Raising The Minimum Wage - 1864 Words

America is a place where the people strive to create equal opportunities in every avenue of life. Every American should have unrestricted access to the options presented before them, allowing them to pursue their life goals and die happy deaths. However, this principle only stands for access to options, it has nothing to do with the advantages and disadvantages of said choices. The American dream is the idea that if you work hard enough, persevere, and really believe in yourself, good things will come. Drastically raising the minimum wage goes against all of those principles, rewarding lethargic actions and poor life choices. Raising the minimum wage to $15 will do more harm than good for middle class americans by decreasing the value of the money in their pockets, driving out big companies, and generally increasing unemployment. Increasing the minimum wage causes middle class Americans have less money in their pockets to spend. Representatives of both businesses and charities have a lmost unanimously stated that they will be forced to reduce their hours and staff size to conform to the wage increase (Englander). The risk of getting laid off or getting your hours cut because of a wage increase is ludicrous, considering said increase is meant to benefit those same people. San Francisco has recently increased their minimum wage to $15 an hour, and is starting to struggle to support it. The number of households in the area earning less than $25,000 a year is steadily growing,Show MoreRelatedRaising The Minimum Wage? Essay1217 Words   |  5 PagesThe minimum wage is one of the most discussed issues around the country. Everyone has a different opinion if raising the minimum wage would help families across the country to have a better lifestyle or if would cause an unbalance in the economy. Democrats and Republicans have a different view on this issue, while Democrats supports raising the minimum wage by $15 an hour, Republicans have stated that they refuse increasi ng the wage because it would leave different factions of Americans outside ofRead MoreRaising Minimum Wage912 Words   |  4 PagesMinimum wage has long been a topic that has brought on many heated debates. It has been said over and over again that minimum wage should be raised. These people say that raising minimum wage only does good for people. However, I, along with many other people, believe this is wrong, and we should instead be making moves to keep minimum wage where it is. Raising minimum wage may provide some positive effects, but those positives only go on to be overwhelmed by the negative effects caused by it. WagesRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage?1575 Words   |  7 PagesThe issue of raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour is a heavily debated topic. Both sources against or in favor of the minimum wage refer to a â€Å"growing gap† between low-income workers and high-income earners. Sources against the minimum wage believe raising it will increase this gap, whereas those in favor of the minimum wage believe it will decrease this gap. The arguments in favor of the minimum wage rely mostly on ethical beliefs, such as â€Å"pay should reflect hard work,† to advanceRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage888 Words   |  4 Pages Raising the Minimum Wage The employment effect of the minimum wage is one of the most studied topics in all economics. Today, the debate over raising the minimum wage has been a hot topic after President Obama explained in his 2014 State of the Union address that he intends to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour, an increase of over 40 percent. While the President and his supporters claim that this increase would greatly benefit the economy and result in growing the businessesRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage?1122 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Raise the wage!† reads many protestors’ signs across America. Many people believe this to be the answer to the financial inequality that plagues our country. The federal minimum wage was established to keep workers from settling on a poor living standard (Leonard A.11). Since this was passed, multiple debates and issues have risen. One begins to ask the question, is this truly the best way to resolve the unequal distribution of wealth? Aft er research, it has been found that there are many drawbacksRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage1979 Words   |  8 PagesResearch Raising the minimum wage can result in job losses due to lower profits for businesses. It can also potentially decrease employee hours by changing them from full time to part time. Additionally, it may reduce the full time benefits that they receive. If this were to happen, then the employees affected will actually be earning less than they did before the increase. For example, from the Article Maximum Divide on Minimum Wage (Mejeur, 2014), they state, â€Å"Labor costs are the largest shareRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage?870 Words   |  4 PagesThe topic of raising the minimum wage has many different viewpoints. It is thought to be affected negatively and positively. Some believe it increases unemployment and poverty. Others believe it creates jobs, helps the economy