Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Nordââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËFunction plus Loyaltyââ¬â¢ Concept
Ever since Post-structuralism and Reception-Aesthetics (also known as Reader Response Theory) happened questioning the very validity of fixing a text with one unitary and holistic reading, functionalist approaches to translation has been gaining ground among the translation theorists all over the world. With its roots in the ââ¬ËSkoposââ¬â¢ theory as proposed by Hans Vermeer, these functionalist approaches has radically shaken up the till recently unquestioned fortress of the linguistic-models of translation and has revolutionized the way translation is practiced, assessed and consumed for all times. Christine Nord with her concept of ââ¬ËFunction plus Loyaltyââ¬â¢ has contributed much to this movement modifying it at the same time in an attempt to answer the rather common criticisms of arbitrariness and mercenary approach against the functionalist model. However, a discussion of the nitty-gritty of the functionalist approach is necessary before we can proceed to discuss the effects of the introduction of the concept of ââ¬Ëfunction plus loyaltyââ¬â¢ into the system. The Functionalist Approach to Translation Functionalist approaches to translation as theorized by Vermeer, Schaffner and Nord, in its most outspoken form claims to ââ¬Ëdethrone the STââ¬â¢. In the new model of translation, the translator does not focus on words, phrases or grammatical structures etc. in an attempt to find semantically equivalent words and phrases in the TL. Instead, the text is considered as a whole. It is a communicative occurrence that has occurred in the SL. The translatorââ¬â¢s job is to carry out the same or similar communicative occurrence in the TL. ââ¬Å"A specific text in a specific situation and within specific cultural parameters performs a specific function. A good TT would be one which performs the same function in the target culture.â⬠(Schaffner, 1998:3) Thus, from re-production of a text, in the functionalist model, translation has come to be considered as the production of a text following certain guidelines. A good translator, therefore, should take into account lexical, semantic, cultural, text-typological and other aspects with varying degrees of stress in each according to the theory of translation by which it is informed or according to the ââ¬Ëskoposââ¬â¢ or ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ of the translation. Function-plus-Loyalty Theory A basic description of the translation procedure as envisioned by Nord (1997 a: 126-127) would run thus: Translation is a service rendered to a client by some expert in the process, in this case the translator. The client who might be the author of the ST or a publisher or any group or agent interested in the translation approaches a specialist translator. Grasping the intentions of the client in commissioning the translation is of utmost importance for the translator, for on that brief depends the setting up of the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ of the translation. The client provides the translator with as many specific details as possible about the translationââ¬â¢s purpose. He briefs the translator about the addressees, time, place, preferred medium, and the general function of the translation. This translation brief provided by the client thus specifies the kind of translation expected by the client. However, the translator, who is the expert in the translation process, has a far more important role to play. Nord explains that the translator studies the brief and advices on the viability of the translation project in accordance with the brief provided by the client. The translator also has to negotiate this brief with the client. However when the final brief, the result of negotiations has been arrived at the translator must ensure that the TT is loyal to the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ set by this brief. Thus, while the translator is not bound to abide by the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ provided by the original brief by the client, s/he must never deceive his or her client as to the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ in accordance to which the translation is being done. Therefore the translator is required to be loyal to the specifications of the client without violating the original functions of the ST to any gross extent. This is what constitute Nordââ¬â¢s ââ¬Ëfunction-plus-loyaltyââ¬â¢ model. Evidently, it serves a two-fold purpose. On the one hand it retains the freedom enjoyed by the translator in the functionalist model while on the other hand it makes the translator accountable to the client as well as the user/s of the translation. Criticism of Functionalist Approach The criticisms aimed against such a ââ¬Ëpragmaticââ¬â¢ approach to translation are rather obvious. The commonest among these are that translators translating to satisfy the needs of the clients can become ââ¬Ëmercenariesââ¬â¢ (Schaffner, 1998: 3). It provides the translators with the authority to misinterpret or misrepresent the ST to satisfy the cultural demands from translation in that society at that particular point of time, or to abide by the guidelines set by the agency commissioning the translation etc. As Schaffner points out, critics of functionalist approaches to translation are of the opinion that the purpose (or ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ in Nordââ¬â¢s terminology) or what the users of the translation are expecting of it or what they will do with it cannot justify the means. That in the functionalist approaches, the ST is dethroned is another major criticism. As the role of the client is exaggerated, translators tend to become ââ¬Ëmercenariesââ¬â¢ who translate to please the readers and turn the book into a bestseller at the cost of the ST. It cannot be denied that the functionalist approaches accord a much higher position to the translator and the readers of the TT. As one of the foremost translation theorists, Schaffner words it: ââ¬Å"Now that the functional appropriateness of the TT has become the yardstick for assessing the quality of translation, both the translators and the TT user(s) are assigned a higher status and a more influential role than is the case in more traditional approaches to translation.â⬠(1995:3) The question, as Honig puts it, is how one can make sure that translators are not arbitrary or self-willed in deciding the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ of the translation; how one can make sure that ââ¬Ëtranslators base their decisions for a certain translation-skopos on intersubjectively valid criteriaââ¬â¢. However, Nordââ¬â¢s function-plus-loyalty concept does deal with all these criticism to some extent and provides a fit reply to some of the criticism. Nordââ¬â¢s Reply to Criticism It is true that according to the basic framework of the functionalist theory, as proposed by Vermeer for instance, any ââ¬Ëskoposââ¬â¢ that will be convenient to the translator and serve his interests the best might be chosen by him or her to justify the decisions taken in the process of translation. However, the freedom enjoyed by the translator is never absolute. There are various conventions, cultural, social and political those predetermine the translationââ¬â¢s function on behalf of the translator. For instance, in any society at any given point of time, there are discourses present that shape what is expected of a translation and what might be accepted as a proper translation. These cultural traditions determine what degree of ââ¬Ëresemblanceââ¬â¢ that must exist between the ST and the TT for it to qualify for a proper translation. Thus we see that a functionalist in approach or not, a translator is inevitably bound to his client or the users of the translation by means of these conventions. This is where Nordââ¬â¢s concept of ââ¬Ëloyaltyââ¬â¢ comes in. With the concept of loyalty Nord binds the translator not only with his or her clients but also with the author of the ST. The author of the ST naturally expects the translator to function in certain ways. These are generally the conventions of translation prevalent in the Source Culture. Since, acting loyally according to Nord implies taking seriously the responsibilities that a translator has not only to his client but also to the Source Author, the translator must negotiate the function of the translation with the source author or the representatives of the same. In most cases the Source Author do not have any means of checking on the ââ¬Ëloyaltyââ¬â¢ of the translator. This is why the translator should let the Source Author as well as his clients or readers know the norms according to which the translation is being carried out. S/he will not consciously violate the norms or the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ o f the ST in the original situation without informing the Source Author. In other words: the ââ¬Ëskoposââ¬â¢ of the TT must be compatible with the intentions of the ST author. If it is not so, the translator must be responsible enough to inform his clients accordingly. Assessing the Criticism in the New Light As Schaffner points out, the blame of being ââ¬Ëmercenariesââ¬â¢ on the functionalist translators, often result from a misinterpretation of the word ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ which is usually taken to be referring to the communicative functions of a TT in the target culture. However, as Christine Nordââ¬â¢s function-plus-loyalty concept ensures that the ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ in functionalist approaches to translation also involves issues like ST functions such as the informative of persuasive functions of a text. Loyalty to these is also necessary to make a translation ââ¬Ëfunctionally appropriateââ¬â¢. Criticism of Nordââ¬â¢s Views However, certain functionalist critics like Venuti and Honig are not highly supportive of Nordââ¬â¢s function-plus-loyalty concept as it is. For instance, Honig says, ââ¬Å"Nord (1993:20) illustrates this with an example which seems to make loyalty a rather vague principle: no author of a best-selling novel will object to the translation becoming a bestseller, too. S/he will therefore not object to the translators-when translating the title of the book- using means which will make it appealing for the target culture readership. Loyalty, it seems, means acting in the best interest of oneââ¬â¢s client which is more a matter of expediency than of ethical standards.