Should Companies That Fire Shoot First Essay Example for Free

Should Companies That Fire Shoot First Essay Abstract Blogging and tweeting on social media websites have pros and cons for an organization. Companies utilize blogs in order to promote their products and services along with relaying information about the company to the general public. Employers often encourage their employees to participate in various forms of social media. However, management should be aware of the risks and impact to the company’s reputation should the employee publish something that puts the company is a negative light. Keywords: blogging, social media, reputation Tesla CEO Elon Musk was right when he blogged about impending layoffs just before announcing them to company employees Blogging and tweeting can have both positive and negative impacts on the image and reputation of a company. The use of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, allow employers to encourage their employees to participate in blogs in an effort to promote their brand. Some companies even use these websites as a tool to publicize the operations of the organization. By establishing and maintaining their own company website and blog, businesses are able to control the messages, both positive and negative, that are posted. (Dealbook, 2008) In an effort to intercept negative posts from the media and disgruntled employees, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk announced on the company’s website blog that in order to maintain positive cash flow, the organization will layoff a significant amount of its workforce. The focus of the company will be developing and improving its product line while ensuring sufficient capital. Elon Musk stated that â€Å"we had to say something to prevent articles being written that were not accurate.† (All, 2008) Cake Financial, an investing advice company, published on their company blog immediately after reducing its workforce  that it was an â€Å"extremely sad day for all of us who have to say goodbye to a group of great people.† (Dealbook, 2008) The company’s CEO, Stephen Carpenter, had drafted the blog and waited until after personally speaking with the employees before publishing the post. Carpenter wanted to make sure that there were no discrepancies as to what and why the layoffs happened. In a statement to the New York Times, Carpenter stated that â€Å"our whole company is built on the idea of transparency in investing, so that was a reason why it was important for us to do it.† (Motivateandinspire, 2009) Employees responsibility when blogging about their company Employees have a responsibility to be careful about what they publish on social media websites about their company. Privacy laws and regulations related to internet use vary by state. Depending on the nature of the content, the employee could be possibly incriminating him/herself by disclosing private information. From an employer standpoint, employee blogging could negatively impact the reputation of the business if the appropriate policies and procedures are not in place. The employer may also be at risk if the employee publishes information relating to trade secrets, financial issues, or other business related matters. (Welch Shiff) Employees should be careful if they publish negative comments about their employer, its customers, and its vendors. Employers typically have zero tolerance with this type of behavior as it can be considered a form of harassment in which the company may subject to legal ramifications (Victor, 2013) The employee risks losing their job and tainting their reputation within the workplace, which may lead to difficulty in obtaining and retaining future employment. The entertainment industry has taken advantage of the posts made on social media blogs. For example, radio stations in the Boston area make prank phone calls on the air referencing previously posted, negative comments regarding clients. The radio personality will reference the content of the blog in an effort to scare or provoke the person being pranked. While these skits may seem comical to the station listener, the effects of the actual prank call may cause harm to a company or an individual. Employees who blog about their companies do not have an ethical  responsibility to disclose their identities Employees posting comments about their employer online do not need to display their name. When employees publish positive comments about their company and its culture, others may ignore the remarks as they may consider the opinions biased. If the employee publishes their name in association with the company, the prospective customer may feel overwhelmed and smothered by knowing the same person is using social media, in addition to traditional methods of advertising, to sell their product or service. On the contrary, when employees publish negative comments about their employer, it make spark a wave of unwanted publicity for the company. Developing a policy for handling communication of sensitive issues, inside and outside, the company Deleting or retracting online posts that have been published can be impossible. Therefore, companies should develop an internet policy for handling communication of sensitive issues both inside and outside the organization. While the company may want employees to express themselves, guidelines should be established. Some of the areas that need to be addressed in a formal, written policy include: (Guerin) a. Personal use and abuse of company property and resources b. Appropriate use of organizations name c. Applicability of existing company policies i. Harassment – inappropriate comments ii. Privacy – disclosing confidential information/trade secrets/financial information/falsifying data/using company logos/using company name to promote products Employers may want to consult with an attorney or human resource specialist in order to ensure that they develop an internet policy that will help to prevent any negative public relations regarding the company and its products and services. Conclusion Since social media is becoming an essential part of the business world, companies should invest in learning about the rewards and consequences of using this source. By obtaining an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages, the company will be more equipped in handling negative (as  well as positive) public relations and have a plan for damage control for repairing their tarnished reputation. References Blogging the Layoff. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.itbusinessedge.com/cm/blogs/all/blogging-the-layoff/?cs=11727 Employee Posts on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Blogs | Nolo.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/employee-posts-facebook-myspace-twitter-32954.html The Layoffs Will Be Blogged. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/in-era-of-blog-sniping-companies-shoot-first/?_php=true_type=blogs_r=0 Newest blog topic from CEOs: Layoffs | Article | Link Grabber | Leadership training, management skills, employee motivation: ManageBetter.biz. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.motivateandinspire.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=04BF7B8C765E455DA06A7B6781ED0847nm=Link Grabbertype=Publishingmod=Publications::Articlemid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791tier=4id=7C0FA76B4F4A4E53B4D97C3A4B2487ECAudID=AA83ED248A3241A5AE080E2B6DED1F5F Off-the-clock Harassment Can be Costly: What Emplo yers Need to Know. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.gshllp.com/60-second-memos/off-the-clock-harassment-can-be-costly-what-employers-need-to-know Tesla Motors replaces CEO, plans layoff CNET. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2014, from http://www.cnet.com/news/tesla-motors-replaces-ceo-plans-layoff/ The rules of company blogging: Avoiding employee misuse and abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved May 18, 2014, from http://www.thehrspecialist.com/11584/The_rules_of_company_blogging_Avoiding_employee_misuse_and_abuse.hr?cat=sub_cat=

