Functional English

DINIING OUT

Hostess: Hi, will you be having lunch?

Mary: Yes, but I’m not very hungry. It’s too hot outside.

Hostess: I know what you mean. It’s a scorcher today.

May: I’m not used to this kind of weather. I’m glad that everything is air Conditioned here.

Waiter: Hi, my name is Carl and I’ll be serving you today. Can I get you something to drink?

Mary: Just water, please, with ice.

Waiter: Of course. I’ll be back in a moment.

May: Thank you

Waiter: Would you like to hear about our house specials?

Mary: I think I’ll just have a salad, bread, and a glass of white wine. Waiter: O.K. What kind of wine? Our house wine is quite good. Mary: Fine, I’ll have a glass of that.

Waiter: Would you like some dessert? We have a delicious chocolate cheese cake.

Mary: I don’t think so. I’m on a diet. Just bring the bill, please.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

Secretary: Good morning, Haskell, Cleaver, and

Young Alex: I’d like to speak to Mr. Young please.

Secretary: Who’s calling please?

Alex: I’m related to Stephanie Garner. Mr. Young asked me to get in touch when I arrived in the U.S.

Secretary: please hold.

Mr. Young: Hello Mr. Alex. How are you? I’m looking forward to meeting you. Can you come by tomorrow at 10 a.m.?

Alex: Yes, I think so. Where are you located?

Mr. Young: Our offices are just behind the State Capitol building. You can walk from your hotel.

Alex: What time should I leave the hotel?

Mr. Young? Oh, maybe around 9.30. It should only take about twenty minutes on foot.

Alex: Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow morning

READING COMPREHENSION

Reading is a complex process which deals with recognizing the letter, comprehending and evaluating it. A good reader is one who follows the sub skills of reading and comprehends the passage appropriately.  Thus the term comprehension in its extension come from the root word in Latin ‘COM’ (completely)‘PREHENDERE’ (Hold, grasp). The chief purpose of comprehension is therefore to get a complete understanding of what is read, so as to get the message what the writer wishes to convey. The ability in comprehension may be tested in different formats. A passage followed by questions on comprehension and a passage followed by objective type of questions are present in the common format.

TYPES OF READING SKILLS:

 There are four types of Reading as follows:

1.    Skimming: The purpose of skimming is to get main idea or general idea of material by following the methodology of sweeping the eyes across the line and picking up key words. Thus generally in this type, the speed of reading goes from 500 – 800 wpm (word per minute). Example when we skim the books in library when they are relevant to our required topic.

2.    Scanning: It is meant to locate specific answers or information as quick as possible by glancing at information on the page as a whole. Thus the speed of reading in scanning includes 1000+ wpm. Example: dictionary.

3.    Intensive Reading: It is to learn, understand and retain information by slow, serious reading especially. The speed of reading here is 150 – 300 wpm. Example when we read the whole text book for exams.

4.    Extensive Reading: This is reading for the purpose  of joy and pleasure following free style of reading. It includes 200 – 250 wpm like in reading of novels.

TECHNIQUES OF COMPREHENSION

Reading Comprehension requires motivation, mental frameworks for holding ideas, concentration and good study techniques. Here are some ideas or techniques for effective comprehension:

• Widen your basics: Widen your basics by reading newspapers, magazines and books. Become interested in world events

• Learn the structures: good writers construct paragraphs that have a beginning, middle and end. Often, the first sentence will give an overview that helps provide a structure for adding details.

Look for central point, phrases in paragraphs that change the topic.

• Recognize the reasoning type: Recognize whether the author is using cause and effect reasoning, hypothesis, model building, induction or deduction, systems of thinking.

• Expect and Guess: really clever student will try to expect the author and guess the future ideas and questions. If your expectations and guesses are right, this increases your understanding. If you are wrong, you make adjustments quicker.

• Method of organizations: See whether the material is organized, chronologically, serially, logically, functionally, spatially, hierarchically.

• Cultivate interest: Go through sample comprehension passages, ask questions, and discuss ideas with friends and classmates. The more you cultivate interest, the greater your comprehension.

• Observe for supporting ideas: While practicing study pictures, graphs and headlines. Read the first and last paragraph in a passage, or the first sentence in each section.

