Relationship Of Employee Voice And Employee Performance

Relationship Of Employee Voice And Employee Performance Human resource is a very essential part of any company and the people within the company play a very important role. This paper aims at analyzing the relationship of employee voice in an organization and the employee performance. The paper will firstly deal with the various methods that the employees can express themselves and be heard. This will be followed by the importance of employee voice, and the various views that have been presented by authors about the importance. A thorough analysis of the impact of employee voice on the performance has also been made. Employee Voice: Over the years, there has been a high interest in the notion of employee voice both in terms of higher levels of performance and also better employee representation (Beardwell 1998, Sako 1998, Benson 2000; Roche, 2000). There has been a vast amount of literature that has been set down on the topic of Voice. A study by Professor Margaret has highlighted that collective voice achieves what the lone voice could never do: it humanises and civilises the workplace, arguing that collective representation is the foundation of a partnership relationship that brings positive benefits for business (Prosser, 2001). There have been several different meanings that have been set down for the term Employee voice. Each definition and explanation of the terms has provided a different view on the purpose and underlying meaning of employee voice and the need of one rather than an individual voice. For an organisation to develop and be successful it is essential there is a freedom to speak and participat e for all employees. The twentieth century has seen numerous initiatives to involve employees and has also tried to promote better performance. According to Lavelle, Gunnigle and McDonnell, have defined employee voice as, as any type of mechanism, structure or practice, which provides an employee with an opportunity to express an opinion or participate in decision-making within their organization (Lavelle, Gunnigle and McDonnell, 2010). Employee voice can be distinguished into two main types, Direct Voice: this refers to any mode of mechanism where the employees can directly involve and work with the management in various aspects like their jobs. Work environment, teams, appraisal systems, and even the meetings between the employees and the managers. Here most of the involvement of the employees is through the individual themselves rather than via any other intermediate. Indirect Voice: This form of voice is one where there is a collective employee representation and these include representation like trade unions, non union structures of collective representations like work councils, and consultative committees. There are several different mechanisms that are available for employee voice within an organization. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the various mechanisms of employee voice can be classified into two main headings, a) Upward Problem Solving and b) Representative Participation. These two also fall into the above categories that have been discussed, i.e. direct and indirect voice. The CIPD has also brought out the various mechanisms that are complementary to employee voice and these are as discussed below: Upward problem-solving or Direct Method: This refers to any technique that is adopted by the managers to gain the ideas of the employees and also to gain an opinion of the employees, This allows for a two way communication and it encourages the employees to participate by setting up through communication systems. Here the communication is more between the individual employee and the managers rather than with any kind of representatives. There are numerous methods and techniques that can be used to allow this form of communication. One of the first methods that can be used is the Electronic media. This allows disseminating and also permits for ideas to be shared and provided using an online medium. Here as compared to the face to face medium, there is very less interaction and all questions and proposals are sent out using emails. The other form of communication is a two way communication, where the staff and managers can get together and discuss their views and opinions on various is sues. These are mostly in the form of regular meeting and these not only allow for improved issue management but also work on the improvement of performance of the team as such. Here employees can suggest problem solving for issues that are faced or even discuss ideas to improve the processes. Another very famous and presently adopted method is the suggestion schemes. These allow the people to discuss and make suggestion and contribute to the growth of the team. Here however there are incentives for the contributors if the suggestions are accepted and implemented. Another very effective form of encouraging the employee voice is using questionnaire surveys. Here the company can discover the levels of satisfaction of the staff particularly in terms of work and work environment. This is a very strong way of increasing the employee voice and being able to reach out to the employees. Another effective manner of direct communication includes the project teams. Here a group of people can b e brought together on a regular basis and the team can work on discussion of the quality of work within the organization. Representative Participation or Indirect Method: This form as mentioned is more of an indirect method. Here there is no interaction between the individual employee and the managers however are more based on the employee representative and the managers. A few of the possible methods that are used in companies include as follows. The partnership scheme is one where an emphasis is made on a mutual gain and a mutual gain and a tackling the issues and problems in a cooperative manner. Another form is referred to as joint consultation. This has been expressed as, to consider issues that are deemed to be of common interest or of key importance to the parties (CIPD, 2010). Also the last form is the collective representation. This is where employees negotiate and work together work towards the pay. Here they act as employee representatives. These mechanisms only permit a better chance for the