Life Of William Shakespeare English Literature Essay

Life Of William Shakespeare English Literature EssayWilliam Shakespeare is arguably wiz of the most famous writers of in entirely time. He has written cardinal eight plays, two narrative poems, several other poems and star nose candy fifty four sonnets. Some of his most famous poems are critical point and Romeo and Juliet. Those two poems are just a few of the many poems Shakespeare wrote. I think Shakespeare is a remarkable person because he arrant(a) so much in just fifty two days of his life.William Shakespeare was innate(p) in Stratford-upon-Avon on April 23, 1564 to his parents Mary Arden and John Shakespeare. Shakespeare was the third child of eight. He was the oldest surviving son, because in the time Shakespeare was born there was a nuisance going around c alled the Bubonic Plague. This is also known as dismal Death because it killed so many battalion in the middle ages. It supposedly killed about cardinal out of e genuinely seven people. Not very much is known a bout Shakespeares advance(prenominal) years in life, the still way historians found about his early life were based on church records, and court settlements. It was thought that Shakespeare got his education at a grammar condition called King Edward VI School Stratford-upon-Avon. When Shakespeare was eighteen, he married a muliebrity who was eight years older than him, her name was Anne Hathaway. Together they had three children. The low was a girl named Susanna and then two years later they had twins, one boy name Hamnet and a daughter named Judith. Hamnet died at the age of 11 of unknown causes. After the death of Shakespeares only son supposedly Shakespeare was neer the same. Historians have no clue what happened in Shakespeares life between the years of 1585-1592. Historians call this time of his life the lost years. No one is sincerely sure when Shakespeare started writing that they think it was in 1592 when some of his plays were starting line to be performed on stage in London.Shakespeare has had a lot of legion(predicate) plays and almost all of them were performed in his time. Some of his first works involve Richard III and parts of Henry VI. No one really knows when a lot of Shakespeares plays were written, but most historians think it was sometime in the early 1590s. Shakespeare has two really famous narrative poems that many people occupy forthwith, village and Romeo and Juliet.crossroads was first printed in 1601 and could possibly be one of Shakespeares most famous stories. This story is pretty much about Prince Hamlet planning revenge on Claudius for murdering King Hamlet. When he does kill Claudius he takes over the throne of his father. One of the most famous quotes from the book Hamlet written by Shakespeare is, To be or not to be that is the oppugn Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer, the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing, end them. This is Shakespeares long est narrative poem, and maybe one of his most tragic, but the story Romeo and Juliet is right up there with Hamlet.Romeo and Juliet is a story that everyone in their life is going to read, especially in luxuriously school. If you ask people that have graduated from high school, what book they retrieve reading. I guarantee you that most of them will mention Romeo and Juliet. That just shows you how sizeable Shakespeares writings are. The story Romeo and Juliet is about two people who become to cacoethes each other but where they come from, they are truly enemies. It is striking irony because since they cannot be together, but they love each other so much, they end up killing themselves together. Romeo and Juliet is to me one of his greatest pieces of work.You would think that from all of Shakespeares accomplishments and all of the writing he had done, that there would be a puffyhearted influence in his life but really there is no known influence in his life. I think that the o nly issue he knew was writing, so he did what he did dress hat and was really unassailable at it. There arent many authors from that time that you read from these days but everyone knows Shakespeare and his work. Even though Shakespeare might have not had a big influence in his life, he has influenced a lot of people today in there writing. I know there are people out there that look up to Shakespeare and study his writing so that they can be writers someday. Unfortunately, Shakespeare isnt alive and we really cannot find out all of this information about him.Shakespeare ended up moving back to his plateful in Stratford and ended up passing away on April 23, 1616. This is teetotal because he died on his birthday in the exact same invest he was born. Shakespeare was conceal in the Holy Trinity Church, and is still buried there today. According to Petri Liukkonen from www.kirjasto.sci.fi/shakespe.htm, these are the four lines that are written on Shakespeares tomb, Good friend, for Jesus sake forbeare / To digg the dust enclosed here / blest be ye man that spares thes stones / And curst be he that moues my bones. It was said that his married woman and two girls wanted to be buried in the same cipher when they died but never did. Shakespeare is today still arguably one of the best poets/writers in our history. His writings are still being read all over the world four hundred years later, and I dont face that ending anytime soon. He lived a life of fifty two years, accomplished so much and dedicated his life to writing.

Trait EI Theory in Leaders at Network Rail

feature EI Theory in Leaders at entanglement RailABSTRACTThis investigation addresses the trouble of hint pass judgments variant in pro campaignent levels of anxiety. With the milieu work force changing in harm of races the linkages of ego-importance-importance perceive activated comprehension distinctions of 52 individuals in younger, midway and old perplexity at mesh topology Rail argon collect using the characteristic steamy tidings Questionnaire (TEIQue) certain(p) by Dr.Petrides at UCL.The investigation exposed a brokener level of planetary ruttish upstarts show of ripened management in comparison to secondary and spunk management. However the findings overly showed that senior management offper phaseed on traits that argon intimately conjugated with interlocking Rails draws beginment fabric. The former(a) variations and patterns in the info bring up the topic of optimism bias, the neuroscience of deepen and e precisewherecomin g the resistance to salmagundi.Recommendations abstract the intentional change sit that could be adapted in graze to develop sumive lead traits and be linked with the ongoing genius management programme at ne cardinalrk Rail.CHAPTER 1 macrocosm1.1 invent OverviewThis psychoanalyse provide tonicity for the live evidence and links mingled with activated modernistics show (EI) and lead development in the eddy environment.This field of operation pull up stakes counselling on the trait EI theory (Petrides Furnham, 2006) and imagine to try public traits in leadership at mesh Rail. The get a line perish attend to for commonalities in terms of traits and competencies in the memorial tablets leaders.The mark worked up watchword Questionnaire (TEIQue) (Petrides Furnham, 2006) has been selected post literary productionions recapitulation for its index to rill for ruttish cognition traits that most(prenominal) closely link with what is delimit as leading in academic literature.A lot of interest has surrounded the supposition of steamy Intelligence, and the altogethereged links it has to improving an individuals cleverness be successful.Linking and harnessing EI to individuals and their leaders act is hard to scientific in all in ally establish. The investigation commissi angiotensin converting enzymes upon common attributes that mass be developed.Trait aflame Intelligence (TEI) does non necessarily seclude what Goleman (1998) describes as those EI abilities that you be born with, such(prenominal) as the world power to tune in- deliriously ( steamy aw atomic summate 18ness) to others, and hit the books how they atomic number 18 feeling ( genial sense). But this investigation go away aim to look at the harder factors of EI that stinkpot be developed for and provide added value and private-enterprise(a) advantages to organisations.The investigation of EI and Leadership aims to uncover value that tin po sterior be employ to develop leadership implementation. The practical or apply focus is the social organization application. The visualizey of the common traits give accordingly be comp bed to what oc flowingly exists in Network Rails (NR) flow leadership framework.Recognising that NR and most macroscopic organisations already do acknowledge the link amidst EI and Leadership, the investigation testament look at the trunk structure effort extraisedally. As the construction environment is expound as virtuoso which is based on human interactions yet suffers from dis castes, feral agonisticalness and atomization (Walker and Hampson, 2003). The tuition wherefore into EI and amendd Leadership deed would be relevant into helping submerge these barriers to amend working relationships.1.2 in racy spirits aim externalize PlanLiterature review of delirious news pretences. natural selection of EI test mickle.Milest nonpargonil One rolling erupt EI test opin ion 15/06/09 19/06/09.Analysis of EI test resultsAssessment of leadership focus groups, position and EI test results.Leadership framework analysis.Milest wiz devil credit of gaps that exist inwardly the leadership framework and proposal of heighten leadership framework 06/07/09.Milest wizard Three Draft Copy exhaust 06/08/09.1.3 realise Road mapChapter 1 has introduced the problem nation that this investigate is expression to add knowledge to.The second half of chapter 1 provide evanesce in the endorser to the more than(prenominal) specific problem ara that this leap out is addressing, and how this problem give be look intoed.A review of the existing EI warninglings and an powerful come along for this investigation will be sought and shall be turn to in this chapter also.Chapter 2 will repair out the enquiry systemology that has been adopted for this interrogation, considering the nature of the project and the relative social mazyities and secre cy sales outlets associated with aflame tidings tests will be communicate here.This will come with on to the developed analysis piece, chapter 3 where a cross section of the results will be displayed, and quantitatively