Leadership: Impact On A Healthcare Organization

Leadership: Impact On A Healthcare Organization The field of health-care is labor intensive and based on powerful know-how (Kanste, 2008). In contemporary medicine both therapeutic as well as nursing tasks are performed by a team, rather than an individual, being it a doctor or a nurse, respectively. No team work can be effective without a leader; this is also true for good nursing in which the leadership is very crucial and vital. All the results of good nursing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦may be spoiled or utterly negative by one defect, viz: in petty management (Florence Nightingale as cited in McEachen Keogh, 2007, pg.01). The health care environment becomes more competitive every day. There are few professions in which the complications of poor performance are as serious as in nursing and there are few professionals who feel the pressure of responsibility more keenly than nurses (Kenmore, 2008). This paper presents discourses on the contemporary leadership styles and highlights the characteristics and development of an effective leader a nd discusses the impact of effective leader on organisations potential to succeed. Leadership styles The continued search for good leaders resulted in the development of many leadership theories. Although leadership is not a new concept, and its fundamental function is well documented, there is no theoretical agreement or a universal definition of leadership (Farag, Mc Guinness Anthony, 2009; Mahoney, 2004 and Murphy, 2005). However, some scholars believe that certain leadership characteristics or personality traits are innate in effective leaders (Murphy, 2005). Thus the perspectives of Great man or trait theories which dominated until 1950s, states that leader are born and not made (Murphy, 2005). In the 1950s, behavioural and social scientists began to analyse leadership behaviour. The behavioural theory says that leaders are not born to lead, but learn leadership behaviour (McEachen Keogh, 2007). The efforts of these researchers were fundamental in isolation of three common leadership styles: autocratic, democratic and lassiez-faire (Murphy, 2005). The Contingency theory by Fi edler was further expanded by Herset, Blanchard and Johnson as the Situational theory (Murphy, 2005). Later, some contemporary leadership theories such as the charismatic, transactional, transformational and shared leadership theory gave rise to the contemporary leadership styles (Murphy, 2005). The contemporary leadership styles include quantum, charismatic, transactional, transformational, relational, shared and servant leadership (Murphy, 2005).Though there are many leadership styles identified in the literature, laissez-faire, transactional and transformational leadership styles are the primary leadership styles identified in the nursing and management studies (Farag et al., 2009). Laissez-faire leadership indicates the absence of leadership (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). This leadership style is ineffective in promoting purposeful interaction and it contributes to organizational demise (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Transactional leaders view the leader-follower relationship as a process of exchange (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). On the other hand, transformational leadership is a process that motivates followers by appealing to higher ideals and moral values (Trofino, 2005). The transactional leader sets goals, gives directions and tends to gain compliance by offering rewards for performance (McEachen Keogh, 2007). Whereas, by inspiring a shared vision through clear roles, effective teamwork and providing feedback on individual or team performance transformational leaders enables the staff to explore their professional practice (Halm, 2010). The three elements of transactional leadership are: contingent reward, where the leader provides reward that is dependent on the performance; passive management by exception, where the leader takes corrective action when problems arise and active management by exception, where the leader takes corrective action in anticipation of problem (Chen, Beck Amos, 200 5; McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Rukmani, Ramesh Jayakrishnan, 2010). Similarly, the four elements of transformational leadership are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). The expected outcome of transactional leadership is enhanced role clarity, job satisfaction and improved performance (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). On the contrary, the ultimate outcome of transformational leadership is to change the mental model of employees, to link desired outcome to values held by employees and to build strong employee identification within the group or organization (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). There are also some pitfalls and limitations of transactional leadership. Transactional leadership might not yield the same results across culture; such as, most North American culture which emphasize individualism, whereas many Asian culture emphasize collectivism (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Hence, transactional leaders need to understand at which level to establish their reward system- individual or collective reward (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Transactional leaders cannot provide leadership over task areas in which they have no expert knowledge (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Likewise, there are some limitations to transformational leadership. Transformational leaders need to be updated in their knowledge and skills (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). There is a growing demand for evidence-based decision making, where, to show leadership, a transformational leader need to cite hard and factual evidence, as transformational leaders have nothing worth saying without strong evidence. Fin ally, the transformational leaders will be needed to inspire flexible, multi skilled work forces to bridge the barriers established by rigid job description and functional departments (Trofinio, 2004). Transformational leadership is not an alternative to transactional leadership, but it augments transactional leadership (Spinelli, 2006). Therefore, an effective leader achieves a balance between transformational and transactional behavior, thus creating a leadership style which matches the needs of followers (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). The current shortage of nurses at the bedside magnifies the importance of having a strong, clear, and supportive and inspiration leadership across health care organization (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Characteristics and development of effective leader While there is disparity amongst the theorist definitions of leadership, there is consensus pertaining to qualities necessary to realize effective leader (Murphy, 2005). There are various traits of an effective leader mentioned throughout the literature. Having a vision is a key feature of effective leadership and it is the clarity of vision evolved by the leader about the future of the organization that distinguish them as effective (Joyce, 2009). An effective leader has a vision for the future, which helps him to set objectives, aims, goals and standards and to achieve the set goals; the leader has a plan to implement (Fletner, Mitchell, Norris Wolfe, 2008). Tomey (2009) mentions some of the essential leadership traits which also empower people. These include accessible, collaborative, communicative, flexible, good listener, honest, influential, knowledgeable, positive, supportive and visible (Tomey, 2009). An effective leader should also posses job knowledge, positive attitude, d elegation skills, positive partnership and should be a role model, dependable, motivating, and compassionate (Fletner et al., 2008; Cook Leathard, 2004). An effective leader must recognize the individual strength and weakness of each person involved, shifting focus as necessary in an