Critically evaluate the reform and governance of China's national oil Essay

Critically evaluate the reform and governance of China's national oil companies - Essay Example The Deng Xiaoping led economic reforms that instituted capitalist market principles into China were clustered into two categories of which the first category to be implemented during the 1070s and the early part of the 1980s involved granting permission to entrepreneurs to set-up their own businesses, allowing foreign investors into the country, and de-collectivization of agriculture (Naughton and Yang, 2004). The second category of reforms that were implemented in during the late 1980s and 1990s involved eradication of protectionist policies, price controls, and privatization as well as contracting out of industries that were largely state-owned (Rene, 2013). However, Singh et al. (2013) noted that despite these reforms, the Chinese government still retained its monopoly on key sectors such as the petroleum and banking industry. This present paper is based on the petroleum industry and in particular, it seeks to critically evaluate the reforms that have so far being implemented with in the industry and the general governance of China’s national oil companies. The discussion will focus on three critical areas that include the relationship between the ownership and the corporate governance. Secondly, the regulatory environment of the China’s oil industry and the influences of the nomenklatura system on China’s national oil companies. The relationship between the ownership and corporate governance of China’s national oil companies A discussion about the relationship between the ownership and corporate governance of China’s national oil companies necessitate the analysis of agency theory. In the studies by Chen (2009), agency theory has been described as a concept that explains the relationship that exists between an agent and a business. Leng (2009) on his part wrote that the theory explains the relationship between two parties where one is the principal while the other is an agent working on behalf of a principal. In the busines s context, the common forms of agency relationship normally exist between stockholders and the managers of the business organization, whereby the managers are acting on behalf the stockholder, or owners of the business. To begin with, Singh et al. (2013) stated that the reforms instituted in the Chinese petroleum industry, which is dominated by three key players that include the China National Petroleum Corporation (Petro China), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. The reforms were largely aimed at ensuring that the corporate governance within the corporations was sufficient to make the corporations highly successful. Leng (2009) on his part wrote that the reforms were geared towards introducing a new form of corporate governance that was capable of providing adequate incentives to the managers to ensure that they do their best to make the corporations successful. Secondly, to discourage them from misappropriating assets , and to have a legal framework to eject corporate managers who have proven to be incompetent. Leng (2009) wrote that in modern corporations there is a well defined distinction between control and ownership, and even the distribution of equity among investors. In regards to corporate governance, Thomas (2004) described it as an institutional arrangement whereby

Learning about disability culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Learning about disability culture - Essay Example This I found to be consisted with mainstream culture in society, which holds that people change and develop as they go through their lifespan. I have also learnt that disabilities take various forms and that how one disabled person may behave is not the same as how others may behave. In addition, it was interesting to note that some people with disabilities find the term to be discriminatory, and a hindrance, especially as some feel that they go through the same issues as able-bodied people and achieve similar results (Stone, 2009). Probably the most important information gathered during the learning activities was that individuals cannot outgrow their disabilities. While this ultimately makes sense, my time volunteering to work with disabled children has made me not question what they will become when they grow up. I agree with the contention that those with disabilities, especially learning disabilities, normally have ability or abilities that can outshine their disabilities (Stone, 2009). Whether because of natural gifts or as devices for compensation and adaptation, these other abilities are dependent on the disabled persons. I enjoyed a video that we watched during one of the classes, in which a man working with a group of community leaders told them about what life and school is like for children who are disabled was an informative activity. One of his illustrations actually struck me when he contended that expecting something from those with disabilities who are not capable of accomplishing the set task is commonplace in society and in school, which I agreed with. In addition, this problem has been found to lie with societal ignorance, rather than with individuals suffering from a disability (Stone, 2009). There is a need for society to be concerned and educated about working with disabled people. People with disabilities also have to overcome issues