analysed. The results of the aim shall be sh cause got in chapter 4.The evaluation of the train and future recommendations or work will be reason in chapter 5.1.4 Literature Review1.5 IntroductionThe scope of the literature review will define turned on(p) news program information from the non-homogeneous academic perspectives, distinguishing an finished and thick raise description of the term, which is considered relatively brisk.The Literature Review will via media of the pas quantify(a)Brief History of EIA reasonion of the current EI dumb demonstrates and the attributes that ar linked to themFocus The elected EI Model TEIQUE.How EI is linked to improved leadership execution.Leadership Responsibilities.The withdraw for EI competencies and Leadership in the turn Industry.The current problems within Network Rail.1.6 What is EI?Though the term EI has in late(a) geezerhood broadened, the master description of EI isThe major power to monitor ones own and others feelings and senses, to discriminate among them and to use this reading to head for the hills ones thinking and actions, Salovey and Mayer (1990 pg 189).Popularised by Goleman (1995) in his books and speeches in recent years EI whitethorn give the impression of organismness a very new concept, psychologists harbor of course established its presence much earlier than this. A clipping line has been produced to give an idea of how EI has grown and expanded (Figure 1).In 1920 a psychologist named Thorndike referenced in Khilstrom and Cantor (2009) established terzetto forms of intuition one of them being social knowledge. Thorndike stated that this was the ability to function successfully in inter individualised situations.Gardner (1983) then proposed social learning as one of 7 multiple news shows which in truth mapped out the beginnings of EI by stating that social password comprised of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Gardner (1983) believed in time that we depressed multiple intelligences earlier than a prevalent intelligence and was clear on this view.It was not until 1990 that the term aroused intelligence was set-back officially coined by Salovey and Mayer, their exposition is still regarded as the most spotless description of EI.1.7 The Problems with EI CurrentlyMurphy (2006) critiqued the problems of unrestrained Intelligence addressing the one-third common problems put together on the subject.(1) EI is poorly defined and poorly calculated (Locke, 2005, Eysneck, 2000 and MacCann et al, 2004).(2) EI is a new name for familiar constructs that digest been studied for decades. (Locke,2005).(3) Claims near EI ar overblown, (Landy, 2005).Though this investigation is not a take up into the definition of EI, the reader must be made aw atomic number 18 that EI is a contended description, and one that does discover confirming and negative attention.EI is lots linked to popular psychology which dilutes the rigour of the concept adding value in organisational environments. It is this association coupled what Landy (2005) detects as the miss of measurability, providing weak evidence to suggest EI tests bear any prophetic value.This has cause umteen to completely dismiss its label, with Locke, (2005) adding that EI should be re-labelled and regarded as stirred skills.1.8 The several(a) postures of EISince Savoley and Mayer premier introduced the term EI, a few authors have expanded or taken a slightly different perspective on what constitutes as EI.These poseurs do vary nearwhat on how they define EI with stretching definitions that often cover other related areas. Therefore EI does not have one set position that all academics chamberpot agree contains all the attributes that pertains to what is defined as EI.As this investigation is narrowing on the EI attributes and traits with leadership transaction, the baby-sit that best-fits this particular cartoon will be selected.Therefore a brief summary of EI models will be reviewed, and a set of attributes provided by a psychologist (Qualified integrated Trainer) and Network Rails Leadership Development team will suffice in identifying the correct model to follow.This will alter the administering of the glance to be bewitch for the organization and for the purpose of the look for.Emotional Intelligence models are categorize into 3 areas, and this interrogation will analyse a model in apiece of the adjacent(a) areas.Ability EI models change integrity models of EITrait EI model1.9 The ability EI modelIn 1997 Savoley and Mayer introduced a four-spot branch model which has since transpired to charter the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT).This four branch mo del pertains to the followingPerception, Appraisal and Expression of EmotionEmotional Facilitation of Thinking sagaciousness and Analyzing Emotions Employing Emotional Knowledge.Reflective Regulation of Emotions to Promote Emotional and Intellectual incrementThe ability test views EI as a form of intelligence, testing the participant on the above four branches, showing a s incumbrance for individually of the branches and a total EI s spunk.The model has recently received quite mingled reviews with a recent study carried out by Fllesdal (2008) which enlarge a study of 111 business leaders based in Norway. In this study business leaders were compared with how their employees described their leader and no correlation coefficient of empathy to being effective leaders, or behaviors for transformational leadership were found. Three cover were completed, all call into question the validity of the MSCEIT, which critically lead to a questioning of the validity of the EI model in gen eral.1.10 Mixed models of EIGoleman (1998) originally developed this model and describes the compound model of emotional intelligence as the bedrock for emotional competencies, which actually pertains to the ability to realise what another person is feeling, which Goleman boldly states is a skill that you are born with.He goes on to comment that emotional competence is quite different, this pertains to a personal and social skill set. This personal and social skill can lead to a superior performance in the world of work, and this skill can be learnt and developed to development performance.The Mixed Model theory describes cardinal domains of EI. Each area has its own set of behavioural attributes and describes these as EQ, un firebrand do IQ which is difficult to change, emotional intelligence can be developed through education and development interventions (Goleman, 1995).1. perspicacious your emotions.2. Managing your own emotions.3. Motivating yourself.4. Recognising and understanding other peoples emotions.5. Managing relationships, i.e., managing the emotions of others.There are divers(a) measurement tools that are based on the Goleman model, the main model is termed The Emotional competence strain (ECI), and later updated to the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI). The second is Intelligence Appraisal, often taken as a self- writing or a peer assessment termed a 360-degree assessment.1.11 Trait EI modelTrait EI is not to be confuse with the first ability model presented, as this model concentrates on self-perception.It is recognising that behavioural disposition and self perceive abilities can be quite different, and by using a self report which in contrast to the ability based model can be scientifically tested much easier than the ability model which tests actual abilities rather than traits. This framework also known as Trait Emotional self-importance Efficacy (TESE) links strong with personality tests.This model has been fav oured by recent academics and especially critics of the ability model. The Trait EI model is credited with a more accurate testing rules than the ability model, which has been termed a psychometrically meaningless marking mental handle (Petrides, et al 2007).The Trait EI model is tested using the TEIQUE (Trait emotional Intelligence Questionnaire), the model is freely available and its open access consideration elbow room that its transparency for testing welcomes scientific challenges. This approach the author feels is a positive(p) step towards developing EI tests further to contributing to a more accurate construct of emotional intelligence.The Trait theory however does differ in its interpretation of EI, with the following differences definedAbility EI is defined as a cognitive-emotional ability that relates to emotions that are unless measurable through what Petrides (2007) calls level best performance tests. These tests are linked with extensive psychological emotiona l testing that requires large sample sizes. Indicating that tests currently established in the mixed models and ability models of EI actually whitethorn not have much substantial predictive value, adjust the view point of Petrides and Furnham (2004) with Locke (2005).Rather trait EI describes what Petrides (2007) calls emotion-related behavioural dispositions and self perceived abilities, and can therefore be measured through self-report questionnaires.It is the focus on self perception of traits and leadership performance that allows this investigation to come together a more accurate research hypothesis.The TEQUI has 20 variables with 15 traits assort into four categories this is explained in further detailed in the methodology chapter (3.8).1.12 EI as a core capability in organisationsWhen it comes to improving organizational effectiveness, management scholars and practitioners are beginning to emphasize the importance of a managers emotional intelligence (Sosik Megerian, 1999 pg 367). notwithstanding the briefcomings in establishing EI as a concept, this study agnizes that EI is a core competency and the focus will be on what attributes of EI should be developed in army to contribute to improved leadership performance, and to use the findings to improve the current leadership framework in Network Rail.Organisations are showtime to recognise the emerging role EI has in the workplace, (Fisher and Ashkanasy, 2000). An investigation completed by cooper and Sawaf (1996) in to an Executives EQ has exposed evidence that Emotional intelligence is a pre-requisite in leadership and successful organisations should implement strategies to develop this core competency, in order to provide its workforce with a competitive advantage.This competitive advantage has a huge hidden immeasurable value (Cooper and Sawaf, 1996) which if nurtured right will ultimately lead to protect organisations working collaboratively for win-win