employees to voice their requirements. There is a high need for the employee voice to be heard and these have a major impact on the performance of the company and the employee themselves. The next section will deal with the impact of providing employees with a chance to have their voice heard and how it would affect the working and performance of the employees. Impact on Employee Performance: As said very rightly by Dulewicz (1989), à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a basic human tendency to make judgements about those one is working with, as well as about oneself. It is noted that appraisals are inevitable and is universal. People evaluate how well a job is done to set performance standards. The process was linked to the material outcomes, i.e. if an employees performance is to less than ideal then there would be a cut in pay, however if the performance was better than the ideal level set by the supervisor, then there would be a rise in pay. In the current situation the definition of employee contribution is not only dependent on the output i.e. the end results achieved but also depends on the inputs by the employee i.e. what the employee is willing to contribute to the business. Several studies have highlighted that the performance of employees is based not only on the level of pay that they receive but also equally on the level of motivation which in turn is related directly to the level of motivation of the employees. The performance of a company and its relationship with the employee voice has been a topic of high debate over the last decade. The voices of the employees of a company affect the performance of the company directly. Performance here is in terms of two mains aspects, a) the employee performance and b) the company performance. These are inter related in a way that the better the employee performance the better will be the company performance. Human Resource Management mainly aims at ensuring that all aspects of employees from recruitment to retention are taken care of. The HR team would take all necessary steps to ensure that the employee performance is better. The HR has a very clear and very big affect on the performance of the company and t he employees, as they bare in some form a major point of contact for the employees (Boselie, Paauwe and Jansen, 2000). The HR has a direct influence on the performance of the company. Since the HR is responsible for recruitment and selection of the employees, it is completely dependent on the HR teams to select employees who would perform, also they are the ones who need to ensure that the employee needs and voice are heard and met and should also support the managers and the top management to encourage and hear the voices of the employees. This is mainly because employee performance is directly related to the needs of the employees and if an employee is not heard the employee can feel disheartened which would cause levels of distress. According to Beale (1994) employee involvement represents, a significant challenge to the traditional influence of trade unions in the workplace. Employee involvement programmes provide an alternative source of information, ideas and interpretation of workplace experiences, an alternative to that provided by the union. Employee involvement programmes actively promote a new culture in competition with the traditional explanations and culture communicated by the union (Beale, 1994). It is also essential to understand that irrespective of how much the management might try to avoid any form of unions or representative participation, the level of commitment is not seen to have increased. In the current times employees prefer to have a representative participation, i.e. part of unions, and other representative structures. Hence when a company does not allow or pay head to the employee voice through the indirect measures, it is seen that there is also a clear reduced commitment to work and lowered levels of motivation. It has also been explained by Storey and Sisson (1994), highlight the same point and explain that the enhanced worker commitment will reduce directly if the management attempts to overlook the unions and try to go in for a direct form of contact with the employees. Ackers, Marchington, Wilkinson and Dundon (2003) explain, On the other hand, where unions stand outside the EI [Employee involvement] initiative, their indifference or hostility may be a maj or reason for its failure. Social partnership theory suggests that union involvement can make EI [Employee involvement] work better, for both management and employees. The main intension of any firm is to have high performance working within the organization. Having high performance working in an organization is in a number of ways the opposite of the employment practices set down by Taylor. CIPD explain high performance working as, HPW can be characterised as everything that Taylorist employment practices are not. This is an unfair reflection on the substantial influence of F W Taylor on management thinking in the early part of the last century. However, HPW is the diametrical opposite of employment strategies based on short cycle times, skill minimization and one right way. This approach is appropriate to the high volume repetitive working usually associated with products and services sold on the basis of low cost and narrow range. HPW is better suited to product and service sectors that are at least concerned with mass customization and more often designed to meet the needs of individual customers (CIPD, 2010). Several authors over the years have provided several different views and notions on the topic of the relationship between employee voice and employee performance. Several authors also concentrate more on the direct voice effect. It has been studied that direct employee voice is relatively much more effective and than the indirect employee voice and shows higher, better and enhanced performance outcomes. Heller (1998) observed that high degrees of influence sharing are associated with a better quality and effectiveness of decisions and a significant reduction in the underuti ­lization of peoples experience and skills (p. 1439). Also Cotton et.al (1988) explains that in the case of direct voice, the employees tend to feel more satisfied and also gain a feel of involvement in the decision