and low-income families by giving them more money to give back to the economy. Doug Hall, director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network and David Cooper, Economic Analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, expressed how the increase in minimum wage affects certainRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage1037 Words   |  5 PagesRaising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 is not a good idea. The unintended consequences that would come about as a result is reason enough to shy away from such a proposal. Those who support an increase contend that it will alleviate poverty. Suppose these advocates are right and a spike in the minimum wage does reduce poverty for some fortunate workers. This positive development will be offset because an increase in the minimum wage will further price out inexperienced workers from the jobRead MoreRaising The Minimum Wage?2447 Words   |  10 PagesThe minimum wage is defined as the lowest compensation, by law, which an employer may pay his or her employees. In the United States, this monetary value is set by a collection of la ws on the federal, state, and local levels. While state and local governments may choose to observe a higher minimum wage than the national minimum wage, the federal government ultimately controls the income of the nation’s lowest-earning employees. At the federal level, the minimum wage was last raised in 2009, fromRead MoreEffect Of Raising Minimum Wage1215 Words   |  5 PagesEffects of Raising Minimum Wage The minimum wage in this country has been a controversial issue. Many people believe it will help reduce poverty and boost the economy. However, they are not looking at the downfalls this will bring to our country. This could make the unemployment population rise, it will raise prices of other things, and would have little effect on reducing poverty. Raising the minimum wage would have a negative influence on our country. This movement throughout our country

Bangladesh Economy a Swot Analysis - 3420 Words

[2010] [Bangladesh Economy: A SWOT Analysis] Course Title: HRM 501 Submitted to: Lieutenant General Mohd. Aminul Karim MBA Program BRAC University Prepared by: Nushrat Sharmin ID # 09264022 MBA Program Summer 2010 Semester Introduction This paper aims to examine Bangladeshs overall economy with special focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis. The research has found that Bangladesh is going to encounter series of economic hurdles in near future. Over the last few decades, Bangladesh has been following a development path that was blazed by the fast growing Asian economies with export led growth fuelling higher living standards and falling poverty. Despite this, it is not too difficult to posit that†¦show more content†¦Beginning in late 1975, the government gradually gave greater scope to private sector participation in the economy, a pattern that has continued. A few state-owned enterprises have been privatized, but many, including major portions of the banking and jute sectors, remain under government control. Population growth, inefficiency in the public sector, resistance to developing the countrys richest natural resources, and limited capital have all continued to restric t economic growth. In the mid-1980s, there were encouraging, if halting, signs of progress. Economic policies aimed at encouraging private enterprise and investment, denationalizing public industries, reinstating budgetary discipline, and liberalizing the import regime were accelerated. From 1991 to 1993, the government successfully followed an enhanced structural adjustment facility (ESAF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but failed to follow through on reforms in large part because of preoccupation with the governments domestic political troubles. In the late 1990s the governments economic policies became more entrenched, and some of the early gains were lost, which was highlighted by a precipitous drop in foreign direct investment in 2000 and 2001. In June 2003 the IMF approved 3-year, $490-million plan as part of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Bangladesh thatShow MoreRelatedMarketing1853 Words   |  8 PagesTHE SWOT ANALYSIS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH [pic] Based on a Study of MARKETING MANAGEMENT TERM PAPER ON THE SWOT ANALYSIS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH |SUBMITTED TO | |MD. ABDULLAH | |Assistant Professor Read MoreSwot Analysis of Indian Economy762 Words   |  4 PagesSWOT Analysis of various sectors of Indian Economy. The India economy, which is the 9th largest in the world in terms of nominal GDP, can be broadly classified into three sectors: 1) Primary Sector or Agriculture Sector, which contributes about 15% to the GDP and employs around 57% of the total workforce. 2) Secondary Sector or Industry sector, which contributes about 28% to the DP and employs around 14% of the workforce. 