â⬠Venuti, (1995: 34) though he does not criticize Nord directly, provides yet another radical view of the process of translation. He severely criticizes the recent Anglo-American trend of praising fluency and naturalness in a translation. He points out that this expectation of the clients for fluency in translation actually acts towards subverting the ST. While acknowledging that there is ââ¬Å"a fundamental ethnocentric impulse in all translationâ⬠(ibid. 47), Venuti calls for the translator to make an ethical choice for ââ¬Å"foreignizingâ⬠rather than ââ¬Å"domesticatingâ⬠translation, downgrading the importance of readability and preserving or restoring the foreignness of a ST. However, this is in effect to suggest that disregarding ââ¬Ëloyaltyââ¬â¢ to the client, the translator must stress on a specific ideology to determine the function of the translation. Assessment of Nordââ¬â¢s Position Thus, one might conclude that though Nordââ¬â¢s Function-plus-loyalty theory has not yet been able to completely resolve the problematic regarding translation fruitfully, it has surely shown a new direction of development for translation studies. As Umberto Eco points out in A Rose by Any Other Name, a translation can be basically of two types: ââ¬Å"target-orientedâ⬠and ââ¬Å"source-orientedâ⬠. What Nordââ¬â¢s theory of loyalty does is to make every party (client, users, source-author etc) involved in the process of translation know what kind of a translation is being done. Surely, Ecoââ¬â¢s distinction of all translation into two types is rather simplistic, and as is evident from the earlier discussion, many more factors (ideological, cultural, financial etc.) are involved in the process of deciding the exact ââ¬Ëfunctionââ¬â¢ of the translation. Surely, there can be a great number of middle courses possible for the translator to choose from in addition to the two extreme categories. But whatever the course chosen by the translator, Nordââ¬â¢s theory ensures that it is clearly delineated to both the reader of the translation as well as the author of the ST. The parameters, depending on which the translator makes his or her decisions in the process of the translation no longer, remain hidden from the public or from the scholars assessing the translation. And thus, though the ââ¬Ëfunctionalistââ¬â¢ translator is not completely exempted from the charge of being a ââ¬Ëmercenaryââ¬â¢ (in the sense that s/he can still choose the ââ¬Ëskoposââ¬â¢ with financial gain in mind), s/he is at least partly exempted from the charge of being ââ¬Ëarbitraryââ¬â¢. Whether, the translator chooses to adopt a ââ¬Ëdomesticatingââ¬â¢ or ââ¬Ëforeignizingââ¬â¢ approach is a question of ideology, aesthetics, socio-cultural expectations etc. and is negotiated openly and clearly on the table between the client, the translator and the author of the ST. But function-plus-loyalty theory ensures that whatever is the approach, it is not an arbitrary one adopted according to the whims of the translator. In the present day situation, where inter-cultural translation is becoming the lifeline for many a culture under immense pressure from forces of Anglo-American globalization, this accountability of the translator to his client, the source culture and the target audience is essential beyond any doubt. Works Cited Honig, H.J (1998). ââ¬Å"Position, power and practice: functionalist approaches to translation qualityâ⬠Christina Shaffner (Ed) (1998), Translation and quality. Clevedon: Multilingualmatters. Nord, C. (2003). Function and loyalty in Bible translation. In M. Calzada-Pà ©rez (Ed.) Apropos of ideology (pp. 89-112). Manchester: St. Jerome. Nord, C. (1991) Text Analysis in Translation. Amsterdam: Rodopi. Nord, C. (1997a). Translation as a Purposeful Activity. Manchester: St. Jerome. Nord, C. (1997b). ââ¬Å"A functional typology of translations.â⬠Anna Trosborg (Ed) (1997). Text typology and translation. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 43-66. Schaffner, Christina (1998). ââ¬Å"From ââ¬Ëgood' to ââ¬Ëfunctionally appropriate': Assessing translation quality.â⬠Christina Shaffner (Ed) (1998), Translation and quality. Clevedon: Multilingualmatters. Vermeer, H. J. (2000). Skopos and commission in translational action (A. Chesterman, Trans.). In L. Venuti (Ed.) The translation studies reader (pp. 221-32). London: Routledge. Venuti, Lawrence. (1995). The Translatorââ¬â¢s Invisibility, A History of Translation. London: Routledge.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Mini Case Starbucks Essay
