Critical Thinking and Decision Making Essay example

Critical Thinking 1 CRITICAL THINKING AND DECISION MAKING Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Paper Critical Thinking 2 Abstract Critical thinking and decision-making are related in more ways than people think. This paper will define critical thinking and decision-making according to the book Whatever It Takes. It will also present a personal definition of critical thinking and decision-making from the author of this paper. The relationship between the two will be explained as well as the benefits of being a critical thinker. The author of this paper will also show how critical thinking is present in his organization and how he implements critical thinking techniques on a daily basis. Critical Thinking 3 Critical†¦show more content†¦I feel decision-making is an action. It is the destination of logical and analytical problem solving which is based in fact. Once the destination is reached, action in taken according to the resolution reached. Decision-making is the product of critical thinking. I believe that critical thinking and decision-making are inter-twined because you cant have one without the other. When you are trying to decide on something, you begin a Critical Thinking 4 critical thinking process. During this process, one evaluates information on a given problem. The process of reaching logical conclusions, solving problems, analyzing factual information, and taking appropriate actions based on the conclusions are called decision-making. While critical thinking and decision-making are interrelated and rely on one another, they are also independent. Critical thinking does not guarantee that a decision will be made and decisions can be made without processing information logically. There are benefits to being a critical thinker. It allows you to process problems or information in a systematical and logical fashion. It also allows you to come to the best decision available given the current information. When used properly it can save valuable time in reaching decisions because it eliminates useless information from being considered. This helps to organize thoughts and information to be presented in anShow MoreRelatedCritical Thin king For Decision Making755 Words   |  4 Pagesis to discuss my critical thinking for decision-making and problem-solving as a professional in healthcare, reflect on the three most important elements of personal and professional etiquette, identify my communication strengths and weaknesses, identify strategies to stay on-task and on-time, and discuss my professional goals. Critical Thinking for Decision-Making and Problem Solving As a professional in the healthcare environment, I use my critical thinking for decision-making and problem solvingRead MoreCritical Thinking And Decision Making1198 Words   |  5 PagesCritical thinking is the process of actively conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered from the observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication. Critical thinking is a guide to belief and action (Scriven Paul 1987). In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairnessRead MoreCritical Thinking And Decision Making1240 Words   |  5 PagesCritical Thinking and Decision Making By Pat Scruggs | Submitted On October 31, 2010 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter 1 Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest What is critical thinking? There s a phrase that conjures up all manner of opinionsRead MoreDecision Making : Critical Thinking1982 Words   |  8 Pagespossible. But like Gary Collins said â€Å"We can try to avoid making choices by doing nothing, but even that is a decision. Therefore, decision making is in us relentlessly whether we want it or not. No single definition of critical thinking is widely accepted. Critical thinking is the process in which one challenges their emotive, self-centered way of thinking. It causes one to test their own assumptions and question their reasoning. Critical thinking is the process in which one mentally explores deeperRead MoreCritical Thinking in Decision Making Essay848 Words   |  4 PagesCritical Thinking in Decision Making Debra Rodriguez MGT 350 August 6, 2012 Karen Allen Critical thinking is a mode of thinking where one improves his or her quality by applying intellectual skills to elements of decisions to make solid decisions to develop intellectual traits. It is important to enhance ones critical thinking skills to improve decision-making capabilties in life and create new opportunities. Critical thinking is the ability of evaluating and assessing thoughts with the aimRead More Critical Thinking and Decision Making Essay588 Words   |  3 PagesCritical Thinking and Decision Making In the corporate environment critical decisions must be made, sometimes quickly, whether because of changes in market conditions, corporate profits, or corporate performances. The decision-making process is vital to good management in today’s work environment. This paper will examine the relationship between critical thinking and the decision making process, explain what the textbook authors believe, and relate how both apply to today’s workplace. CriticalRead MoreEssay on Critical Thinking and Decision Making582 Words   |  3 Pages The process of critical thinking requires you to ask more questions of both others and of yourself before a decision or determination is made. In order to successfully evaluate data in a critical manner, you must have a system in place to assess information as it is presented. In any situation whether you are having a conversation, observing others, or material you have read, you must be ready to probe deeper and ask the right question at the right time. Browne, Keely, McCall and Kaplan, refersRead MoreCritical Thinking and Decision Making Essay1083 Words   |  5 Pagesinfers the ability to think. Critical thinking is asking the