3) Tertiary Sector or Service Sector, which contributes the maximumRead Moreâ€Å"Swot Analysis of Project Management in Bangladesh†4778 Words   |  20 Pagesâ€Å"SWOT Analysis of Project Management in Bangladesh† August 11, 2012 Shah Md-Al-Emran Faculty of Business Administration ASA University Bangladesh Subject: Submission of â€Å"SWOT Analysis of Project Management in Bangladesh †. Sir, We are pleased to submit my report onâ€Å"SWOT Analysis of Project Management in Bangladesh†. . This report is a part of Project Management (MGT411) to complete our BBA program. We have prepared this report under the instruction of you. Though it was a toughRead MoreGrameenphone1473 Words   |  6 Pages Entry Strategy: The global marketplace provides many opportunities for firms to increase their revenue base and their profitability. Moreover, in today’s knowledge –intensive economy, there is the potential to create advantages by leveraging firm knowledge when crossing national boundaries to do business . A firm has many options available to it decides to expand into international markets e.g. exporting ,Licensing, FranchisingRead MoreSwot Analysis Oh Indian Textile Industry1605 Words   |  7 PagesSWOT analysis of the Indian textiles industry: We now do a SWOT analysis of the Indian textile industry keeping in mind the global changes that have taken place in the post quota regime. STRENGTHS- 1. Abundant raw material 2. Low cost skilled labour 3. Presence across the value chain 4. Growing domestic market 5. Strong backward integration 6. Third largest cotton producer as well a the largest area under cultivation 7. Increasing presence across entire value chain 8. Cheap and skilledRead MoreCisco Systems, Inc.: Collaboration on New Product Introduction848 Words   |  4 Pagestextile industry is a major contributor to the national economy in terms of exports and employment. Pakistan holds the distinction of being the world’s 4th largest producer of cotton as well as the 3rd largest consumer in the world. On the other hand, she also found that it faced tough competition in the international market due to increased in cost of production, which made it less competitive than the neighboring countries like India, Bangladesh China. Siddique, ShaheenRead MoreIntroduction to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals6502 Words   |  26 Pagessubtype H1N1Virus. US sales are strong, but the company now wishes to enter into the global market. Those with an eye on the global marketplace already know that Indias most recent entrance into the global economy represents the next golden opportunity in the pharmaceutical industry. This analysis will explore the potential for market entry into India, Mode of Entry Type of Business BioCryst began in 1986 and by 2008 was pronounced as one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in theRead MoreStrategic Management Process : Planning Cycle, And Sustainable Competitive Advantage1002 Words   |  5 Pagesplanning may identify clearly the objectives and strategies of existing businesses or new ventures. The theory SWOT may strategically identify objectives and strategies by ascertaining existing businesses or new ventures perceived Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (QuickMBA, 2014). Many individuals in the business sector notarize the theory of SWOT. The belief system of SWOT compels management to engage further in developing proper strategy and business plans. It is important for managementRead MoreSwot Analysis : Starbucks Company s Mission, Vision, And Primary Stakeholders Essay1626 Words   |  7 Pagesprimary stakeholders. A SWOT analysis will be used so that their strengths and weaknesses can be analyzed as well as their threats and weaknesses. The five forces of competition will be In this capstone assignment, I will discuss Starbuck’s. I will determine the impact of the company’s mission, vision, and primary stakeholders’ overall success. An analyzation will be performed to identify the five forces of competition and their impact on the company. I will perform a SWOT analysis to determine the strengthsRead MoreMarketing Plan on Single Product3510 Words   |  15 PagesMarketing plan ON ‘Carrot chips’ (A product of Bombay Sweets Bangladesh Ltd) Address: Nestle Bangladesh Ltd. Gulshan Twr. 4th Fl., Plot 31 Rd. 53, Gulshan N C/A Dhaka, 1212 Bangladesh Fax: 880 02 988 1302 A Report ON ‘Apple chips’ Prepared by Dipock Mondal +8801916286988 Table of Contents Serial No. | Subject | Page | | Executive Summary | I | | Acknowledgement | II | | Introduction

Competitive Advantage of Food Court Operation

Questions: 1.Cover the theory of quantitative, qualitative and hybrid designs? 2.How you intend to collect your data. For example, on-site researcher-filled-in survey for quantitative or/and focus group discussion for qualitative research? 3.Sample selection: Relate to theory like Neuma's Theory for quantitative survey? 4.Identify technique to analyse taped focus group discussion. You should be looking at softwares and thematic analysis techniques? 5.Ethical considerations: Relate to your data collection methods and highlight the concerns? Answers: Introduction Competitive advantage can be regarded as a condition or circumstance that positions a particular corporation in a desirable and bigger business position (Baker and Sinkula, 2015). Particularly, it is important to have a competitive advantage as this can be considered as a leverage that a particular business can have over other competitors in the market. Particularly, competitive advantage can be regarded as an important factor that is essential for two different types, namely, cost advantage as well as differentiation advantage (Denrell and Powell, 2016). Therefore, the food court operators in Singapore need to design different competitive business strategy for gaining a competitive edge in the market. Management of corporations needs to be aware of diverse resources as well as organizational objectives that present distinctive competencies for obtaining competitive advantage and for the creation of value. 