Discuss the appeal of The Crucible Essay Example for Free

Discuss the appeal of The Crucible Essay English Literature Coursework: The Crucible by Arthur Miller Discuss the appeal of The Crucible to its audience The Crucible is a 20th century play that focuses on the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692. These events led to mass hysteria over the persecution of those who, allegedly, participated in acts of incantation. Over-exaggeration, emotion, tautness, suspense and the eradication of characters (due to their alleged involvement in witchcraft) are the main themes of the play throughout the four volatile scenes of The Crucible. The audience observing would be enticed by the mood swings of characters and their persecution for such crimes in the theocratic village, where interrogated citizens in the dense society were forced to name other possible witches. If they failed to produce names of others, they would be hanged ruthlessly. The inhabitants of Salem believed in witches and the Devil and that the Bible had instructed them that witches must be hanged. A feeling of inequity is sensed here. The events of the play, first performed in England in 1954, are analogous to the McCarthy era in the USA , where anyone suspected of criticising the government or its direction was to be brought before a court to respond to the charge of Un-American Activities. The opening scene in The Crucible immediately gives the audience a feeling of a sinister and lifeless atmosphere: A candle still burns near the bed The roof rafters are exposed, and the wood colours are raw and unmellowed. Reverend Parris is discovered , evidently in prayer. His daughter is lying on the bed, inert. (Act One, p1) The candle beside the bed indicates a slight source of light, perhaps hope that Betty will wake. The environment around is silent. The rafters are bare, and the wood is: raw. The Reverend is peacefully in prayer and his daughter is lying, as if lifeless, on the bed. A prayer is a silent act which emphasises the mood of the room. The imagery illustrates a dark, dull and demoralising sector of the Reverends home. The description of the stage in the opening scene creates a false impression for the audience as the majority observing the play would now expect a lethargic plot, with limited excitement and monotonous dialogue with little emotion, but actually it is a play full of overdramatic behaviour and emotion.

