision making generically, instead of case based; designed and intended for use by managers within the organization, instead of being intended for use by shareholders, creditors, and public regulators; usually confidential and used by management, instead of publicly reported; computed by reference to the needs of managers, often using management information systems, instead of by reference to general.The process of preparing management reports andaccounts that provide accurate and timely financial and statistical information required by managers to make day-to-day and short-term decisions. Unlike financial accounting, which produces annual reports mainly for external stakeholders, manage ment accounting generates monthly or weekly reports for an organization's internal audiences such as department managers and the chief executive officer. These reports typically show the amount of available cash, sales revenue generated, amount of orders in hand, state of accounts payable and accounts receivable, outstanding debts, raw material and inventory, and may also include trend charts, variance analysis, and other statistics. Also called managerial accounting.BUSINESS POLICYThis course examines the components and processes of the strategic management model, using examples from Canada and the United States. Students learn to do case analysis throughout the course. Topics covered include strategic management, social responsibility, environmental and internal analysis and diagnosis, strategy selection, and implementation and evaluation After completing this course, students should be able to:Perform a rigorous analysis of a company's strategic direction. Identify and explain a company's mission and vision statement and relate and critique  these statements to the company's strategic direction. Prepare a SWOT (strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats) analysis and explain and evaluate the relationship between the SWOT and a company's strategic direction. Identify and explain all micro and macro forces that shape a company's strategic plan and determine performance. Analyze and evaluate all the steps for the proper alignment of financial and non-financial resources within a company's strategic plan.Analyze a company's strategic plan in the context of the industry life cycle and environment in which it operates. Analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions on the effectiveness and performance of control and integration mechanisms. Establish metrics to assess and measure strategic performance. Analyze and evaluate the company's communication and feedback loop relative to company strategy and performance.Analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions on the finan cial performance relative to the company's strategic plan. Analyze, evaluate, and identify risks and risk mitigation strategies appropriate to the company's strategic direction. Analyze, evaluate, and develop strategies for a single or multi-business organization. Assess, analyze, and recommend changes to company strategy based on a full analysis of a company's strategic plan. Develop and prepare a strategic review document presented in a consistent form and properly documented.PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENTProduction and Operations Management (â€Å"POM†) is about the transformation of production and operational inputs into â€Å"outputs† that, when distributed, meet the needs of customers.The process in the above diagram is often referred to as the â€Å"Conversion Process†. There are several different methods of handling the conversion or production process – Job, Batch, Flow and Group. POM incorporates many tasks that are interdependent, but whi ch can be grouped under five main headings:PRODUCTMarketers in a business must ensure that a business sells products that meet customer needs and wants. The role of Production and Operations is to ensure that the business actually makes the required products in accordance with the plan. The role of PRODUCT in POM therefore concerns areas such as:– Performance – Aesthetics – Quality – Reliability – Quantity – Production costs – Delivery datesPLANTTo make PRODUCT, PLANT of some kind is needed. This will comprise the bulk of the fixed assets of the business. In determining which PLANT to use, management must consider areas such as: – Future demand (volume, timing)– Design and layout of factory, equipment, offices – Productivity and reliability of equipment – Need for (and costs of) maintenance – Heath and safety (particularly the operation of equipment) – Environmental issues (e.g. creation of wa ste products)PROCESSESThere are many different ways of producing a product. Management must choose the best process, or series of processes.They will consider: – Available capacity – Available skills – Type of production – Layout of plant and equipment – Safety – Production costs – Maintenance requirementsPROGRAMMESThe production PROGRAMME concerns the dates and times of the products that are to be produced and supplied to customers. The decisions made about programme will be influenced by factors such as: – Purchasing patterns (e.g. lead time)– Cash flow – Need for / availability of storage – TransportationPEOPLEProduction depends on PEOPLE, whose skills, experience and motivation vary. Key people-related decisions will consider the following areas: – Wages and salaries – Safety and training – Work conditions – Leadership and motivation – Unionisation – Communicati onGOOD GOVERNANCEGood governance is about the processes for making and implementing decisions. It’s not about making ‘correct’ decisions, but about the best possible process for making those decisions.Good decision-making processes, and therefore good governance, share several characteristics. All have a positive effect on various aspects of local government including consultation policies and practices, meeting procedures, service quality protocols, councillor and officer conduct, role clarification and good working relationships.

Chivalric Code in Beowulf

The Importance of the Retainer and King in the Heroic Code Members of the Anglo-Saxon warrior society subscribed to an ethos that celebrated the heroic code. In the passage from Beowulf, the poet’s interest in the duties of a loyal retainer and the duties of a great king are evident in the specific language he uses to describe Beowulf’s encounter with the dragon. In one specific passage of this poem, Beowulf is portrayed as an ideal retainer by the loyalty, courage and fealty to the king he possesses.At the beginning of this passage, Beowulf reflects on King Hygelac and the many sacrifices and deeds he provided to Beowulf during his youth. A sorrowful mood is brought upon this specific text, as Beowulf reminisces on the death of Hygelac, â€Å"I marched ahead of him, always there/ at the front of the line; and I shall fight like that/ for as long as I live†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Beowulf 2497-2499). Beowulf acknowledges how privileged he is to have a life of luxury and obtain s uch wisdom inherited by Hygelac.If it was not for Hygelac, Beowulf would not have survived such a long, prosperous life, mentoring Hygelac’s son and soon holding the throne himself. As Beowulf prepares to fight the dragon, he easily allows the warriors to stand their place and not go any further. Demonstrating his courage, Beowulf states: This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth.I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away. (2532-2535) He believes that terminating the dragon is the duty only he can accomplish as well as longing for a feeling of satisfaction as he seeks the glory of winning the battle and knowing he has demolished the risk of danger his people will have to face. Based on the duration of this poem, Beowulf is accustomed to the warrior duties and later on the lifestyle of a king. These two titles have very distinct roles in A nglo-Saxon society.Beowulf, as a young warrior need not much to worry about status and having the knowledge that his people are safe and satisfied. He then gains wisdom as he witnesses Hygelac’s form of generosity towards him and his people, â€Å"The treasures that Hygelac lavished on me†¦He gave me land/ and the security land brings, so he had no call/ to go looking for some lesser champion,† (2490-2494). Beowulf demonstrates Hygelac as a loyal lord, true to his people; in return Beowulf brings himself forward as a tribute to fight the dragon.As Beowulf earns the chance to hold the throne as king later on in the poem, it is evident that the responsibilities he held were much to his advantage when the time of battle arose against the dragon. His full awareness, â€Å"‘†¦as king of the people I shall pursue this fight/ for the glory of winning, if the evil one will only/ abandon his earth-fort and face me in the open. ’† (2513-2515) Beowul f, as king and warrior only interprets as a right-doing to go into battle with the dragon, knowing his life is at risk.Towards the conclusion of this passage, Beowulf falls and has no choice but, â€Å"to give ground like that and go/ unwillingly to inhabit another home/ in a place beyond;† (2588-2590). Beowulf is true to his fellow citizens and attempts to provide to their needs even if it means losing the battle and sacrificing his life, which was the case in this poem. From this passage, it is evidently shown that Beowulf can not only hold a title of a loyal retainer with his endless amount of courage but also a grand lord, with unlimited sacrifice to his citizens. Word Count: 578