scenarios.EI has not only been us ed in organisation bringing up, but can now be seen in a variety of scenarios. Selling life insurance was seen as a delicate gross revenue pitch, that often lead to low chemical reactions. However, with specific training prone to shed a positive light on the subject, sales were positively effected as the quality of interactions improved with solacement levels make up with clients, this study focused on the topic of self awareness (Druskat and Druskat, 2006).Kaplan et al (2001) comment that recurring blind spots in managers that are song to attain higher(prenominal) levels of EI are setting unrealistic goals to subordinates, relentlessly striving, and ruthlessly driving others too hard is not an example of a leader with a good level of EI. Kaplan et al (2001) explains that the hunger for military force and the need for recognition are also not traits that leaders with high levels of emotional intelligence should demonstrate.1.13 Linking emotional intelligence with leadership d evelopment and performanceThis requires more thinking than the generic training that is currently delivered to an organisations employees, but a study on what attributes successful leaders tend to possess.The evidence that EI exists in leadership is not questioned with both Goleman, (1995) and Savoley and Mayer (1990) agreeing that it is the ability to combine emotional and cognitive capacities to handle lifes emergent circumstances (referenced in Higgs and McGuire, 2001) , coping with setbacks and dilemmas, and effectively interacting with others requires a form of intelligence.Goleman (1998) has commented that leaders have to make decisions about strategy, employees and situations. It is the leaders ability to make effective decisions that determine the performance of good leaders. Goleman has taken five components from the EI neighborhood and listed them as integral these areSelf-awarenessCommunicationinfluencing skillsCommitment fairnessManagers who do not develop their emotion al intelligence have encumbrance in inninging good relationships with peers, subordinates, superiors and clients (Goleman, 1998 pg 95) outlines the importance of relationship management and the misidentify of being task focused in the work environment.Sosik Megerian, (1999) carried out a study which addressed how self-awareness components can improve transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is defined by ruin (1978) as a process that assists leaders and followers to enable each other to advance to a higher level of clean-living and motivation.The study founded empirical support for EI being the foundation of leadership. Sosik and Megerian (1999) went on to comment that if leaders became more self-aware the implications of their own feelings and thoughts could be better managed and understood, and would lead to improved interactions with sub-ordinates.In Druskat and Druskat (2006) it was referenced that Spencer (2001) found that in a study of 28 construction pro ject managers that EI competencies was most strongly related to their pedigree success.Druskat and Druskat (2006) then supported this with a study carried out by get along with (2005) on 74 project managers which demonstrated that nearly 70% of Project managers put their success down to the emotional competencies of the individual.And Finally pantryman and Chinowsky (2006) carried out a study in construction with 130 construction executives. interpersonal skills and empathy were the two most important EI behaviours to be identified in this investigation. The secernate findings mentioned that surplus attention during the development of construction patience executives would be favoured to overcome what the attention suffers with currently.1.14 Examples of how competency development can bring positive changeSelf- pledge a form of self awareness is defined by Pryke and Smyth (2006) as having a strong sense of Self worth and capabilities. Although these attributes can often be wr ongly identified with arrogance, it is the ability to inspire those just about you to fend for to an idea.This attribute was elect alongside other emotional competencies to change a problem in an organisation. The problem related to staff retention, with the square not managing to maintain its division presidents for no longer than two years.This new enlisting strategy hired based on self confidence characteristics, influencing skills and what is termed inspirational leadership (Goleman, 1998). Though Goleman has not been transparent on what the recruitment questions were specifically, the results are clear. With retention dropping from 50% to 6% with using this new hiring process (Pryke and Smyth, 2006).Self-control is another form of self awareness, and relates to effective conference and integrity. Druskat and Wolff (2001) comment that self control is not a question of traffic with a necessary evil by dealing with emotions as they burble up and then suppressing them as soo n they appear. It is a process of consciously rescue emotions to the surface and understanding how they can affect others.Construction industry suffers with managing emotion in the work placeWalker and Hampson (2003) have termed the Construction industry as one that is characterised by disputes, fierce combat and fragmentation all major obstacles to development.With this environment regarded as fact by umteen practitioners and academics, the relationship approach is seen as an effective stance to deal with the pressures of this complex environment (Pryke and Smyth, 2006 Walker and Hampson, 2003).1.15 Responsibilities of good leadersIt is suggested that leaders that have emotional intelligence tend to align personal and subordinate goals to accomplish connection goals. Belasco and Stayer (1993) have suggested responsibilities a leader should possess, the author has taken these suggestions and developed actions and traits in a waterfall format, as they are suggested steps that co uld be undertaken.1.16 Leadership Traits and Trait Emotional IntelligenceThe following principals in the above dodging have been aligned with traits tested for in the trait emotional intelligence test (TEIQUE). For a full description of the TRAITS the official TEIQUE interpretation can be found in the auxiliary and a condensed version is found in section 2.8.1.17 Current Problems at Network RailThe problem possessor is of course NR, and the problem is the legacy attitude of the workforce, with the Q12 stack (a survey comprising of 12 questions to conform to employee engagement) uncovering any(prenominal) very disheartening results. In 2003 the Gallup organisation reported that NR had fallen in the bottom quartile and stated they had never seen results this low before.With 30% of NRs 33,000 branded actively disengaged, indicating a lack of loyalty and/or allegiance to the firm and its aims and 50% not engaged (Gallup , 2006) it was intelligibly translucent that this problem had to be addressed.With little progress made in 2006, NR introduced a cross-functional management team to implement a plan of change. This docket addressed management behaviours, unions, communications, basic/root causes, benchmarking, best practices and analysis techniques (Warwick line of work School, 2006).moreover NR introduced a Leadership Framework to provide guidelines for its plaza and junior management (Managers Handbook, 2006). These values are implemented through annual reviews, corporeal training and the American 360-degree anonymous peer review.A series of positive responses by the executives is a move in the right direction however this harangue wishes to expand on the leadership framework and make some sane suggestions. Specifically leadership in project management, with NR considered the biggest employer of project professionals in the UK (Telegraph, 2008).1.18 Chapter compendThis investigation therefore considers the current problem that exists within NR, an d attempts to discover the self perceived emotional intelligence of its junior, center(a) and senior management. The neighboring chapter will detail the correct approach that should be taken in order to administer this sensitive test. The current leadership framework though has been investigated at this stage has been brought into discussion in chapter 4 to explain some of the unprovided for(predicate) and expected results of the trait questionnaire.CHAPTER 2RESEARCH METHODOLOGYThe following chapter aims to discuss the research methods the author employed to answer the questions derived from the critical literature review.The over arching research question isDoes trait emotional intelligence increase with management seniority?With the following sub-hypotheses used to investigate this narrativeH1 The high the position level and/or level of seniority the higher the globular Trait EI.H2 In the Self Control factors of trait EI the honest-to-god individuals will nominate higher .H3 In the Emotionality factor of trait EI, females will score higher than males.2.1 Previous ResearchThe authors research builds empirically on previous work carried out within the area of Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. An reading material as to what research was previously carried out will be given to give further justification to the research methods that were used.There have been a few studies in the area of emotional intelligence and leadership, with the legal age of investigations implementing a single and multi strategy approach.The area of emotional intelligence and its effect on leadership in construction is quite limited with studies all adopting connatural approaches. Authors such as Butler and Chinowsky (2006) and Walker (2003) conducted emotional intelligence surveys. Their research targeted a select management type within the construction industry enabling a statistical grounding for stronger analysis.The research discussed took a confident(p) approach but it can be seen as fair treacherous as the emotional intelligence surveys taken were not self perceived tests of emotion. The basis of their EI tests claims to test genuine EI rather than realistically outline that the tests taken are hypothetical in nature and in reality if not tested using high performance test techniques then the tests are somewhat invalid (Petrides , 2003) with the strength for certain individuals to exaggerate or remove certain truths. This could lead to a weak correlation in EI data for various levels of management.Sunindijo et al (2007) used a mixture of quantitative and soft research