right questions about the information we are presented with on any given situation. Or as Brown and Keeley put it, it is asking critical questions. (Pg. 2) To put it more specifically, asking critical questions provide(s) a structure for critical thinking that supports a continual, ongoing search for better opinions, decisions, or judgments. (Brown and Keeley, 2000, Critical Thinking, Asking the Right QuestionsRead MoreEssay on Critical Thinking and Decision-Making1892 Words   |  8 PagesCritical Thinking and Decision-Making The purpose of this paper is to explain critical thinking and decision-making by different examples, models, and show how it is used in everyday life. Everyone uses critical thinking and decision-making all the time, most of the time without recognition and involuntary and it starts from the time you wake up in the morning till you go to bed. There are three components for every decision made and they are: 1.Criteria- the standards by which decision makersRead MoreThe Relationship Between Critical Thinking and Decision Making665 Words   |  3 PagesCritical thinking and decision-making are related in more ways than people think. This paper will define critical thinking and decision-making according to the book Whatever It Takes. It will also present a personal definition of critical thinking and decision-making from the author of this paper. The relationship between the two will be explained as well as the benefits of being a critical thinker. The author of this paper will also sh ow how critical thinking is present in his organization and how

Bipolar Disorder And Its Effects On The Patients Life

In the world of mental health disorders, one of the most common is Bipolar Disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Bipolar Disorder affects as much as 2.6% of the adult population. The effects of Bipolar Disorder can range from mild (having little impact on the patient’s day to day life) to severe (making the patient’s life debilitating and nonfunctioning). Bipolar Disorder also has a devastating effect on the patient’s friends and family. Bipolar Disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders, however, with proper treatment; the sufferer can go on to live a normal and useful life. Body Bipolar Disorder is defined as â€Å"a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day to day tasks†. (‘Bipolar Disorder’, 2016). Bipolar disorder has periods of elevated moods called manic episodes as well as severely depressed moods called hypomanic episodes. A manic episode is defined as â€Å"a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood that lasts at least one week (or less than a week if hospitalization is necessary). The episode includes persistently increased goal directed activity or energy† (‘Diseases and Conditions; Bipolar Disorder’, 2015). A hypomanic episode is defined as â€Å"a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood that lasts at least four consecutive days† (‘Diseases and Conditions; BipolarShow MoreRelatedManic Depression : Symptoms Of Symptoms And Treatments1339 Wor ds   |  6 Pagesillness that influence or defect the way people feel, interact, socialize, and act. At least fifteen percent of people with bipolar disorder commit suicide. Moreover, the symptoms of this illness show in adolescence or adulthood. According to the World Health Organization mental health Atlas research, in 2014, which published a prevalent and latest estimated data of bipolar disorder covering â€Å"About 2 % of the population of both women and men are suffering from this condition.† Many factors of this diseaseRead MoreSymptoms And Diagnosis Of Bipolar Disorder1345 Words   |  6 PagesBipolar Disorder Definition Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 57 million adult Americans, (Bipolar Disorder Statistics, 2016). It is more common for this disorder to affect adults rather than adolescent, with the onset age being somewhere around 25 years of age. Often time people live with disorder without having it properly diagnosed and treatedRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Its Effects On The Patient s Life1203 Words   |  5 Pagesof mental health disorders, one of the most common is Bipolar Disorder. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), Bipolar Disorder affects as much as 2.6% of the adult population. The effects of Bipolar Disorder can range from mild (having little impact on the patient’s day to day life) to severe (making the patient’s life debilitating and nonfunctioning). Bipolar Disorder also has a devastati ng effect on the patient’s friends and family. Bipolar Disorder is one of the mostRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Mental Disorders1364 Words   |  6 PagesIntro Bipolar disorder is an emotional instability checked by great movements in disposition going from a hyper to a depressive state. Bipolar disorder is additionally called bipolar disease or manic depression. Bipolar disorder oppresses 3 to 5% of the populace with inconvenient impact on life possibilities. People with Bipolar Disorder will face life span danger for mood shifts, including fatal consequences. â€Å"It is sixth most common cause of disability in the United States (Altman et al., 2006)Read MoreSymptoms And Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder Essay1372 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Bipolar disorder is a fairly common, yet publicly uneducated topic. Bipolar disorder is a frequently repeated and progressive condition wherein one experiences at least one manic episode followed by at least one depressive episode. According to Ferri and Reus (2016), bipolar disorder could be caused from calcium dysregulation, an abnormality of GABA, and the G-protein-coupled receptor abnormality (p. 174). The pathogenesis of bipolar disorder is that it is a heritable condition in whichRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Mental Disorders1708 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar disorder is an emotional instability checked by great movements in disposition going from a hyper to a depressive state. Bipolar disorder is additionally called bipolar disease or manic depression. Bipolar disorder oppresses 3 to 5% of the populace with inconvenient impact on life possibilities. People with Bipolar Disorder will face life span danger for mood shifts, including fatal consequences. â€Å"It is sixth most c ommon cause of disability in the United States (Altman et al., 2006).