Socrates Essays - Socratic Dialogues, Dialogues Of Plato, Socrates

Socrates While reading Plato's Meno, Euthyphro, apology, and Crito, it became apparent that Socrates held very strong beliefs about the relationship between law and morality. Socrates makes it clear about the reasons laws should be or not be followed. He also clarifies his stand on why laws should be followed and why disobedience to the law is rarely justified. Socrates views humanity in the context that anybody is capable of wrongdoing. He continues with the elaboration that even returning an injury upon oneself is wrong. Socrates then makes a connection between the city and morality. If one is acting without the city's allowance, one is doing wrong toward the city and it's laws. Behaving wrongly towards the people is also doing wrong against the city. The wrongdoing would become a way of destroying the cities laws, and hurting citizens in the process. Socrates compares this relationship to that of how a child should not cause harm to his parents. By doing so you disrespect the laws within the city. Causing harm to your father would lead to conviction; further illustrating the fact that wrong against the law is a wrong against everybody who abides by that law. Socrates follows this by examining what each citizen is taught. From birth you are told to obey laws. You were brought to life from your mother and father and thus you should respect and obey the rules that they do. But the cities laws were there before you mother and father, and are therefor equally if not more important than the laws of your mother and father. The city's law should be respected at least as equally as one's parents should. Socrates then goes on to explain that you do not have the same rights as your parents. Because they have taught what is right and wrong, it is immoral to treat your parents as they treat you. Your parents must have a higher position than you because they taught you. This thought is then extended to the city with the quote ?One must obey the commands of one's city and country, or persuade it as to the nature of justice. It is impious to bring violence to bear against your mother or father, it is much more so to use it against you country.? (Crito, 46) One should obey your parents, but more important is the city. Because the city was that which has taught your ancestors and your parents, it must be superior to them. The cities laws being superior to your mother or father, should be respected and followed. Socrates explains his thoughts of the city and its rules as the nature of life. We were welcomed into the world by the city so it is immoral to fight against it. The laws should be ac cepted and followed. But one should not obey a law just because it is a law. What is moral has been taught to us by our parents, and to them from the city. It is their opinion that will tell us if our actions are moral or not. However, one aspect of the city and its laws is that you are not forced to do as it dictates. As Socrates explains, you have two options, to obey the law or not. But in regards to Socrates opinion, it is not another's opinion to decide what is right and wrong for us. But just as children argue with their parents, one doesn't have to do everything that he is told to. It is an immoral life to follow others opinions about morality. From Euthyphro Socrates opinion on how disobedience can be justified is shown. When Euthyhro accuses his father of murder, he states ?I say that the pious to do what I am doing now, to prosecute the wrongdoer, be it about murder or temple robbery or anything else, whether the wrongdoer is your father or your mother or anyone else; not to prosecute is impious.? (Euthyphro, 22) In this case, Socrates is defending himself. He doesn't believe in all the God's ideas and is justifying his opinion. He has similar thoughts about morality when he states ?I find it hard to accept things like that being said about the

Managerial Skills Consulting

Managerial Skills Consulting Introduction At a time when globalization and consumerism patterns have turned out to be the determining forces in the market, mergers and acquisitions among organizations are very critical in maintaining market capitalization, sustainability and subsequent development.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managerial Skills: Consulting specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consultants on mergers agree almost unanimously that the merging of companies is an important process that provides organizations with massive benefits. From the study on mergers and acquisitions, Gurkov’s recommendations appear to cohere with those of other authors who indicate that the new entity easily reduces the non-constructive competition.1 This paper presents a critical review of consulting opportunities in mergers and acquisitions with a focus on a Russian energy producer and oil company called Lukoil Oil Company. A brief overview of Lukoil O il Company Lukoil Oil Company is one of the major Russian energy producing companies that generates, explores and markets oil and gas within Russia, the United States and Europe. The company is privately owned and has a significant refining capacity. Its shares are listed in the New York’s OTC market (LUKOY), London (LKOD), Micex (LKOH) and RTS (LKOH) in Russia. It is headquartered in Moscow with operations in over 40 countries across the world. Filippov indicates that the company was founded in 1991 as a result of a merger among Kogalymneftegaz, Urayneftegaz and Langepasneftegaz.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Since its inception, Lukoil has been selling petrol in over forty countries globally and in 59 regions within Russia.2 In 2009, the company had improved its reserves to about 9.