effort to elevate each persons level of effectiveness as an individual and as a part of a team (Fletner et al., 2008). As Joyce, 2008, rightly quotes that effective leaders walk the talk. Consequently, there is consistency between their values, vision, standards and behavior (Fletner et al., 2008; Joyce, 2008). A good leader should ideally possess all of the identified characteristics, or at least a majority of them (Fletner et al., 2008). Fletner et al. (2008) also reveal that any characteristics can be a leaders strength or weakness depending on the situational needs and persons involved in the given scenario. Neither there is just one characteristic that defines a leader, nor should, the entire identified characteristic be required when determining whether an individual would be an effective leader (Fletner et al., 2008). Likewise, to say one character istic is more important than the other is to fragment the idea of leadership (Fletner et al., 2008). A leader with insufficient leadership training might become exhausted in trying to achieve the organizational goals and thus, in turn, a leader might burnout and dissatisfaction among subordinates might increase (Chen, Beck Amos, 2005). One of the greatest challenges we face in nursing profession is to develop future nurse leaders (Jumaa, 2008; Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004; Murray DiCroce, 2003). Hence, training effective leaders has been proposed as a key to increase professionalism in nursing (Chen, Beck and Amos, 2005). Although it remains unclear, how to best prepare effective leaders, evidence suggest that graduate education may be an important precursor to the development of effective leadership style (Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004). Developing a relationship with specific academic provider of registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing programs and graduate education in nursing administration may facilitate nurse managers returning for advanced education (Klienman, 2 004). Onsite and distance education programs may offset obstacles of scheduling and geography (Kleinman, 2004). The feasibility of mandating graduate education requirements for all practicing nurse managers is limited; therefore, continuing education strategies must focus on nurse manager leadership training (Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004; Wilson, 2005). An effective continuing educational program should consider providing monetary incentive and an organizational commitment that allows sufficient time to be spent on course work, in addition to management responsibilities (Kleinman, 2004). Conley, Branowicki and Hanley (2007), recommend a three component orientation for nursing leaders including nurse manger competencies, precepting by supervisor and written and classroom resources. Learning about the history of nursing, and especially about people who greatly influenced the development of nursing, has a fundamental meaning in fulfilling the vocation for nursing (Kosinska Niebroj, 2 004). In this context, the statement saying that history is a teacher of life seems to be true and of paramount importance for creating leaders (Kosinska Niebroj, 2004). The Leading Empowered Organizations(LEO) program, shared between United Kingdom and United State of America, is constructed around a model that identifies consensus decision making, interdependence, positive discipline, responsibility, authority and accountability as key areas of effective leading (Cook Leathard, 2004). Recognizing the need to invest in nurse managers to reduce turnover, the Pacific Northwest Nursing Leadership Institute was created in Washington State, in 2002, to support the development and preparation of nursing leaders (Wilson, 2005). Thus, there are various programs, education and institutions, to encourage the development of leadership skills among nurses; which highlights the impact that an effective leader can have on the organization. Impact of effective leadership on organization The inability of hospital to retain staff nurses threatens the adequacy of health care delivery and increases personnel and patient care costs (Kleinman, 2004). Many factors have led to rising health care costs, which have increased faster than the general inflation over the past three decades (Spinelli, 2006). Performance standards for effective leaders require them to be accountable for transactional processes such as budgets, productivity and quality monitoring; while at the same time displaying transformational characteristics by acting as a coach, mentor and a leader (Kleinman, 2004; Spinelli, 2006). A creative work climate has a strong relationship to job satisfaction and the nurse manager is an important link in creating such a climate (Sellgren, Ekvall, Tomson, 2006; DeCasterle, Willemse, Verschueren Milisen, 2008). Job satisfaction has been described as the most important predictor for nurses intention to remain employed (Sellgren et al., 2006; Carney, 2008). The perception of staff nurses towards the leadership behavior of their manager was significantly related to their job satisfaction (Sellgren et al., 2006; Klienman, 2004). Staff that perceives job satisfaction is essential for the ability to give high quality and safe care (Sellgren et al., 2006). Job dissatisfaction leads to absenteeism, problems of grievances, low morale and high turnover (Wong Cummings, 2007). On the contrary, poor leadership was found to be one of the main reasons for dissatisfaction and intention to leave (Neilsen, Yarker, Brenner, Randall and Borg, 2008 and Sellgren et al., 2006). Altered perfo rmance, affecting patient outcome, which in turn results in higher employment cost is also found to be associated with decreased job satisfaction (Wong Cummings, 2007). The findings of the study done by Wong and Cummings (2007) and Kenmore, (2008), suggest that there is a relationship between leadership and patient satisfaction, patient mortality and patient safety outcomes, adverse events and complications. Positive leadership behavior increased patient satisfaction, and decreased incidences of patient mortality, adverse events and complication (Wong Cummings, 2007). Effective nursing leadership is essential to the creation of practice environments with appropriate staffing level, that support nurses in preventing unnecessary death, adverse events and complications (Wong Cummings, 2007). A recent study done in mental health service organizations show that, both organizational culture and organizational climate impact work attitude and subsequently staff turnover (Wong Cummings, 2007). Effective leaders can also help in the recruitment process by recruiting staff as per the job description and thus help in the organizational development (Neilsen et al., 2008 and Sellgren et al., 2006). The study done by Wong and Cummings (2007), in Singapore, to determine the effect of leadership behavior on employee outcome, shows that in times of stress and chaos, leadership styles that transform, create meaning in the midst of turmoil and produce desirable employee outcome are more beneficial for organizations existence and performance. Conclusion In conclusion, it is apparent that nurses can lead the health care industry as they comprise the major component of all health care employees; being on the front line and having the most frequent direct contact with the patients and their families. The increasing emphasis on fiscal accountability in global recessionary times places even greater emphasis on measuring organizational effectiveness (Joyce, 2009). The need to move a health care organization forward in an era of declining profit margin, diminishing capacity, manpower shortages and technological expansion cannot be overstated. The call for the nurses to become recognized leaders of health care industry; possessing the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant for effective leadership and the necessity to use the technology of the 21st century to aim for an essentially global community are the key perspective significant to nursing leadership and management(Jumaa, 