• Underline, summarize and review: Just reading a passage once is not enough.

To develop a deeper understanding, you have to underline, summarize and review important ideas.

• Build vocabulary: for many, this is a lifetime project. The best way to improve your vocabulary is to use a dictionary regularly. You might carry around a pocket dictionary and use it to look up new words. Or you can keep a list of words to look up at the end of the day. Concentrate on roots, prefixes and suffixes.

• Vocalize words: Yes although it is faster to form words in your mind rather than on your lips or throat, Eye motion is important. Frequent backtracking slows you down considerably.

SAMPLE OF SHORT REPORT IN LETTER FORM:

DR.C.VIDYANIDHI

Vice-Chancellor

Royal University

Nagpur

Aug 10, 2010

To

The Commissioner of School Education

Government of Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad

Title: Introducing computer education in school Curriculum

Terms of reference: as per your letter dated May 1 , 2010

Findings: On 1^st May this year, you asked us to study the feasibility and desirability of introducing computer Education in all government, aided and unaided schools in Andhra Pradesh keeping in view the changing trends of time. Accordingly, we have made an indepth study of the issue.

The report is submitted as follows:

Enquiries made:

We met different levels of people to elicit their views on feasibility or desirability of Introducing computer Education in Schools. The schedule of our meetings was as follows:

May 3, 2010              : Met senior officials of Department of school Education at Hyderabad

May 4-6, 2010`          : Spoke to District educational Officers in person and on telephone.

May 7-20, 2010         : Met representatives of private school managements Headmasters and staff of certain selected schools and elicited their views

May 21-31, 2010      : Held informal discussions with the parents and the students of certain selected schools.

June 2-15, 2010       : Met computer professionals of reputed organizations like Satyam computers and Wipro and held discussions with them.

Present situations    : At present the school curriculum does not provide for computer education, the maximum focus is on conventional type of education. In fact the school authorities do not bother to update the curriculum and do not realize the importance and necessity of computer education.

Future Policies         : Computer science together with information technology is the only way out for most of ills of society. Rather computer become base for study, understanding and evaluation of all other sciences. All the officials, teachers, students and their parents have called for immediate introduction of computer education in all the school in Andhra Pradesh.

Recommendations  :

We therefore make the following recommendations:

I.              A functional Computer Education curriculum be drafted and prescribed  in all school with effect from the academic year 2010- 2011.

II.            All schools are provided with computers along with necessary laboratory facilities.

III.        Required number of trained teachers should be appointed immediately.

We are unanimous in our opinion that these recommendations provide a sound basis for introducing Computer Education in all the schools in the state of Andhra Pradesh with effect from 2010-2011.

Vidyanidhi (Signature)

(Dr.C.Vidyanidhi)

Vice-Chancellor

Royal University

GROUP DISCUSSION

Topic: Which is more beneficial to the society: electronic or print media?

Examiner: Ladies and gentlemen! Please settle down and be relaxed to take part in a group discussion. The topic is: “Which is more beneficial to the society: electronic or print media?” You are at liberty to speak in favor of either of them. Now we recede to the back ground to evaluate your performance. Please start the discussion.

Speaker 5: Well friends! I would like to initiate the discussion be expressing my view in favor of electronic media. T.V and internethave brought about revolutionary changes in the world. News travels through electronic media so fast transmitted thus giving easy fast access to the viewers.

Speaker 2: I fully agree with speaker 5 .A TV has specific channels on science, geography and education, which are knowledge based. Besides, there are plenty of channels on entertainment which function round the clock. A person at any time can turn to TV and enjoy any programme of his choice.

Speaker 3: Sorry to interrupt you madam. There are two sides of coin. The electronic media had certain ill effects, which harm children and even adults. Children are so glued to TV that they forget about their studies. One Day international matches broadcast for seven or eight hours a day have negative effects on all. Besides students, even employees apply for leave and enjoy the matches. Teenagers and elders surf internet against their health. The print media has no such negative effects. There was a talk that electronic media may put newspaper out of business but this has not happened. The print media is getting more popular over the masses.