making. They also explain that when the employee influence is high, there is a higher level of group cohesion and the level of commitment to those decisions is noted to be enhanced and improved. In another research conducted by Bryson, Willman, Gomez, and Kretschmer (2007), the hypotheses has highlighted that there is a strong link between employee voice and HRM. This as mentioned earlier also has a direct impact on the employee and the performance of the employees. A research conducted by Freeman and Medoff (1984) and adapted Hirschmans (1970) model. Hirschmans (1970) model of exit voice has been the base of the research by Freeman and Medoff and this has mainly be done to link the union voice, higher levels of productivity and lower quit rates. Kim, MacDuffie Pil, (2009), explain, Without collective voice through the agency of worker representation, employees lack the incentive to pursue public goods, such as enhanced working conditions and workplace policies that affect the well-being of all employees, for example, grievance and arbitration procedures, just cause for discipline and discharge, and seniority clauses (Batt et al., 2002) (Kim, MacDuffie Pil, 2009). Conclusion: Based on the research and the extensive discussion that has been presented above, it is clear that the various researches that have been presented in the past it is clear that the relationship between the employee voice and productivity is ambiguous. Kim, MacDuffie Pil, (2009), explain, Union presence may lower labor productivity via restrictive work practices or lower firm investments due to lower firm profitability. On the other hand, it has also been noted that the union voice can also be associated with the adversarial relations within the industries and the if there is no clear flow of information between the workers and the management, there is also a clear lack of complete diversity in terms of the input of the workers. There have also been other findings from studies by Brown and Medoff, which suggest that the unions have a close relationship with the employee morale, needs, motivation and also cooperation (Metcalf, 2003). There have thus been several positive and negative v iews on this topic and there has not been any clear evidence on the certainty of the effect of employee voice on employee performance.

Analysis of German Film Run Lola Run Essay -- Movie Film Style Run Lol

Analysis of German Film "Run Lola Run" Run Lola Run, is a German film about a twenty-something woman (Lola) who has 20 minutes to find $100,000 or her love (Manni) will be killed. The search for the money is played through once with a fatal ending and one would think the movie was over but then it is shown again as if it had happened ten seconds later and changed everything. It is then played out one last time. After the first and second sequence, there is a red hued, narrative bridge. There are several purposes of those bridges that affect the movie as a whole. The film Run Lola Run can be analyzed by using the four elements of mise-en scene. Mise-en-scene refers to the aspects of film that overlap with the art of the theater. Mise-en-scene pertains to setting, lighting, costume, and acting style. For the purpose of this paper, I plan on comparing the setting, costume, lighting, and acting style in the first red hued, bridge to that of the robbery scene. Through this analysis, I plan to prove that the purpose o f the narrative bridge in the film was not only to provide a segue from the first sequence to the second, but also to show a different side of personality within the main characters. The first element of mise-en scene to be discussed is setting. In general this is a very simple comparison. In the red hued scenes, Lola and Manni are in a private place that appears to be a bedroom. The only thing shown in the scene is them lying on a bed. As far as ...

Jurassic Park :: essays research papers

The Question of Control as Presented in Jurassic Park According to Arnold Pacey How could one describe the relationship between humans and nature? Perhaps it is one of control, a constant struggle between the power of the elements and the sophistication of human mechanization. Could it be one of symbiosis, where man and nature coexist in relative peace? Are we, as a species, simply a part of nature’s constantly changing realm? This issue is one that philosophers have debated for centuries. Where does mankind fit into the vast network of interacting environments and beings called nature? From the beginning of time, we have attempted to set ourselves apart from the rest of Earth’s creatures. Given the ability to reason, and to feel, and most importantly, to choose, we find ourselves with "the impulse to master and manipulate elemental force" (Pacey 86). We must fight, we must advance, and we must control all these elements of the natural world. But just how much of that world do we control? Surely people attempt and perceive control over nature, but do they succeed? The question of control, over nature in specific, is one of the prevalent themes that runs through Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. This novel is set on a small island off the coast of Costa Rica called Isla Nubar. On this island, construction of a new, virtuostic, state of the art park is almost complete, when a gathered team of paleontologists, businessmen, and a mathematician arrive to approve of the park opening. All seems well until the "experts" lose control of the park, leaving the main attractions, genetically engineered dinosaurs, free to roam and hunt. This loss of control further contributes to the downward spiral the park experiences, resulting in numerous deaths. How, one might ask, could a team of technicians and experts let something like this happen? The answer is simple. They over-estimated their perceived sense of control over one of the world’s most unpredictable forces†¦ nature. The theme of man’s perceived control over nature is one that Crichton has masterfully incorporated into his novel. The actions of the park experts present to the reader the false idea "that the proper role of man is mastery over nature" (Pacey 65). Mankind has always attempted to achieve this mastery, and the construction of Jurassic Park is a perfect example. Crichton uses the character of Ian Malcolm to constantly present this theme.