2008). Effective leadership behavior is the key to productive and happily satisfied nurses with great organizational commitment. Nevertheless, it is how the leader leads in the context of the setting which is paramount. To sum up, positive or effective leadership is critical towards achieving and driving organizational effectiveness. Lymphatic Filariasis Disease: Causes and Treatments Lymphatic Filariasis Disease: Causes and Treatments Abstract Lymphatic Filariasis is a disease that is on the World Health Organizations (WHO) top ten list of diseases to eliminate by 2020. Left untreated and undetected, it can lead to a condition called Elephantiasis. The name comes from the severe swelling of the limbs that occurs during the chronic state of the disease. It is transmitted via mosquitoes to humans in tropical and sub-tropical climates and it is endemic in a large number of countries around the world. Prevention is possible via some very basic methods and early detection and treatment can prevent long-term consequences associated with the disease. Lymphatic Filariasis is a little known disease in the United States but it is on the World Health Organizations top ten list of diseases to eliminate along with Malaria and leprosy (Narain, J.P., Dash, A.P., Parnell, B., Bhattacharya, S.K., Barua, S., Bhatia, R. et al., 2010). A large portion of the population of the planet is at risk of contracting this often debilitating disease. Common Names Lymphatic Filariasis is also referred to as Bancrofts Filariasis and Elephantiasis when the disease it has progressed to its chronic state. (Elephantiasis, 2010). Causative Organisms The main causative organism is a microscopic parasitic roundworm. There are three different types of this worm: Wuchereria bancrofti (most common and makes up 90% of all cases), Brugia malay and Brugia timori (Longe, 2006). Wuchereria bancrofit lives in warm regions on every continent except North America (Callahan, 2002). Brugia malayi is primarily found in India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia (Callahan, 2002). Brugia timori is found to a very limited extent in Timor. Symptoms The disease has two stages, acute and chronic. When the disease is in the acute phase, the symptoms usually include a recurring fever and infections of the lymph vessels or nodes in the arms, legs or genitals which can lead to severe and permanent swelling of the lymph vessels and secondary infections (Elephantiasis, 2010). In the chronic stage, the worms block the lymphatic areas of the limbs which cause overgrowth of the limb or body part because the lymphatic system is not able to perform its function of draining fluid out of the area (Callahan, 2002). Males may also have swelling in the scrotum. This is how the disease gets the name of Elephantiasis because the limbs enlarge to the point where they resemble elephant limbs and the skin takes on a rough texture like elephant skin (Ferrara, 2010). Incubation Period The precise mechanism that causes the pathology of the disease is not known and some people who are infected may not show any signs or symptoms for many months and sometimes even years (Rajan, 2003). The parasite apparently only infects humans and has never been found to affect animals. The parasite migrates to the lymphatic vessels and takes up residence. It then matures into the worm over the course of a few months to one year and begin producing the microfilariae which is suspected of causing the initial fevers and chills that are the first symptoms of the disease (Rajan, 2003). Also, if a person is infected once, they may never actually develop any symptoms even though the worm is living in their lymphatic system and the microfilarasia are circulating in their blood. It is repeated exposure with multiple worms along with the worms excretions and blockage of the lymphatic system that seems to cause the disease to progress to its most severe form especially since the worm will norm ally die sometime after seven year (Rajan, 2003). Duration of Disease The duration of Lymphatic Filariasis varies depending on the number of re-infections suffered by a host. A person with Elephantiasis can live with the disease and usually dies from complications and secondary infections from the worms both living and dead (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). The disease can last a lifetime and can worsen over time if left untreated. The disfiguring growth of the limbs or genitalia is another side effect as well as permanent damage to the lymphatic system, kidneys and secondary infections. There is also a social stigma to the deformities that accompany the chronic stages of the disease. Those who suffer from the disease are often ostracized. The adult worm normally lives from three to five years and the microfilariae will die after twelve months if not taken up by a mosquito to begin the next phase of the lifecycle (Longe, 2006). Transmission A person contracts the disease by being bitten by an infected mosquito of the genera Culex, Aedes or Anopheles. The mosquitoes are the intermediate hosts and when they bite someone, they inject the third-stage larvae into the blood of the host (Elephantiasis, 2010). Once injected into a human host, the larvae mature into worms which move to the lymphatic system and after about one year, produce embryo called microfilariae (Callahan, 2002). Adult worms live for about seven years (Ferrara, 2010). It is the buildup of adult worms in the lymphatic system over time that causes lymph fluid to collect which leads to severe swelling of the limbs and groin area (Ferrara, 2010). The microfilariae circulate in the blood stream waiting to be taken up by a mosquito. Interestingly, the microfilariae are at their most active in the blood at night when mosquitoes are also most active (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). This increases the chance of being taken up by a mosquito and continuing the lifecycle. Whe n a mosquito bites and infected host, they take up the microfilariae along with the blood. The larvae mature to the second state in the mosquitoes. Repeated exposure and repeated transmission of larvae that can mature into adult worms is usually what brings on the symptoms (Ferrara, 2010). A person who is bitten once and infected may never actually experience any symptoms. Prevention and Treatment The disease is being attacked from many angles by the WHO. Those who have an active parasite are normally treated with the drug Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) which will both limit the number of microfilariae in the blood stream and gradually kill the parasite (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). The drug will cause some nausea and vomiting and sometimes fever depending on the level of microfilariae in the blood (Elephantiasis, 2010). However, because the treatment lasts for over one year, it is sometimes difficult to get the needed medical supplies to the areas with the highest incidence in a cost effective manner. Since the drug DEC seems to act as a deterrent as well as a cure, there is a proposal to add DEC to salt for distribution in the affected areas of the world in much the same manner that iodine was added to salt (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). Trials with DEC fortified salt have been carried out in China, Brazil, Haiti, India and Tanzania with great success since DEC laced salt acts as a protective measure as well as providing benefits for those already infected (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). Other drugs used in treatment include ivermectin and albendazole and more recently doxycycline (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). Albendazole will kill the worms but does not have any effect on the microfilaria in the blood so the transmission cycle will continue unless the intermediate host is also reduced or eliminated (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). In addition to drug therapies, movement of the affected limbs is encouraged along with antibiotics for any secondary infections caused by damage to the lymphatic