Management Concepts Temasek Holdings Essay Example for Free

Management Concepts Temasek Holdings Essay 1.0 Introduction Temasek Holdings is a large investment company based in Singapore. It is an active participator in the investment game, holding shares and investments in a broad range of industries all over the world. As with many companies all over the world, Temasek Holdings was affected strongly by the Global Financial Crisis, losing more than 30 per cent of the value of their portfolio (Schmermerhorn, J. Davidson, P. Poole, D. Simon, A. Woods, P Chau, S.L. 2011). Temasek’s CEO Ho Ching has been criticised for the investment losses that occurred during the economic crisis, and must now lead the company through the increased turbulence that has been presented to them. In doing so, a potential issue that Temasek Holdings is currently facing is one of leadership. If correct management processes regarding leadership are not applied, the company could face even worse consequences. To ensure that leadership does not become an issue, Ho Ching must apply effective leadership techniques to Temasek Holdings. This report will investigate various leadership options, determining an adequate approach to leadership that will assist this company in being successful in the future. Two leadership models will be assessed in-depth. It is expected that both will assist the company in continuing in the long-term, however one option will be more suitable and beneficial to Temasek Holdings. 2.0 Literature Themes or Arguments As Temasek’s CEO has recently come under fire for her stability in leadership, it is apparent that a change must be made in the way the company is managed if they are to successfully remain with the same CEO. Leadership is fundamental in regular circumstances, but it is even more essential to the business through periods of instability, making it vitally important to the livelihood of the company to apply appropriate management procedures. It is impossible for a set of specific characteristics to define whether or not someone is a good leader, however some certain personal traits have been identified as being common among successful leaders: drive, self-confidence, creativity, cognitive ability, business knowledge, motivation, flexibility, honesty and integrity. (Schmermerhorn, J. Et al. 2011). Vision and power are also vital to good leadership; however all of these things are not achieved in the same way. Many different behavioural theories have been produced in an attempt to define good leadership styles. A widely used model of management is Fred Fiedler’s contingency model. Fiedler’s theory looks at matching various types of people to various situations, somewhat of an either/or concept. It is based on the fact that someone’s style of leadership is personality-based, thus making it difficult to change. Rather, the Fiedler model suggests putting people of specific leadership styles with situations that match that style, rather than trying to change their personal leadership style, to achieve success (Wang, Victor C X; Berger, Jim 2010, pg. 6). Fiedler classifies people into two leadership styles: relations-orientated and task-orientated. Relations-orientated people are defined as â€Å"a person who is motivated to seek prominence in interpersonal relations, who is concerned with good relations with others, who is considerate in his interaction with group members, and who tends to reduce anxiety and increase the personal adjustment of his co-workers,† (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 34) whereas a task-orientated person is characterised to be someone who â€Å"rejects those with whom he cannot work, and obtains need gratification and self-esteem from performance of the task. He is, therefore, concerned with performing the task and he is willing to relegate interpersonal relations to a secondary position† (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 35) Exhibit I (Hill, Walter. 1969, pg. 36) above shows how relations-oriented and task-oriented people are determined, through leader-member relationships, leader position power and task structure. It does this by determining how well a person interacts with people (relations) and how dedicated they are to tasks. According to Hill (1969), this model is effective and further tests done corroborate with Fiedler’s findings, making it an accurate model. Hill noted that there are so many variables that sometimes it is difficult to calculate the exact leadership style that is appropriate for someone; however it is useful as it helps to assign leaders to specific tasks and delegate how efficient leadership should be achieved. In regards to Temasek, it should be established what â€Å"type† of leader Ching is, and the company would need to work with that before any leadership goals should be established. Another common model is the Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory (SLT). It is widely used in the business sector and was developed by Paul Hersey and Kenneth H. Blanchard. This model is based upon leaders adjusting their styles based on the maturity of their followers, which is indicated by the â€Å"readiness† (how able and willing or confident) of followers (Schmermerhorn, J. Et al. 2011). When maturity (psychologically and performance-wise) is reached, it means a reduction in support and guidance can occur, instilling a positive indication of trust and confidence. A manager must look at employees and evaluate how best to perform a certain task in a certain situation, and when the situation changes, the leadership style previously used may not be as successful in the new situation (Hambleton, Ronald K; Gumpert, Ray. 1982, pg 227). Again, leadership styles are defined as relationship-orientated and task-orientated, however in this model leadership styles are classified into four groups: delegating, participating, selling and telling. This model is beneficial to companies as it has various different types of stages based on top of the classification of relations-orientated and task-orientated leadership (Figure 1). It breaks down the two types further, into the four types above, thus making it easier to classify. Again, however, variables come into play, and it can be seen from various research that the SLT model does have its limitations. Goodson (1989) states that when further studies have been conducted on this model, the main classifier of groups (â€Å"maturity† or competence) makes almost no difference to the leadership style of a person (Goodson, Jane R; McGee, Gail W; Cashman, James F. 1989, pg. 446). Also, Goodson established that in these tests no actual measure of maturity and/or readiness was really possible when conducting research on the SLT model, making it difficult to say for certain whether the model can be effective. Furthermore, Blank (1990) makes further reference to the fact that there is little to no research supporting this model in his studies, saying that both basing the research on the main factor (maturity) as well as more complex methods, little support was found to corroborate with the main theorems of the model (Blank, Warren; Weitzel, John R; Green, Stephen G. 1990, pg. 579). false 3.0 Recommendations In the case of Temasek Holdings, it can be said that adopting a new leadership approach will be entirely beneficial for the company. No information is given as to what current leadership styles are used, but the amount of criticism being received currently illustrates that a change is needed. Of the two leadership theories discussed, it can be said that both have negative and positive points, as with any business directive. Fiedler’s model uses three determining factors: leader-member relationships, leader position power and task structure, to determine how a leadership style will work effectively. This is essentially beneficial to a business as it allows more than one factor to determine a leadership style, giving a more accurate description of what leadership style will fit a situation. This model was also corroborated with research conducted by Hill (1969) who conducted a study that demonstrated that Fiedler’s was almost always effective in the workplace. However, there were limitations in regards to variables. As every person is so different personality-wise there is a large number of variables, not all of which can be categorised. Because of this, some variables may be missed or excluded, but overall the final result does not change, making the model very effective. The second theory, Hersey-Blanchard’s SLT, uses maturity as the basis of calculating how a leadership style will be effective. This could be effective to some extent, however both Goodson (1989) and Blank (1990) argue that just one determining factor is not enough to warrant an effective model. The model is beneficial as it breaks down leadership styles into four obvious categories; the problem is determining which personality fits into these categories. No clear measure of maturity is possible, making it difficult to categorise leadership styles. Goodson (1989) also states that maturity and competence has no real effect on leadership styles. Looking at these results, it can be recommended that for Temasek Holdings to continue operating at a high level, the Fiedler model of contingency should be used as a model for assigning leadership tasks. Giving every leader in a business tasks based on their personality is advantageous as it means instead of the person working with something they are not specifically styled for, they are able to be fit with tasks that suit them. Overall, this will make a significant change both in employee satisfaction (workers are doing jobs that suit their personality style, thus making them more content) as well as production, as the leadership style they are assigned will work well for them. Models by Hill (1969) are further evidence that this model does indeed work, and that it can bring positive effects to Temasek in the future. If Temasek Holdings chooses to operate within this leadership model, criticism for the way the business is run will be lessened. Both in the short and long term this form of leadership will be beneficial to the company, affecting both large positions (for example, the CEO Ho Ching) as well as smaller managers within the company. The research shows that this is the best model for Temasek to use to bring it the most success in the future.