Speaker 1: I am afraid I can’t agree with the previous lady speaker. If popularity alone is considered electronic media has a definite edge over the print media. These days, every house has a TV; some of the theaters are being closed because people are no longer attracted to it. They would like to watch a movie at home with their family when they are free. Besides, the electronic media is known for the quickest transmission of news and information. The news becomes stale by the time it appears on the papers, as people have already come to know of it from TV.

Speaker 4: Speaker 1 may be right as far as the quick transmission of news is concerned but people these days would like the know the details of certain happenings and for that it is the newspaper that is useful. In newspapers we find not only news but views also. The print media is known for its authentic news and constructive criticism of the activity of government. It reports and comments in greater depth without fear than what the electronic media does. The channels on TV are few but newspapers, journals and magazines are innumerable and they reflect the opinion of the people. The government can find out from the print media how the public reacts to their policies. You can have TV and internet at office and at home but cant carry them to bathroom! The print media on the other hand is handy and you can take it anywhere you like.

Speaker 2: Our friend has spoken about the merits of print media. But all these merits can be associated with even the electronic media. No doubt, we have critical comments on the policies of the government on the print media. But in TV, we have open discussion on them in a live coverage where representatives from different political parties sit together and discuss before a moderator, which is more effective and exciting than a verbal description of the views

.

Speaker 3: All these are nothing when compared to obscene dances and jokes presented visually on TV and internet which are more likely to lead younger generation astray.

Speaker 1: The electronic and print media have their own good and bad effects. But, why should we have negative approach? Let us choose what is good for us and avoid the rest. The electronic media is certainly and effectively more beneficial to society for job search. Young people depend more on internet facilities. Students and researchers sit before an internet for hours, collecting information. Business community looks for market on TV. The press media has become rather outdated.

Speaker 3: Sorry to object to this statement. Newspapers are read even in remote villages. For the cultural and moral development of society, an honest mass media is essential and for that we can’t think of other than print media.

Examiner: It is time for us to end. I feel that opinions are sharply divided on this issue. It is difficult for us to reach a consensus. I thank you all for your participation in the discussion.

UNIT - 1 ROLE OF COMMUNICATION FOR FIRST MBA FIRST SEM

UNIT - 1 ROLE OF COMMUNICATION FOR FIRST MBA FIRST SEM

 INTRODUCTION

The word “communication” derived from the Latin word ‘communicare’ that means to impart, to participate, to share or to make common. It is a process of exchange of facts, ideas, opinions and as a means that individual or organization share meaning and understanding with one another. In other words, it is a transmission and interacting the facts, ideas, opinion, feeling and attitudes. It is the ability of mankind to communicate across barriers and beyond boundaries, that has ushered the progress of mankind. It is the ability of fostering speedy and effective communication around the world that has shrunk the world and made ‘globalization’ a reality. Communication had a vital role to play in ensuring that people belonging to a particular country or a culture or linguistic group interact with and relate to people belonging to other countries or culture or linguistic group. Communication adds meaning to human life. It helps to build relationship and fosters love and understanding. It enriches our knowledge of the universe and makes living worthwhile

ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESS:

The term business communication is used for all messages that we send and receive for official purpose like running a business, managing an organization, conducting the formal affairs of a voluntary organization and so on. Business communication is marked by formality as against personal and social communication. The success of any business to a large extent depends on efficient and effective communication. It takes place among business entities, in market and market places, within organizations and between various group of employees, owners and employees, buyers and sellers, service providers and customers, sales persons and prospects and also between people within the organization and the press persons. All such communication impacts business. Done with care, such communication can promote business interests. Otherwise, it will portray the organization in poor light and may adversely affect the business interest.

Communication is the life blood of any organization and its main purpose is to effect change to influence action. In any organization the main problem is of maintaining effective communication process. The management problem generally results in poor communication. Serious mistakes are made because orders are misunderstood. The basic problem in communication is that the meaning which is actually understood may not be what the other intended to send. It must be realised that the speaker and the listener are two separate individuals having their own limitations and number of things may happen to distort the message that pass between them. When people within the organization communicate with each other, it is internal communication. They do so to work as a team and realise the common goals. It could be official or unofficial. Modes of internal communication include face-to-face and written communication. Memos, reports, office order, circular, fax, video conferencing, meeting etc. are the examples of internal communication. When people in the organization communicate with anyone outside the organization it is called external communication. These people may be clients or customers, dealers or distributors, media, government, general public etc. are the examples of external communication.

DEFINITIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Communication may be defined as interchange of thought or information between two or more persons to bring about mutual understanding and desired action. It is the information exchange by words or symbols. It is the exchange of facts, ideas and viewpoints, which bring about commonness of interest, purpose and efforts.

American Management Association defines, ‘Communication is any behavior that results in an exchange of meaning’.

Peter Little defines communication as, ‘Communication is the process by which information is transmitted between individuals and/or organizations so that an understanding response result’.

 Newman and Summer Jr. state that, ‘Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions by two or more persons’.

 According to Keith Davis, ‘The process of passing the information and understanding from one person to another. It is essentially a bridge of meaning between the people. By using the bridge a person can safely across the river of misunderstanding.

Therefore, the main purpose of communication is to inform, or to bring around to a certain point of view or to elicit action

PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION:

1. For instruction:

The instructive function unvarying and importantly deals with the commanding nature. It is more or less of directive nature. Under this, the communicator transmits with necessary directives and guidance to the next level, so as to enable them to accomplish his particular tasks. In this, instructions basically flow from top to the lower level.

2. For integration:

It is consolidated function under which integration of activities is endeavored. The integration function of communication mainly involves to bring about inter-relationship among the various functions of the business organization. It helps in the unification of different management functions.

3. For information:

The purposes or function of communication in an organization is to inform the individual or group about the particular task or company policies and procedures etc. Top management informs policies to the lower level through the middle level. In turn, the lower level informs the top level the reaction through the middle level. Information can flow vertically, horizontally and diagonally across the organization. Becoming informed or inform others is the main purpose of communication.

4. For evaluation:

Examination of activities to form an idea or judgment of the worth of task is achieved through communication. Communication is a tool to appraise the individual or team, their contribution to the organization. Evaluating one’s own inputs or other’s outputs or some ideological scheme demands an adequate and effective communication process.

5. For direction:

Communication is necessary to issue directions by the top management or manager to the lower level. Employee can perform better when he is directed by his senior. Directing others may be communicated either orally or in writing. An order may be common order, request order or implied order.

6. For teaching:

The importance of personal safety on the job has been greatly recognized. A complete communication process is required to teach and educate workers about personal safety on the jobs. This communication helps the workers to avert accidents, risk etc. and avoid cost, procedures etc.

7. For influencing:

A complete communication process is necessary in influencing others or being influenced. The individual having potential to influence others can easily persuade others. It implies the provision of feedback, which tells the effect of communication.

8. For image building:

A business enterprise cannot isolate from the rest of the society. There is interrelationship and interdependence between the society and an enterprise operating in the society. Goodwill and confidence are necessarily created among the public. It can be done by the communication with the different media, which has to project the image of the firm in the society. Through an effective external communication system, an enterprise has to inform the society about its goals, activities, progress and social responsibility.

9. For employees orientation:

When a new employee enter into the organization at that time he or she will be unknown to the organization programs, policies, culture etc. Communication helps to make people acquainted with the co-employees, superior and with the policies, objectives, rules and regulations of the organization.

10. Other: Effective decision-making is possible when required and adequate information is supplied to the decision-maker. Effective communication helps the process of decision- making. In general, everyone in the organization has to provide with necessary information so as to enable to discharge tasks effectively and efficiently

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS/CYCLE

The transmission of sender’s ideas to the receiver and the receiver’s feedback or reaction to the sender constitute the communication cycle. The process of communication begins when one person (the sender) wants to transmit a fact, idea, opinion or other information to someone else (the receiver). This facts, idea or opinion has meaning to the sender. The next step is translating or converting the message into a language which reflects the idea. That is the message must be encoded. The encoding process is influenced by content of the message, the familiarity of sender and receiver and other situation of factors.

After the message has been encoded, it is transmitted through the appropriate channel or medium. Common channel in organization includes meetings, reports, memorandums, letters, e-mail, fax and telephone calls. When the message is received, it is decoded, by the receiver and gives feedback to the sender as the conformation about the particular message has been carefully understand or not.

E LEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION

The process of communication involves the following elements:

1. Sender or transmitter:

The person who desires to convey the message is known as sender. Sender initiates the message and changes the behavior of the receiver.