system (Ferrara, 2010). There is little that can be done once the lymphatic swelling has set in other than attempting to force the lymph out via compression bandages (Elephantiasis, 2010). The other alternative is surgery to correct the affected limbs but this is sometimes not cost effective. Because the causative agent spends a portion of its lifecycle in the mosquito, the preventative measures that are being undertaken include the use of insect repellent and protective clothes in affected areas as well as water treatment to reduce the insect population that transmits the disease to humans (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). Other measures include the use of mosquito netting, screens on windows and staying inside after dark when mosquitoes are the most likely to be active (Ferrara, 2010). In addition, while the mosquitoes are being dealt with, the population near the affected area can be given DEC as a preventative treatment so that the cycle of transmission is broken (Elephantiasis, 2010). Antibiotics have also been shown to be effective in the past but because antibiotics should not have any impact on a nematode, the effect of antibiotics was dropped until recently. There has also been some investigation into the possibility that a certain population of the worms themselves have a bacterial symbiont which is susceptible to the antibiotics (Rajan, 2003). The suspicion is that the two species have become dependent and if the symbiont dies, the host dies as well. If this is proven true, then antibiotics may also be used at some point in the future to treat lymphatic Filariasis in some cases. It is also suspected that some of the inflammation and other secondary infections might actually be caused by the symbiont rather than the nematode. Incidence: World, USA and Colorado Approximately eighty to one-hundred million people in 75 countries around the world are at risk of contracting Lymphatic Filariasis and forty million are in the chronic stages of the disease and suffer from the disfiguring disability known as Elephantiasis (Lammie, Milner, Houston, 2006). Lymphatic Filariasis occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical countries mostly in coastal areas with high humidity although it also occurs in Japan and China and come European countries (Elephantiasis, 2010). The area with the highest risk is south-East Asia. Lymphatic Filariasis at one point appeared in Charleston, South Carolina until about 1920 but then dies out before World War II (Elephantiasis, 2010). The reason for the disappearance in the United States is due to mosquito control and water sanitation (Elephantiasis, 2010). It occurs in the United States primarily where it has been contracted elsewhere and brought back to the United States (Elephantiasis, 2010). There does not seem to be any incidence of the disease in Colorado primarily because the climate and altitude and mosquito population do not generally offer a good climate for the life cycle. Mortality Rate: World, USA and Colorado Lymphatic Filariasis although impacting millions does not have a high mortality rate. The chief issue with the disease is the ongoing illnesses and secondary infections along with lost productivity and economic hardship suffered by those affected. According the World Health Organization, Lymphatic Filariasis is a targeted disease for elimination due to the large number of people at risk (Weekly epidemiological record, 2009). Those who contract the disease can live with it for all or most of their lives and it is the repeated infections via mosquito bites that eventually lead to the progression to the chronic state of the disease and eventual death ((Narain, J.P., Dash, A.P., Parnell, B., Bhattacharya, S.K., Barua, S., Bhatia, R. et al., 2010) Isolation Technique The disease is difficult to detect because the initial infection may not present any symptoms as the worm moves to the lymphatic system and matures. It can also take some time for the Microfilaria to show in the blood in sufficient quantity. The isolation technique will either focus on detecting the adult worm or the microfilariae. Blood samples can be taken and the sheathed microfilaria can be detected in a Giemsa stain which is a stain specifically used for detecting the presence of microfilaria in the blood (Wallace, Kohatsu, 2008). A methylene azure B. stain is used on the blood sample and if there is microfilaria in the blood, they will appear blue or purple. It is important that this blood be taken in the evening when the microfilaria is most active. The microfilaria can move out of the blood during the day so blood samples taken in daylight hours can sometimes result in false negatives (Longe, 2006). Also, it is possible that an infected person will not have any microfilaria in the blood. The worm itself is very hard to detect because it is buried in the lymphatic system. Another technique used is to look for what is called the filarial dance sign in the scrotum (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). This is a visible detection of the worms movements via ultrasound. Conclusion Lymphatic Filariasis is a preventable disease that strikes poor countries in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Its debilitating effects have made it a target for elimination in the countries affected. Prevention methods are basic and include proactively spraying for the mosquitoes and treating the population with DEC laced salt or administration of DEC in tablet forms in order to break the cycle of infection. In addition, common precautions against mosquitoes can also be used such as protective clothing, netting and sprays.

From the Bigs to NU: Performance Enhancement :: Journalism Essays

From the Bigs to NU: Performance Enhancement From the very first time he touched the newest and hottest in a long line of drug fads, Justin Hedrick, then high school running back, now star pitcher for the Northeastern baseball team, was swept up in the craze of ephedra. Looking back, he realizes what a fortunate decision he made to stop using the common muscle supplement linked to as many as 155 deaths around the country since its introduction in the mid-1990s. â€Å"Before (football) season, we used to cut down a little bit of weight in order to see how fast we could run or get our 40 times up a bit,† he said. â€Å"A couple of us running backs took it to see what it was like, and took it for about a month. â€Å"We just got ripped, it was ridiculous. It was perfect,† he added. â€Å"Our 40s went up, everything that we were doing, the amount of time we were working †¦ everything increased and we were like, ‘Ok, this stuff is awesome.’ After we played the season and were going to get on it next season, all the reports came out saying it was going to cause heart attacks. After researching it †¦ I was just a stupid, young, high school kid and I didn’t look into it before. But, once you do, you realize it’s basically speed. You kind of frown upon that after awhile. I mean, it’s great for the time being, but once you research it you find out what it does – and that’s just scary.† How does it work? Ephedra (also known as the Chinese herbal treatment ma huang), has been used in China for thousands of years. But, what makes it kick? â€Å"In simple terms, the human body reacts to ephedra as it does to a surge of adrenaline,† explains diet-pills-information.org. â€Å"Adrenaline is the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone which is released by the body during the periods of stress and exercise. It speeds up heart rate and sends extra blood to muscles. The difference is that whereas an adrenaline rush typically lasts only a few minutes, the effects of ephedra can last for hours. Ephedra also stimulates the release of large quantities of adrenaline. Such a surge of adrenaline can make the heart beat even faster and deplete oxygen that keeps the heart working – resulting in heart strain or even heart attack.† This process, according to numerous researchers, is an even greater danger when combined with caffeine, which is found in most ephedra-containing supplements.