Sino-Tibetan Affairs Essay -- Tibet History Government Papers

The â€Å"Tibet Question† has evolved into a Western synthesis of affairs and circumstances that govern the uncertainties of Tibet’s national identity- a mere euphemism concerning the improbabilities of Tibet’s political fate. Tensions seemingly escalate by the day, as questions of Tibet’s impending future become more and more desperate, and to the chagrin of many Tibetans, only the Chinese government has the foresight to ascertain a solution. Though the future of Tibet and China is still more or less unseen, it does happen to serve a function in illuminating the aspects of their rough and tumble past. The premise to my essay concerns itself with the chronological development of Sino-Tibetan foreign relations. From its origins in tribute relations, on through Mongol dynastic rule, and ending in the apocalyptic era of Mao, I intend to explore the various strategic purposes and objectives that led to Tibetan neutrality and Chinese antagonism, the definitive stance of today’s affairs. The evolution of this relationship is no more than a mirror and reflection of the progression of ethnic kinship into a national identity. The fundamental purpose of my essay is to extend the â€Å"Tibet Question,† so as to include the uncertainties and questions of Tibet’s ethnic identity in conjunction with the real question regarding their political fate. I make the assertion that the conflict of today is simply the culmination of prior ethnic conflicts, and not the struggle for supremacy between two proximal nations. The Tibet Question has been misconstrued so as to consider the Sino-Tibetan conflict exclusively one of politics, but in truth, as my essay should reveal, it transcends borders and exposes greater ethnic attitudes. Origins: An Exami... ...: Oxford University Press, 1962., 475. [5] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 23. [6] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 22. [7] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 23. [8] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 25. [9] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 27 [10] Smith Jr., Tibetan Nation: A History of Tibetan Nationalism and Sino-Tibetan Relations, 27. [11] Melvyn C. Goldstein, The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China, Tibet and the Dalai Lama, 2. [12] Melvyn C. Goldstein, The Snow Lion and the Dragon: China, Tibet and the Dalai Lama, 4. [13] Hugh E. Richardson, Tibet and its History, 1-2.