† AsRead MoreBipolar Disorder Of The United States1623 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar Disorder In the United States alone, approximately five point seven million people have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, being considered â€Å"the sixth leading cause of disability among middle age group and the ninth leading cause of years lost to death or disability worldwide† (Sawan Hamilton, 2015). Although equal in both males and females, studies have shown that males are prone to developing bipolar disease earlier in life. On the other hand, females are three times more likely toRead MoreBipolar Disorder And Treatment Of Bipolar Depression1098 Words   |  5 Pagesparticipants searched had a primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV (Zhang et al., 2013). This literature review found, the following: â€Å"Antidepressant medications did not offer statistical benefits when compared with placebo in the short-term phase† (Zhang et al., 2013, p. 11). This statement is relevant to answering question 1: Can at any time antidepressants be used safely in Bipo lar disorder? When considering treatment of Bipolar depression, there was no statistical benefit ofRead MoreThe Relationship Between Bipolar Disorder And Alcohol Abuse With Emotional Instability1595 Words   |  7 Pages The patient’s family reports they have noticed many changes in their loved ones life and presence. They report moods where he or she was overly joyous and then shifted to severe anger. As a nurse you wonder is there something else causing the patient’s emotional shifts. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder that is characterized by sudden intense shifts in mood, behavior and energy levels (Dual Diagnosis, 2015). Alcohol use disorder is a condition that is diagnosed when a patient’s drinkingRead MoreA Family Member Or Friend Who Suffers From Bipolar Disorder?1689 Words   |  7 PagesDo you know a family member or friend who suffers from Bipolar Disorder? Jessica was one of my friends from College, during college she was an outstanding student, she was always on time with assignments, no absences, and on top of the class. Everything in her room and study papers were extremely organized, but sometimes she last days with insomnia and cried without motive. Her parents’ divorce cause a terrible impact in her family, the doctors diagnosed her mom with major depression. After college

DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR THE PRESCHOOL Free Essays

Main focal point of this paper will be sketching how to make a course of study that is child-centered and handles every kid ‘s demands in each and every developmental country such as physical country, emotional, creativeness and cognitive facets of kids aged 3-8 old ages old. II. The preschool educational criterions in America. We will write a custom essay sample on DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR THE PRESCHOOL or any similar topic only for you Order Now A. How the criterions helps the instructors. B. Lesson Plans. C. Factors to see while planing a good course of study III. Integrating other activities such as games, tourneies and teamwork in the Curriculum. A. Choosing relevant criterions and subjects. B. Sing several thoughts when planing and be aftering larning for immature kids. C. Elementss to see while planing a good course of study. IV. Early Childhood doctrines. A. Requirements of Early Childhood Doctrines B. Research and its findings. C. Subject theoretical account. V. How to efficaciously utilize math in schoolrooms for good acquisition. VI. Decision VII. Reconfirmed Thesis: A good lineation of an educational course of study consequences to good instruction and acquisition in preschool, and managing the demands of every kid. Planing Curriculum for the Preschool The early childhood pedagogue should hold necessary accomplishments in planing course of study criterions that are based on appropriate developmental facets in a kid. It is besides imperative to hold lesson programs that meet and are guided by specific criterions of kindergarten in every province. This is because in the United States, larning in early childhood tends to vary and are distinguishable from one province to the other. However, there are common subjects that can be found among the changing early childhood acquisition criterions. In United States, preschool acquisition criterions are subdivided into developmental sensitive curricular in different facets such as linguistic communication proficiency, development in literacy facets, originative humanistic disciplines, and societal surveies. In each standard country, there are other divided criterions that are conceptualized through specific constructs and thoughts. For case, a scientific discipline topic may be sub-divided int o standard constructs such as biological science, physical scientific discipline, and environmental scientific discipline. Furthermore, these sub-divided constructs may every bit good be categorized into smaller constructs such as clime and conditions, workss and animate beings among others. Standards of Preschool or early childhood course of study should be designed in such a manner that it should integrate the diverse nature of the kids. Every kid ‘s demands should be incorporated and should non be left out in the designing of the preschool course