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 14.5 billion barrels of oil. Figure 1: A diagram showing oil product sales by Lukoil Company Lukoil Company has focused its major operations in Russia with several international expansions in zerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Colombia and Saudi Arabia. Its production of oil as well as its sales has been growing since the year 2000. However, it has been faced by stiffer competition from other oil producers such as Exxon-Mobil. A merger is therefore an opportunity that will improve its efficiency, provide it with resources and information systems necessary for competitiveness in the global market arena. Figure 2: A diagram showing oil production by Lukoil Company Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managerial Skills: Consulting specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Consulting opportunities-mergers and acquisitions Gurkov indicates that consultancy is a very critical aspect that involves acquiring and sharing information and knowledge that is very fundamental for b usiness growth and development.3 Due to the fast-changing business environment in Russia, top-level managers in oil companies with special emphasis on Lukoil are seeking consultancy services with an intention of aiding their businesses devise better strategies of overcoming organizational uncertainties. This clearly indicates the enormous awareness among organizations on the need for change and intervene professional on business matters.4 It is worth noting that identifying consulting opportunities play pivotal role in the contemporary Lukoil business environment as it identifies opportunities for operational improvement services, strategy development, technology implementation, development of coaching skills and management of change. This is because it brings frameworks and proprietary methodologies which aid in identifying problems within a business and which serve as foundations and component parts for recommending efficient and effective methods of carrying out business activiti es. According to Sarah and Day, the need for mergers by Lukoil is based on the holistic need to formulate a common unit which guides its operations through assimilation of common objectives.5 A matrix structure is therefore critical and should be assimilated to harmonize the regional and as well as the functional core commonalities amidst the emerging competitors.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Benefits of forming mergers and acquisitions Since its formation, Gurkov credits the progress of the merger of Kogalymneftegaz, Urayneftegaz and Langepasneftegaz to the strategic management assimilated by the group company after 1991.6 As the role of the committee of its managing directors shifted from planning to orient the future of the company with the different outsets, Gurkov argues that there was need to harmonize Lukoil’s operations to reflect the key objectives of the organization. Merging with other companies will be critical in achieving the harmonization among other factors mentioned below. Diversification and value consideration The effect of merging with other strong companies will give its management a stronger grip and confidence towards approaching the fuel exploration outlook and marketing. There is need for Lukoil to articulate its goals from a common standpoint. Besides, Gurkov indicates that coming together in a merger further creates a room for an expande d visionary orientation for the company.7 A merger can be considered as a critical platform for addressing petroleum exploration and its marketing on a global scale. Therefore, the efficacy of its operations through mergers will be enhanced and this will also provide it with an opportunity to venture into other products such as natural gas, plastics and real estate operations. Resources consolidation One key evident aspect in the operations of Lukoil company is the emphasis on resource consolidation. According to Sarah and Day, the ability of any organization to evaluate and create an avenue for resource consolidation is vital for success to be achieved.8 Though it is clear that Lukoil’s operations can easily flourish due to the highly reduced level of competition, it is possible to view the extra hidden potential that could be harnessed by merging. Through mergers, it will be easier to team up and fully utilize the newly opened markets while increasing its supplies to meet t he different insatiable demands many countries have for oil and gas products. Furthermore, the essence of the resources consolidation is the inherent ability to participate competitively in all countries. According to Sarah and Day, resource consolidation will anchor its easy entry into new markets either through exploration or in marketing its products in Europe and the United States. Stages of consulting Consulting is a process that requires setting up stages which will ensure client satisfaction and success in business endeavors. In pursuing the massive opportunities which are presented by mergers and acquisition, consulting on key facets is important in guaranteeing success. Some of the key consulting phases that should be explored include: Entry and contracting Entry and contracting is an important phase in a project since it largely deals with a client. Filippov indicates that this phase is critical in the sense that it enables an independent business owner or company to deal diametrically and precisely with a potential client.9 Some of the key tasks that entry and contracting encompass include figuring and setting initial starters and specifying expectations. The latter is important for understanding various expectations that a client has. This is imperative since it sets a benchmark for determining the success of the other stages and whether or not one is the right consultant. Besides, entry and contracting is a stage where a consultant