Galileo And The Telescope :: essays research papers

Galileo was not the person who invented the telescope, but he was the first one to use the telescope to study the heavens. He made many observations using the telescope that shocked the religious world. In this short essay, I will only focus on three observations and how an Aristotlean reacts to it. These observations played a very important role on the development of astronomy. The first object he observed was the moon. Through his observations he concluded that the moon’s surface was very irregular and imperfect. He saw that the moon’s surface had mountains and valleys. It also consists of many other irregular shapes. This was a very big contradiction to Aristotle’s theory. To Aristotleans the world was the center of the universe and that it was perfect. This showed us the holes in the celestial realm. It is not perfect like people believed it to be. If the moon had all of these imperfections, then any other member of the universe could also be this way. It also showed the Earth to be just a planet. Not the unique figure thought to be. It is not unique. In fact, it was regular because the moon also had the same properties. The second observation was the four moons of Jupiter. Galileo observed points of light that changed their positions with time around the Planet. These points he concluded were the four moons that orbit Jupiter. It showed that there were things in the heavens that Aristotle knew nothing about. The was not unique anymore because it wasn’t the only planet to have objects orbit it. And last but not least, Galileo saw that the Earth shines on the moon. It showed the Earth to be a little less celestial. The Earth can shine on another object like any regular object. It is not as special as initially thought to be. Aristotleans around the world did not want to accept these observations.