of study. The intent of this research paper is to look into all the facets of preschool educational course of study and to convey all facets of early childhood instruction including theories, doctrines, and constructs into position. This paper gives focal point to kids aged between 3-8 old ages. The chief focal point of this paper will be sketching how to make a course of study that is child-centered and handles every kid ‘s demands in each and every developmental country such as physical country, emotional, creativeness, and cognitive facets of a kid. It is imperative to observe that many provinces in America offer thoughts in necessary illustrations and patterns that are critical in back uping each specified criterion. This is of import in assisting instructors in understanding the set criterions and transforming and interpreting it in planning of lessons. This paper imposes criterions for pre-kindergarten as a theoretical account for this paper, in making a lesson program that is standard based. It is of import to observe that lesson planning is a critical constituent in instruction in daily maps of a schoolroom. A lesson program that has a strong construction can be critical in making and prosecuting even to the toughest pupils while at the same clip giving challenges to the pupils who are most talented. A good lesson program acts as a design and sets up the foundation for educational supporters to make pupils who are characterized to hold a broad assortment of larning manners. Schools in both private and public scenes can accomplish an effectual lesson program through pattern. A good and strategic planning of a lesson can integrate contents of a simple instructor ‘s usher and thenceforth guaranting that larning for every pupil is maximized. The key to the success of be aftering a lesson purely lies in effectual action research. An effectual lesson program addresses both today ‘s high criterions and the differentiated manners of acquisition of each pupil. In making a good preschool course of study, one must first place and use the right scheme for every course of study design. Planing a course of study that incorporates direct instructions by making inquiries that are designed to take pupils through the necessary stairss that aid in content comprehension is necessary. Planing indirect instructions that guide pupils to get the hanging contents through geographic expedition of common constructs, footings, informations, and events properties. When making a course of study for preschool, it is necessary to guarantee that the course of study aids pupils in previewing, predicting, and placing relevant stuffs. Another method that can be incorporated in course of study design for preschool is grouping kids to make partnerships, which can reciprocally profit them. Theories of larning assert that kids learn efficaciously while in groups/teams. Course of study interior decorators can plan the course of study in a manner that the content command in the lessons may be through the usage of games, tourneies, and squads. When suitably applied, a good preschool course of study can do a deadening stuff to be appealing therefore doing larning for kids interesting. It is of import for instructors to set into consideration that it is non entirely a necessity to take one peculiar criterion when developing a criterion based lesson program. Choosing one criterion when developing a lesson program merely works efficaciously when developing a lesson for merely one activity. However, when developing a one-week-long subject, it is critical to use and administrate a broad scope of countries. Thereafter, an early childhood instructor should set into consideration what other contents constructs can be added every bit good. Other facets that can be included in an effectual preschool course of study may include, among others, ocular and originative humanistic disciplines, graphical designs in instance it ‘s a math lesson, fiction and non-fiction books reading on facets such as conditions or one can every bit good expression and survey maps in instances the lesson is societal surveies or geographics. This impression is in line with the behaviourist theo ry where behaviourists acknowledge the fact that acquisition is finite. They continue to asseverate that acquisition is open, discernible, and mensurable utilizing empirical methods. This aspect fronts the thought that larning is best when alterations are observed in the scholar. It is every bit of import to see several thoughts when planing and be aftering larning for immature kids. It is of import to supply activities undertakings and subjects that are suited to the age and individualised demands of each kid. Several elements can besides be put into position. Such elements include a ) . Age rightness ; the ages for the kids should be considered and incorporated into the plan. Any individual age group, for case 4 year-olds, has distinguishable demands from a group of kindergartners who have mixed age group. The course of study should be designed in such a manner that is suited for the development of each age group by offering a broad assortment of appropriate activities. Thereafter, the demands group ends should be set after measuring the demands of that peculiar age group. B ) . Individual rightness ; the early childhood instructor should believe about every kid ‘s development and focal point should be made towards these demands. It is deserving observing that theories assert that kids tend to follow similar growing forms, it is merely the clip frame for each kid that differs. Each kid ‘s involvements, his/her abilities, and background of the household should be good understood prior to run intoing the demands for each kid. Theories assert that acquisition is best when old cognition is the foundation of new information since new cognition is built on old information. Child-centered planning should be necessitated in such a