1.Research Design Quantitative strategies strain target estimations and the real, scientific, or numerical investigation of facts gathered thru surveys, polls, and research, or by means of controlling preceding measurable statistics making use of computational methods. Quantitative studies concentrate on social occasion numerical facts and summing it up crosswise over gatherings of people or to clarify a particular venture (Gauch, 2013). The goal in directing quantitative studies take a look at is to determine the connection among one thing (an independent variable) and the other (dependent variable) inside a population. Quantitative studies plans are both graphic [subjects typically measured once] or trial [subjects measured previously, then after the fact a treatment]. An enlightening evaluates units up simply the connection among elements; a test take a look at builds up causality. Quantitative studies deal in numbers, intent, and an intention function. Quantitative research concentrates on numeric and steady statistics, and point through point united thinking in place of distinct wondering, i.e., the generation of an assortment of mind concerning a research problem in an unconstrained, loose-streaming manner (Lawrence, 2011). However, the phrase qualitative shows an accentuation at the traits of materials and on procedures, what's more, ramifications that are not probably investigated or measured (if measured by any means) as a path as the sum, entirety, constrain, or reiteration. Subjective analysts push the socially created nature of the reality, the non-open association between the scientist and what's considered, and the situational goals that shape ask. Such scientists spotlight the regard stacked nature of a demand. They scan for answers for request that pressure how social experience is made and given significance. Evidently, quantitative audits underscore the estimation and research of causal associations between components, not administration. Subjective assortments of demand are mulled over by methods for various social and behavioral specialists to be as a decent arrangement a point of view on the best way to technique exploring a studies trouble as it's far a method (Howell, 2013). The qualitative research scene is perpetually changing and is brimming with new chances to grasp advanced strategies and reexamine and revive face to face techniques. Notwithstanding, an ideal venture configuration is regularly a hybrid approach as a couple of techniques can convey the ideal arrangement alone. In this case, joining techniques can give the most astute outcomes. A hybrid approach can be a blend of various qualitative methodologies, or it can be a mix of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Below is a summary, borrowed from Joubish, (2009), as to why a research design ought to be a hybrid one: There are diverse goals attained through various methodologies There are different exercises for a similar target A project manager needs both in-the-minute criticism and responses after some time A project manager needs specific criticism and group communication in cooperation A project manager arranges a detailed procedure. 2. Data Collection Methods The choice of technique is tormented by the records amassing system, the kind of thing, the precision required, the accumulation factor and the capacity of the enumerator. Interfaces among a variable, its supply and viable techniques for its accumulation can assist in choosing appropriate techniques. According to Berg (2009), the number one records accumulation techniques are: Registration: registers and licenses are especially profitable for end list, yet are restricted by factors that alternate gradually, for instance, portions of meals courts and their attributes. Surveys: shapes which can be finished and returned by respondents. A reasonable method that is treasured wherein schooling rates are excessive and respondents are co-agent. Interviews: frames which can be finished through an assembly with the respondent. Dearer than polls, yet they are better for greater unpredictable inquiries, low education or less co-operation. Observations: making direct estimations is the maximum unique method for a few elements but is frequently pricey. Several strategies, as an instance, spectator projects, are confined to enterprise requirements. Reporting: the principle contrasting option to making direct estimations is to require fishers and others to document their physical games. Revealing calls for education and cooperation, but, may be supported via a lawful necessity and direct estimations. A sign in is a storehouse of statistics on businesses, gadgets, and licenses. It is able to be utilized to collect end specification via a lawful necessity. Registers are actualized when there may be a demand for exact statistics on the dimensions and kind of the undertaking force and for near checking of physical activities to guarantee