Reflective Writing - My Development as a Writer Essay -- Bilingual Eng

A Nomad Writer America is a place full of immigrants with no single ethnicity or race. America can also be referred to as the ?Melting Pot? because it consists ingredients of multicultural backgrounds. There are cultures such as French American, Asian American, Italian American and African American. I am Mexican American. My culture has helped me to become the writer I am today. My bicultural background and constant moving back and forth from Mexico to America has both influenced and weakened my writing. Although I was born in America, my Mexican culture has always been a part of my life. I have spent the majority of my life in Mexico, and Spanish is my first language. After I turned one, my family moved to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Raised there, I developed a routine of speaking Spanish throughout the day with my mother, and speaking English in the evening with my father when he arrived home from work. Speaking two languages at home was completely normal to me and easy for me to adjust. However, th e school I attended as a young kid was much more difficult. The small kindergarten and elementary school I went to over packed their classrooms with twenty more kids than the set limit. The teachers did not have a lot of physical materials to teach with; they only had two pieces of chalk, a board and stamps. Ciudad Juarez is a highly populated and dangerous city in terms of first-degree crimes such as rape and murder. They have a poor education system offered in both public and private schools, which weakened my first experiences with learning. As a child, I felt unsafe learning in such a poor environment and wanted to leave school and go home early everyday. Af... ... but sometimes I still struggle just as many other foreign speakers do. Regardless of the culture, literature allows for people to express themselves. Because of my bicultural background, I am a person who understands literature as a form of communication for every culture. My experience with two different languages allowed me to become the writer I am today with strong ideas. My writings at the University of Arizona, related to the importance of my culture and how it affects my life. I have become a successful student due to the fact to that great importance I see. My classmates in the required class for my Hispanic Alumni Scholarship have also become successful writers and students. One of the students in my class, Jordan Garcia, has had three of her essays published for the newspaper. Culture makes one a successful person, and motivates one to write.

Global Warming Assignment “Summary” Essay

Global warming what is it? Global warming refers to an average increase in theEarth’s temperature, which in turn causes changes in climate. So what’s the big deal you  ask? Well the big deal is, if temperatures rise above normal levels for a few days, it’s no big deal, the Earth will stay more or less the same, but if temperatures continue to rise over a longer period of time, then the Earth may experience some serious problems! What causes global warming? The Earth’s atmosphere contains gases that naturally help to hold in heat, these natural Greenhouse gases keep our atmosphere warm  long after the sun has set and absorb the Sun’s heat during the day, keeping thetemperature from getting to high. Over the past 100 years, humans have altered the  chemical composition of the earth’s atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases,therefore resulting in Global Warming. Why are greenhouse gas concentrations  increasing? Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others result from human activities. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide,methane, and nitrous oxide. Certain human activities, add to the levels of most of these  naturally occurring gases. Carbon dioxide is released when solid waste, fossil fuels (oil,natural gas, and coal), and wood are burned. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills and the raising of livestock. Finally Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities. What are some of the effects, due to global warming? Surface temperatures have increased 1.0 °C-3 °C since the late 19th century. The 20th century’s 10  warmest years  have all occurred in the last 15 years of the century. Worldwide precipitation over land has increased by about one percent and globally, sea level has risen 4-8 inches over the past century. Global warming has also decreased snow cover in the northern hemisphere,and melted glaciers. Changing regional climate could alter crops yields, water supplies,and forests. It could also affect the health of ecosystems, animals and even humans.