1.How did Starbucks create its uniqueness in the first place? Starbucks create its uniqueness by offering premium coffee beans, thus creating an amazing image. Every store is a unique place with a wide range of products and a special homely ambience, emphasized by relaxing music and comfortable seating furniture. Other than that, customers can use the free wireless hotspot or just visit with friends. The high quality of the products connected with a fair price attracts many coffee lovers. Starbucks also offer a wide range of products for example 30 different blends of coffee and first supplier of beverages ââ¬Å"to-goâ⬠. The special flavor of the coffee beans in every Starbucks reflect the high standard of quality by providing high quality beverages and food, combined with superior customer service in a friendly and welcoming environment. They can create unique experience among their customer, thus will increase their loyalty level. 2.Was Starbucksââ¬â¢s uniqueness a VRIO resource? Did it help Starbucks gain and sustain a competitive advantage? Why or why not?à YES Valuable : Starbucks is competence in creating a unique customer experience the world over. This is becaue they are not only paying for a cup of coffee or tea but also can enjoy the good ambience. Rare : The Starbucks possess the resource or can or can perform the capability in the same unique way. It also on the path to competitive advantage when it possesses a valuable resource that is also rare. Starbucks build its initial sign through barista and through its ambience where music and comfortable chairs and sofas cannot be find in other places. Costly to imitate : Their potential competitors seems like hard to produce the same idea as what they do. They might able to open a coffee house business but with no baristas and other uniqueness. Organized to capture value : Starbucks have an effective organizationalà structure and coordinating systems to fully exploit the competitive potential of its resources and capabilities. So, Starbucks has gain and sustained competitive advantage. 3. Why and how did Starbucks lose its uniqueness? Starbucks lose its uniqueness when baristas used to grind beans throughout the day whenever a new pot of coffee had to be brewed which was at least every eight minutes. Many baristas began to grind all of the dayââ¬â¢s coffee beans in the morning and store the rest of the day. Baristas now use push-button machines to make espresso drinks. That stores no longer smell like coffee and that every store looks cookie-cutter. 4.How is Starbucks attempting to re-create its uniqueness? Do you think it will be successful? Why or Why not?à Starbucks attempting to re-create its uniqueness by introduced many new products such as instant coffee. These new products undercut the integrity of the Starbucks brand for coffee purists. They also challenged the baristas who had to wrestle with an ever-more-complicated menu of drinks. With over half of customers customizing their drinks, baristas hired for their social skills and passion for coffee, no longer had time to dialogue with customers. The brand experience declined as waiting times increased. Moreover, the price premium for a Starbucks coffee seemed less justifiable for grab and go customers as McDonaldââ¬â¢s and Dunkin Donuts improved their coffee offerings at much lower prices. Second, the early adopters who valued the club-like atmosphere of relaxing over a quality cup of coffee found themselves in a minority. To grow, Starbucks increasingly appealed to grab and go customers for whom service meant speed of order delivery rather than recognition by and conversation with a barista. Starbucks introduced new store formats like Express to try to cater to this second segment without undermining the first. As a result, Starbucks is successful in creating their uniqueness because since then they are able to increase their outlets for more than 18000 stores around the world in 2013. 5.Explain Starbucksââ¬â¢s ups and downs using (a) strategic activity systems and (b) the dynamic capabilities perspectives. What implications can you draw? (a) Strategic activity systems is the conceptualization of a firm as a network of interconnected activities. ââ¬â grinding beans ââ¬â second home ââ¬â friendly service ââ¬â relaxed atmosphere ââ¬â beverages ( desserts, sandwiches), books, music ââ¬â more than 30 blends of coffee (b) Dynamic capabilities perspective is a model that emphasizes a firmââ¬â¢s ability to modify and leverage its resource base in a way that enables it to gain and sustain competitive advantage in a constantly changing environment. The implications can we draw from this is :- (i) Starbucks forgot what made it unique (ii) Intangible resources were forgotten (iii) Lost appeal that made it special, its unique culture 6.What recommendations would you give Howard Schultz? Support your arguments.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Impact of Foreign Banks on Banking in Emerging Economies Essay