Letters to a Young Poet Essay

Rilke’s â€Å"Letters to a Young Poet,† ostensibly a series of reflections about and advice regarding the inner-life of an accomplished poet, reveal as much about philosophical and moral attitudes as those attitudes or concepts which are commonly associated with literary theory and literary technique. In fact very little, if any, evidence of traditional literary criticism exists within the series of letters; Rilke, in fact, comments in the first letter that: â€Å"†Nothing touches a work of art so little as words of criticism : they always result in more or less fortunate misunderstandings† (Rilke, 1). With that quite clear admonition as a sort of preface to his ensuing reflections and advice, Rilke establishes a far more urgent and profound set of considerations regarding creative expression, considerations which arise out of the human capacity for self-exploration and spiritual odyssey. To begin with, Rilke advises young artists to eschew traditional â€Å"markers† of success, such as publication and critical acclaim. Such things are aspects of what he terms the â€Å"outer† world and have little to do with the composition of poetry. Instead of looking outward for signs of success, the aspiring poet should look within: â€Å"†You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you – no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself† (Rilke,1). While it is relatively easy to comprehend Rilke’s meaning here that an aspiring poet should not allow themselves to be judged by outside sources for fear of losing their individuality, the method by which one attempts to â€Å"go into yourself† (Rilke,1) are both complex and dependent upon th aspiring poet’s level of devotion and patience. It is not certain that a turning inward, alone, will produce the emotional and intellectual response that feeds into the creation of great art, but without such a turning inward, great art can not be accomplished at all. When Rilke comments that â€Å"if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not† (Rilke, 2) he is beginning to introduce the most crucial point in his set of principles and advice for young artists. This first, and most important, concept is that: artists are self-reliant. This means that not only do artists plumb their own depths of emotional response for themes and techniques with which to advance self-expression, but the process of turning inward makes of any potential artist, a sort of â€Å"exile† within their own respective societies, a loner who must accept, first, subjective experience and response, and only later consider the repercussions of their journey. The searching into the deep and personal subjective reality of the artist is not only a search for self-identity, bit a search for an escape from irony. And here, Rilke makes an amazing and very profound point regarding the â€Å"pose† that many people adopt to their lives. It would be easy to recognize this pose, say, in a corrupt politician who espouses love for his fellow-citizen but steals for personal wealth and empowerment from the taxes which are meant to improve his society. Equally easy would be to recognize the irony and hypocrisy of literary critics who pontificate about works without ever bothering to understand them. However, Rilke takes the idea of irony and hypocrisy to an additional level and views it as one of the primary obstacles, as well as primary instruments, of creative expression. To dwell in irony may make for quick expression and readily comprehensible art, but it is also a path to the trivial. Rilke writes â€Å"Search into the depths of Things: there, irony never descends† (Rilke, 3) and so, lack or irony, and hence — honesty — is also a hallmark of the odyssey of the artist. Once the prospective artists has made the decision that they could simply not live without being an artist, that they must plumb the depths and take on the journey within, the ensuing time of solitude and reflection will allow the artist to slowly replace conventional modes of logic and thinking with modes of logic and thinking that are far more conducive to artistic expression. It is important to remember that Rilke states plainly that anyone who imagines that they can live without being a poet should not bother to write at all. This is a key point in his overall vision because Rilke regards poetry and artistic expression not as crafts or vocations, but as a â€Å"calling† not unlike that which is commonly associated with religious traditions. The poet or artist has no choice but to be a poet or an artist; there is no-one to teach them craft or skills, there is simply the immersion into one’s â€Å"soul† and the re-emergence as an artist with a unique voice and vision. The thought process of the artist is â€Å"To let each impression and each embryo of a feeling come to completion, entirely in itself, in the dark, in the unsayable, the unconscious, beyond the reach of one’s own understanding, and with deep humility and patience to wait for the hour when a new clarity is born† (Rilke, 5). In this statement Rilke places great emphasis on the erosion of the ego in the artist, signifying that it is not the artist’s conscious ego which creates art, nor learned technique, but submission to unconscious processes, and openness to sensation and understanding: â€Å"this alone is what it means to live as an artist: in understanding as in creating† (Rilke, 5). Along with the substitution of a new â€Å"logic† for the old, Rilke mentions that perception of linear events, such as time itself, are not the business of the true artist: â€Å"Being an artist means: not numbering and counting, but ripening like a tree, which doesn’t force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come† (Rilke, 5). Along with self-reliance and patience, internal emotional, spiritual, and psychic growth are aspects of an artist’s journey. Simply by removing oneself from the â€Å"mainstream† (and often ironic) flow of common society and common thinking, the artist becomes something apart from human society and something which is more in touch with Nature nd the processes of natural growth. Such a diversion from the ordinary means that the poet or artist will carry with them the additional burden of being misunderstood, possibly envied, and likely written off as a â€Å"crank† because the diversion of vision, mission, and personal bearing is radical enough to cause visible manifestation. For this issue, Rilke advises â€Å"be happy about your growth, in which of course you can’t take anyone with you, and be gentle with those who stay behind; be confident and calm in front of them and don’t torment them with your doubts and don’t frighten them with your faith or joy, which they wouldn’t be able to comprehend† (Rilke, 9). The prospect of internal joy and a magnificent experience of one’s self and of nature are the artist’s true rewards, not notoriety and publication, just as self-reliance, patience, and honesty — rather than technique, theme, and medium — are the important aspects of composition. In the long run, the journey inward which is made by the prospective artist will reveal itself to be a journey toward a deeper and more complete communion with God. Of course, Rilke avoids any dogmatic interpretations of precisely what God is or is not, but he advises young poets to understand that art is a spiritual, rather than a material or commercial, process. He mentions that it is very helpful for an artist to view God as â€Å"the one who is coming, who has been approaching from all eternity, the one who will someday arrive, the ultimate fruit of a tree whose leaves we are† (Rilke, 10). This latter observation sums up, quite readily, the ultimate â€Å"thrust† of Rilke’s advice: that any prospective artist should view the process of becoming an artist as something more akin to religious than material experience. Art is not only a way of life, it is life and for a true artist, there is no other path. Rilke’s letters are important not only for their veracity and honesty, but for Rilke’s insistence that the artist be regarded, rightfully, as a visionary rather than a craftsman, especially in an age which values above all else, reduction of human experience to merely material principles. Work Cited Rilke, Rainer Maria. Letters to a Young Poet, W. W. Norton & Company, 1993.