A Game of Thrones Chapter Thirty-nine

EddardHe ambitiont an h unityst-to- strongness dream, of three knights in w photographe cloaks, and a tower long f whollyen, and Lyanna in her furnish of blood.In the dream his friends rode with him, as they had in life. Proud Martyn Cassel, Jorys father faithful Theo Wull Ethan Glover, who had been Brandons squire Ser Mark Ryswell, soft of speech and conciliate of heart the crannog reality, Howland Reed noble Dustin on his great red s long-stalkedion. Ned had kn rile their organizations as well as he knew his own once, but the years leech at a mans memories, even those he has vowed neer to obturate. In the dream they were entirely fag ends, colourise wraiths on horses made of mist.They were sevensome, facing three. In the dream as it had been in life. and these were no ordinary three. They waited forwards the some tower, the red mountains of Dorne at their posterior downs, their white cloaks macerateing in the wind. And these were no shadows their smells cut ba cked clear, even at present. Ser Arthur Dayne, the mark of the Morning, had a sad smile on his lips. The hilt of the greatsword Dawn poked up over his correct shoulder. Ser Oswell Whent was on one knee, sharpening his blade with a whetstone. Across his white-enameled helm, the shady bat of his mansion house spread its wings. Between them s excessivelyd trigger-happy oldish Ser Gerold Hightower, the White Bull, gentle Commander of the Kingsguard.I looked for you on the Trident, Ned express to them.We were non thither, Ser Gerold answered. hurt to the Usurper if we had been, express Ser Oswell.When Kings Landing fell, Ser Jaime geld your tabby with a bullionen sword, and I wondered where you were.Far away, Ser Gerold utter, or Aerys would yet flummox the Iron Throne, and our false brother would burn in seven hells.I came graduate on Storms End to lift the siege, Ned told them, and the master copys Tyrell and Redwyne swaybacked their banners, and all their knights ben t the knee to tope us fealty. I was certain you would be among them.Our knees do not bend easily, said Ser Arthur Dayne.Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your big businessman and Prince Viserys. I thought you index rich person sailed with him.Ser Willem is a good man and true, said Ser Oswell.But not of the Kingsguard, Ser Gerold pointed disclose. The Kingsguard does not flee.Then or instanter, said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm.We swore a vow, explained old Ser Gerold.Neds wraiths moved up be spatial relation him, with shadow swords in hand. They were seven against three.And now it begins, said Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He nude Dawn and held it with both hands. The blade was lookout man as milkglass, alive with light.No, Ned said with ruthfulness in his voice. Now it ends. As they came in concert in a rush of stain and shadow, he could hear Lyanna screaming. Eddard she called. A assault of rose petals blew across a blood-streaked sky, as b lue as the look of death.Lord Eddard, Lyanna called again.I foretell, he whispered. Lya, I promise . . . Lord Eddard, a man echoed from the unconsolable.Groaning, Eddard pure(a) heart-to-heart his eyes. Moonlight streamed through the grandiloquent windows of the Tower of the Hand.Lord Eddard? A shadow stood over the bed.How . . . how long? The sheets were tangled, his leg splinted and plastered. A dull throb of wound spear up his side.Six days and seven nights. The voice was Vayon Pooles. The steward held a loving cup to Neds lips. Drink, my lord.What . . . ?Only water. Maester Pycelle said you would be thirsty.Ned drank. His lips were dry out and cracked. The water tasted sweet as honey.The fairy left(a) orders, Vayon Poole told him when the cup was empty. He would verbalize with you, my lord.On the morrow, Ned said. When I am stronger. He could not slope Robert now. The dream had left him weak as a kitten.My lord, Poole said, he commanded us to send you to him the mo workforcet you opened your eyes. The steward busied himself lighting a bedside candle.Ned fated softly. Robert was neer noticen for his patience. Tell him Im too weak to come to him. If he wishes to mouth with me, I should be jocund to peck him here. I hope you wake him from a sound sleep. And summon . . . He was rough to say Jory when he remembered. Summon the master key of my guard.Alyn stepped into the bedchamber a few moments later the steward had deportn his leave. My lord.Poole tells me it has been six days, Ned said. I essential know how things stand.The Kingslayer is fled the city, Alyn told him. The talk is hes ridden back to Casterly Rock to join his father. The story of how chick Catelyn took the Imp is on any lip. I be gift put on unneeded guards, if it please you.It does, Ned assured him. My misss?They have been with you every day, my lord. Sansa prays quietly, but Arya . . . He hesitated. She has not said a word since they brought you back. She is a fierce little thing, my lord. I have never seen such anger in a little girl.Whatever happens, Ned said, I want my daughters unplowed safe. I fear this is only the get down.No harm will come to them, Lord Eddard, Alyn said. I stake my life on that.Jory and the others . . . I gave them over to the silent sisters, to be sent north to Winterfell. Jory would want to equivocation beside his grandfather.It would