The Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Leadership Practices Research Paper

The Influence of Demographic Characteristics on Leadership Practices in the Hotel Industry - Research Paper Example The rampant globalization of the international market has caused significant growth in the diversity of employee demographics. In order to keep up with the growing demands for quality and innovation, many organizations have formulated new management styles that promote interdependence among the workforce (Gould, 2008). With the aim of determining suitable management styles, various studies have been conducted on employee demographics and how it affects the performance of an organization (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 2009). There are several management styles that have its advantages and limitations. Such management styles address specific points of interest within the workforce. However, better understanding has to be garnered in order to properly impose management programs that best suits the needs of a company and its subordinates. Moreover, it is necessary to understand how to eliminate or at least minimize the negative effects of social differences within the workforce through proper management techniques. The effects of social differences among the workforce have caused organizations to suffer in terms of performance. Discrimination has also emerged from such growing employee diversity (Appleby, 2007). It has become a necessity for organizations to respond to such issues through effective management programs (Sfodera, 2006). Moreover, the results of this study would be of great value to hotel management officers, enabling them to make better decisions in their management practices. Essentially, the management is the core to the successful performance of an organization (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 2009). ... Research Objectives 1) To determine hotel employees’ perceptions of the leadership styles practiced within their organisation; 2) To ascertain whether demographic traits influence leadership style perceptions a) gender b) age c) nationality d) educational attainment; 3) To put forth recommendations for improving leadership practices within the hotel. Review of Related Literature Management Styles In the broad sense, management styles are the manner and techniques of handling subordinates and making decisions with them. There are various management styles that fit well in particular circumstances (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 2009). Moreover, managers should impose different management styles in order to compensate for the weaknesses of every technique. Among the common management styles are Autocratic, Paternalistic, Democratic, Laissez-Faire, and Management by Walking Around (MBWA) Autocratic The Autocratic style is where a manager makes unilateral decisions without giving much co nsideration for the subordinates. This results to decisions and outcomes that reflect the personality and opinion of the manager. Such management style projects a confident, structured and well-managed business. However, the subordinates may end up becoming too dependent on the manager; thus, requiring more supervision (Hurley, 2010). Autocratic leaders could be further categorized into two types: the Directive Autocrat; and the Permissive Autocrat (Tannenbaum and Schmidt, 2009). The Directive Autocrat makes decisions unilaterally while giving much attention and close supervision of the subordinates. On the other hand, the Permissive Autocrat makes unilateral decisions while being more lenient on the subordinates, which enables them to

Masculinity in commercials Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Masculinity in commercials - Research Paper Example Most movies illustrate that men with a lot of wealth are greatly admired many people in the society (Valentine, 2011). This also associates they power within the society. This makes them become role models within the society. Therefore; most persons would want to get to their levels. Men in successful business are also admired because of several reasons. One of the traits that makes them be greatly admired is the wealth of experience they posses. The experience enables to solve the daily problems they encounter at their work place (Anderson, 2007). The ability to solve problems is a character that is greatly admired by many. The major focus that makes them be admired is because of the wealth they posses. Wealth is admired by all people in the world. Movies and sports constantly display physical attractiveness men display. Physical attractiveness can be defined as the extent at which the physical traits of a person are pleasing aesthetically (Jones, 2010). Physical attractiveness also mean sexual attractiveness the men have. Physical attractiveness demonstrated by men depends on several factors. Some of these factors include the physical aspect of men. Physical attractions encompass perceptions that are universal besides those based on human cultures. In some instances, the term physical attractiveness also depends on the subjective preferences of the person judging a particular scenario. In movies, people have greatly admired males that are not only intelligent but also honest. According to research done in the United Kingdom, the results revealed that there is a stronger relationship between physical attractiveness and male gender attributes. The results showed that men who were physically attractive were equally intelligent. This is one of the reasons as to why people admire males that are physically attractive. They assume that they are also intelligent. Currently; psychologists are also contributing to the debate. They suggest that males that are physically attractive should be intelligent averagely (Little, 2006). According to psychologist, general intelligence, physical attractiveness is one of the contributing factors to genetic fitness in most men. The fitness most men display in sports like Rugby and football is attributed to physical attractiveness. This also makes men be attractive. Women admire men that are taller and are muscular. This guarantees them security from any form of harm. Further, the female genders prefer men that posses’ facial symmetry. Men should have facial dimorphism and a waist that is narrow. Finally, the shape of the torso should be a V-shaped. Sexual dimorphism trait in men is greatly admired in several ways. For example, heterosexual women prefer masculine face traits throughout their developmental stages. The aspects of masculine faces that are greatly admired include a fore head that is broad. A lower face that is relatively longer is equally admired in men. A brow and chin that is prominent is equally admired. Published literature reveals that males that are masculine have higher chances of achieving higher status in the society. Such Socio cultural factors associated with masculine traits also make men be admired (Christian, 2012). Other masculine traits are the perceived attractiveness in the society and conformity to genders. These factors play a great role in the preferences women have towards men. Beautiful women select masculine men with facial dimorphism. Their association with such men increases their