consistency. They will likewise consolidate records diagnosed with monetary purposes (for instance, issuance or recuperation of licenses). Despite reality that registers are typically finished for capacities separated from to accumulate certainties, they might be to a great degree prized in the arrangement and utilization of a quantifiable system, gave that the data they join are steady, promising and complete (Creswell, 2011). A registry need to include new facts as well as have the potential to show that a selected document is dormant (for instance, a corporation has stopped operations) or file modifications in procedures (perhaps a venture's overseeing confine has extended). At the off hazard that licenses must be reestablished every year, data assembled from approving organizations is particularly helpful, as records are invigorated each year (Patton, 2012). Registry information likewise includes criteria for the grouping of units into strata. These arrangements are normally in view of presumptions and from the sooner studying on differences in prices. With the aid of and huge, registers are unpredictable frameworks requiring entrenched regulatory structures strengthened with the aid of compelling information correspondences, information stockpiling, and handling segments. In that potential, they transcendently control simply sure types and length of devices, regularly having a place with business and semi-business armadas. Small-scale and subsistence units along with sizable quantities of angling devices are regularly no longer some portions of a sign-up framework or, if enlisted, aren't effortlessly followed that allows you to allow approval or clean. In interviews, information is received via application and documented by enumerators. Prepared interviews are done through using evaluation settings, although open interviews are transcripts fetched whilst speaking to the cluster of respondents. The notes are on this way prepared (decoded) for additional examination. Open-ended interviews, which should be deciphered and investigated notwithstanding amid the assembly, must be completed via all round prepared spectators and additionally enumerators. On the other hand, with interviews, where an enumerator offers conversation starters straightforwardly, questionnaires allude to shapes filled in with the aid of respondents alone. Questionnaires can be given out or dispatched through mail and later collected or back to sender. This technique can be acquired for the complete population or inspected divisions (Creswell, 2013). 3.Sample Selection The subject choice is critical for arranging a research project. A researcher has to consider how he/she will pick a cluster. For some research projects, there will be just a few individuals inside a research population, in which case it may be conceivable to contact everybody. This is known as statistics. In any case, for most projects, unless there are a gigantic spending plan, boundless timescale and a vast group of questioners, it will be hard to address each individual inside the research population (Soeters et al, 2014). The population is the total of items, people or occasions which meet a predefined set of criteria on which the research is summed up. Researchers beat this issue of generalization/summing up by picking a littler, more reasonable number of individuals to participate in their research. This is called sampling. It clarifies what is going on inside a gathering of individuals. According to Franklin (2012), choice of subjects from a population depends on: Integration standards Prohibition standards After utilization of integration criteria and prohibition criteria, the target population is to be taken in study e.g. in the investigation of the yearly demise rate of under 5-year-old youngsters because of looseness of the bowels, kids under 5 years of age are the target population (entire nation). Figuring the most suitable sample size is a critical stride in the examination procedure. A bigger sample gives a more exact gauge of the "genuine" circumstance yet the advantages of expanded sample size get littler as you close to the aggregate population. Consequently, there is an exchange off between sample accuracy and contemplations of ideal asset utilize. There are no 'dependable guidelines' when deciding sample size for quantitative research. It is impractical to state whether 10% of the population, for example, would give a sufficient sample, as this will be influenced by various elements. You ought to be careful about sample arranges in research or assessments that propose sample size can be computed utilizing a rate of the population without further elucidation or basis for this. (Silverman, 2011) Analysts will figure sample size utilizing a scope of various conditions, each of which is proper for various research circumstances and settings. It is critical to talk about the goals of your exploration, expected outcomes, information sorts, assets and setting with an analyst or specialized guide at the planning phase of your examination keeping in mind the end goal to compute a proper sample (Guba Lincoln, 2013). It is additionally helpful to comprehend the two principle insights, which will be utilized to ascertain the sample size. These are the provisional confidence or margin of error and the confidence level. In this paper, the target population would be 500 food courts in Singapore. Out of that 500, only 10% would form the sample. 