manner that focal point is made on a kid ‘s mundane experiences. This will in bend imply when a kid is developing and turning more independently, so will the child become egoistic. This will in bend make the instructors to spread out learning programs, degree Celsius ) . Family and civilization ; kids should non mee t separation from household and civilization. It is of import for instructors to plan activities that are taken into consideration the wants of households and their values. It is every bit of import to affect parents in planing the curricular since different households have different ways of doing meaningful parts. However, there are households that would non wish to be involved, yet others would desire to be involved. Those that wish to be involved should non be disappointed, as they will do any necessary parts, vitamin D ) . What the instructor values as of import should be given ample considerations when planing a course of study. The instructor should analyse his/her ain involvements, his/her ain personal doctrine and he/she should non bury seting the plans philosophy into position, vitamin E ) . Passages should be effected in planing a course of study for the preschool. Factors such as the agendas for each twenty-four hours and the twenty-four hours ‘s length should impac t the designing of the course of study. Passages are times that take topographic point between different activities, which may at times interfere with the flow of drama. The course of study should avoid excessively many passages and the preschool kids should be given ample clip to be good engaged in their drama. The passages should every bit good be held swimmingly, degree Fahrenheit ) . Parents and instructors that are critical in the course of study should take subjects. Necessary subjects that are existent in a kid ‘s life should be applied. Undertakings and activities that are closely associated with a kid ‘s place environment, vicinity should be administered in the course of study. As the kid keeps on turning, so is his/her involvements, therefore necessary accommodations should be made in concurrence with the growing. The maximal clip that a subject should last should be a upper limit of one hebdomad. It is besides necessary to guarantee that subjects flow and inst ructors should observe the growing in kids ‘s involvements. This can be done through observations and paying attending to the non-verbal communicating in a kid ‘s activities. Children can be helped to develop growing and accomplishments through planning and showing a assortment of stuffs, which may include books, images, activities, and exploratory undertakings. One of the early doctrines of early childhood instruction known as the High/Scope was incorporated in the United States in 1960. The doctrine is based on Jean Piaget ‘s thoughts that kids should be actively involved in their ain acquisition. Children learn best through making, most frequently working best with custodies on stuffs and chose undertakings they can manage. This therefore means that the grownups who are working with the kids should comprehend themselves as facilitators or spouses than directors or supervisors. This is in line with the theory of humanists, which backs the impression that acquisition is best done when the scholars have desires to larn. The potency of growing of an individualised scholar is unbounded. Learners should hence be empowered to be independent in commanding their acquisition procedure, therefore, larning should non be non be done for them. High/Scope doctrine ensures that all the facets of a kid ‘s development are encompassed and instructors and parents are actively involved in giving support for a kid ‘s emotional, rational, societal, and physical abilities and accomplishments. Therefore, when planing a preschool course of study, it is compulsory to set into consideration all the attacks that are advocated for by the High/ Scope doctrine. High/Scope doctrine should be a usher in footings of denominating different countries for different activities. Children are hence supposed to entree all the necessary installations independently and hence should be responsible for the usage of these countries. A research was conducted to place whether the High/Scope is an effectual manner of preschool acquisition. David Weikart, who evaluated 128 kids in a randomised mode. Sixty-four pupils were subjected into intervention group, while a control group of 64 pupils was non subjected into intervention. Before initialising the research, Weikart ensured that the preschool and the control groups were tantamount in footings of rational public presentations and demographic traits. The consequences were so important since the kids who were subjected to the intervention showed superior feedback as compared to their equals who were non subjected to randomise intervention. Mathematicss construct is used as a theoretical account in this paper. Teaching mathematics in early childhood is really good to a kid ‘s development. It is imperative to observe that the kid acquires foundation for important development during the early old ages. Therefore, this paper give focal point on the importance of larning in the country of math. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics emphasis the importance of larning math early among kids by asseverating that a high-quality and challenging every bit good as accessing mathematics instruction by supplying the chance with necessary foundations for understanding mathematics in their hereafter lives. The National Association besides fronted this thought for the Education of Young Children. The two organisations assert that early instruction in math is of import in the development cognitive facets of kids in multiple countries. By presenting a course of study in math that based on research, preschool instructors ca n efficaciously help immature scholars to turn. One manner of guaranting effectual math larning takes topographic point in a schoolroom is by guaranting that the course of study is based on experiences that are specific to the kids in the schoolroom. Necessary words and stuffs that are relevant and familiar to the kids in respect to the old cognition, background of the community and their cultural importance should be put into consideration. The course of study should guarantee that the interactions are extended and sustained in respect to the math constructs. Math activities should be pre-planned and added where they deem fit in the lesson program. It is besides critical to incorporate and absorb math larning into other countries of the course of study. This will guarantee that kids are exposed to math in all their countries of acquisition and in this respect, kids will cognize that math surrounds every facet of their lives. The course of study should be designed in such a manner that it makes larning to be fun, and an synergisti c procedure that encompasses other larning countries such as literacy, art, music, and physical instruction. Teachers should besides integrate the right vocabulary for math that is ideal for immature kids. For case, instructors can utilize words such as geometry while presenting forms as this will linger for a long clip in a kid ‘s head. In decision, quality experiences of larning in kids are good enhanced by a course of study that is planned right. The course of study interior decorators should take activities, undertakings, and subjects that are necessary in run intoing the demands of the diverse kids. Appropriate consideration should be harmonizing to the age of the pupils so they are given contents that they can easy get the hang and grok. The course of study interior decorators should besides guarantee that the demands of parents and/or defenders are absorbed, and that they are in line with household differences and cultural heritage of every kid. Teachers should ne’er deter early childhood scholars in respect to their age, gender from any peculiar subject or schoolroom activity. In planing a course of study for preschool kids, educational theories, doctrines, and constructs should be taken into consideration. How to cite DESIGNING CURRICULUM FOR THE PRESCHOOL, Essay examples

Evaluation of People and HR Practices-Free-Samples for Students

Question: Write a report that assesses an Organisations people Practices (HR practices) and employee engagement levels and recommend a number of initiatives that aim to improve Employee Engagement. Answer: Introduction Human resource is an important aspect of each and every organization, whether they are located in Australia or any other part of the world. Through the effective HR practices, the company is able to attain and retain talent, keep the employees motivated and keep the engagement levels of employee high (Price, 2011). Woolworths is a leading company of Australia, and is constantly working towards adoption of different HR practices and keeping the employee engagement levels high. In the following parts, the HR practices adopted by Woolworths, along with the steps taken by the company for enhancing the engagement levels have been defined. Along with this, some new initiatives have been presented here, through which the engagement levels of the employees of Woolworths can be improved upon. Woolworths Woolworths is amongst the leading companies in the nation, which caters in the retailing industry. The company is considered as the second largest one in terms of its revenue and is only behind Wesfarmers Limited. The company has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange for over 21 years (ASX, 2017). Growth The company has attained second rank out of 2000 companies in Australia. The majority of income of the company is attributed to supermarkets and grocery stores. And for 2016, the company generated sales and revenue amounting to $58,563,300,000 (IBIS, 2016). The average growth rate of the company is 10.50% (Financial Times, 2017). Structure The management structure of the company is summarized below. (Weebly, 2017) Vision and Mission The vision and mission of the company is aligned with its strategy of putting its customers at the first position. The vision is to assist the people of Australia in living big for less. And the mission is to attain its top five priorities (Woolworths Group, 2017a). Manpower Strength In Australia and New Zealand, for 2016, the company had 205,000 employees and this included such employees which were enrolled in the subsidiaries of the company. The company also has strength of 2,200 indigenous people and the number of young employees is 79,000 (Woolworths Group, 2016). Branches The company has its branches in the nation, as well as, in New Zealand (Reuters, 2017). The company is the second largest company in both Australia and New Zealand. And the global headquarter of the company is at Bella Vista, New South Wales, Australia (Woolworths Group, 2017b) HR Strategy of Woolworths The Divisional Director for HR of the company, Matt Keogh was interviewed to highlight the HR strategies of the company. Before establishing the HR strategies for the company, the company has identified its biggest challenge, which is related to attaining and retaining talent of skills and talent. The company also identified its leading capability, which is its innovation and quality. In order to deal with the challenges, the company formulated HR strategy for establishing leading employee value proposition which would help in attracting and retaining the best talent by making certain that the workforce is not only inspired, but is also committed towards the strategic plans and the vision of the company (Eeden, 2017). Evaluation of people and HR practices In an interview conducted, where the employees of Woolworths, Aldi and Coldes were interviewed, the working life at the Australian Supermarkets was highlighted. Majority of