Paradigm Shifts of Church History Essay

As described by Bosch in his foreword he talks about the title as ambiguous. â€Å"Transforming† can be an adjective used to describe â€Å"mission†. Mission can be understood as not the enterprise that transforms reality, but something that is itself being transformed. Let’s now look at the first paradigm shift. 1. Primitive Christianity †¦. go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. â€Å"[2] The great commission has to be taken into account with the rest of Matthew’s gospel where we see the â€Å"road† of mission to the gentiles is open. The Mission of Jesus was to breakdown boundaries and to include all, even those who were seen as enemies. God invites all and it is those who respond that are accepted. Early Christian mission was focused only on the Jews. Mission to the gentiles came as a spin-off mission. Early Christian mission involved the person of Jesus and it was political and revolutionary. The revolutionary aspect was seen in the new relationships it brought among Jews, Greek, free, slave, rich, poor, women etc. The early church had to seal their witness (martyria) with their blood; â€Å"Martyrdom and Mission† says Hans von Campenhaussen â€Å"belonged together†. [3] 2. The Patristic Period (The Eastern Church) Mission in the Patristic (first fathers) period is thoroughly church centered which means that the church is the aim; the fulfillment of the Gospel, rather than the instrument or means of mission[4]. In Orthodox thinking, mission is the place of liturgy (public worship). A witnessing community is a community of worshippers. Also Orthodox mission is founded on the love of God as seen in John 3:16. The church began to progress too, the apostles and itinerant preachers were replaced by bishops and deacons and later too was the monastic movement (which was the practice of renouncing worldly pursuits to fully devote one’s self to spiritual work). Mission to the non-Roman Asia spread mainly by the Nestorian monastic orders (who emphasized the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus). In 1054 the great schism took place between the Eastern and Western church. This was the beginning of the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. Constantine moved the headquarters of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople and the church began to compromise with the state politically. The church became secularised and Salvation was a gradual progress that leads to the divine. 3. The Medieval Roman Catholic Period â€Å"Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. [5] Where the early church took its missionary text from John 3:16 talking about the love of God, the Roman Catholic Church had the focus of ‘compelling them to come in’. They argued that there was no salvation outside the formal membership of the RC Church. The Roman Empire had become linked to the RC Church. The Catholic Church became extremely influential over the State and loyalty to the state meant being loyal to the church. Islam became increasingly popular in the East leading to the capture of Constantinople in 1453. Pope Alexander VI divided the colonized world into two for mission purposes. One was under the King of Spain and the other under the King of Portugal. The mission of the church was linked to the mission of the state. They sent Missionaries to the colonized territories. Europe was broadly seen as Christian and therefore no real need for evangelism. The monastic movement may have been the reason was so much authentic Christianity evolved in Europe’s ‘dark ages’. Reformation Period (the Protestant Paradigm) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 6] Martin Luther had a realization that God’s righteousness did not mean God’s punishment and wrath, but his gift of grace and mercy in which anyone could be saved. Bosch noted that the Protestant missionary paradigm tended to vary from various extremes. Bosch shows that although the idea of mission was there among the Protestants, their involvement was limited. This was due to; (a) their primary task was to reform the church; (b) contact with non-Christians was little (c) they were struggling to survive; (d) denial of the monastic orders meant they denied themselves access to important services and (e) their own internal struggles. Luther’s reformation made little sense of this world, Calvinism in Holland (developed Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith) and Puritanism in England (the Protestant church regarded the Reformation of the Church of England as incomplete and sought to simplify and regulate forms of worship) did. Bosch then refers to Gisbertus Voetius’s threefold model of the theology of mission. He sees these dimensions as; (a) conversion of the Gentiles (b) planting of the church and (c) the glory and manifestation of divine grace (he saw the churches of old and new standing as equal)[7]. Enlightenment Period Mission during this period was diverse and multifaceted than ever before. The change from medieval to enlightenment thinking made the supernatural redundant and the natural attracted more attention. God, the church and the nobles were no longer revered, but nature was. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [8] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 9] Then Jesus came to them and said, â€Å"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. â€Å"[10] During this period as you can see from the scriptures above, the main sense of mission was the urgency o f the coming of the new millennium. The modern missionary enterprise has been greatly influenced by the enlightenment’s concept of ecclesiastical and cultural expansion. These were in the church and state. Colonisation and Christianisation went together, and were two sides of the same coin. Later, during the enlightenment the two went onto separate paths, forces of renewal and the second awakening. 6. Ecumenical Period The church turned from being an institution to being the body of Christ with its outlook on mission being revitalized and seen afresh. Missionary conferences began to emerge as Bosch referring to Gunther; â€Å"ecclesiological reflections of missionary conferences from Edinburgh 1910 to Mexico City in 1963†[11]. The ‘Missio Dei† concept first surfaced in 1952 at the Willingen Conference[12]. The idea of God as a missionary God[13]. Mission as stated by Bosch is as follows; meditating salvation; the quest for justice; evangelism; contextualization, liberation, inculturation; common witness; ministry by the holy people of God, witness to people of other living faiths; and as action in hope. Bosch looks at the life of Jesus with what we can learn for mission today.