Increased technology and innovation International banking in emergingââ¬âmarket have some advantages from the technology and innovation. The advanced technology and innovation system could even surpass the conventional technology and innovation. For example, they could improve productivity, increase in market and increase the competition and so on . Innovations in customer experience and superior customer service delivery, network integration. (Infosys 2000). For example, the internet and computer system have a useful communication system to connect the consumer and bank. In daily life, customer often use the mobile phone, computer transfer the money. At the same time, innovation and technology is a lower cost of the banking system in the emerging market. The increased technology and innovation in emerging market may help the banking system make a clear communication for their employee, shareholder and consumer. As a result, banks in emerging markets are leapfrogging their rich-world rivals in efficiency, technolog y and innovation (special report international banking 2011). Increased liquidity and solvency Comparing with the local banking system, the foreign banks on banking in emerging market have different kind of comparative advantage. The reason is emerging market allow foreign bank entry to local market. This is lead to the higher liquidity and solvency. Foreign direct investment is a useful fund source for local market. At the same time, the foreign banks also have important roles which represent a borrower. For example, foreign banks have an enough capital base and asset. Foreign banks have played a major role in financing emerging market (EMEs) in recent year. Increased liquidity and solvency has helped emerging markets to develop their economies and allocate capital and financial know-how efficiently across countries (Agustà n Villar ) Disadvantage Complex global policies and challenges international banking There are some negative factors occur in global banks in emerging economies. One of the important factors is complex global policies. For example, the foreign banks are an extension of parent bank which sent to managers to overseas. Different banking system has different policies. Meanwhile, the government also comes up with stricter policies. As a result, foreign banks should face a lot of complicated policies in emerging market. The collapse of Barings was a demonstration of how different countriesââ¬â¢ supervisors are failing to communicate with each other.( the economist 1997). This opinion shows that the international banking in emerging market should have a closer supervisor.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
History of Management Information System Essay
A management information system (MIS) provides information which is needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. Management information systems involve three primary resources: people, technology, and information or decision making. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that they are used to analyze operational activities in the organization. Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the group of information management methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making, e. g. decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems. Kenneth and Jane Laudon identify five eras of MIS evolution corresponding to five phases in the development of computing technology: 1) mainframe and minicomputer computing, 2) personal computers, 3) client/server networks, 4) enterprise computing, and 5) cloud computing. The first (mainframe and minicomputer) era was ruled by IBM and their mainframe computers, these computers would often take up whole rooms and require teams to run them, IBM supplied the hardware and the software. As technology advanced these computers were able to handle greater capacities and therefore reduce their cost. Smaller, more affordable minicomputers allowed larger businesses to run their own computing centers in-house. The second (personal computer) era began in 1965 as microprocessors started to compete with mainframes and minicomputers and accelerated the process of decentralizing computing power from large data centers to smaller offices. In the late 1970s minicomputer technology gave way to personal computers and relatively low cost computers were becoming mass market commodities, allowing businesses to provide their employees access to computing power that ten years before would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. This proliferation of computers created a ready market for interconnecting networks and the popularization of the Internet. As the complexity of the technology increased and the costs decreased, the need to share information within an enterprise also grew, giving rise to the third (client/server) era in which computers on a common network were able to access shared information on a server. This allowed for large amounts of data to be accessed by thousands and even millions of people simultaneously. The fourth (enterprise) era enabled by high speed networks, tied all aspects of the business enterprise together offering rich information access encompassing the complete management structure. The fifth and latest (cloud computing) era of information systems employs networking technology to deliver applications as well as data storage independent of the configuration, location or nature of the hardware. This, along with high speed cellphone and wifi networks, led to new levels of mobility in which managers access the MIS remotely with laptops, tablet pcs, and smartphones.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Best custom ROMs for Redmi Note 4