the former and the current employees stated that they enjoyed their roles, even when some highlighted that there were highly strict demands, unpaid overtime, backbreaking labor and heavy lifting. In this interview, it had been revealed that a major contribution was made by the company towards the economy and employment. And that it is a role where the young Australians get their first job, which acts as a launch pad for their successful careers (Tran, 2015). Employment Engagement at Woolworths with theoretical description Employee engagement refers to such a property of relationship which is between the employees and the organization. When an employee is engaged they are fully able to absorb and be enthusiastic about their work, which leads to actions being taken towards the interests and reputation of the organization. When the employee engagement levels are high, the employee outperforms; and when this low, the employees are not motivated towards performing exceptionally well (Bridger, 2014). For the Woolworths Limited, an employee engagement survey was conducted, in which the company attained participation at the rate of 80% and it also obtained an overall engagement score of 66%. However, this had a decline by 2% in comparison to the last year. And another problem is that this result fell below the industry standards and the leaders of the company are continuing to work with its employees, in order to understand the manner in which employee engagement can be increased and to understand the manner in which the company can be made a great place to work, for the employees (Woolworths Group, 2015). Initiatives for increasing employee engagement As it has been identified that the employee engagement for 2015 for Woolworths fell down by 2% in comparison to 2014, it highlights the need for the company to invest their time, efforts and take initiatives to contribute towards the success of the business (Woolworths Group, 2015). This would give them a sense of purpose in their roles; bring energy, passion and enthusiasm to do the work. By the use of these techniques, the employee engagement can be boosted for the company. Initiative 1 Initiative and reason for choosing the initiative The first and foremost initiative which needs to be adopted is to make certain that there is an inspiring leadership. What needs to be done substantiated by sound rationale and theory There is a need for a hands-on, competent and passionate leadership for the employee engagement. By showing that the leader is genuinely interested in the employee and by investing time in knowing their aspirations and needs can help in spreading the message that the employee is valued (Page, 2015). This is aligned with the expectancy theory where the employees act in a particular manner when they feel motivated. So, when the employee is motivated through their leader, they would want to work in a better matter and be motivated towards attainment of company goals (DuBrin, 2008). Expectations substantiated by sound rationale and theory The expectancy theory, when aligned with strong leadership, would push the employees in performing better as the leader would push them to attain the objectives set out for them. This would in turn increase the engagement levels of the employees. Initiative 2 Initiative and reason for choosing the initiative The next step towards employee engagement is to provide the employees with the opportunity of growing. What needs to be done substantiated by sound rationale and theory When the staff feels underused, they get disengaged. When the employees are given the opportunity to use their skills in an adequate manner, they remain engaged and are also encouraged to stretch their skills so as to progress (Page, 2015). This initiative is aligned with the Maslows hierarchy of needs. Under this model, the employees are said to have certain needs, which help them in being motivated (Rakowski, 2011). The esteem needs under this model require the feeling of accomplishment for the employee and only when they are given the opportunity to progress, can they feel accomplished (Maslow, 2013). (Source: McLeod, 2007) Expectations substantiated by sound rationale and theory When the employees are given the opportunity to grow, their esteem needs would be satisfied, which would help the employee in moving over the next step; and would also motivate the other employees, to stay engaged in order to get such growth opportunities. Initiative 3 Initiative and reason for choosing the initiative Another helpful initiative in this regard is finding the way of recognizing and rewarding the employees. What needs to be done substantiated by sound rationale and theory In order for the employees to be engaged towards performing ell and giving their best, they need to know that their efforts would be rewarded and recognized (Page, 2015). This is not only aligned with the Maslows hierarchy of needs, but is also aligned with the incentive theory of motivation. This theory involves a combination of positive reinforcement, conditioning and homeostasis. Under this theory, the employee is rewarded when they work better (Explorable, 2017). Expectations substantiated by sound rationale and theory When the employee would be awarded for their efforts, they would automatically become more engaged in the workplace and this, in turn, would garner attainment of objectives for the company. Conclusion On the basis of the discussion carried above, it can be concluded that even though Woolworths is a leading company in Australia, it is facing employee engagement related issues. The company is growing constantly and yet some of its employees have been dissatisfied about the working in the company. And for these purposes, there is a need for the company to adopt some new initiatives, so that the employees can be engaged and the goals of the company can be attained. 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