Verbal And Nonverbal Communication In The Workplace

Verbal And Nonverbal Communication In The Workplace In an organization good communication is very important to have a good quality of understanding with each other and to have an excellence of connecting with your colleagues. In communication, we have a choice of expressing ourselves whether we use verbal communication and nonverbal communication or we can use written communication. In verbal communication and nonverbal communication we express ourselves personally. We can communicate directly to the person we want to talk to. In written communication, you can use this if you have a doubt or shyness to talk directly to that particular person. Especially when you want to communicate to your employer or a higher position than you, you should not directly talk to them. You can only write a letter to let them know what your opinion is or what is inside your mind. This process is currently carried out in mostly larger organization. 1.1 BODY: Verbal communication and nonverbal communication are more important today than written communication. I definitely disagree with this. Though verbal and nonverbal are important, written communication for me is more important. Nowadays there are lots of ways to communicate with others like web cam, video call, video conferencing, Skype and so on. In this way some employees can communicate to their supervisors easily but they do not even think that one incorrect word can make their conversation goes wrong. For me, written communications is still the best way to communicate with your supervisors. In written communication you can think what is the best way or word that cannot hurt or insult your colleagues. Some people do not have a consideration of who they are talking to. Some just express whatever is inside their mind not knowing that someone is being offended. Written communications control the quality and are stored for future reference. Written communication necessitates conduction of message in black and white. It mostly consists of diagrams, pictures, graphs, etc. Policies, rules, orders, instructions and agreements have to be expressed in written form for correct functioning of the organization. Written communication assures that everyone involved has the same information. It gives a long-term record of communication for upcoming future. Written directions are necessary when the action called for is essential and complex. To be effective, written communication should be comprehensible, brief, straightforward and complete. Written communication is very normal in business situations, so it is essential for small business owners and managers to increase effective written communication skills. Some of the forms of written communication that are used within business functions include memos, reports, bulletins, job descriptions, employee manuals, and electronic mail. Examples of written communication opportunities natu rally pursued with clients, vendors, and other members of the business community, in the meantime, include electronic mail, Internet Web sites, letters, proposals, telegrams, faxes, postcards, contracts, advertisements, brochures, and news releases. 1.1.1 Some Types of Written Communication in an Organization: Memorandum or memos is a file or other communication that helps the memory by documenting events or inspections on a topic, such as may be used in a business office. Memorandum may have any layout, or it may have a design specific to an office or institution. In law particularly, a memorandum is a document of the terms of a operation or agreement, such as a policy memo, memorandum of understanding, memorandum of agreement, or memorandum of association. If the user is a associate, the format is usually much more adaptable. At its most basic level, a memorandum can be a handwritten note to ones supervisor. Annual report is an inclusive report on a companys performance all through the preceding year. Annual reports are proposed to give shareholders and other interested people information about the companys actions and financial occurrence. Most fields require companies to organize and disclose annual reports, and several need the annual report to be recorded at the companys registry. Companies listed on a stock exchange are also required to report at more numerous times. Business letter is a letter written in proper language, usually used when writing from one business association to another, or for connection between such organizations and their customers, clients and other external parties. The general style of letter will depend on the connection between the parties concerned. Business proposal is a written proposal from a seller to a potential buyer. Business proposals are often a first step in the complicated sales process. For example whenever a buyer considers more than price in a purchase. Business proposals have three distinct categories. These are formally solicited, informally solicited and unsolicited. A proposal puts the customers requests in a situation that favours the sellers products and services, and educates the customer about the potentials of the seller in satisfying their requirements. A successful proposal results in a sale, where both parties get what they want, a win to win position. Bulletin Board System is a computer system running software that acknowledge users to join and log into the system using a station program. Once logged in, a user can execute functions such as uploading and downloading software and data, reading news and bulletins, and exchanging messages with other users, both through electronic mail or in public message boards. Many bulletin board systems are also on-line, in which users can connect with each other, and bulletin board systems with multiple phone lines frequently offer chat rooms, allowing users to network with each other. 1.1.2 The Advantages of Written Communications Are: It ensures transmission of information in uniform manner. It provides a permanent record of communication for future reference. It is an idealistic way of conveying long messages. It ensures little risk of unauthorized alteration in the message. It tends to be comprehensive, obvious and accurate. It is well suited to express messages to a large number of persons at the same time. It can be quoted as legal evidence in case of any disputes. Policy matters, service conditions, restricted orders and commands and many other communications can be successfully and pleasingly communicated only through written communication because they are essential for future reference so that crucial action may be taken against the subordinates who fail to follow the communication. It can be used as proof if any disagreement arises, avoiding unnecessary disputes. When the sender and the receiver are at far points, even afar telephonic range, written communication maybe the only form of communication. Writt en communication is the only way out in such cases where the message is too long and designed for a large number of persons. Written communication gives extra time to the receiver to think, evaluate, and then make a decision upon the accurate course of action. Written communication is more arranged, and it is compulsory upon the subordinates and their superiors. Written communication becomes important to deliver onto others, exact and precise information. While writing a message, unnecessary words and all possible mistakes can be avoided to make a point. Written communication can support the communication flow because it is documented information that can be consigned back to if needed. It can be photocopied and passed on in accurately the same set-up to more than one person. This is very helpful for a company when it requires making sure that all employees get the same message. 1.2 CONCLUSION: I therefore conclude that written communication is more important than verbal communication and nonverbal communication, although these two are also important in communication. Written communication is crucial in every organization. Employees can communicate with their employer through written communications. They can think properly on what they will write on the letter to express their own ideas to improve the organizations performance. However your letter will go through a lot of levels first before your employer can receive it. For example it will go through first to your supervisor or manager before it goes to your employer. Written communication is an essential way to communicate with your colleagues, for example you can chat with them without seeing their webcam or through emails. You can think before you type what you wanted to say. You can read what you type first before sending the message. This is also a very good way for shy individuals to communicate with their friends. T hey can express more clearly their thoughts than to communicate personally. Even for me, I still prefer using written communication than verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Even though I am not shy to communicate personally I am more confident with my words through written communication. I can think clearly and can express properly how to communicate my thoughts to others. 2.0 INTRODUCTION: Communication occurs at various stages (even for one particular action), in numerous ways, and for most beings, as well as certain machines. Some, if not all fields of study, commit a part of attention to communication. So when speaking about communication, it is very crucial to be sure about what features of communication one is speaking about. Definitions of communication extend widely, some recognizing that animals can communicate with each other as well as individuals, and some are narrower, only including individuals within the limits of human symbolic interaction. Miscommunication is one particular case of a lack of alignment of individuals mental state, specifically one in which they diverge on the occurrence or results of communication. Communication is action, and thus miscommunication can be viewed as demands of action failure (when the spokesperson fails to generate the aimed result), misperception (when the audiences cannot distinguish what the spokesman intended to communicate), or both as Austin1962 noted. Miscommunication happens when one side does not communicate enough information to us, or we misinterpret the real meaning of their words. In either case, we get a different meaning of their words than they intended. With the arrival of e-mail and IM chat, this is a becoming a general problem currently because type-based communication is asynchronous communication, meaning that individuals do not communicate in actual time. Asynchronous communication does not allow for instant opinion response, based upon their typed words alone, our minds have to understand what the other person is saying. Miscommunication can also occur in any type of communication setting, although most common in typed-based communication. No communication or a lack of communication is another common type of miscommunication. 