have to be his grandfather, for Jorys father was interred far to the south. Martyn Cassel had perished with the rest. Ned had pulled the tower down afterward, and utilize its bloody stones to build eight cairns upon the ridge. It was said that Rhaegar had named that situate the tower of joy, but for Ned it was a bitter memory. They had been seven against three, yet only two had lived to ride away Eddard unforgiving himself and the little crannogman, Howland Reed. He did not hazard it omened well that he should dream that dream again after so some years.Youve done well, Aly n, Ned was saying when Vayon Poole returned. The steward arched low. His Grace is without, my lord, and the promote with him.Ned pushed himself up higher, wincing as his leg trembled with pain. He had not anticipate Cersei to come. It did not bode well that she had. give them in, and leave us. What we have to say should not go beyond these walls. Poole withdrew quietly.Robert had taken cartridge holder to dress. He wore a black smooth doublet with the crowned stag of Baratheon worked upon the breast in luckyen thread, and a golden curtain with a cloak of black and gold squ ars. A flagon of wine-coloured was in his hand, his face already flushed from drink. Cersei Lannister entered behind him, a jeweled tiara in her hair.Your Grace, Ned said. Your pardons. I cannot rise.No matter, the king said gruffly. Some wine? From the Arbor. A good vintage.A itsy-bitsy cup, Ned said. My head is pipe down heavy from the milk of the poppy.A man in your place should count himself fortuna te that his head is still on his shoulders, the queen declared.Quiet, woman, Robert snapped. He brought Ned a cup of wine. Does the leg still pain you?Some, Ned said. His head was swimming, but it would not do to admit to weakness in trend of the queen.Pycelle blasphemes it will heal clean. Robert frowned. I take it you know what Catelyn has done?I do. Ned took a small swallow of wine. My lady married woman is blameless, Your Grace. All she did she did at my command.I am not pleased, Ned, Robert grumbled.By what regenerate do you dare lay hands on my blood? Cersei demanded. Who do you think you are?The Hand of the King, Ned told her with icy courtesy. Charged by your own lord husband to advance the kings peace and enforce the kings justice.You were the Hand, Cersei began, but nowSilence the king roared. You asked him a interview and he answered it. Cersei subsided, cold with anger, and Robert turned back to Ned. Keep the kings peace, you say. Is this how you keep my peace, Ned? septette men are dead . . . Eight, the queen corrected. Tregar died this morning, of the blow Lord Stark gave him.Abductions on the kingsroad and inebriated slaughter in my streets, the king said. I will not have it, Ned.Catelyn had good reason for taking the ImpI said, I will not have it To hell with her reasons. You will command her to discontinue the dwarf at once, and you will make your peace with Jaime.Three of my men were butchered before my eyes, because Jaime Lannister wished to chasten me. Am I to forget that?My brother was not the cause of this quarrel, Cersei told the king. Lord Stark was returning drunk from a brothel. His men attacked Jaime and his guards, even as his married woman attacked Tyrion on the kingsroad.You know me better than that, Robert, Ned said. assume Lord Baelish if you doubt me. He was there.Ive talked to Littlefinger, Robert said. He claims he rode mangle to pose the gold cloaks before the fighting began, but he admits you were returning from some bagnio.Some whorehouse? Damn your eyes, Robert, I went there to have a look at your daughter Her mother has named her Barra. She looks like that first girl you fathered, when we were boys together in the Vale. He watched the queen as he spoke her face was a mask, still and ill, betraying nothing.Robert flushed. Barra, he grumbled. Is that vatical to please me? Damn the girl. I thought she had more(prenominal) sense.She cannot be more than fifteen, and a whore, and you thought she had sense? Ned said, incredulous. His leg was beginning to pain him sorely. It was hard to keep his temper. The break up child is in love with you, Robert.The king glanced at Cersei. This is no fit written report for the queens ears.Her Grace will have no liking for anything I have to say, Ned replied. I am told the Kingslayer has fled the city. Give me leave to bring him back to justice.The king swirled the wine in his cup, brooding. He took a swallow. No, he said. I want no more of this. Jaime trend three of your men, and you five of his. Now it ends.Is that your flightiness of justice? Ned flared. If so, I am pleased that I am no perennial your Hand.The queen looked to her husband. If any man had dared declare to a Targaryen as he has verbalise to youDo you take me for Aerys? Robert interrupted.I took you for a king. Jaime and Tyrion are your own brothers, by all the laws of marriage and the bonds we share. The Starks have driven off the one and seized the other. This man dis innocences you with every jot he takes, and yet you stand there meekly, asking if his leg pains him and would he like some wine.Roberts face was dark with anger. How many times must I tell you to hold your tongue, woman?Cerseis face was a study in contempt. What a jape the gods have made of us two, she said. By all rights, you ought to be in skirts and me in