Obesity in America Management and Control - 716 Words

Obesity in America: Management and Control Americans are among the heaviest people on earth. Not only are we getting fatter, but were doing it at a younger age. It is estimated that as many as one in five Americans is obese, a condition defined as being more than 30 percent above the ideal weight based on height. In the United States, obesity prevalence doubled among adults between 1980 and 2004 (Ogden, et al., 2007). By understanding the magnitude, causes, and impact of obesity has on our society we can find ways to control this widespread phenomenon. Health Promotion strategies offer a promising avenue for mitigating this problem. According to Fred Kuchler and Nicole Ballenger (2002) being overweight or obese are major public health problems costing society over a billion dollars annually and posing as large a threat of death as poverty, smoking, or problem drinking. Obesity is associated with a number of conditions, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and with increased risk of disability and a modestly elevated risk of all-cause mortality. The obesity problem did not occur overnight. In fact, it has been emerging for decades but only recently has it reached crisis proportions and grabbed national headlines. While Americans at the turn of the 20th century may have aspired to be plump, by now most people are aware of the health problems associated with excess weight. Diet books top the bestseller list, whileShow MoreRelatedObesity And The American Health Care System914 Words   |  4 PagesObesity is an epidemic that is putting uncomfortable strains on the American health care system. With just under two-thirds of the American adult population being overweight or obese, a lot of time and effort has gone into uncovering the causes of this rise in the weights of American citizens. Several theories have been developed to help solve the mystery of America’s rising size. Obesity cannot be traced back to a single factor, but rather many aspects have contributed to the rise of obesity inRead MoreFast Food in America16 64 Words   |  7 PagesFast Food in America People today have a need for speed. Everything has to be more convenient, and bigger. Humans are the super-sized rulers of the world, and people need it as fast as possible. This lifestyle has consequences; if one does not start taking charge, and fight these big corporations right now these mistakes will be too far reaching and irreversible. Because fast food is convenient, inexpensive, and is a cultural habit, people must stop eating it since it has increased health problemsRead MoreAnalyzing The Association Between Intake Of Different Types Of Beverages And Obesity Outcomes1301 Words   |  6 Pagesbetween intake of different types of beverages and obesity outcomes in children and adults. We found out that, SSB intake in both children and adults had the significant contribution to obesity outcomes. This positive association is consistent with previous studies reporting a strong positive dose-response relationship between intake of SSB and adiposity among Australian and Danish ch ildren (12, 21), and positive association between SSB intake and obesity in adults (5, 6). A recent study aiming to investigateRead MoreObesity Invasion Of The United States1247 Words   |  5 Pages Obesity Invasion An invasion is occurring right under America’s nose, it’s has spread like wildfire through the vast mountains of California. What is this invasion I speak of you may inquire? Well, it is expansion of the American’s waistlines that is soaring at such alarming rate it astounding. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention concedes that â€Å"obesity is affecting 1 out of every 3 adults and 1 in 4 children.† A study conducted by Ramon Martinez, a technical specialist in health metricsRead MoreObesity and Health Care Costs678 Words   |  3 PagesObesity in the Workplace Suzette B. Johnson Southern New Hampshire University Discrimination Against the Obese in the Workplace In the United States, there has been a substantial increase in obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every American adult is now considered obese. Obese is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, stroke or certain kinds of cancer. What effect does obesityRead MoreObesity : The Growing Pain1566 Words   |  7 Pages102 April 10, 2015 Obesity: The Growing Pain in America Nowadays, people eat out a lot and not from a healthier perspective and food choice but from fast food restaurants like McDonalds, Burger King and among many others. Initially this was not so as parents found any time necessary to make meals at home rather than purchase any food at all which they considered to be the â€Å"last resort†. What has caused the increasing rate of childhood obesity in the past few decades? Obesity in children has becomeRead MoreObesity : Obesity And Obesity878 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction: Obesity in America is rampant. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 78.6 million adults in the United States are obese. (Centers for Disease Control, 2015) Obesity is a factor in many chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke. With sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition leading the way to America’s weight issue, retired and non-active duty veterans returning are not immune to the diagnosis of obesity and obesity-related illnesses. ProgramRead MoreResearch Paper First Draft: Is Obesity a Disease?986 Words   |  4 PagesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (2012), more than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. This fact effectively underscores the seriousness of the issue at hand. Further, it means that obesity is affecting millions of people in the U.S. alone (either directly or indirectly). As McKnight (2006) points out, one of the leading causes of death in America is physical inactivity. Physical inactivity coupled with other factors has been branded a leading cause of obesity. Every day, peopleRead MoreThe NEH Must Take Action to Reduce Obesity Essay1448 Words   |  6 Pagespeople suffer from obesity related health problems. These statistics are shocking. At some point the government and the NEH has to step in and do something for the sake and health of citizens, specifically children. â€Å"Many researchers have theorized that media use by children, excessive snacking during media use, food-marketing practices in food advertisements, cross promotions, food away from home, supersizing and increased portion sizes can all contribute to childhood obesity† (Kavas). Due to theRead MoreObesity : A Health Policy Issue1153 Words   |  5 PagesPOLICY ANALYSIS PAPER OBESITY: A HEALTH POLICY ISSUE HSM 516 BY CHIKODILI FAITH OBI 913425038 SUBMITTED TO DR MEI WEN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCIENCES OBESITY: A HEALTH POLICY ISSUE Obesity has greatly increased among adults, teenagers and children in America. Statistics has shown that about two in every three adult in America is Obese or over weight. The children and teenagers are not left out also; the obesity prevalence is three times what it was in the previous years between 1970s and 2000

A Brief Summary of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Tale of Two Cities Summary In the opening book the story begins by establishing the settings of 1775 England and France. This time period is pre-American Revolution for England and pre-French Revolution which meant that there were growing tensions in both countries. Early in the book Mr. Jarvis Lorry who works for the Tellson’s Bank is given a note that tells him to wait in Dover for Mam’selle while he is driving a stagecoach. Lorry seems to dream about being dead, someone digging him out of a grave and has a strange encounter with a ghost who gives several reactions to questions about when he wants to see a girl. On the following morning after reaching Dover, Lorry meets Lucie Manette who came from London. She was informed that there was some business with some small property of her father who had been thought to be long dead but Lorry believes the reason she was called Paris was that her father is actually alive. As the scene changes to Saint Antoine, Lorry and Lucie enter a wine shop and are introduced to a man making shoes after asking to see Doctor Manette. Manette initially mistakes his daughter Lucie for his wife but is then overcome by so much emotion that he collapses. Lucie makes arrangements to leave for England as soon as possible. The second book begins with Jerry Cruncher, the man who delivered the message to Lorry on the