2. Message:

It is a subject matter of any communication. It may involve any fact, idea, opinion or information. It must exist in the mind of the sender if communication is to take place.

3. Encoding:

The communicator of the information organises his idea into series of symbols (words, signs, etc.) which, he feels will communicate to the intended receiver or receivers.

4. Communication channel:

The sender has to select the channel for sending the information. Communication channel is the media through which the message passes. It is the link that connects the sender and the receiver.

5. Receiver:

The person who receives the message is called receiver or receiver is the person to whom the particular message is sent by the transmitter. The communication process is incomplete without the existence of receiver of the message. It is a receiver who receives and tries to understand the message.

6. Decoding:

Decoding is the process of interpretation of an encoded message into the understandable meaning. Decoding helps the receiver to drive meaning from the message.

7. Feedback:

Communication is an exchange process. For the exchange to be complete the information must go back to whom from where it started (or sender), so that he can know the reaction of the receiver. The reaction or response of the receiver is known as feedback.

8. Brain drain:

On whole process there is a possibility of misunderstandings at any level and is called brain drain. It may arise on sender side if they do not choose the adequate medium for delivery of message, by using default channel and it may also arise when receiver does not properly decode the message. In other words, we can say that it is breakdown of cycle at any level.

IMP QUESTIONS: 21^st October, 2013

1.      How do you define communication?

2.      Discuss the elements of communication process.

3.      What is the role of communication in management of business?

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND HUMAN VALUES FOR B.TECH JNTU KAKINADA

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND HUMAN VALUES FOR B.TECH JNTU KAKINADA

MORALS:   Morals are the rules, which people use to guide their behavior and thinking in terms of right and wrong. Morals mean principles of right and wrong. Morals relate to duty or obligations. It pertains to those action of right and wrong, virtue and virus. It pertains to the rules by which such actions are to be directed towards the practice. Morals also mean manners, conduct, or men as social being in relation to each other. One can perform Dharma or actions by adopting morals.  

A human being will like to spend his time and life happily. A man’s happiness depends upon the satisfaction and pleasure he derives. A thirsty man feels happy when he takes a glass of water. This type of happiness is related to physical satisfaction.  Dharma, good actions or moral action brings satisfaction or happiness. When one’s actions bring happiness or satisfaction to others in the society, we call it as “Service” those who contributed to the welfare of the society, have become grate souls, like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa.

Morality relates to human conduct. Most of the human beings have acquired and practiced moral principles. They whole-heartedly accept them. Moral principles imply that human beings and animals are to be treated with respect and dignity.

Morality also guides human beings on aspiration, ideal and values. Morality guides in understanding human nature, tradition and society. It determines one’s place in society and universe. Values like honesty, empathy, truthfulness, humbleness, love for others, will develop a man as amorally good person. Values mean good qualities of human beings. A person becomes valuable if he possesses values in him, like courage, honesty, integrity, sincerity. Based on values, moral standards can be set up.

VALUES:   Values refer to the standards that guide our actions, judgments and attitudes. These are qualities, characteristics, or ideas about which we feel strongly. Values differ from person to person. Our values affect our decisions, goals and behavior. Values define what is worth, what is beneficial and what is harmful. Values give direction and consistency to behavior. Honesty is a value. Speaking truth is a value. Doing physical exercise is a value. Values help you know what to and not to make time for. Values establish a relationship between you and the world. Values set the direction for one’s life. Values are what we feel should ,”ought” or “are supposed to” influence our lives. If you allow your values to decide your behavior and goals, you feel very happy. Values may change over a time period, as your  experiences change your values also.

 

HUMAN VALUES:  Human values are the good qualities of a human being. Values of a human being reflect one’s character and conduct. Human values make a person great. Some important human values one should possess are as given below:

1.                  Demonstrating a strong and consistent commitment to ethical values.

2.                  Obeying the law.

3.                 Reflecting the responsibility expected of all professionals.

4.                   Protecting life and safeguarding people.

5.                 Demonstrating professionalism, integrity and competence.

6.                 Commitment to community well-being

7.                Care for the environment.

Human Values are related to individuals. Either in moral values or social values, the individual plays a prime role. Human values are the same for all people all over the world, irrespective of religion, nation, gender or creed. They are generally related to morality and justice. All religions preach values.  Value is a quality of being useful or helpful. Some common values are freedom, equality, fraternity, empathy, democracy and secularism may be values for certain countries, while some countries may not accept. Though countries differ, human values are common to all countries.