2.1 BODY: People are always afraid of the worst outcome. The mind will fill in the missing information with their own creative insight, which is often fear-based in miscommunication. For example a husband who is out late and forgets to call his wife. Because there is a lack of communication there, the wife begins to worry and her mind instantly switches to fear mode. Self-talk happens and it takes the figure of her own fears. Our minds will always assume the worst likely outcomes based on our worries and anxiety. 2.1.1 Factors Involved of Miscommunication in an Organization: Information Overload Too much information is as bad as too little because it decreases the audience capability to focus efficiently on the most important points. People facing information overload occasionally try to manage by disregarding some of the messages, by obstructing responses to messages they consider unimportant, by answering only parts of some messages, by responding incorrectly to certain messages or by taking less time with each message. Message Complexity You communicate both as an individual and as representative of an organization when formulating business messages. Thus you must modify your own ideas and style so that they are adequate to your employer. In fact, you may be asked frequently to write or state something that you disagree with individually. Suppose you work as a recruiter for your company. You have interviewed a job candidate, others in the firm have rejected this applicant but you believe he would make an excellent employee. Message Competition Conversationalists are often faced with messages that compete for concentration. Both messages are suitable to get short shrift if you are talking on the phone while scanning a report. Even your own messages may have to compete with a range of interruptions such as people intrusion, meetings are called, the phone rings every five minutes and a crisis erupts. In short, your messages infrequently have the benefit on the receivers complete attention. Differing Status Employees of lower rank may be too careful when sending messages to managers and may speak only about topics they think the manager is fascinated in. Likewise, higher rank people may twist messages by rejecting to consider anything that would incline to challenge their authority in the company. Also, belonging to a specific section or being responsible for a specific duty can narrow your opinion so that it differs from the manners, values, and expectations of individuals who belong to other divisions or who are liable for other tasks. Lack of Trust It is a difficult problem when building trust. Other establishment members dont know whether you will reply in a compassionate or liable way, so trusting can be dangerous. However without trust, free and open communication is efficiently blocked, affecting the companys steadiness. It is not enough just being clear in your communication. Inadequate Communication Structures Formal restrictions on who may communicate with whom and who is authorized to make decisions affects organizational communication. Designing too little proper stations blocks effective communication. Powerfully centralized organizations, particularly those with an extreme degree of formalization, lessen communication ability, and they reduce the affinity to communicate horizontally thus limiting the capability to synchronize performances and decisions. Incorrect Choice of Medium Your message can be distorted so that the intended meaning is blocked if you choose an inappropriate communication medium. You can select the most proper medium by corresponding your preference with the nature of the message and of the group or the individual who will receive it. Telephones and other interactive electronic media are not as rich, although they allow immediate feedback, they do not grant visual nonverbal signs such as facial expressions, eye contact and body movements. Physical distractions Communication barriers are aplenty but easy to remedy or avoid, like room temperature, weak acoustics, and unreadable copy. Even though noise or this type seems unimportant, it can completely obstruct an otherwise efficient message. Your receiver may also be distracted by an unpleasant chair, poor lighting, or some other annoying situation. In several cases, the barrier may be connected to the receivers wellbeing. Hearing or optical mutilation or even a headache can obstruct the signal of a message. 2.1.2 Ways to Prevent Miscommunication: Information overload We should realize that some information are not needed and make essential information effortlessly available. Provide relevant information and be as direct to the point as possible with the simplest of language. Avoid information that is not crucial. Message Complexity We should keep messages clear and easy to understand. Use strong organization, guide readers by telling them what to expect, use concrete and specific language, and stick to the point. Be sure to ask for feedback so that you can clarify and improve your message. Message Competition Prevent making hassles on a receiver who does not have the time to give careful consideration to your message. Create written messages visually pleasing and simple to understand, and make an effort to send them when your receiver has time to read them. Oral messages are generally helpful when you can talk directly to your receiver (rather than to mediators or answering machines). Differing Status Strive to ensure supervisors and colleagues are well knowledgeable. Persuade lower position employees to keep you informed by being reasonable and courteous of their views. When you have information that you think that your superior might not like, be courageous and express it anyway. Position barriers can be conquered by a motivation to produce and collect bad news. Lack of Trust Be noticeable and available. Do not shield yourself behind associates or secretaries. Give key information to colleagues and employees, communicate truthfully, and incorporate employees in assessment making. For communication to be triumphant, companies must generate an ambience of equality and trust. Inadequate Communication Structures Propose more avenues for communicating, both formally and informally like using platforms such as employee evaluations, open-door procedures, newsletters, memo, and mission groups. Aim to decrease chain of command levels, increase synchronization between sections, and persuade two-way communication. Incorrect Choice of Medium Select the wealthiest media for no standard, complicated message. Use rich media to expand and to civilize your existence throughout the organization, to communicate thoughtfully and personally to employees, and to achieve employee devotion to organizational objectives. Utilize slender media to communicate easy, regular messages. Physical distractions Strive to organize properly written documents which are plain, brief, and complete. When organizing verbal presentations try to obtain a setting which authorizes audience to see and listen to the presenter clearly. 2.2 CONCLUSION: I therefore conclude that having a good communication in the organization is the crucial way to improve the organization itself. People always fear the worst outcome before communicating with their superiors in the organization. When we are faced with miscommunication, we must keep our minds open to additional possibilities without adopting a certain truth about the other person until we know exactly what they mean or think. How can this be accomplished? Well, your fears and assumptions will automatically kick in. There is no way to fend against that because that is how our minds are wired. Instead of adopting those assumptions as the truth however, simply acknowledge those assumptions as one possibility out of a number of possibilities. List other possibilities with your assumptions and acknowledge them all without judging or evaluating them. Simply tell yourself, These are all possible, but we do not know the truth yet, so I will not lock myself into any one of them. By keeping you r mind open to additional possibilities, you can break the assumption triangle and prevent miscommunication conflict from happening. By doing all these we can prevent miscommunication. It is up to us how we communicate with others. If we finally overcome our fear, it will help us accomplish our goals in life. 3.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1.) Unknown Author, Communication, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, viewed on 2nd October 2010, 2.) Lewis,G., Slade, C., 1994, Critical Communication, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, Australia 3.) Taylor, S., 1999, Communication for Business, 3rd Edition, Pearson Education Limited, United States of America 4.) Windschuttle, K., Elliott, E., 1999, Writing, Searching, Communicating (Communication Skills for the Information Age), 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company Australia Pty Limited, Australia 5.) Unknown Author, 2006, Business Communication, 1st Edition, World Educational Council 6.) Schramm, W., 1954, The process and effects of communication: How communication works (pp. 3-26), University of Illinois Press, Urbana, Illinois 7.) Barnlund, D. C., 2008, Communication theory: A transactional model of communication, 2nd Edition (pp47-57), New Brunswick, New Jersey 8.) Unknown Author, Verbal Communication Used in Business, Exforsys Inc. Execution for system, viewed on 2nd October 2010, 9.) Unknown Author, Written Communication-Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages, Management Study Guide.com, viewed on 2nd October 2010, 10.) Le, M. 1999, Miscommunication: from Intracultural to Intercultural Socialisation, International Journal: Language, Society and Culture, Australia, viewed on 8th October 2010, 11.) Nah, W. 2009, Causes of Miscommunication in Everyday Life, SOSYBERTY, viewed on 8th October 2010, 12.) Whitehead, B. 2006, Identifying and overcoming barriers to effective communication, Web Conferencing Zone, viewed on 10th October 2010,