stagecoach, waking up and going to work awaiting orders from the bank. Cruncher’s instructions were to go to the courthouse and wait forShow MoreRelatedThe Evidence Of Unbound Loyalty1746 Words   |  7 PagesOliver, ill-treated and hungry, approaches his masters saying â€Å"Please, sir, I want some more† (Dickens 11), Charles Dickens enthralls his readers in the harsh, twisted journey of Oliver Twist. Through a series of exciting events full of abuse, loyalty, hatred, and love, Dickens portrays the overlooked difficulties of the poor, lower class that Oliver Twist’s action-packed life has been subject to. Some of Dickens most loved characters, including the adolescent pickpocket under the pseudonym the ArtfulRead MoreDavid Copperfield9349 Words   |  38 PagesDavid Copperfield by Charles Dickens†¦. Analysis by: Shrook Essam El-Din Table of Contents: a- Abstract . b- Charles Dickens life . c- Similarity between Charles childhood and David Copperfield . d- Autobiographical Elements of David Copperfield . e- Plot summary . f- Major themes . g- List of references . a- Abstract : David Copperfield captured the hearts and imagination of generations of readers since the day of its publication. Charles Dickens chose the main characterRead MoreLiterary Criticism : The Free Encyclopedia 7351 Words   |  30 Pagesoutline[edit] A Bildungsroman relates the growing up or coming of age of a sensitive person who goes in search of answers to life s questions with the expectation that these will result from gaining experience of the world. The genre evolved from folklore tales of a dunce or youngest son going out in the world to seek his fortune. Usually in the beginning of the story there is an emotional loss which makes the protagonist leave on his journey. In a Bildungsroman, the goal is maturity, and the protagonistRead MoreGreat Expectations- Character Analysis Essay10289 Words   |  42 Pagesonce hard Estella, ...what I had never seen before, was the saddened softened light of the once proud eyes; what I had never felt before, was the friendly touch of the once insensible hand. (Chapter 59). Joe Gargery: Joe is the only one of Dickens characters who stands opposed to and apart from the main current of action. He stays away from London, for the most part, and only intervenes when needed. He is always present in Pips mind, and tends to remind both Pip and the reader of those valuesRead MoreInterpretation of the Text13649 Words   |  55 PagesEpic Tragedy Genres^ Comedy Novel ... ....... : Prose 2 O Poetry Short story Creative nonfiction Fig. 1.1. Correlation of literary genres For practical purposes it might be worthwhile to adopt the point of view, according to which there are two main genres of literature - poetry and prose. Their types are shown in Fig 1.2. Poetry is a comprehensive term which can be taken to cover any kind of metrical composition. It has three types - Narrative, Lyric and Dramatic. Drama in general is anyRead MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagesopposition between man and man (between the protagonist and a human adversary, the antagonist), as, for example, in most detective fiction. Internal conflict, on the other hand, is confined to the protagonist. In this case, the opposition is between two or more elements within the protagonist’s own character, as in Joseph Conrad’s â€Å"Heart of Darkness†, when Kurtz struggles (and fails) to subdue the savage instincts concealed beneath his civilized English veneer. Most plots, it should be noted, containRead MoreLanguage of Advertising and Communication Via Advertising16651 Words   |  67 Pagesand the United Kingdom. The terminology used in the work includes the following terms, which are regarded as distinctive categories of the advertising discourse: - ad-slogan - a striking and easily remembered utterance, consisting of one or a few brief, loud, emotionally loaded phrases, which are frequently used by the company in order to create a positive attitude of the consumer towards the object of advertising, as well as to secure its distinctiveness; - ad-text - the body copy of advertisingRead MoreLanguage of Advertising and Communication Via Advertising16638 Words   |  67 Pagesand the United Kingdom. The terminology used in the work includes the following terms, which are regarded as distinctive categories of the advertising discourse: - ad-slogan - a striking and easily remembered utterance, consisting of one or a few brief, loud, emotionally loaded phrases, which are frequently used by the company in order to create a positive attitude of the consumer towards the object of advertising, as well as to secure its distinctiveness; - ad-text - the body copy of advertisingRead MoreMetz Film Language a Semiotics of the Cinema PDF100902 Words   |  316 Pagesmaking them more easily available, originated with Mikel Dufrenne, Professor at the University of Paris-Nanterre and editor of the series in which this work was published in French. He has my very warm gratitude. C . M. Cannes August 1967 here. On two or three definite and important points, this text no longer corresponds to the present state of the problems it confronts. I have taken this opportunity to clarify it and place it in perspective by means of footnotes, for the method and the structureRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 PagesManagement Studies, Keele University, UK An unusually rich and deep philosophical book on organization theory with several new thinkers and ideas. Pedagogically a well-structured book with many clear learning objectives, cases, examples and good summaries for every chapter. Professor Martin Lindell, Hanken Business School, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, Finland This book makes it easier to understand the current stand of organization theory. I strongly recommend it to anyone

Dr. Martin Luther King A Great Public Figure - 1392 Words

Courage, strength, persuasion, and the way one speaks are only a few qualities of a great public figure. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. possessed these qualities and was a great public figure in the movement towards freedom for all in America. King went to college at the age of fifteen, ordained as a minister at age eighteen, and received his PHD at the age of twenty-six. He grew up in a time that segregated the African Americans from the whites, a place where he thought that all men were free, but truly were not. This caused him to want to stand against these inhuman rights that were being held from the African Americans. He believed in a nonviolent approach may work in order to become a justice system that is equal. Some of his white Americans did not believe in nonviolence towards his protest, so they fought nonviolence with violence. He told the protesters to fight â€Å"violence with nonviolence and hate with love† (Dr. Martin Luther King: A Historical Perspective). On August 28, 1963, King gave his infamous â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech at the March on Washington in front of tens of thousands of people and viewers at home. He wanted to let the people know the true injustice that was going on during this time. He sympathized with all his listeners, no matter what race they were and acknowledged that some went through a lot in order to see listen to his speech in person. In his speech he mentions his hopes for the future, that one-day things will be different and equal for all.Show MoreRelatedRhetorical Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail700 Words   |  3 PagesApril 1963 Martin Luther King was wrongfully arrested after a non violent protest. The peaceful protest took place in Birmingham, Alabama where many people of the black community participated in hopes to change segregation laws in the city. Martin Luther King president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led the protest and was arrested because of it. He stongly believed â€Å"all men are created equal,† no matter the color of your skin, race or ethnicity. While in jail, Dr. King hand wroteRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King Jr., A Political Icon Essay1441 Words   |  6 Pagescome variously to be called great or brilliant because they and their accomplishments have forever changed society and the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of those individuals. Martin Luther Kings contributions to history place him in this inimitable position. One of the great figures in the march of human history, Martin Luther King Jr., like Gandhi before him, lived by a heroic credo of non-violence. More than two decades since his death, Martin Luther King ideas; his call for racialRead MoreTheme Of