Best custom ROMs for Redmi Note 4 This article is dedicated to all those tech savvy people out there who want to know which all are the best custom ROMs available out there for the latest device from Redmi, the Redmi Note 4. With great processing power and exquisite features, this is one of those devices that can be tweaked by users to utilize its maximum potential. Installing Custom ROMs is one of the best and easiest ways to make your mobile phone work much better than how it does in stock ROM. Installing custom ROMs allows you to have much more features than the company provides and also helps to provide a smoother and better interface. Here, we are listing some of the best Custom ROMs for the REDMINOTE 4, the latest entrant in the smart phone market. LineageOSIf you are already familiar with custom ROMs, chances are that you have already heard about the CyanogenMod. LineageOS was introduced right after CyanogenMod had announced that they have stopped all their services and development. The Lineage 14.1 ROMlooks somewhat similar to the CyanogenMod Oss and their performance too are quite similar to those from CM ( quite good ). TheLineage 14.1 is based on the Android 7.1 Nougat and thus allows the users to get all the features that Nougat produces on a device that run son Android Marshmallow! Cyanogen Mod 13Even though CM has stopped all their services, CM13 is still available online. Based out of Android Marshmallow, the CM13 is one of the fastest, smoothest and most user friendly custom ROMs out there. With features that gives its customers a lot of customization options it is probably the best custom ROM out there if you like the Marshmallow basic features. Resurrection Remix When you look for new Custom ROMs, stability of the OS is something you have to be wary of because there are a lot of custom ROMs out there that are not stable. This is exactly where the Resurrection Remixscores maximum points. With a very stable and user friendly user interface this is a good custom ROM. Combined with this is the fact that it has a very intimidating look that is easily customizable. The fact that they have combined the best features from various Custom ROMs has made this one of the best custom ROMs out there. Dirty Unicorns Like most other user friendly custom ROMs available in the market. Latest version of the Dirty Unicorns available out there right now is the10.4. The simple features that can be tweaked according to personal tastes quite easily make it popular among custom ROM lovers. Definitely worth a try if simple User Interface is what you are looking for. XenonHD If you are one of those people who think performance of a device is the most important aspect, look no further. This is one of the most lightweight and ultra fast custom ROMs available! With simple features that keeps the ROM simple, the XenonHD is quite attractive. Even though the ROM is simple and lightweight make no mistake as this has an easy to customize User Interface with various options for the same. PAC-MAN ROM Like the name suggests, this is an extremely fun to use ROM that provides features which makes the user experience quite good. The ROM seems to be very stable and bug free which makes it very attractive! MIUI ROM The MIUI custom ROM has been developed by the developers team from MI who knows quite well that not everyone uses stock ROMs. They have been constantly providing stable, user friendly and exciting custom ROMs on a constant basis. With an attractive user interface and lot of features to play with, this is a very attractive custom ROM and is definitely worth the try.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
The size of a company is not important for global trade nowadays Essay
The size of a company is not important for global trade nowadays - Essay Example But currently lot of other substitute electronic products with superior quality and cheaper price, from different parts of the world are available in almost every local market in the world because of globalization and free trade policies adopted by many countries. For example, Chinese products are causing immense damages to the reputed brands because of the cheaper prices. Global trade have big impacts on employment, community and the economy of a country. It is difficult for a country to stay away from global market at present because of the inter-linkage of global economies because of globalization. Any problems occurred at some part of the world can cause problems in other parts as well. For example the