The Effects of Schizophrenia on the Brain Essay -- Biology Biological

The Effects of Schizophrenia on the Brain Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects one to two percent of people worldwide. The disorder can develop as early as the age of five, though it is very rare at such an early age. (3)) Most men become ill between the ages of 16 and 25 whereas most women become ill between the ages of 25 and 30. Even though there are differences in the age of development between the sexes, men and women are equally at risk for schizophrenia. (4) There is of yet no definitive answer as to what causes the disorder. It is believed to be a combination of factors including genetic make-up, pre-natal viruses, and early brain damage which cause neurotransmitter problems in the brain. (3) These problems cause the symptoms of schizophrenia, which include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and unusual speech or behavior. No "cure" has yet been discovered, although many different methods have been tried. Even in these modern times, only one in five affected people fully recovers. (4) The most common treatment is the administration of antipsychotic drugs. Other treatments that were previously used, and are occasionally still given are electro-convulsive therapy, which runs a small amount of electric current through the brain and causes seizures, and large doses of Vitamin B. (3) Due to neurological studies of the brain, antipsychotic drugs have become the most widely used treatments. These studies show that there are widespread abnormalities in the structural connectivity of the brains of affected people. (2) It was noticed that in brains affected with schizophrenia, far more neurotransmitters are released between neurons, which is what causes the symptoms. At first, re... ...scover the cause of schizophrenia. Is it caused by various genes, by a virus, or from trauma? This too is still a mystery. The only thing that is truly known is that the disorder is debilitating and that it affects nearly every portion of the brain. Obviously, much more research still needs to be done to help those who suffer from it. References 1)E-Mental Health, http://www.emental-health.com/schiz_function.htm 2) E-Mental Health, http://www.emental-health.com/schiz_structure.htm 3)National Institute for Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/shcizoph.cfm 4)Psychiatry 24 x 7, http://www.psychiatry24x7.com/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=nonprofbackschiz010 5) Society of Neuroscience, http://www.sfn.org/content/Publications/BrainBriefings/schizophrenia.html 6)Health-Center, http://www2.health-center.com/mentalhealth/schizophrenia/causes

