Showing papers in "Asian Social Science in 2007"

The Roles of Teachers in Implementing Educational Innovation: The Case of Implementing Cooperative Learning in Vietnam

Abstract: Since the late 1990s there has been a top-down movement to reform teaching and learning approaches in Vietnam. An important component of this reform is to change the traditional teaching and learning approach into cooperative learning. However, cooperative learning has failed to make its impact on the current teaching and learning approach. This paper examines one of the most important constraints on the implementation of cooperative learning in Vietnam, namely, perceptions of Vietnamese teachers toward the roles and responsibilities of teachers in class. It argues that many principles of cooperative learning are in serious conflict with traditional perceptions of Vietnamese teachers regarding the nature of teaching and learning. Therefore, policymakers and educators need to take cautious steps when implementing such radical approaches in Vietnamese educational settings. If they want to obtain support from teachers, they cannot merely borrow the original version of the innovation. Rather, they need to take various modifications into consideration.

Employee Commitment in U.S. and Japanese Firms in Thailand

Abstract: Richard A. Colignon Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Saint Louis University 3500 Lindell Ave., St. Louis, MO., USA Tel: 1-314-977-3640 E-mail: rcoligno@slu.edu Chikako Usui Department of Sociology and Center for International Studies University of Missouri-St. Louis One University Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63121 Tel: 1-314-516-6370 E-Mail:chikako@umsl.edu Harold R. Kerbo Department of Sociology, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Robert Slagter Department of Sociology, Birmingham Southern College 900 Ackadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254 Abstract Foreign direct investment from transnational corporations across Southeast Asia provides an opportunity to examine the cross-cultural workplace. Most research on cross-cultural workplace takes place in developed countries, but little has been done on the cross-cultural workplace in developing countries. We examine the extent and determinants of organizational commitment among 959 Thai employees in 10 Japanese and American transplant corporations in the Bangkok area. These data were supplemented with in-depth interviews of Thai, Japanese and US managers in 24 transplant corporations and follow-up interviews. Consistent with the literature, we found higher levels of identification and behavioral commitment among employees of U. S firms. In addition, confiding in one’s supervisor was positively related to both identification and behavioral comment in Japanese firms. Finally, females were more behaviorally committed in Japanese firms while males had significantly more identification commitment in U.S. firms.

Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Perspectives on Organizational Management

Abstract: This paper explores the Arthashastra of Kaultilya, an ancient Indian literature (4th Century B.C.); and it’s perspectives on organizational management today. Chinmayananda (2003) asserted that from time to time there is a need to look and re-look at the ancient literatures and provide intelligent interpretation and re-interpretation to apply effectively in the context of modern management. The methodology used for this purpose is called hermeneutics; which is a study, understanding and interpretation of ancient text. It is one of the qualitative research methodology used in social science. The foundations of management in organization are revealed from the Arthashastra, which can provide guidance to present managers and leaders of organizations. In his Arthashastra, Kautilya takes an inside-out approach to management, which is self management first before management of every other thing. He advised the future organizational managers and leaders to firstly conquer the enemies within such as desires, anger, greed, arrogance, infatuation, envy, pride or ego and foolhardiness, as it is often said that one who conquers the self, conquers all. The prospects of analysis of Kautilya’s Arthashastra in other areas of organizational management such as strategic management, human resource management and financial management can be considered for future research.

HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: a gender analysis

Abstract: Global statistics of HIV/AIDS infection reveals the disastrous effects of discrimination against women in the area of human health. Women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS reflects their wider social, economic and sexual disadvantages compared to their male counterpart. Although the gender context of HIV/AIDS has received a considerable attention recently, however, in case of Vietnam gender aspects of the epidemic have still been a neglected area of research. Little is known about how gender affects the epidemic as well as how the epidemic affects the life of women. This paper reveals that the gender context of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Vietnam has a much complex reality. Institutions, social norms and opportunity structures, of which “Doi Moi” [Renovation] has become an integral part, combine to create new norms and conditions put women more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. A gendered strategy is crucial in order to successfully fight against the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Learning English as a Foreign Language: Cultural Values and Strategies in the Chinese Context

Abstract: Research on language learning strategies is not new. Numerous books have been written on the process of learning and the efficiency of learning English. Some English learning strategies are discussed in this paper to identity how they are defined and used and how they are determined by contexts and cultures.Culture plays an important role in language learning and this leads to various learning strategies. Learning strategies used in one culture might be different from another, but, the central points are to achieve goals and purposes in learning.