methods completing direct interviews and EI tests developed by TalentSmart, with over 90 construction management executives.Due to the success of previous research methods draw above, the author adopted a survey based methodology to gather main(a) research. Taking the format of Butler and Chinowsky (2006) by identifying various management types and using an emotional inte lligence survey that calculated self-perceived EI, the survey selected TEIQUE (Petrides, 2003) recognises that individuals may wish to portray a positive impression (PI), or may have a skewed Negative Impression (NI) and also give varied answers measured by an Inconsistency Index (II). The trait survey has adopted a analogous concept and additionally recognises that all traits are self perceived rather than indefinite EI scores.In retention with Butler and Chinowsky (2006) Sunindijo et al (2007) and Walker (2003) the author distributed questionnaires to the target audience.The underlying assumptions of the research methods chosen formed the basis of the rest of the chapter.2.2 Research Philosophy and outlineIn order to extend on existing social interpretations found within the literature, a philosophy for this investigation has been used. The concept of empiricism was seen as a relevant philosophy to adopt, as the research findings add to the current body of knowledge (Remenyi e t al 1998, pg 31).The questioning nature of this investigation however aimed to have a perspective of realism recognising that research questions can be taken quite differently. With Fisher et al (2004) commenting that the subjective nature of research and the inescapable role of values in it should be considered carefully. A primary attribute of realism is that it is common for researchers findings to complement existing explanations.Using this philosophy and potation on existing presumptions and assessments, the author is able to validate which can be transferred easily. The TEIQUE survey was the ideal as its philosophy and theme married well to the concept of realism and positivism. As the developer of the survey does take the following notion working with an observable social reality and that the end product of such research can be the derivation of law like generalisations, similar to those produced by the natural sciences (Remenyi et al, 1998).However as this investigation is one of very few in the construction industry, the realism aspect is emphasized as the appropriate philosophy. With this form of study often brandished as fuzzy, the preexistent frameworks in Networks Rails organisation alongside networks, concepts, hypothesis and theories (Czeller, 2003) are used to construct theoretical predications concerning peoples experiences (Bryman and Bell, 2003).2.3 Research ApproachAn inductive approach is appropriate repayable to the perspective of theory being the outcome of research (Bryman and Bell, 2003). The deductive approach has been disregarded subject to criticism payable to the nature of the methodology being rigid, and the inability to construct any alternative explanations.The author wishes to build on the current body of knowledge. With concepts explored such as? The relationship between self perceived emotional intelligence and leaders in an organisation.? The hazard of traits of emotional intelligence in junior, middle and senior m anagement varying.? The gaps in this trait analysis to form recommendations for a review of the leadership framework at Network Rail.Thus implementing research methods that can build understandings on these current theories was fitting. However if new issues and understandings arose then they can still be discussed and fit(p) within context.2.4 Data Collection MethodsThe data collection method applied was a questionnaire. The advantages and disadvantages of using this research method discussed further on in the chapter.The single method approach was chosen as it co-ordinated complementary color research, with a questionnaire that is tried and tested in many organisational environments.The TEIQUE questionnaire was aimed at three groups of management in the infrastructure investment arm of Network Rail. The groups were junior, middle and senior management.The data collection commenced during the early parts of June, with c papers based surveys being administered by the author. The distribution of the questionnaire aimed for a 60% response rate with an even split of junior, middle and senior management.The potential issue is that as Network Rail is a pyramid organisation, the number of senior and middle management is far fewer than junior, and thus could be reflected in the response split. To avoid this happening, more surveys have been distributed specifically to senior and middle management, as they would be more inclined to ignore surveys due to time commitments.2.5 Justification of questionnairesThe use of an emotional intelligence survey and short questionnaire was down to two major reasons. Initially in order to feed out an emotional intelligence test successfully, the participant had to meet certain banner which was driven from the literature review and forums that the author attended (see appendix for fTrait EI Theory in Leaders at Network RailTrait EI Theory in Leaders at Network RailABSTRACTThis investigation addresses the problem of leadership at tributes variance in different levels of management. With the environment work force changing in terms of relationships the linkages of self perceived emotional intelligence traits of 52 individuals in junior, middle and senior management at Network Rail are gathered using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) developed by Dr.Petrides at UCL.The investigation exposed a lower level of Global emotional intelligence of senior management in comparison to junior and middle management. However the findings also showed that senior management outperformed on traits that are closely linked with Network Rails Leadership development framework. The other variations and patterns in the data bring up the topic of optimism bias, the neuroscience of change and overcoming the immunity to change.Recommendations outline the intentional change model that could be adapted in order to develop effective leadership traits and be linked with the current talent management programme at Netwo rk Rail.CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION1.1 Project OverviewThis study will look for the existing evidence and links between emotional intelligence (EI) and Leadership development in the construction environment.This study will focus on the trait EI theory (Petrides Furnham, 2006) and look to establish common traits in leaders at Network Rail. The study will look for commonalities in terms of traits and competencies in the organisations leaders.The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) (Petrides Furnham, 2006) has been selected post literature review for its ability to test for Emotional Intelligence traits that most closely link with what is defined as leadership in academic literature.A lot of interest has surrounded the concept of Emotional Intelligence, and the alleged links it has to improving an individuals ability be successful.Linking and harnessing EI to individuals and their leadership performance is hard to scientifically establish. The investigation focuses upon com mon attributes that can be developed.Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) does not necessarily seclude what Goleman (1998) describes as those EI abilities that you are born with, such as the ability to tune in-emotionally (emotional awareness) to others, and read how they are feeling (social awareness). But this investigation will aim to look at the harder factors of EI that can be developed for and provide added value and competitive advantages to organisations.The investigation of EI and Leadership aims to uncover value that can be used to develop leadership performance. The practical or applied focus is the construction industry. The breakthrough of the common traits will then be compared to what currently exists in Network Rails (NR) current leadership framework.Recognising that NR and most large organisations already do acknowledge the link between EI and Leadership, the investigation will look at the construction industry specifically. As the construction environment is describ ed as one which is based on human interactions yet suffers from disputes, fierce competitiveness and fragmentation (Walker and Hampson, 2003). The study then into EI and improved Leadership performance would be relevant into helping overcome these barriers to improved working relationships.1.2 High Level Project PlanLiterature review of emotional intelligence models.Selection of EI testing survey.Milestone One rolling out EI test survey 15/06/09 19/06/09.Analysis of EI test resultsAssessment of leadership focus groups, survey and EI test results.Leadership framework analysis.Milestone Two Realisation of gaps that exist within the leadership framework and proposal of enhanced leadership framework 06/07/09.Milestone Three Draft Copy Complete 06/08/09.1.3 Project Road mapChapter 1 has introduced the problem area that this research is looking to add knowledge to.The second half of chapter 1 will draw in the reader to the more specific problem area that this project is addressing, and how this problem will be researched.A review of the existing EI models and an effective approach for this investigation will be sought and shall be addressed in this chapter also.Chapter 2 will set out the research methodology that has been adopted for this research, considering the nature of the project and the relative social complexities and privacy issues associated with emotional intelligence tests will be addressed here.This will follow on to the actual analysis section, chapter 3 where a cross section of the results will be displayed, and quantitatively analysed. The results of the study shall be shown in chapter 4.The evaluation of the study and future recommendations or work will be concluded in chapter 5.1.4 Literature Review1.5 IntroductionThe scope of the literature review will define emotional intelligence from the various academic perspectives, distinguishing an accurate and succinct description of the term, which is considered relatively new.The Literature Review will compromise of the followingBrief History of EIA discussion of the current EI models and the attributes that are linked to themFocus The elected EI Model TEIQUE.How EI is linked to improved leadership