San Francisco Coffee House Case Essay

1. Should Tensek and Pacek consider franchising over organic growth? Do a qualitative cost-benefit Analysis. (4 Points) In regards to whether Tensek and Pacek should consider franchising over growing additional business locations organically, there are many factors that the couple must take into account. Whether they choose to expand using a franchising or organic approach, there are major costs and benefits that will dramatically affect San Fransisco Coffee House. First, the company must take into account the costs associated with expanding the company organically. Opening and starting virtually any business requires an individual to risk a substantial amount of capital. Although the first location was a success and gained regional notoriety, the couple would have to risk their own money to fund the venture. This particular investment includes financing the purchases of equipment, initial supplies, and furnishing the location. The couple spent an initial 40,000 euros as their start up capital, and would be unable to spend less on additional locations, as the interior and ambience it provides are perhaps the most important characteristics of the business. The design process would require an investment of important time and money. In addition to the valuable number of hours that would be spent finding a location with a reasonable monthly rental cost, Tensek and Pacek would also be required to discover a location that would provide them access to their target demographics, (students and businessmen). For each additional location, the couple would also be responsible for hiring and training new staff members. This task would also require the couple to establish a payroll and benefits plan for new team members. The benefits of expanding the business organically include several major items. If SFCH chooses to expand organically, the company will have a much easier time controlling the image and publicity of the business. The couple will have the ability to handpick and train employees using the effective techniques they used at their precious location. Pacek and Tensek will also  be able to decorate the vital interiors of additional locations. These techniques will ensure that additional locations will provide the excellent customer service and the casual American ambience that the initial location provided. Opening their own additional locations would also allow the couple to retain all of the earnings, as opposed to sharing the profits with a franchisee. The Croatian economy is more geared towards entrepreneurs opening their own businesses. If the couple is able to avoid franchising and expand organically, local banks would be more inclined to potentially provide SFCH with financing. Croatian franchising has many potential barriers to entry. The country’s economic and political landscapes have continued to evolve over the past few decades; however, the country is still developing. Due to the developing state of the country, no true franchising legal system has been put into place. If SFCH chooses to begin franchising, the company might be subject to legislative changes which could potentially negatively impact the financial situation of the company. SFCH must also take into account the public view of franchising in Croatia. Due to the smaller population and limited number of franchises in the country, franchising is not a well known practice in Croatia. Not only is the general public misinformed about franchising, local banks have virtually no understanding of the practice. This situation limits the number of people who might be interested in potentially purchasing a franchise of SFCH and also decreases the likelihood of a Croatian bank providing a franchisee with a loan. There are a number of benefits SFCH would receive if the company elected to begin franchising. SFCH would be able to utilize the Croatian Franchising Association as a resource to access potential franchisees. Franchising would require much less of a financial investment and would not require as much of a time commitment from the couple as organically growing the company one store at a time. This strategy would also allow the company to collect royalties while only having to provide advertising, the use of the company name, use of the company infrastructure and perhaps assistance with training  and interior design strategies. Increasing the number of locations will additionally build brand awareness, as well as establish a stronghold on the untapped Croatian coffee market. SFCH will also benefit from the first mover advantages. Once Croatia enters the European Union, major coffee companies will undoubtedly try to enter the market. SFCH’s stronghold on the American-Style coffeehouse market will prove itself to be extremely valuable. Additionally, Tensek and Pacek would have a lot less risk if they were to franchise their business rather than open an additional store themselves. Typically with a franchise the risk is on the part of the franchisee and not the owners of the whole company. It is up to the owner of the specific franchise to take the major risk to get the location going. After reviewing the costs and benefits associated with both organically growing the company, as well as franchising, it is apparent that SFCH would be wise to begin franchising. The startup costs associated with opening one additional store at a time, as well as the time it would cost the company clearly indicates that organically growing the company is an unwise decision. Though it seems Croatians don’t quite grasp the concept of franchising, the positive numbers in exhibit 4 and 5 indicate that franchising will most likely take off in the near future. The potential growth and revenues franchising would provide clearly outweigh the potential barriers to entry SFCH would have to overcome. 2. What adjustments would they need to make for franchising in the Croatian context? (1.5 Points) Croatia’s eventual entry into the European Union allows SFCH to prepare for the legal changes and repercussions that will occur once Croatia is admitted. It would be wise for the couple to consider the potential competitors this change might bring to the country, as well as the EU’s policy regarding franchises. There is the potential that once SFCH begins their franchising that other top competitors such as Starbucks will take notice and enter the Croatian market as well. Another item SFCH must address is the lack of individuals interested in  franchises. Although there is little the company can do to change the public understanding of franchising, SFCH can utilize the Croatian Franchising Association as a resource for finding potential franchisees. The Association offers several tools that help expanding companies connect with potential franchisees. SFCH has the potential to run campaigns through their business to educate potential entrepreneurs on the benefits of franchising. According to exhibit 6 they already have a decent budget for marketing activities. Tensek and Pacek could use some of this money, or additional funds to create marketing campaigns around educating people on franchising, specifically with SFCH. SFCH should also partner with an international entity to receive all of the tax benefits the Croatian government offers to international businesses operating within Croatia. Since there is no minimum percentage of ownership required to receive the benefits, SFCH could offer a minimal percentage of ownership to an international partner with a competitive advantage the business could use. 3. How could they protect their intellectual property and business format know-how? (1.5 Points) In order to ensure franchisees are operating in a manner that the company requires, SFCH should seek legal advice and draw up contracts. These documents should include how the image, logo and slogan of SFCH should be used, what royalties are to be paid to the business and how the business should operate in general. In addition to this agreement, the company should trademark the logos, slogans and name of the company in Croatia, and after they partner with an international entity, register their business devices through the World Intellectual Property Organization. SFCH can also turn to various other business organizations including the EU. These organizations often offer guidelines or resources for entrepreneurs. By using internet resources Tensek and Pacek have access to many informational formats that can give them information on how to outline their practices. 4. How could they fight of local imitators? What would happen if Starbucks or other major coffee chains entered the market? (1.5 Points) If the company elects to begin franchising, the company will expand much more quickly than if it had chosen to expand organically. This expansion will provide SFCH with the first mover advantage. Even if local companies, or large coffee chains attempt to enter the Croatian market, SFCH will have already absorbed most of the Croatian consumers. If large coffee chains enter the market and begin to take away from SFCH’s market share, the couple must determine what marketing, menu, and overall changes should be made in order to mitigate the chain’s Croatian success. It is also important to remember that small businesses can work amongst large corporations. A great example of this is all the local coffee shops in Salt Lake City that are profiting alongside the many Starbucks locations that are in the city as well. In addition to having the first mover advantage, the company will have already established national and world trademarks. These trademarks protect SFCH from blatant imitators and local coffee shop rivals. 5. How could they become the biggest and most successful coffee house nationally? (1.5 Points) In addition to the previously discussed changes SFCH should integrate into their business model, the company should also begin serving adult beverages. This change will enable the company to challenge local coffee shops while gaining a percentage of the nightlife market. Croatian coffee shops are known to serve alcohol, however, SFCH has not attempted to enter this market. This change will provide the company with additional revenues while taking advantage of an alcohol-friendly market. Exposure to nightlife locals could also potentially expose the SFCH to coffee consumers that did not previously know of the shop’s existence. The only potential pitfall of incorporating alcohol into the menu, is if the company alters its ambient atmosphere. The shop should not alter its calm, relaxing identity, rather  provide a tranquil location where individuals can socialize and enjoy alcoholic beverages. Many of the large corporate coffee shops are so popular because they advertise a lifestyle. Starbucks may offer similar coffee and pastries at similar prices to other local coffee shops, but what sets them apart is that they are part of a collective idea. When someone has a starbucks cup and sees another person with the same thing, they may feel as though they are in a group. Starbucks had done a great job at making their customers feel connected and like they belong to the Starbucks family. SFCH would benefit by additional marketing to make their customers feel like they are part of the San Francisco Coffee House family, much like Starbucks has done. This is something that can be achieved through marketing and will only get stronger through continued growth.