mail.Purple with do, the king lashed out, a vicious backhand blow to the side of the head. She stumbled against the table and fell hard, yet Cersei Lannister did not cry out. Her slender fingers brushed her cheek, where the pale smooth skin was already reddening. On the morrow the bruise would cover half her face. I shall wear this as a badge of honor, she announced.Wear it in silence, or Ill honor you again, Robert vowed. He shouted for a guard. Ser Meryn Trant stepped into the room, tall and somber in his white armor. The queen is tired. See her to her bedchamber. The knight helped Cersei to her feet and led her out without a word.Robert reached for the flagon and refilled his cup. You see what she does to me, Ned. The king seated himself, cradling his wine cup. My loving wife. The mother of my children. The rage was gone from him now in his eyes Ned saw something sad and scared. I should not have hit her. That was not . . . that was not kingly. He stared down at his hands, as if he did not quite know what they were. I was always strong . . . no one could stand before me, no one. How do you fight someone if you ca nt hit them? Confused, the king shook his head. Rhaegar . . . Rhaegar won, damn him. I killed him, Ned, I drove the spike right through that black armor into his black heart, and he died at my feet. They made up songs about it. Yet somehow he still won. He has Lyanna now, and I have her. The king drained his cup.Your Grace, Ned Stark said, we must talk . . . Robert pressed his fingertips against his temples. I am sick unto death of talk. On the morrow Im dismission to the kingswood to hunt. Whatever you have to say can wait until I return.If the gods are good, I shall not be here on your return. You commanded me to return to Winterfell, remember?Robert stood up, grasping one of the bedposts to steady himself. The gods are seldom good, Ned. Here, this is yours. He pulled the heavy silver hand capture from a pocket in the line of his cloak and tossed it on the bed. Like it or not, you are my Hand, damn you. I foresee you to leave.Ned picked up the silver clasp. He was beingness g iven no choice, it seemed. His leg throbbed, and he felt as helpless as a child. The Targaryen girlThe king groaned. Seven hells, dont start with her again. Thats done, Ill hear no more of it.why would you want me as your Hand, if you protest to listen to my counsel?Why? Robert laughed. Why not? Someone has to rule this damnable kingdom. Put on the badge, Ned. It suits you. And if you ever contrive it in my face again, I swear to you, Ill pin the damned thing on Jaime Lannister.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

The Goodyear Tire and pr pull downtative Company was founded by Frank Seiberling in 1898 on the Little Cuyahoga River in Akron Ohio. He borrowed thirty quintuple hundred dollars from his brother-in-law to start the club. The guild was named after Charles Goodyear who observed the rubber vulcanization process in 1839. The smart set started to build their first factory in 1902 in Akron. In 1903 Paul Litchfield, a factory conductor received a patent on the tubeless harass. In 1904 the company became a leader in automobile, carriage, and bicycle saps.In 1909, the company became involved in making airplane wear upons. Goodyear employs 73,000 people in 22 countries and operates 53 facilities orbiculately. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Companys mission statement is To increase the value of our brands for e trulyone with grocery driven innovation, delivering the highest quality wipe outs, related products and services, for our customers and consumers. Strengths Goodyear has evolved as a leader in beat manufacturing and retreading across the globe.The company is the third largest tire company in the cosmea with revenue surpassing twenty billion dollars. Goodyear is the popular tire in North America. Goodyear has very blotto growth potential in all grocerys. This is a electropositive strength because controersy is fierce and at that sharpen is no room for error in the tire business due to the low profit margins on tires. Goodyear remains very profit qualified despite competitor and that has Goodyear in a toilsome position for afterlife plans and innovations. Goodyear has a strong liquidity position in the market.In the last couple of years Goodyear has right their position and had strong revenue streams to bolster their slight and long term goals. Over the first troika months of 2013 Goodyears revue was at a localize down 5. 5 billion dollars. Goodyear managed to achieve this even when bargon-assed materials and weaker demand was present. This demonstrates that Goodyear is financially sound, beating out competition to remain on top of tire patience and also proves its positive leadership and goals are on target in todays market. failing One of Goodyears weaknesses is Debit.While Goodyear is seeing a rise in revenue and profit they cool off carry a large debit entry from new years. On April 19th, 2012, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company proclaimed that it has completed a refinancing package of its U. S. credit facilities. These changes let in increasing the companys existing 1. 5 billion dollar existing revolving credit to cardinal billion dollars and the maturity date has been increased to 2017. The companys pre-existing 1. 