The Writings of John Updike :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Writings of John Updike      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   John Updike's Rabbit books tell the story of a man whose life is in constant turmoil. Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom's downward spiral started the day his senior basketball season ended. Rabbit was a basketball jock; he knew nothing else. He married his high school sweetheart more out of convenience than love and worked in the same printing press as his father. Rabbit couldn't face the working world, couldn't face his parents, and couldn't face his wife and son. He was constantly caught somewhere in the middle ground between righteousness and sinful pleasure. Rabbit's mind was constantly wandering, searching for something he could hold on to, something that would remain constant through the thick and thin of life. He needed another basketball.    Rabbit's life is the perfect model for a case study on how not to live. Anything appealing that entered his mind, he did it. Rabbit cheated on his wife, ignored his mother, was unaffected when his wife left him, took up with an eighteen year old girl when he was well into his thirties and did not attempt to hide any of it from his twelve year old son, Nelson. Rather than getting tough when times were hard, Rabbit ran. He ran from a pregnant wife, Janice, from Nelson who was then twelve, from employment, from his parents, from everything. Rabbit practiced the opposite of perseverance. When life wasn't going well, Rabbit simply moved on to something else.    Rabbit matters because he was so wrong. Our thoughts often mimic Rabbit's actions. But Rabbit takes the heat for us. His twisted, perverse life shows us that the choices he made were the wrong ones. Not to imply that he was in any way godly, but like Jesus, Rabbit suffered for our sins. How many times do we find ourselves bored in life, wishing that we could just move on to something else, give up and start over? Each time we do, we can remember Rabbit. Rabbit reminds us that without work, life is not fulfilling. He shows us that you can't start over, that you can never leave your life behind.    Rabbit shows us that we have to live with our mistakes, that we can't just act like they never happened. Rabbit tries to run, but he can't. He reminds us that people don't just forget and move on.

Helping Students Find a Purpose for Their Education Essay

It has been my observation that many of my best students became intrinsically motivated to put more effort into their education after they have decided on a career purpose. A work or career purpose or mission answers the following question: How do I want my career to benefit others? It is also important to identify who (the population) we want to benefit. An example of a work purpose statement is, â€Å"I want to help those who are sick or injured to heal and rehabilitate. † This statement does not contain a career title, but it provides guidance for exploring a variety of careers that can fulfill this purpose. For example a student with this purpose could explore a variety of careers such as nurse, doctor, physical therapist, nutritionist, athletic trainer, fitness trainer, engineer or inventor of products for persons with disabilities, etc. The career that they choose will depend on their capability and willingness to acquire the necessary skills, education, training and credentials. Ideally the career choice will be one that uses their best talents and is one they will enjoy doing. Do you ever share with students why you chose to work in the field of education? Students need to learn about different careers from adults who work in different career fields and to hear what motivated them to make their career choices. I teach college success courses and I used to wait until the end of my courses to get into career development, exploration and planning. Students did not think about a career purpose until the last week or two of my courses. Recently I started covering these ideas in the second week of my courses so that students would have a clear direction for their education much sooner. Having a career purpose can make their education relevant and is likely to generate the intrinsic motivation to study and learn. Students need to be provided with opportunities for career guidance from counselors, teachers and professors in high school and college. You do not need to be teaching college or career success courses to do this, but can weave in a few questions and ideas into other courses. Here are a few questions you can ask your students so that they can begin a process of self-reflection about their career purpose: 1. What purpose do you want to accomplish in your career? 2. What benefits do you want others to receive as a result of the work you do? 3. What specific populations of people do you want to help? 4. How do you want to contribute and make a positive difference for others? 5. If you were wealthy and chose to work what would you do? 6. What problem or need in the world would you most like to fill or solve? 7. If you knew you could not fail what type of work would you do? 8. What are some natural talents you would like to develop and use in a career to fulfill your work purpose? When we expect students who lack self-knowledge and a work purpose to choose a major and career, we are putting the cart before the horse. Identifying a purpose first will guide students into best career choices. If we help students to determine an appropriate career goal then they will also have a purpose for pursuing a good education