Intersecting forces: Relevance of the panca sila to contemporary Indonesian Society

Abstract: The relevance of the Javanese influenced value system; the Panca Sila to contemporary Indonesian society is examined. Factors such as development, globalization and Islamic fundamentalism have placed strain on traditional values, resulting in an identity shift. In addition, the move by the country's leaders to create either an 'Indonesian Islam' or an 'Islamic Indonesia' leads to different results that have repercussions on both internal and external affairs. Alignment with another Asian culture such as India, which has a prominent Hindu/Buddhist tradition instilled in her culture, rather than the west, is more appropriate to the cultural background and needs of the Indonesian people.

Is Full Inclusion Desirable

Abstract: This article constitutes the culmination in a review of 58 sources by a group of first year master’s degree students in a problems and issues in secondary education course to determine “Is Full Inclusion Desirable?” Full inclusion means that all students, regardless of handicapping condition or severity, will be in a regular classroom/program full time. All services must be taken to the child in that setting. There have been several opposing ideas about full inclusion. There are pros and cons to the situation, and these will be discussed in the paper.

Developing Organizations through Developing Individuals: Malaysian Case Study

Abstract: Research has highlighted that organizational development (OD) is a complex issue as it requires the input of employees at all the levels of an organization. However, to obtain this is a challenge for organizations as the basic training and education offered by the organizations and experiences of the individuals on their own and other factors such as fear and ignorance prevent such actions. For this purpose, other elements are also required. This research aims to identify and explain the usage of the elements that can encourage employees to contribute inputs necessary for OD. To achieve this aim, this research developed a conceptual framework based on the elements of understanding organizational roles, internal strengths, formal and informal discussion and rational discourse. To illustrate the application of the framework in a real life setting a case study approach that involved a large manufacturing organization in Malaysia was employed. From this research it was concluded that the future focus for the OD should be towards the development of staff members and creating a suitable organizational culture and infrastructure such that knowledge sharing is promoted.

The Influence of SA8000 Standard on the Export Trade of China

Abstract: Following ISO9000 and ISO14000, SA8000 standard is now attracting international attention and it exerts influence on the export trade of China, particularly on the export trade of labor-intensive products. Because Chinese enterprises lack understanding of this standard and the importance attached to this standard in the government’s macro-administration is not sufficient, at this stage, only a small number of Chinese enterprises have passed the certification of SA8000. But in order to gain a trade environment of fair competition and at the same time to raise the international competitiveness of Chinese enterprises, the government of China and Chinese enterprises shall treat this standard with active attitude and consider it to be the impetus to help enterprises to regulate their management, to improve their management levels and to become favorable enterprises.

China’s Urban-Rural Gap: An Analysis Based on Capability

Abstract: The current urban-rural gap in China is caused by several factors and embodied in various respects. This paper analyzes the relevant factors from the perspective of capability, including income, education, health, employment opportunity and social security. Only by improving the capabiliity of the rural residents, can the problem of the ever-widening gap between urban and rural areas be really solved.

Problems That Lead to the Failure in Language Communication

Abstract: A language is the most important tool for communication, yet misunderstanding of language often occurs in our daily communication. This paper illustrates some problems that lead to the failure of language communication and points out that it is necessary to avoid such problems for an effective and clear communication.

Economic Analysis to “Peasant Worker Shortage” in China

Abstract: “Peasant worker shortage” originated from coastal towns in Fujian in 2003. However, there are about 200,000,000 surplus labors, and about 5,000,000 new surplus labor. From an angle of economics, the author analyses the causes of this phenomenon, indicating that the problems mirrored by the shortage of farmer laborers will have negative influence upon the construction of a new type industrial structure and the building of a harmonious socialist society, and thus makes some suggestions.

Advance care directives and the position in Ireland: what lessons can Ireland learn from the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe?'

Abstract: An Advance care directive entitles a person to request in advance either the refusal of or consent to certain medical treatment if that person is not competent to consent or refuse at the time such refusal or consent is required. The 2003 Law Reform Commission’s Consultation Paper on Law and the Elderly briefly mentioned advance directives. However, the Paper decided to leave the issue to a future Paper that would give a more comprehensive analysis. There is no Irish legislation on the matter and consequently the legal position is unclear. The English Mental Capacity Act 2005 has given recognition to advance directives under section 24. It is interesting to note that only refusal is covered by the Act. The 2005 Law Reform Commission Consultation Paper on Vulnerable Adults discusses the issue of advance directives in more detail. This Paper will examine the Irish position of advance directives. The British Mental Capacity Act and recent case law will provide a comparative analysis. The UN Convention on the Protection of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities will also be examined.