4. Data Analysis Techniques A large number of programming projects intended for use with quantitative information is accessible today, and they are recommended for automated data analysis (Herrman, (2010). Quantitative research, prevalently measurable examination, is as yet regular in the sociologies and such programming is habitually utilized among sociology analysts. Most strikingly, measurable bundles discover applications in the sociologies. The fundamental request made of such bundles in sociology research is that they be complete, adaptable, and can be utilized with a record. A valuable factual programming device can produce organized reports, outlines, and plots of dispersions and patterns, and in addition, create elucidating insights and more intricate measurable investigations. Ultimately, a User Interface (UI) that makes it simple and natural for all levels of clients is an absolute necessity (Nida et al, 2011). While unmistakably to begin with at home in without a doubt qualitative research, a powerful and adaptable application like Atlas.ti can likewise create quantitative facts and has an immediate fact switch to SPSS, the most mainstream factual quantitative programming bundle. Additionally, the probability to absolutely trade expand brings approximately the all-inclusive open xml information design (xml data may result easily and redesigned to be practical in a huge wide variety of customers). Overall, Atlas.ti is remarkably perfect for current mixed strategy strategies (Washington et al, 2010). 5. Ethical Considerations Bias in sampling may possibly happen if choices are made about sample determination that implies that a few people have a more noteworthy possibility of being chosen for the sample than others. Sample inclination is a noteworthy flopping in an examination plan and can prompt to uncertain, untrustworthy outcomes. There are distinctive sorts of inclination. For instance, landing area inclination identifies with the tendency to review those towns that are effortlessly open by street. Concluding Remarks In the event that both quantitative and qualitative information have been gathered a researcher ought to thoroughly analyze these discoveries when translating the work. The reconciliation of quantitative and qualitative research can give us a more extensive comprehension of our exploration subject. Quantitative research can depict size and appropriation of progress, for example, though qualitative research gives an inside and out comprehension of the social, political and social setting. Blended techniques of examining permits us to triangulate discoveries, which can fortify the legitimacy, what's more, augment the utility of our work. A researcher ought to likewise think about your discoveries in contrast with other research or assessment work in the range and consider whether discoveries were comparative. References Baker, W. E., and Sinkula, J. M., (2015) Maintaining Competitive Advantage Through Organizational Unlearning. Proceedings of the 1999 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference (pp. 206-209). Springer International Publishing Berg, Bruce L., (2009) Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Seventh Edition. Boston MA: Pearson Education Inc. Creswell, J. (2011) Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five traditions. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. Creswell, J. (2013) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. Denrell, J. and Powell, T., (2016) Dynamic Capability as a Theory of Competitive Advantage, Contributions, and Scope Conditions. Franklin, M. I. (2012) Understanding Research: Coping with the Quantitative-Qualitative Divide. London and New York: Routledge. Gauch, Hugh G., Jr. (2013) The Scientific Method in Practice, Cambridge University Press Guba, E. and Lincoln, Y. (2013) Fourth Generation Evaluation. Newbury Park, California: Sage Publications. Herrman, C. S. (2010) Fundamentals of Methodology, a series of papers On the Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN), online. Howell, K. E. (2013) Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology. London: Sage Publications. Joubish, Farooq Dr. (2009) Educational Research Department of Education, Federal Urdu University, Karachi, Pakistan Lawrence W. Neuman (2011) Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edition, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Nida, E. Alana, Slater, T. and Bucknam, A. (2011) Action Research for Business, Nonprofit, and Public Administration - A Tool for Complex Times. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Patton, M. Q. (2012) Qualitative research evaluation methods (3rd edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications. Silverman, David (Ed). (2011) Qualitative Research: Issues of Theory, Method and Practice, Third Edition. London, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, Singapore: Sage Publications Soeters, J.; Shields, P. and Rietjens, S. (2014) Handbook of Research Methods in Military Studies, New York: Routledge. Washington, B. L., Cunningham, C. J. L., and Pittenger, D.P. (2010) Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons, Inc.