Professionals like Engineers, Doctors, and Lawyers have to deal with people and the society. They have to be acquired with the various human values as discussed above for peaceful and comfortable living. Values can be imparted to the students through personality development programmes.

ETHICS:  Ethics is also known as moral Philosophy. It is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. Ethics comes from the Greek word “ethos”, which means “ character”. In philosophy, ethics studies the moral behavior in humans, and how one should act. “ethics” also means distinguishing ethical problems, issues and controversies from non-moral problems. It refers to a particular set of beliefs, attitudes, and habits that a person or group displays concerning morality.

PERSONAL ETHICS:  Every individual is free to set his/her own set of ethics. This does not mean that all choices and all value systems can be equally called “ethical”. Every though each individual has the autonomy to choose, one has moral responsibility to respect others and protect the environment. The yardstick to say whether an individual is ethical or not is based on well defined actions and beliefs, namely trust worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Ethics refer to the ability to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil and property from impropriety. In involves the commitment to do what is right, good and proper. Ethics entails action.

Ethics can be classified into:

            Engineering ethics – related to engineers, engineering practice and industries.

            Professional Ethics – related to various professional like Doctors, Lawyers.

            Business Ethics – related to people involved in business.

            Work ethics – related to employers and employees at work.

Necessity of Ethics:  The world community calls for a global approach to basic ethics and social problems. On seeing the present day trend among people of various countries, world top leaders have expressed concern for basic ethics. Lack of ethical values, has been a major factor for the downfall of many industries, companies and corporations. Deviation from human values, ethics and failure to learn from wrong applications, will result in professional misdeeds leading to disaster.

            Engineers as professionals have moral responsibility for safety, health and welfare of the people. All these can be achieved only when, those involved in engineering, and society are concerned about ethics.

What affects ethics? Greed, Fear and Pressure.

Pressure to perform does not justify unethical acts. Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation insists the importance of values and ethics when he talks about seven social issues , which are as follows:

            Wealth without work.

            Pleasure without conscience

            Knowledge without character

            Commerce without morality

Science without humanity

Religion without sacrifice

Politics without principles

According to Gandhiji, the above said seven social issues can help society, only if ethics is followed. Upholding morals and values, surmounting difficulties in our day-to-day life is possible only when we follow ethics.

INTEGRITY:  Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and morals.  Integrity comes from the word "integrate." Therefore, it's the ability to integrate the values of my heart into my daily actions. INTEGRITY is consistent character that will not compromise even if circumstances make it easy and the potential for ill-gotten gain is great. An organization’s success depends on the integrity of its employees. Integrity is an internal system of principles that guide the behavior of an individual. The reward for behavior with integrity is intrinsic. Integrity is not obligation, it is a choice. Integrity comes with right upbringing and exposure. The outside environment also may influence one to develop personality with integrity. Integrity conveys a sense of wholeness and strength. Integrity means “ soundness of moral Character” the wider meaning of moral is “being concerned with the principal of doing right or wrong things” Therefore integrity means honesty, loyalty, honour, incorruptibility, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness and similar virtues. Integrity reveals one’s state of mind, attitude and behavior. Integrity includes all the above said good qualities. For any person, to acquire leadership quality or skill, requires “ integrity”. If one, lacks integrity, no amount of knowledge and skills in dealing with people can shape him into a good leader. Certainly, he/she will exercise his/her authority and get things done by threatening and coercive forces.

For an engineer, professional integrity is the key under difficult situations. An engineer with professional integrity will be ready for any kind of challenge and additional responsibility. An engineer with integrity has to be honest, truthful, and trustworthy. He should be consistent in his professional conduct, in moral ways and uphold human values. An engineer, as a professional, consultant, practicing engineer or manager, should be a person of integrity in discharging his duties and responsibilities to the society.  