The Impact of Non-tariff Barriers on China’s Textile and Clothing Exports and Relevant Strategies

Abstract: The textile and clothing industry is a traditional pillar industry for China’s economy. We have developed rapidly in international textile and clothing trading and have gained significant achievements in this field with reform and opening-up to the international market. China also expects to maintain this prevailing trend and to even increase the volume of exports with the gradual reduction of tariffs and the elimination of quotas. With these gains, however, a number of problems have arisen that may threaten the future of the Chinese textile and clothing industry.World trade liberalization doesn’t necessarily mean free markets. The industry is still facing great challenges and difficulties from non-tariff barriers which are playing an ever-greater role in the ability of governments to regulate imports from other countries. Known as “green trade barriers”, new non-tariff barriers to trade, such as technical trade barriers and environmental trade barriers, have taken the place of traditional trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas. By analyzing the background and current situation of China's textile and clothing industry, as well as the great impact on both sides of these new barriers, this paper puts forward an effective way to clarify what efforts should be made not only by trade companies, but also by the government to alleviate the effects of NTBs. Only through a well-coordinated joint-effort can manufacturers break through such non-tariff trade barriers and enhance the overall quantity and quality of clothing exports, so that China can maintain its current growth in the textile and clothing trade and also regain its reputation as the “kingdom of textiles”.

The Psychology of Western Independent Tourists and Its Impacts on Chinese Tourism Management

Abstract: This thesis is concerned with the psychology of western independent tourists and its impacts on Chinese tourism management. First, it discusses the different psychological modes under the different historical and cultural backgrounds between China and the West, including mode of thinking, mode of motivated behavior, mode of religion and ethics, and mode of aesthetic values; then, it makes a specific analysis of the tourism psychology of western independent tourists; finally, it expounds the impacts of western independent tourists’ psychology on several aspects of Chinese tourism management, such as the respective management style of tourism departments, the interdepartmental communication and cooperation, the quality of guide service and the tourism education.

A Brief Analysis on Elite Democracy in Authoritarianism Countries

Abstract: This paper, commencing with the revision of classical concepts on democracy, puts forward that democracy is not only the aim but also a kind of means and method, based on which the paper further analyzes the shaping of democracy, and points out that elite democracy is an inevitable trend and that the role and function that elite democracy plays in the process of democratization is the exhibition of democratization strategy piloted by elites. In the last part of this paper, the author presents the relationship between elite democracy and authoritarianism and points out the development direction for elite democracy in authoritarianism countries.

Developing Students’ Oral Communicative Competence through Interactive Learning

Abstract: For a long time, under the pressure of enter-university-examination, the middle school students only take English as one of the major subjects for entering the university, thus overlook the real goal for learning a foreign language. As a result, their communicative competence, especially the oral communicative ability are inferior, which is obviously deviated away from the ultimate goal of learning a foreign language.In this paper, I have analyzed the present situation in the middle school English learning, and reviewed some theories, especially the Social Interactionist Theory, and their effectiveness to English teaching and learning, The emphasis of the paper is on the application of the interactionist theory and how it affects and improves the students’ oral ability in English learning, thus trying to find a new way to improve the students’ oral communicative competence.

On the Objective System of Modern Peasant Household Cultivation Strategy

Abstract: This article analyses briefly the policy objective system of modern peasant household cultivation strategy in China, which the main objectives of the strategy are: adjusting the structure of peasant households, improving the peasant household ability, developing the rural human resource, etc. The capabilities of peasant household are as follow: the grain productivity, the market competition ability, the income-increasing ability, the investment ability, and the civilization construction ability. This article puts forward the objective system of modern peasant household cultivation strategy including 3 level-1 indexes, 8 level-2 indexes and 15 level-3 indexes.

On Differences between Eastern and Western Plastic Arts

Abstract: Plastic arts refer to the creation of visual static images with some substantial materials as well as methods, including architecture, sculpture, painting, industrial arts, design, calligraphy and seal cutting and so on. Due to the differences between the eastern and western cultures, plastic arts also display different characteristics. To be more specific, different geographical environments and social and historical environments have led to different cultural foundations of the two. The Chinese culture emphasizes the kinship while the western culture puts more importance to individual equality; the Chinese culture emphasizes ethical rules while the western culture the exploration into objective rules; the Chinese culture emphasizes harmony while the western culture opposition, hence resulting in the differences in Chinese and western value orientations. In addition, in the comparison between Chinese and western philosophy, the former seems to be macroscopic and comprehensive with its emphasis on the harmony between opposite sides and the inner experiences while the latter tends to be more scientific due to its division between sensibility and reason, individuality and generality.

An Analyses of Yuan Shikai's Policy towards Japan

Abstract: From 1912 to 1916, China was under the control of Yuan Shikai. Because Yuan signed unequal treaties, especially his acceptance of the “Twenty-One Demands”, presented by Japan, he was considered as a betrayer of China. However, in dealing with the relationship with Japan and other foreign powers, Yuan made efforts to protest against their unreason demands and reduce losses. For the economic and military weakness of China, these unequal treaties were compromises made by Yuan’s government. Yuan Shikai’s domination should be objectively evaluated.