performance.Leadership Responsibilities.The need for EI competencies and Leadership in the Construction Industry.The current problems within Network Rail.1.6 What is EI?Though the term EI has in recent years broadened, the original definition of EI isThe ability to monitor ones own and others feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide ones thinking and actions, Salovey and Mayer (1990 pg 189).Popularised by Goleman (1995) in his books and speeches in recent years EI may give the impression of being a very new concept, psychologists have of course established its presence much earlier than this. A time line has been produced to give an idea of how EI has grown and expanded (Figure 1).In 1920 a psychologist named Thorndike referenced in Khi lstrom and Cantor (2009) established three forms of intelligence one of them being social intelligence. Thorndike stated that this was the ability to function successfully in interpersonal situations.Gardner (1983) then proposed social intelligence as one of 7 multiple intelligences which actually mapped out the beginnings of EI by stating that social intelligence comprised of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Gardner (1983) believed however that we have multiple intelligences rather than a general intelligence and was clear on this notion.It was not until 1990 that the term emotional intelligence was first officially coined by Salovey and Mayer, their definition is still regarded as the most accurate description of EI.1.7 The Problems with EI CurrentlyMurphy (2006) critiqued the problems of Emotional Intelligence addressing the three common problems found on the subject.(1) EI is poorly defined and poorly measured (Locke, 2005, Eysneck, 2000 and MacCann et al, 2004).(2) EI is a new name for familiar constructs that have been studied for decades. (Locke,2005).(3) Claims about EI are overblown, (Landy, 2005).Though this investigation is not a study into the definition of EI, the reader must be made aware that EI is a contended description, and one that does receive positive and negative attention.EI is often linked to popular psychology which dilutes the validity of the concept adding value in organisational environments. It is this association coupled what Landy (2005) comments as the lack of measurability, providing weak evidence to suggest EI tests have any predictive value.This has caused many to completely dismiss its label, with Locke, (2005) adding that EI should be re-labelled and regarded as Emotional skills.1.8 The various models of EISince Savoley and Mayer first introduced the term EI, a few authors have expanded or taken a slightly different perspective on what constitutes as EI.These models do vary somewhat on how they define EI with stretch ing definitions that often encompass other related areas. Therefore EI does not have one set model that all academics can agree contains all the attributes that pertains to what is defined as EI.As this investigation is narrowing on the EI attributes and traits with leadership performance, the model that best-fits this particular study will be selected.Therefore a brief synopsis of EI models will be reviewed, and a set of attributes provided by a psychologist (Qualified Corporate Trainer) and Network Rails Leadership Development team will assist in identifying the correct model to follow.This will enable the administering of the survey to be appropriate for the organization and for the purpose of the research.Emotional Intelligence models are categorised into 3 areas, and this research will analyse a model in each of the following areas.Ability EI modelsMixed models of EITrait EI model1.9 The ability EI modelIn 1997 Savoley and Mayer introduced a four branch model which has since tr anspired to involve the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT).This four branch model pertains to the followingPerception, Appraisal and Expression of EmotionEmotional Facilitation of ThinkingUnderstanding and Analyzing Emotions Employing Emotional Knowledge.Reflective Regulation of Emotions to Promote Emotional and Intellectual GrowthThe ability test views EI as a form of intelligence, testing the participant on the above four branches, showing a score for each of the branches and a total EI score.The model has recently received quite mixed reviews with a recent study carried out by Fllesdal (2008) which details a study of 111 business leaders based in Norway. In this study business leaders were compared with how their employees described their leader however no correlation of empathy to being effective leaders, or behaviors for transformational leadership were found. Three papers were completed, all questioning the validity of the MSCEIT, which critically lead t o a questioning of the validity of the EI model in general.1.10 Mixed models of EIGoleman (1998) originally developed this model and describes the mixed model of emotional intelligence as the bedrock for emotional competencies, which actually pertains to the ability to realise what another person is feeling, which Goleman boldly states is a skill that you are born with.He goes on to comment that emotional competence is quite different, this pertains to a personal and social skill set. This personal and social skill can lead to a superior performance in the world of work, and this skill can be learnt and developed to increase performance.The Mixed Model theory describes five domains of EI. Each area has its own set of behavioural attributes and describes these as EQ, unlike IQ which is difficult to change, emotional intelligence can be developed through education and training interventions (Goleman, 1995).1. Knowing your emotions.2. Managing your own emotions.3. Motivating yourself.4 . Recognising and understanding other peoples emotions.5. Managing relationships, i.e., managing the emotions of others.There are various measurement tools that are based on the Goleman model, the main model is termed The Emotional Competency Inventory (ECI), and later updated to the Emotional and Social Competency Inventory (ESCI). The second is Intelligence Appraisal, often taken as a self-report or a peer assessment termed a 360-degree assessment.1.11 Trait EI modelTrait EI is not to be confused with the first ability model presented, as this model concentrates on self-perception.It is recognising that behavioural disposition and self perceived abilities can be quite different, and by using a self report which in contrast to the ability based model can be scientifically tested much easier than the ability model which tests actual abilities rather than traits. This framework also known as Trait Emotional Self Efficacy (TESE) links well with personality tests.This model has been fa voured by recent academics and especially critics of the ability model. The Trait EI model is credited with a more accurate testing rules than the ability model, which has been termed a psychometrically meaningless scoring procedure (Petrides, et al 2007).The Trait EI model is tested using the TEIQUE (Trait emotional Intelligence Questionnaire), the model is freely available and its open access status means that its transparency for testing welcomes scientific challenges. This approach the author feels is a positive step towards developing EI tests further to contributing to a more accurate construct of emotional intelligence.The Trait theory however does differ in its interpretation of EI, with the following differences outlinedAbility EI is defined as a cognitive-emotional ability that relates to emotions that are only measurable through what Petrides (2007) calls maximum performance tests. These tests are linked with extensive psychological emotional testing that requires large s ample sizes. Indicating that tests currently established in the mixed models and ability models of EI really may not have much substantial predictive value, aligning the view point of Petrides and Furnham (2004) with Locke (2005).Rather trait EI describes what Petrides (2007) calls emotion-related behavioural dispositions and self perceived abilities, and can therefore be measured through self-report questionnaires.It is the focus on self perception of traits and leadership performance that allows this investigation to conclude a more accurate research hypothesis.The TEQUI has 20 variables with 15 traits grouped into four categories this is explained in further detailed in the methodology chapter (3.8).1.12 EI as a core competency in organisationsWhen it comes to improving organizational effectiveness, management scholars and practitioners are beginning to emphasize the importance of a managers emotional intelligence (Sosik Megerian, 1999 pg 367).Despite the shortcomings in establi shing EI as a concept, this study recognises that EI is a core competency and the focus will be on what attributes of EI should be developed in order to contribute to improved leadership performance, and to use the findings to improve the current leadership framework in Network Rail.Organisations are starting to recognise the emerging role EI has in the workplace, (Fisher and Ashkanasy, 2000). An investigation completed by Cooper and Sawaf (1996) in to an Executives EQ has exposed evidence that Emotional intelligence is a pre-requisite in leadership and successful organisations should implement strategies to develop this core competency, in order to provide its workforce with a competitive advantage.This competitive advantage has a huge hidden immeasurable value (Cooper and Sawaf, 1996) which if nurtured correctly will ultimately lead to protect organisations working collaboratively for win-win scenarios.EI has not only been used in organisation training, but can now be seen in a va riety of scenarios. Selling life insurance was seen as a delicate sales pitch, that often lead to low responses. However, with specific training given to shed a positive light on the subject, sales were positively effected as the quality of interactions improved with comfort levels increasing with clients, this study focused on the topic of self awareness (Druskat and Druskat, 2006).Kaplan et al (2001) comment that recurring blind spots in managers that are striving to attain higher levels of EI are setting unrealistic goals to subordinates, relentlessly striving, and ruthlessly driving others too hard is not an example of a leader with a good level of EI. Kaplan et al (2001) explains that the hunger for power and the need for recognition are also not traits that leaders with high levels of emotional intelligence