Outsider viewpoint Essay Example

Outsider viewpoint Essay This essay aims to explore two theories of identity, in particular how insider and outsider viewpoints have been used while researching these theories. A short discussion of what identity means is followed by an explanation of what insider and outsider viewpoints are. This distinction is then illustrated using two different identity theories and the studies that were used in their research.  Identity is a broad concept, therefore several theories have been proposed for different aspects of identities. Many types of research have been used to explore the topic the aim being formation of theories that explain what identities are, and how they form (Phoenix, 2002). To understand how this research into identity has made use of both insider and outsider viewpoints, it is important to be clear on what these terms mean. An insider viewpoint is subjective, and focuses on the experiences of particular individuals. This could include a persons emotions, beliefs, reasons and motives. Therefore the data generated from research taking an insider viewpoint usually falls into the category of inner experiences. To gain access to these experiences, the individual concerned must be able to explain them to the researcher and put them into words interviews and questionnaires are common methods when operating from an insider viewpoint. As we will see later it is also possible to take an individuals inner experiences and look at them in a more distant way using an outsider viewpoint. Taking an outsider viewpoint means looking at the subject from outside this approach is not concerned with the inner experiences of a particular individual. When taking this approach the aim is to be objective. This viewpoint favours data obtained from experiments (termed material data) and observations of behaviour. The outsider viewpoint is seen from the researchers point of view, rather than that of the participant (Phoenix and Thomas, 2002). We will write a custom essay sample on Outsider viewpoint specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Outsider viewpoint specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Outsider viewpoint specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer When considering research into identity, both insider and outsider viewpoints have been used. Some theories may favour the use of one viewpoint, whereas others may approach the subject from both angles. An example of this can be seen in the research of psychosocial identity theory. The psychosocial theory suggests identity is influenced by personal and social factors, and that our identity is a bridge between our core selves and the social context (Erikson, 1968). Psychologist Erik Erikson founded the psychosocial approach and formed his theory mainly through clinical and naturalistic observation of people. This would have encompassed both an insider viewpoint hearing about his patients inner experiences and an outsider viewpoint using information gained by observing others (Phoenix, 2002). James Marcia also took the psychosocial approach and used the Identity Status Interview a semi-structured interview to research identity in many adolescents, expanding on Eriksons ideas. The semi-structured interview allows a set of questions to be asked in a flexible manner, allowing participants to answer freely in their own words, whilst still ensuring that the relevant topics are covered (Phoenix, 2002). Marcias aim was to explore to what extent adolescents took active choices from different possibilities before committing to particular roles which then became part of their identity. He used the semi-structured interview to discuss issues such as religion, politics, careers and relationships. The interviews were recorded so that the responses could be listened to and analysed later. This is an example of research from an insider viewpoint the result was personal accounts of individuals thoughts and experiences, told in their own words. Marcia also used the participants responses to categorise them into one of four stages of identity development (Marcia, 1966, 1980, 1994). This categorisation of responses by Marcia meant that the data was also looked at from his own perspective an outsider viewpoint. Another approach to identity is Social Identity Theory (SIT) which is concerned with group identities. SIT aims to explain how people identify with certain social groups and separate themselves from others. The theory proposes that our social identities arise from the labels that we give ourselves which are derived from the social groups that we feel a part of. SIT also proposes that there are power struggles between different social groups and this is what leads to prejudice and discrimination (Tajfel, 1978). The research methods that have been used to investigate the claims of SIT are very different from those used in psychosocial identity research. Henry Tajfel conducted the classic minimal group experiment this is a clear example of research being done solely from an outsider viewpoint. The experiment involved teenage boys separated randomly into two groups firstly thinking that they were being separated according to a preference for one of two artists. By asking each boy to select one of three sets of points to be allocated to the groups, Tajfel was able to assess which was most important to each boy total points achieved by the group, or maximising the difference in points between the two groups. He found that the boys were more concerned with maximising the points difference between their group and the other. The experiment was repeated and this time the boys were aware of the fact that their group allocations were completely random but the result was the same. This indicated to Tajfel that being placed into arbitrary groups is enough to generate favouritism towards the ingroup (ones own group) and discrimination towards the outgroup (the other group). Tajfel explained these findings in terms of individuals needing to feel part of groups that have high status compared to other groups hence we try to maximise the differences between our own group and others, to maintain a positive social identity (Tajfel et.al. 1971). Using an outsider viewpoint, Tajfel was able to investigate the dynamics of social groups, achieving results which support his theory. Looking at the situation from an insider viewpoint would not have been helpful since individuals may not be aware that they are seeking to improve the status of the social groups to which they belong, or why they would want to do so.  In looking at psychosocial theory and SIT it is clear that both the insider viewpoint and the outsider viewpoint have an important part to play when researching identities. Studying identities from both the participants point of view and that of the researcher allows different facets of the concept of identity to be explored, leading to a better knowledge of how identities are formed both personally and socially.