Language and Cognition - 1143 Words

Language and Cognition Axia College of the University of Phoenix PSY360 September 12, 2011 Language and Cognition Language is considered unique among humans. Language, as defined below, occurs only among the human species and does not exist elsewhere in the animal kingdom. Therefore, the study of how humans learn, process, and create meaning from linguistic utterances and the written word is a central feature of cognitive psychology. The many questions that arise from this line of research include whether language is a separate faculty apart from cognition or if language is a product of our general cognitive abilities (Harris, n. d.). To examine language in the context of cognition, it is necessary to arrive at a working†¦show more content†¦Words are also interpreted in terms of context. In addition, â€Å"people recognize words through a matching process in which a spoken word is compared with a mental dictionary called a lexicon that contains representations of all the words they know (Willingham, 2007 p. 453). This important to cognitive system because once a phoneme string is found to match an entry in the lexicon, other properties including spelling and meanings can then be accessed. Lexical decisions are subject to priming. The lexicon can be primed by a word so that related words will more quickly come to mind. Disambiguation of sentences first requires that the words be placed in a logical order. Changing the order of the words can radically alter the meaning of a sentence. Psychologists refer to the psychological mechanism that recognizes phrase structure as the parser. It is the function of the sentence parser to process phrase structure. The parser may be guided by â€Å"syntactic factors (key words, minimal attachment, recency), frequency, and semantics (i.e., meaning) (Willingham 2007 p. 460). According to Willingham (2007), the two key aspects that help people to understand text are making inferences from the text and seeking coherence within the text. Making inferences is a process of filling in information not specifical ly stated within the text. The inferences are generally made based on the reader’s prior experiences. The search for coherence is the process comparingShow MoreRelatedLinks Between Cognition And Language1402 Words   |  6 PagesThere are a number of links between cognition and language that form important links. These links are illustrated well, specifically in terms of spatial organization, fire, hunting and cooperative provisioning, within the context of the Gesher Benot Ya’aqov. Gesher Benot Ya’aqov (GBY) is an archaeological site Dated to approximately 780 kya. 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