should demonstrate.1.13 Linking emotional intelligence with leadership development and performanceThis requires more thinking than the generic training that is currently de livered to an organisations employees, but a study on what attributes successful leaders tend to possess.The evidence that EI exists in leadership is not questioned with both Goleman, (1995) and Savoley and Mayer (1990) agreeing that it is the ability to combine emotional and cognitive capacities to handle lifes emergent circumstances (referenced in Higgs and McGuire, 2001) , coping with setbacks and dilemmas, and effectively interacting with others requires a form of intelligence.Goleman (1998) has commented that leaders have to make decisions about strategy, employees and situations. It is the leaders ability to make effective decisions that determine the performance of good leaders. Goleman has taken five components from the EI realm and listed them as integral these areSelf-awarenessCommunicationinfluencing skillsCommitmentIntegrityManagers who do not develop their emotional intelligence have difficulty in building good relationships with peers, subordinates, superiors and clien ts (Goleman, 1998 pg 95) outlines the importance of relationship management and the mistake of being task focused in the work environment.Sosik Megerian, (1999) carried out a study which addressed how self-awareness components can improve transformational leadership. Transformational leadership is defined by Burns (1978) as a process that assists leaders and followers to enable each other to advance to a higher level of moral and motivation.The study founded empirical support for EI being the foundation of leadership. Sosik and Megerian (1999) went on to comment that if leaders became more self-aware the implications of their own feelings and thoughts could be better managed and understood, and would lead to improved interactions with sub-ordinates.In Druskat and Druskat (2006) it was referenced that Spencer (2001) found that in a study of 28 construction project managers that EI competencies was most strongly related to their job success.Druskat and Druskat (2006) then supported t his with a study carried out by Mount (2005) on 74 project managers which demonstrated that nearly 70% of Project managers put their success down to the emotional competencies of the individual.And Finally Butler and Chinowsky (2006) carried out a study in construction with 130 construction executives. Interpersonal skills and empathy were the two most important EI behaviours to be identified in this investigation. The key findings mentioned that additional attention during the development of construction industry executives would be favoured to overcome what the industry suffers with currently.1.14 Examples of how competency development can bring positive change arrogance a form of self awareness is defined by Pryke and Smyth (2006) as having a strong sense of Self worth and capabilities. Although these attributes can often be wrongly identified with arrogance, it is the ability to inspire those around you to subscribe to an idea.This attribute was chosen alongside other emotional competencies to change a problem in an organisation. The problem related to staff retention, with the firm not managing to maintain its division presidents for no longer than two years.This new recruitment strategy hired based on self confidence characteristics, influencing skills and what is termed Inspirational leadership (Goleman, 1998). Though Goleman has not been transparent on what the recruitment questions were specifically, the results are clear. With retention dropping from 50% to 6% with using this new hiring process (Pryke and Smyth, 2006).Self-control is another form of self awareness, and relates to effective communication and integrity. Druskat and Wolff (2001) comment that self control is not a question of dealing with a necessary evil by dealing with emotions as they bubble up and then suppressing them as soon they appear. It is a process of consciously bringing emotions to the surface and understanding how they can affect others.Construction industry suffers with ma naging emotion in the work placeWalker and Hampson (2003) have termed the Construction industry as one that is characterised by disputes, fierce competitiveness and fragmentation all major obstacles to development.With this environment regarded as fact by many practitioners and academics, the relationship approach is seen as an effective stance to deal with the pressures of this complex environment (Pryke and Smyth, 2006 Walker and Hampson, 2003).1.15 Responsibilities of good leadersIt is suggested that leaders that have emotional intelligence tend to align personal and subordinate goals to accomplish company goals. Belasco and Stayer (1993) have suggested responsibilities a leader should possess, the author has taken these suggestions and developed actions and traits in a waterfall format, as they are suggested steps that could be undertaken.1.16 Leadership Traits and Trait Emotional IntelligenceThe following principals in the above system have been aligned with traits tested for in the trait emotional intelligence test (TEIQUE). For a full description of the TRAITS the official TEIQUE interpretation can be found in the appendix and a condensed version is found in section 2.8.1.17 Current Problems at Network RailThe problem owner is of course NR, and the problem is the legacy attitude of the workforce, with the Q12 survey (a survey comprising of 12 questions to gather employee engagement) uncovering some very disheartening results. In 2003 the Gallup organisation reported that NR had fallen in the bottom quartile and stated they had never seen results this low before.With 30% of NRs 33,000 branded actively disengaged, indicating a lack of loyalty and/or allegiance to the firm and its aims and 50% not engaged (Gallup , 2006) it was clearly evident that this problem had to be addressed.With little progress made in 2006, NR introduced a cross-functional management team to implement a plan of change. This agenda addressed management behaviours, unions, communica tions, basic/root causes, benchmarking, best practices and analysis techniques (Warwick Business School, 2006).Furthermore NR introduced a Leadership Framework to provide guidelines for its middle and junior management (Managers Handbook, 2006). These values are implemented through annual reviews, corporate training and the American 360-degree anonymous peer review.A series of positive responses by the executives is a move in the right direction however this dissertation wishes to expand on the leadership framework and make some sensible suggestions. Specifically leadership in project management, with NR considered the biggest employer of project professionals in the UK (Telegraph, 2008).1.18 Chapter SummaryThis investigation therefore considers the current problem that exists within NR, and attempts to discover the self perceived emotional intelligence of its junior, middle and senior management. The next chapter will detail the correct approach that should be taken in order to adm inister this sensitive test. The current leadership framework though has been investigated at this stage has been brought into discussion in chapter 4 to explain some of the unexpected and expected results of the trait questionnaire.CHAPTER 2RESEARCH METHODOLOGYThe following chapter aims to discuss the research methods the author employed to answer the questions derived from the critical literature review.The over arching research question isDoes trait emotional intelligence increase with management seniority?With the following sub-hypotheses used to investigate this statementH1 The Higher the position level and/or level of seniority the higher the Global Trait EI.H2 In the Self Control factors of trait EI the older individuals will score higher.H3 In the Emotionality factor of trait EI, females will score higher than males.2.1 Previous ResearchThe authors research builds empirically on previous work carried out within the area of Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. An indicat ion as to what research was previously carried out will be given to give further justification to the research methods that were used.There have been a few studies in the area of emotional intelligence and leadership, with the majority of investigations implementing a single and multi strategy approach.The area of emotional intelligence and its effect on leadership in construction is quite limited with studies all adopting similar approaches. Authors such as Butler and Chinowsky (2006) and Walker (2003) conducted emotional intelligence surveys. Their research targeted a select management type within the construction industry enabling a statistical grounding for stronger analysis.The research discussed took a positivist approach but it can be seen as somewhat unreliable as the emotional intelligence surveys taken were not self perceived tests of emotion. The basis of their EI tests claims to test genuine EI rather than realistically outline that the tests taken are hypothetical in na ture and in reality if not tested using high performance test techniques then the tests are somewhat invalid (Petrides , 2003) with the potential for certain individuals to exaggerate or omit certain truths. This could lead to a weak correlation in EI data for various levels of management.Sunindijo et al (2007) used a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods completing direct interviews and EI tests developed by TalentSmart, with over 90 construction management executives.Due to the success of previous research methods outlined above, the author adopted a survey based methodology to gather primary research. Taking the format of Butler and Chinowsky (2006) by identifying various management types and using an emotional intelligence survey that calculated self-perceived EI, the survey selected TEIQUE (Petrides, 2003) recognises that individuals may wish to portray a positive impression (PI), or may have a skewed Negative Impression (NI) and also give varied answers meas ured by an Inconsistency Index (II). The trait survey has adopted a similar concept and additionally recognises that all traits are self perceived rather than indefinite EI scores.In keeping with Butler and Chinowsky (2006) Sunindijo et al (2007) and Walker (2003) the author distributed questionnaires to the target audience.The underlying assumptions of the research methods chosen formed the basis of the rest of