American financial crisis has resulted in many people losing their jobs including those from overseas countries. The persons returns from America will be a burden for other countries and those countries need to spend heavy amounts for the rehabilitation of such people. Global trade can impact other communication media also. Internet media (blogs, message boards, podcasts, and video sharing), radio networks, mass-circulation newspapers and magazines all are part of global trade. Globalization boosted the global trade and communication with the help of integration of regional economies, societies, and cultures. For example, reality shows were earlier popular in America and UK like countries. But the increased awareness about the western culture because of global trade activities resulted in exchange of cultural values and reality shows like television programs are nowadays popular in India, Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries. ââ¬Å"The greater financial interdependence of national economies can also increase insecurity among rural populationsâ⬠(Winkels). Rural population mostly concentrate on agriculture for finding their livelihood. The prices of their crops are
Advantages of reduced hierarchy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Advantages of reduced hierarchy - Essay Example In the past, hierarchy helped to define the role of employees within the same organization. It also outlines the relationship between employees. Hierarchy makes organizations stand out with limited control spans. Several organizations are becoming flatter, reducing levels of hierarchy and widening the span of control. There are several reasons to explain this promising trend among the hierarchical organization. However, hierarchical organizations have their share of disadvantages. First, hierarchy makes organizations assume a bureaucratic nature. This can slow the response rates to the needs of customers within the operations of the organization. Additionally, hierarchy in organizations contributes to the weakening of communication links within organizations. Furthermore, since hierarchy assumes a horizontal nature of information flow, some beneficial decisions can remain with the top of the hierarchy, making the employees at the bottom of the hierarchy disadvantaged (Fernandez & Gon zalez, 2001, p. 108). Based on these reasons, many organizations are resorting to the reduction of hierarchical levels within the organization. This paper will explore some of the advantages reduced hierarchal would benefit an organization. The need to stay profitable in the fast changing business environment has made business organizations reexamine their management styles. Organizations whose hierarchal structures are tall are less likely to respond quickly to external changes compared with entities with flatter hierarchal structures. The need to hasten the structure of management of any business enterprise requires the implementation of the process of delayering. This allows a business organization to remove some structures in its hierarchy to maintain a flatter hierarchal structure. Although this process has some disadvantages to the business, it also has multiple benefits as well. Hierarchical organizations ensure that employees at the apex of the hierarchy enjoy greater presti ge and privileges as compared to persons at the base of the hierarchy. As much as this benefits people at the top of the hierarchy in terms of increased self-esteem, self worth and other material benefits, it also contributes to the disorientation of the employees at the bottom of the hierarchy. As a result, these people will feel disadvantaged due to increased feelings of low self-esteem, limited or lack of access to handouts and low self worth. Consequently, their output would drastically reduce. Consequently, the productivity of the organization would equally reduce as well. It is necessary that organizations reduce their hierarchal levels to reverse this trend (Wallgrun, 2010, p. 119). Hierarchy in organizations ensure that somebody at the top only deal with the person who is directly under him or her. This implies that a top manager would not likely communicate directly with individuals at the bottom of the hierarchy. A hierarchy has several levels meaning that people only work with persons that are immediately below or above them. In case where a certain decision is supposed to reach everyone in the organization, this process would be so unyielding and time consuming. This is because the hierarchy does not address people directly by the top management. However, reducing the multiple levels of hierarchy would help to quicken the flow of information within the organization besides ensuring that little distortion to the information happens. The reduction of hierarchal levels within business organizations would ensure that employees get the opportunity to communicate with each other. This enhances teamwork besides creating a good working atmosphere for the organization.
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