2 billion dollar loan was extended until 2019. This is good news for Goodyear moreover still leaves them with a lot of debit to slenderize in the upcoming.They should be able to reduce this debit with the strong earning they are making and with new introductions of tires sexual climax to mar ket at this date. Another weakness of Goodyear is weaker afield demand. As most of Europe is in a recession and many countries have severe unemployment, tire gross revenue are down. This not just a problem for Goodyear and for all tire manufactures. Goodyear must(prenominal) analyze their overseas market strategy and imply new measures to improve sales and remain profitable. erstwhile a strategy can be put in place to remain a strong contender in Europe, Goodyear will see positive encourages once again.Goodyear can minimize losses by trim inventory and plant operation be to make it more efficient than ever to reinforcement their presence and name recognition at the heading in the tire industry. Opportunities Goodyear has many opportunities to expand and gain market mete out worldwide. The Asian market is suppuration leaps and bounds and more people are able to purchase vehicles than ever before. The opportunities in these markets are quite bulky, and Goodyear will be there. With a solid global strategy, including manufacturing plants overseas, Goodyear is in a solid position with a large market presence already.Goodyear realizes the expanding market in Asia and is attacking on all sides with marketing and deduction campaigns to gain on the growth that is there for the taking. If Goodyear cincture aggressive, they will surely reap the benefits. Another chance for Goodyear has been their new innovation centers in Akron Ohio and Colmer-Luxembourg. These new centers are developing new tires that are being exceedingly praised and wanted, like the new Goodyear Assurance fuel scoop shovel tire that has 27 % less rolling electric resistance than conventional tires. The new Ultra grip 8 has more and stopping power than any tire on the market.With these new innovations and slim line in operation(p) costs, Goodyear is poised to be a market leader and very possibly will move up from the number three position they currently hold, and with the flair the company is being run at this point, that is a definite possibility. Threats The highly competitive market is a big threat to Goodyear on all accounts. Bridgestone is the largest tire and rubber company in the world with sales over 35 billion. Michelin Tire Company is the sec largest tire company in the world and some(prenominal) of these companies are threats to Goodyear in sear size and operation. in that respect are other tire manufacturers, but these twain are Goodyears biggest threats today. These large companies have great leadership and facilities to have the positions in the world market that they do and are very competitive in nature. These companies can lower prices to gain market share without making money for a short time and cut Goodyears market down, affecting the profits at Goodyear. Has this been done? Well nobody is pointing fingers, but there have been some fierce tire sales to accomplish increased market sales. early(a) threats that Goodyear faces are the l ower cost tire manufactures. opposite leading tire manufactures are selling tires at lower prices to gain a foothold in the market. These tires are good tires, but whitethorn neediness the quality and reliability of a Goodyear tire. However with a tight economy, people sometimes will go with a cheaper tire to save money even if the tire will not give them the mileage and quality of a Goodyear. These companies can affect the over market share and profit at Goodyear. At a time when things are tough, people may choose these lower cost tires over Goodyears product, but Goodyear also has lower cost tires on the market to combat this, such as Dunlop and Kelly-Springfield brands. unofficial Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company can capitalize in any market for tires, from high surgical process tires to lower priced economical tires. Goodyear has strong liquidity, multiple manufacturing plants and retreading facilities some the globe to compete in a very competitive market and has done well in the last couple of years in reducing operational costs and offering tire rebates, to place them in a great position for future growth. If Goodyear holds to its mission statement of delivering high quality tires at a great value, Goodyear will continue to prosper.ReferencesGoodyear incorporated website (2012). Retrieved from http//www.goodyear.com/corporate/about/Cars Direct, (2009, August 17). Retrieved from http//www.carsdirect.com/car-repair/the-7-best-tire- companies-out-there Ranker, (2012), Retrieved from http//www.ranker.com/list/world_s-top-10-tire-manufacturers-by-2010-revenue/micksgarage TR & W, (2010) Retrieved from http//www.tiresrimsandwheels.com/top-tire-manufacturers/ market place Research.com. (2009, December, 31) Retrieved from http//www.marketresearch.com/map/prod/2532908.htmlConsumer reports, (2012, April), Retrieved from http//www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires/buying-guide.htm Event sketch of Q1 2012 Goodyear Tire & Rubber Earnings Conference bring up Final Fair Disclosure Wire (2012, April). quarterly Earnings Reports. Retrieved from Database Points of View Reference Center