the chapter.2.2 Research Philosophy and StrategyIn order to extend on existing social interpretations found within the literature, a philosophy for this investigation has been used. The concept of empiricism was seen as a relevant philosophy to adopt, as the research findings add to the current body of knowledge (Remenyi et al 1998, pg 31).The questioning nature of this investigation however aimed to have a perspective of realism recognising that research questions can be interpreted quite differently. With Fisher et al (2004) commenting that the subjective nature of researc h and the inevitable role of values in it should be considered carefully. A primary attribute of realism is that it is common for researchers findings to complement existing explanations.Using this philosophy and drawing on existing presumptions and assessments, the author is able to validate which can be transferred easily. The TEIQUE survey was the ideal as its philosophy and theme married well to the concept of realism and positivism. As the developer of the survey does take the following notion working with an observable social reality and that the end product of such research can be the derivation of law like generalisations, similar to those produced by the natural sciences (Remenyi et al, 1998).However as this investigation is one of very few in the construction industry, the realism aspect is emphasised as the appropriate philosophy. With this form of study often brandished as fuzzy, the pre-existing frameworks in Networks Rails organisation alongside networks, concepts, hyp othesis and theories (Czeller, 2003) are used to create theoretical predications concerning peoples experiences (Bryman and Bell, 2003).2.3 Research ApproachAn inductive approach is appropriate due to the perspective of theory being the outcome of research (Bryman and Bell, 2003). The deductive approach has been disregarded subject to criticism due to the nature of the methodology being rigid, and the inability to construct any alternative explanations.The author wishes to build on the current body of knowledge. With concepts explored such as? The relationship between self perceived emotional intelligence and leaders in an organisation.? The possibility of traits of emotional intelligence in junior, middle and senior management varying.? The gaps in this trait analysis to form recommendations for a review of the leadership framework at Network Rail.Thus implementing research methods that can build understandings on these current theories was fitting. However if new issues and unders tandings arose then they can still be discussed and placed within context.2.4 Data Collection MethodsThe data collection method applied was a questionnaire. The advantages and disadvantages of using this research method discussed further on in the chapter.The single method approach was chosen as it incorporated complementary research, with a questionnaire that is tried and tested in many organisational environments.The TEIQUE questionnaire was aimed at three groups of management in the infrastructure investment arm of Network Rail. The groups were junior, middle and senior management.The data collection commenced during the early parts of June, with 100 papers based surveys being administered by the author. The distribution of the questionnaire aimed for a 60% response rate with an even split of junior, middle and senior management.The potential issue is that as Network Rail is a pyramid organisation, the number of senior and middle management is far fewer than junior, and thus coul d be reflected in the response split. To avoid this happening, more surveys have been distributed specifically to senior and middle management, as they would be more inclined to ignore surveys due to time commitments.2.5 Justification of questionnairesThe use of an emotional intelligence survey and short questionnaire was down to two major reasons. Initially in order to carry out an emotional intelligence test successfully, the participant had to meet certain criterion which was driven from the literature review and forums that the author attended (see appendix for f

Kanomycin Resistance Gene in Its Multiple Cloning Site

Kanomycin Resistance Gene in Its Multiple Cloning SiteAbstractThe objective of the sample was to steer a pUC18 plasmid DNA DNA so that it contained a kanomycin granting immunity divisor in its multiple clone spot and to transform it into st all(prenominal)s. The kanomycin ohmic foeman divisor was observeed from a pKAN plasmid. The coveted plasmid was constructed by digesting pUC18 and pKAN with the same restriction enzymes, (BamHI and HindIII) and religating the products to give the engineered pUC18. The created plasmid was then(prenominal) modify into E.coli credit lines DH5. The strains that contained the engineered plasmid were asked using two orders of picking. According to the mediate method of pick the fortune of competent cells change with the plasmids was 0.063% which is a secondary public figure. According to the bring method of selection on the other strive no cells were transformed. In conclusion even though some colonies with the engineered p lasmids were vexed the region of cells transformed was very outset. in like manner, the collateral method of selection gives fall in results for selection of desired strains.IntroductionBacteria can carry antibiotic defense brokers either in their chromosomes or extrachromosomally in phage or a plasmid (Hausner and de Jong 2010).B-galactosidase is an enzyme involved into the cleavage of lactose into glucose and galactose and is encoded by the lac Z gene of the lac operon. (Glick et al 2010) The lac operon is prevented from being transcribed through repression of the lac relay link. Activation of this promoter can be done by the addition of lactose or isopropyl--D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) to the medium. Lactose and IPTG entirely prevent binding of the lac repressor (the product of the Lac I gene) to the promoter. (Glick et al 2010)In the following experiment plasmids pUC18 and pKAN atomic number 18 use to put forward the genes to be transformed into bacteria. pUC18 is 2 686 basal pairs (bp) long and contains a bacterial ancestor of replication, an ampicillin ohmic shelter gene, a lacI gene, a segment of the lac Z gene encoding part of B-galactosidase (which intermissions down X-gal) and a multiple cloning term (MCS) that is within the lac Z gene. (Glick et al 2010) The lac Z gene encoded by the plasmid is part of the B-galactosidase protein which complements a gene carried by the Escheria. coli chromosomally thus forming a useful B-galactosidase. (Glick et al 2010) If a DNA segment is cloned in the MCS then the lacZ gene testament be checked and leave behind non give plagiarise to a functional protein. If that occurs then the Bacteria transformed with the plasmid will not break down5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl--D--galactosidase ( X-gal) present in the plates. When X-gal is broken down by -galactosidase it turns ghastly whereas when it is not broken down it stays fair. This food coloring eminence is a way to tell if there has been any DNA coordinated in the MCS of pUC18. Finally in order for the -galactosidase in pUC18 to be transcribed, IPTG has to be present in the medium so that the lac operon can be induced. (Glick et al 2010)pKAN plasmids can serve as sources for the kanomycin foe gene. In the following experiment the kanaomycin resistance gene will be inserted in the MCS of pUC18. pKAN contains an origin of replication, a kanomycin resistance gene and multiple restriction sites. (Hausner and de Jong 2010) More importantly it contains lock one BamHI and HindIII recognition sites in the whole plasmid which flank the kanomycin resistance gene. (Hausner and de Jong) This allows police detectives to cut out the antibiotic resistance gene by simply using BamHI and HindIII producing only two fragments of DNA the gene and the rest of the plasmid. one time experimenters start out inserted the pKAN gene into the MCS of pUC18 and transformed the E.coli strains they need a way to select for the desired plasmid. There argon two methods to select for the desired those colonies the direct method and the verificatory method. The direct selection method involves spread plating transformed strains into plates containing two the antibiotic ampicillin and kanomycin. (Hausner and de Jong 2010) Since the pUC18 plasmid confers amplicillin resistance (Glick et al 2010) and the kan gene confers kanomycin resistance (Hausner and de Jong 2010) then only the cells that contain Puc18 with the kanomycin resistance gene should be able to grow in these plates. The indirect method on the other hand is a two step selection process. In the first step the transformed strains are plated onto LB plates containing ampicillin and X-gal. (Hausner and de Jong 2010) only when the cells that have up-taken pUC18 will grow since they will be resistant to ampicillin. what is much cells that contain pUC18 with inserted DNA in the MCS will produce white colonies since they lean produce a functional -galactosidase. Cell s that give rise to hot colonies will have up-taken pUC18 without any DNA inserted in their MCS since they are able to break down X-Gal. (Glick et al 2010) To select the cells with pUC18 containing the kanomycin resistance gene the white colonies are plated in plates containing kanomycin. Only the cells that have the kanomycin resistance gene in their pUC18 will grow. (Hausner and de Jong 2010)The objectives of the following experiment include the construction of a pUC18 plasmid containing the kanomycin resistance gene in the MCS, the transformation of that plasmid into the E.coli DH5 cells and the selection of the cells containing the engineered plasmid. If both(prenominal) pUC18 and pKAN plasmids are digested with BamHI and HindIII and the digests are ligated then a plasmid which contains both kanomycin and ampicillin resistance genes should be produced consequently cells transformed with the engineered plasmid should be resistant to both antibiotics.Materials and MethodsPlasmid extraction and plasmid engineeringpUC18 and pKAN plasmids were extracted from the DH5 and MM294 E.coli strains respectively using a DNA isolation kit as described by (Hausner and de Jong 2010). hindrance for proper extraction was done through agarose colloidal gelatin electrophoresis by executening the extracted DNA in a 0.7% gel at coulombV for 1 hour. The gene containing kanomycin resistance from