Pathos In The Birmingham Letter796 Words   |  4 PagesDr. King main point in composing the Birmingham letter is that, racial isolation, or foul play to the African American culture, is because of the ceaseless consolation of the white American culture, especiall y the capable groups in legislative issues and religions. Dr. King guards his point all through the length of his letter, and the contentions that he has made to demonstrate that his theory is valid and substantial will be the concentration of this logical analysis. This letter was viewed asRead More Civil Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pages Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great civil rights leader who gave his life in the name of freedom. The work of Martin Luther King, Jr. goes further than establishing peaceful social change strategies, he shaped America into the free country it is today. Before his protests in the south blacks, were treated like second rate citizens. It was uncommon to see blacks and whites using the same public restroom, or drinking from the same water fountain. Dr. King created a legacy that carried on farRead More Complexities of Dr. Martin Luther King Essay1254 Words   |  6 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr.’s impact on the civil rights movement was nothing short of monumental. To say anything less may be considered sacrilege in the history of the United States. King’s liberal and Christian upbringing, comfortable and educated childhood, and his theological education all played a large part in his contributions to civil rights in America. Perhaps one of his most sustained acts was his ability to represent the plight of African American rights while simultaneously portrayingRead MoreLetter From Birmingham Jail By Dr. Martin Luther King1510 Words   |  7 PagesBirmingham Jail was a letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from a solitary confinement cell in Birmingham, Alabama. Some portions of the letter were written and gradually smuggled out by King s lawyer on scraps of paper including, by some reports, rough jailhouse toilet paper. Violent racist terror against African Americans was so horrible in Birmingham in the summer of 1963 that the city was being referred to by some locals as â€Å"Bombingham†. King had been arrested while participating inRead MoreDr. Martin Luther King s I Have A Dream Speech1696 Words   |  7 PagesDr. Martin Luther King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech has served as inspiration to multiple generations in the 52 years since his words were spoken. Individuals and groups have rallied behind his message of equality and peace and quoted this speech countless times in an attempt to further Dr. King’s dream of bringing racial injustice to an end. In this speech, which was delivered as the culmination of the March for Jobs in 1962, Dr. King addressed nearly 250,000 people to bring awareness to the injusticesRead MoreEssay on Martin Luther King: A True Leader944 Words   |  4 PagesMartin Luther Kind: A True Leader Do you think Martin Luther King deserves his reputation for being a great leader of the Civil Rights movement? What were his strengths and weakness? Overall, what is your verdict? Dr. Martin Luther King’s actions during the Civil Rights movement of Read MoreLetter from Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Analysis- Martin Luth Essay1384 Words   |  6 Pages Martin Luther King, Jr. Analytical Essay Violence, force, bribery. These are just the few of the many ways figures all throughout history have come to implement their ideas among others. Whether it be through force or logic, there needs to be some form for persuasion to pass of your claim. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., promoter of social justice, utilized rhetorical strategies to persuade his opponents of his claims. When Dr. King received a letter fromRead More Dr Kings Vision of Economic and Social Justice Essay2889 Words   |  12 Pagesgeneral achievement and highlights such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream oration. Indeed, the theme of job creation runs though Dr. King’s writings. Perhaps no single policy could have as great a social and economic impact on the African American community—and the entire country—as federally funded job assurance for every person ready and willing to work. This is a policy approach that was explicitly supported by Dr. King, and that is currently receiving attention in economic

Differences Between 16th and 19th Century Imperialism free essay sample

Without these empires nation building and trying to spread their ideals throughout these years I feel the modern world would be much different, this truly was one of the major cogs in the start of globalization. How was early imperialism different to that of the imperialism the world experienced at the end of the nineteenth century? How did each imperialistic state differ? Is imperialism still going on today? How has it shaped the world, as we know it? 19th Century Imperialism I do agree that imperialism finally got out-of-hand by the 1800’s, when the Western world seemingly had to control and dominate every continent populated whether it held even a morsel of value or not e. g. ‘The Scramble for Africa’. Millions of young people of working age were taken away from Africa and made into slaves; great social conflict has ensued ever since and still lingers to this day. â€Å"Slavery has taken a heavy toll on African development ever since the 16th century but finally stood a chance to develop properly once it was abolished throughout the globe during the twentieth century. We will write a custom essay sample on Differences Between 16th and 19th Century Imperialism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page (Headrick). Even though the reputation of these nations was aggressive and callous they never allowed new, promising settlements to decay, rather they opened them up as valuable trading ports that flourished with all the global trade taking place at the time. â€Å"They invested heavily in their colonies and occasionally built impressive infrastructure ranging from schools to judicial systems. † (Headrick). This often benefitted the native inhabitants; old systems of command were thrown out with new, more effective methods of governance being put in their place. I’ve noticed that most of Britain’s colonies were very successful in comparison to other imperial empires such as France, Spain and Portugal. For example, the original thirteen colonies that Britain established on North America’s east coast have gone on to become the world’s main superpower, the United States of America. Britain’s colony in China, Hong Kong, has gone on to become Asia’s premiere financial center with Singapore (another British jewel) trailing just behind. Even Britain’s prisoners set up the only first-world country in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia! Compare this to Spain’s imperial efforts, for example Mexico is the only third world country in North America and has always struggled to overcome a legal system plagued with corruption. Why is it that the British colonies were so successful and the colonies of other countries such failures in comparison? I feel the answer to that is British law. British law has been a keystone in these colonies success. Their political ideals have helped sculpt the success stories of the modern world, albeit there have been some failures such as India and Rhodesia where there were civilians revolting against their new leaders. The British education system helped produce a new class of educated Africans and Asians that were able seek employment once they had completed their schooling. 16th Century Imperialism Imperialism in the fifteenth century was new and exciting, the rules were unwritten. People believed back then that the civilized world back owed it to the rest of the world to help educate and ‘liberate’ the people. They believed that they had created a society that was artistic, educated and above all, special. It was up to these nation states to ‘fix’ those that needed it, and according to the imperialists, everyone needed it. â€Å"Whites were superior to non-whites. One variation was ‘Rudyard Kipling’s idea of the ‘White Man’s Burden’. The white man had the burden and blessings of their superior civilization to the savages of the non-European world. †(Quilligan). It was said that people being colonized were biologically backward and not as evolved as their colonizers. Their savagery and reduced level of cultural evolution were illustrative of their inferior genetic advancement. But were they culturally inferior?