Children at Risk of Suicide - 1639 Words

1. Describe the characteristics of children who are at risk for suicide. Include the statistics related to children and suicide and gender differences. (214) Young children who are at risk of committing suicide may have suffered a loss of a loved one, or are suffering family stress like the parent being unemployed or there being abused by a parent or family friend, and their probably suffering from depression. These children are the ones that show behavioral patterns such as: running away from home, accident-proneness, aggressive acting out, temper tantrums, self criticism by others, low tolerance of frustration, sleep problems, dark fantasies, day dreams, hallucination, marked personality changes, and overwhelming interest in death and†¦show more content†¦287, 288). References Comer, R. J. (2013) Abnormal Psychology, 8th Ed. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. 3. Discuss three factors that make adolescents particularly at risk for suicide. Also, discuss teen suicide attempts versus teen completed suicides. (372) In adolescent’s fatal illness are so uncommon that suicide is the third leading cause of death. About half of teenage suicides have been tied to clinical depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. Teenagers who have tried to kill themselves seem to also struggle with anger and impulsiveness and have deficiencies with their ability to sort out and solve problems; they may also have alcohol or drug problems (Comer, 2013, pp. 303). With this in mind some of the factors that make adolescent predominantly at risk for suicide are: societal factors, weakening family ties, easy access and pressure to use drugs and alcohol, and not to mention the detailed descriptions of suicide that the media has shown(Comer, 2013, pp. 304). Adolescent is a time of growth and self discovery so, it’s no wonder teenagers who attempt or consider suicide are under a great deal of stress. Teenagers seem to react more sensitively, angrily, dramatically, or impulsively which may be why suicidal acts in times of stress seem to be increasing. I’m not saying all teenagers have tried to commit suicide, but the ones that have either accomplished the deed or attempt to. The ones that attempt to seem to have higherShow MoreRelatedBlack Box Warnings1182 Words   |  5 Pagesthe product labeling to warn about a possible increased risk of suicidality with these drugs. But now a black box warning is being required for all antidepressant drugs. 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