WORK ETHICS: Ethics is a set of moral principles. Work is, a characteristic attitude of a group of people or workers towards morality of work. In other words, work ethic is being personally accountable and responsible for the work that one does. It is based on a belief that work has a great value. The term “work ethics” is often applied to characteristics of people who are at work (workers, players, engineers, Doctors, Lawyers etc.,) work ethic is usually associated with people who work hard and do a good job. It includes good habits, good attitudes, good manners, good appearance, and good behaviors we adopt in relationships with other people.

PARAMETERS FOR GOOD WORK ETHICS:

A.    RELIABILITY – When an employee is punctual, follows through his tasks, shows up ready to work, such employees performs all the tasks given and gains the confidence of the employer. If one in not reliable, no business owner can afford to retain him/her on the payroll. Reliability is the most preferred virtue for an employee, from the employer point of view.

B.     POSITIVE CHARACTER Between character and efficiency, every employer looks for employees with character. An efficient worker no character has no relevance. Small businesses have close, tightly knit and familial atmosphere and it is likely that these may face difficulties in the course of business. Exactly during the time when the business goes tough, employees with positive character will be of great help to the employer. Employees with negativity and dissent damage the workplace morale and productivity.

C.     PROPER COMMUNICATION strong interpersonal skills, cohesive and collaborative teams among employees and handling challenging assignments have something in common, i.e proper communications skills. Effective communication skills are prerequisites for one to be successful.

D.    GOAL-ORIENTED Good employees are often altruistic and goal-oriented. While salary is a strong motivator, a good work ethic also puts oneself aside to work toward the greater good of the organization as a whole. The goal of every employer should be to develop teams, respect for employees, soft in considering their personal requests but tough in terms of organizational interest discipline and organizational interest. Employees also should develop goal-oriented behavior.

SERVICE LEARNING: 

Service learning is a method of learning by which, students learn from their past services rendered to their communities. Young people apply academic skills to solve world issues like hunger, pollution and illiteracy. They are also active partners in a service-learning project. They identify community needs and plan service activities. After rendering service, they assess the project’s impact on the community. This makes young people to develop leadership skills. Service learning assesses genuine needs that are important to the community.

a.      Academic collaborations integrating learning into a service project enhances the quality of service learning. Academic collaborations should be clear and built upon the existing and future academic needs.

b.      Student voice in the process of involving service learning related activities, the students should be given opportunity to select, design, implement and evaluate their service activity encouraging relevance and sustained interest.

c.       Class room discussion the students discuss their learning experiences in the classroom and appreciate how they could address the societal needs.

d.      Impact analysis structured opportunities are thrown open to think, talk and write about their reflections on the service experience.

e.       Community partnerships in consultation with the community, the needs for service campus can be identified; mentorship opportunities and adequate resources are offered for completion of the service projects. Community partnerships will be successful if clear guidelines are evolved for student engagement in service to a particular community groups.

f.       Assessment and feedback well structured assessment instruments can be used for constructive feedback through reflection regarding positive reciprocal learning. If found feasible, such programs can be replicated.  

CIVIC VIRTUES: Virtue means good quality. Civic relates to society and the environemtn. Hence “civic Virtues” mean the good habits and qualities that one has to follow when he/she moves in the society and deals with environment. Certain civic virtues are, caring, sharing, respect for others, living peacefully and letting others live peacefully. Yawning, sneezing, relaxing the body by bending backwards,snoring and spitting, such habits are to be  avoided in front of others in a gathering. A person who is conscious of the above habits is said to have “ civic Sense” or “ civic Manners”. In total , these habits are called “ Civic Virtues” . to be a better person and a person  and a person of pleasing personality, one should cultivate “ Civic Virtues”.

  RESPECT FOR OTHERS: Treating people with respect makes this world a nicer place to live in. it is very easy. All you have to do is, “treat people the way you like others to treat you”. Here are a few ideas.

1.      Don’t insult people or make fun of them

2.      When you speak, listen to others.

3.      Value other people’s opinion.

4.      Be considerate of people’s likes and dislikes.

5.      Don’t tease or harass people.

6.      It is not good to talk about people behind their back.

7.      Have respect to other people’s feelings.

8.      Don’t compel anybody to do something he/she does not want to do.

We live in a country of many languages, cultures, races and backgrounds. In order to make all our lives a lot more fun and interesting, we have to get along with each other. To achieve “unity in diversity”, we have to respect each other. Here are some more ways we can respect people.