explores the problem a business is facing, and which in most cases is diagnosed in the first meeting. One of the advantages of the initial phase is the fact that it builds a working relationship. According to Filippov, the latter is very critical in creating an understanding of a business expectations and needs. It also aids a consultant in clarifying what a business ought to expect.10 Filippov posits that while this is a crucial step, it is affected by lack of good perspectives and mutual willingness by businesses to i nvest and work together. As noted earlier in the case of Lukoil company’s merger plans, it may be impossible to achieve the diverse benefits in the absence of mutual trust. Data collection and diagnosis Sarah and Day indicate that while exploring the problems facing a business is carried out in the first stage, a consultant out to come up with situations relating to a particular sense of problem.11 Gustov concurs with Sarah and Day by noting that creating a sense of problem is critical in adding value. Consultants are therefore charged with the role of determining how to define a problem. This involves collection of data and diagnosing relevant problems. The methods to be used in collecting data as well as the nature and type of data to be collected are very important variables that must be observed keenly. One of the major opportunities of data collection and diagnosis is the ability to gather enough information on various business experiences. This can be through methodolog ies such as impact/effort, brainstorming, SWOT analysis, force field analysis, meta-planning and focus group interviews. One such experience as discussed earlier is on mergers and acquisitions. The information obtained is necessary in making critical analysis and relevant contributions. However, this process is normally affected by the inability of a company to avail, share and discuss information freely. Feedback and decision The data assembled on the opportunities presented by mergers and acquisitions present the diverse views stakeholders have on the issue. A project owner in an organization is presented with the analysis of the information from feedback which seeks to create a deeper understanding of the problem. Filippov indicates that feedback in consultations or any study is critical in identifying the context of an issue, its causes and consequences.12 In terms of forming mergers and acquisitions, feedback is important in determining performance issues and or challenges that the move may have on a business. Mergers and acquisitions have been known to strengthen businesses especially in cases where operation risks are extremely high for a single business entity to withstand. Feedback and diagnosis is normally faced with the challenge of impacting on a business process. Filippov indicates that different managers or teams react to feedback in diverse ways. Besides, instances of rejection or resistance to projects are commonplace. Training on how to handle both negative and positive feedback is critical in ensuring mutual understanding and that various challenges are effectively tackled. Implementation Deciding the way forward after a diagnosis is important in developing problem solving processes and devising possible action strategies. Some of the most common methods include being creative and innovative when dealing with issues and re-contracting responsibilities, roles and actions. As the name suggests, this stage is mainly for organizations to carry ou t. However, consultants may be involved in ensuring the success of efforts. The challenges facing implementation is lack of required resources, commitments and desire for change. Recycle, extension or termination Finally, after evaluating the issues concerned, decisions are made to terminate the project or extend it. According to Filippov, the latter may follow an implementation process whereby the real picture of an issue is seen. The success of an implementation may call for recycling and creation of new projects while moderate to high failure may call for termination.13 This process is important in determining viable and legitimate consultation practices as well as providing learning experiences. Conclusions To sum up, managerial skills are important leadership requirements that are critical in combining capacity, expertise and knowledge in specific areas of operations. As noted in the discussions, consulting is one of the key areas where a business can be able to obtain relevant information and assistance on business projects. The paper explored Lukoil company and noted that it should merge with others in order to improve its overall performance, expand its products and compete favorably in the already competitive global market arena. Bibliography Gurkov, I, Strategy techniques for the times of high uncertainty, Journal for East European Management Studies, vol. 15, no. 2, 2010, pp. 177-186. Filippov, S, Russian companies: the rise of new multinationals, International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 5, no. 3, 2010, pp. 307-332. Sarah, EAD M, Day, Leadership, administrative heritage and absorptive capacity, Leadership Organization Development Journal, vol. 28, no. 8, 2007, pp. 727- 748. Footnotes 1 I Gurkov, Strategy techniques for the times of high uncertainty, Journal for East European Management Studies, vol. 15, no. 2, 2010, pp. 177-186. 2 S Filippov Russian companies: the rise of new multinationals, International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 5 , no. 3, 2010, pp. 307-332. 3 Gurkov p. 177 4 Ibid 5 EAD Sarah M Day Leadership, administrative heritage and absorptive capacity, Leadership Organization Development Journal, vol. 28, no. 8, 2007, pp. 727-748. 6 Gurkov p. 179 7 Ibid 8 Sarah and Day p. 730 9 Filippov p. 310 10 Ibid p. 312 11 Sarah and Day p.740 12 Filippov p. 312 13 Ibid p. 312