1.      We have to learn something from the other people.

2.      We have to show interest and appreciation for other cultures and races.

3.      We should not have prejudice and racist attitudes. Engineers and professionals require this attitude of “respect for others” to achieve better results.

  

LIVING PEACEFULLY:  to lead a peaceful life, one requires “Peace of mind”. Peace of mind leads to “living peacefully” by all. If one wants to live peacefully, he.she has to follow certain principles in his/her life. They are

1.      One has to believe in God.

2.      Home should be a place of friendliness, sharing and peace.

3.      One has to be patient and considerate towards others.

4.      We have to work towards removal of social injustice.

5.      Work towards reconciliation between individuals, groups and nations, in needed

6.      One has to behave in a loving way towards all men and women.

7.      We should have a caring and loving attitude towards others.

8.      One has to be conscious of his/her daily living.

9.      One has to play his/her role against any form of exploitation and oppression.

10.  One has to live as simple as possible.

11.  We have to serve others by avoiding any form of violence.   
   By sincerely adopting the above said principles, one is sure of “Living peacefully”. 

CARING; Every human being, whether young or old wants to be cared if not pampered. It is the same case with the employees. They want to know what is happening at work place as soon as the event takes place.

How to take care of employees taking care of employees and keeping them happy in the workplace involves providing them with additional benefits, recognition and keeping the workplace professional. This further dovetail to motivating them to work with passion, enjoy their work and produce positive results for the business.

TO TAKE CARE OF EMPLOYEES:

1.      Interview new employees well and ensure that they will fit into your workplace.

2.      Turn away those workers who do not fit into the existing work environment.

3.      Take care of the overall well being of the current employees providing additional benefits, which include life, health or disability insurance to them and to their families as well. A healthy workplace plays a large role in how the company and employees are performing.

4.      Offer retirement options for the employees.

5.      Offer recognition plaques, “pat on back” awards, monetary awards, job promotions or pay increases to employees who work for the organization.

6.      Send greetings to the employees on their birthdays and marriage anniversaries in addition to offering them paid optional holiday on those special occasions.

7.      At times when changes are initiated, make sure the employee is clear about what the change means for their job, goals, time allocation, and decisions.

8.      Communicate daily with every employee who reports to you. Even a pleasant good morning enables the employee to engage with you. Communicate openly, honestly and frequently.

9.      Hold a weekly one on one meeting with each employee who reports to you.

10.  Implement an open door policy for staff members to talk, share ideas, and discuss concerns.

11.  Employees find interaction, communication with, and attention from senior and executive managers motivational. A happy employee is highly productive and has a potential to influence a few more.

 

SHARING: Sharing is the joint use of a resource or space. It refers to joint or alternating use of an inherently finite good, such as a common pasture or a shared residence. It is also the process of dividing and distributing. You can observe in human activity and find many examples of this happening I nature. Flowers divide and distribute their seeds. In a broader sense, it can also include free granting of use of rights of a good.  Sharing can actually mean giving something as an outright gift: for example, sharing food with others means to give some of it as a gift, sharing is part of human life and human interaction, and is responsible for strengthening social ties and ensuring a person’s well being.  Sharing is one of the human values. This implies sharing of feeling, ideas or thoughts and also materials, resources and profit. Sharing is always mutually beneficial. Sharing of joy increases happiness of people involved, similarly sharing of grief or sorrow decreases the intensity of mental agony of people. Sharing of available resources should be the basic concept of humankind’s happy living in this mother earth. To double the joy, it is always better to share with someone.

In industries, corporations, or organizations, people of different cadres like the managing directors, engineers, managers, supervisors and workers have to play their role on sharing basis. A leader, head, or manager of an organization should share working conditions with his subordinates and insist that other lower level officers do the same. This character of “Sharing” is so important to a man’s morale. Sharing of ideas, concept or modifications, may result in a new profitable design of products, they manufacture.

In industries, corporations, or organizations, people of different cadres like the managing directors, engineers, mangers, supervisors and workers have to play their role on “sharing “concept.

Sharing of property or materials of comfort with relatives, guests or neighbors or friends and co-workers will boost human values.