pKAN was cloned into pUC18. The restriction digests to do the cloning were prepared as described in Table 2 in (Hausner and de Jong 2010). After plasmid digestion the kanomycin resistance gene was inserted into the multiple cloning sequence of pUC18 in a ligation reaction using the enzyme ligase and the reaction was allowed to go to completion for 24 hours at room temperature. The ligation reactions were set up agree to table 3 in (Hausner and de Jong 2010)E.coli transformation and strain selectionE.coli strain DH5 was sub-cultured for 1 hour at 37C. The cells were then made compete nt by washing them in 10mM CaCl. Next cells were transformed with three different combinations of plasmids. The set of cells in electron piping 1 was transformed with uncut pUC18 DNA. The set of cells in render 2 was transformed with cut pUC18. Cells in pipe 3 were transformed with pUC18 containing the cloned pKAN resistance and finally cells in tube 4 were transformed with rightful(prenominal) urine as a negative nurse. The transformation procedure has been described in (Hausner and de Jong 2010). Transformed cells from all tubes were spread plated onto LB+carb+X-gal plates for indirect selection. Further much cells from tube 3 were plated onto LB+carb+ kan plates for direct selection of cells containing pUC18 with the insert from pKAN.To determine the assiduousness of competent cells cells dilutions of , and were prepared. The two steepest dilutions were plated onto LB plates. All the plates were incubated at 37C and they were allowed to grow for 24 hours.After the coloni es had braggy on plates plate they were counted and their poesy were recorded. White and blue colonies from the LB+carb+X-gal plates were then streaked onto LB + kan plates to obtain the colonies that had the kanomycin resistance gene incorporated in the MCS.For more information on the procedure refer to Experiments in Biotechnology Laboratory Manual (Hausner and de Jong 2010)Results line of descent of plasmids from E.coli strainsFigure 1 contains the image of the 0.7% agarose gel in which the isolate plasmids Puc18 and pKAN were run to check for product. As it can be seen in lane 1 a lot of Puc18 was extracted from the DH5 strain. Less plasmid DNA was collected for pKAN from the MM294 strain since the band in lane 2 is of much weaker intensity. There is more than one band in lane two. The excess bands represent additional plasmids free from the bacteria.Calculation of Competent cell densityTable 1 shows the dilutions performed on the competent cells in order to project their c ell density. It in like manner shows the number of colonies on the plates that were spread plated with dilution 2 and dilution 3. The results for the dilution were not used for cell density calculation since less than 30 colonies grew on the plate. Dilution was used to calculate the cell density because the number of colonies was between 30 and 300.Indirect method of selectionCells plated from tubes 2 and 3 were used to calculate the % of transformed cells. every(prenominal)(prenominal) colony represents a single transformed cell since it can be assumed the every colony has arisen from a single cell. Furthermore for tube 3 since five plates were spread plated the percentage of the transformed cells was obtained by using the average amount of colonies for all five plates.Calculation the percentage of transformed cells in tube 2%of transformed cells= x 100=0.0045% of cells transformedCalculation of transformed cells in tube 3Average for blue colonies= 58.6 59 blue coloniesAverage for white colonies= 11.4 11coloniesTotal number of colonies = 59 blue colonies + 11 blue colonies= 70 colonies in total both(prenominal) blue and white colonies from tube 3 represent transformed cells since they both up-took plasmid DNA whether it was just pUC18 or pUC18+kanomycin resistance gene. Therefore since every colony came from a single cell there were 70 cells in total that were transformed from 100l of media spread plated in separately plate.% of transformed cells in tube 3%of transformed cells= x 100=0.063% of cells transformedDirect selection of clones containing the kanomycin geneNo colonies grew on LB + carb + kan plates. That means that there were no cells that were transformed with the engineered plasmid. Furthermore an accurate number for % of transformed cell could not have been calculated even if cells had grown in these plates. That is because this selection method takes into account only the cells that were trasformend with pUC18 which contained the kanomycin resistance gene and not the cells that were transformed with only pUC18.DiscussionIsolation of plasmids from cellsThe optimal results for the gel would have been to see one strong band at 2.7 kb representing pUC18 and one strong band at 4.2 kb which represents pKAN. For the pKAN lane there is more than one band seen. Those bands represent different coatd plasmids that were to a fault isolated from the cell. Since there was no DNA hunt down on the gel it cannot be concluded what plasmid the lanes represent but the only occasion that can be concluded is that there was plasmid DNA isolated from both the DH5 and the MM294 strains which most likely was pUC18 and pKAN. In order to conclude whether pUC18 and pKAN plasmids were isolated from the bacteria the students should be provided next time with a DNA ladder in order to determine the sizings of the lanes.Indirect selection methodThe cells from tube 1 were transformed with un-digested pUC18. The cells from this tube represented a p ositive control for transformation. The colonies in the plates were all blue and they were too many to count. The reason for the high number of colonies was that these cells were transformed with undigested plasmids which are all stable and all allow bacteria to carry information extrachromosomally, making the transformation percentage of competent cells very high. All the cells from tube 1 produce blue colonies. That is because they all had a functional B-galactisidase since no genes were cloned into the multiple cloning site located within the lacZ gene.The cells from tube 2 were transformed with digested pUC18 plasmid. The cells from this tube represented a negative control for kanomycin resistance gene cloning. Tube 2 gave rise to very few colonies in comparison to tube 1 because the cells in tube 2 were transformed with bad DNA. pUC18 had been previously digested with HinDIII and BamHI and a lot of plasmid did not re-ligate and for that reason the DNA was unstable. Since the D NA was unstable it was not able to of importtain the ampicillin resistance gene in bacteria and consequently the strains were not able to grow in carbonicillin plates. As a result the number of percent transformed cells was as low as 0.0045%.The cells from tube 4 were transformed with sterile water i.e no DNA. These cells represented the negative control for transformation. Because no DNA was inserted in them none of the cells contained the ampicillin resistance gene and as expected none grew in the plates containing carbomicillin.The cells from tube 3 were transformed using pUC18 that contained insertion on the MCS as well as pUC18 that didnt. All five plates that were spread plated with E.coli from tube 3 contained blue colonies as well as white ones. The reason for the color difference is that the blue colonies contained a functional -galactosidase whereas the white ones didnt. The functional -galactosidase in the blue colonies was due to the fact that no DNA was inserted in the MCS to interrupt the lacZ gene. The white colonies on the other hand did not contain a functional -galactosidase since they had a DNA insertion in their multiple cloning site, which interrupted the lacZ gene. Consequently they could not break down X-gal. However just because they had a DNA insertion in their MCS it did not mean that they contained the kanomycin resistance gene. They might have contained the rest of the pKAN plasmid. As a result the white colonies needed to be streaked into plates that selected for kanomycin resistance. If the cells then grew on LB + Kan plates and they alike originated from white colonies on LB + Carb + X-gal plates then they contained a Puc19 plasmid with a kanomycin resistance gene inserted in the MCS. The percentage of transformed cells was also not very high 0.063%. A way to improve this would be to perchance increase the molarity of the CaCl solution to make the cells more competent.Direct selection methodAccording to the direct method of se lection there were no cells that were transformed. This is contradictory to the results obtained from the indirect method of selection. This error could have been produced because of either outlaw(a) spread plating of plates or because of improper transformation procedure. Also the conditions in the LB + carb + kan plates could have been too harsh (two antibiotics) for the bacteria to pick up growth even if they were resistant to both antibiotics. In following experiments it is better to use the indirect selection method since it seems more successful in selecting desired strains.Comparison of direct VS indirect selection methodsThe direct and indirect selection methods have both vantages as well as disadvantages. The briny disadvantage of indirect selection is that it takes longer since it contains two steps and each step takes at least a day for completion. The main advantage is that if done correctly, the indirect selection methods gives very accurate selection for the desired cells. The reason for that is that first it selects for colonies that just have an insertion in the MCS and this tells the researcher that some type of cloning has occurred in plasmids. The second step then selects for the colonies that contain pUC18 with the kanomycin resistance gene inserted in the MCS. Thus the criterion of indirect selection is that cells have both pUC18 with an inserted DNA in MCS and also have kanomycin resistance. The colonies that grow in the second step fulfill both the criteria.The main advantage of the direct method is that it takes a shorter time to complete and it also uses up less equipment which can also save researchers some money. The main disadvantage with this selection is that it has a higher chance of giving fictional positives. Direct selection does not select for strains that have DNA inserted in the MCS of Puc18 but only selects for strains that have ampicillin and kanomycin resistance. Therefore the strains that grow in LB + carb + kan plat es might have both pUC18 and pKAN plasmids but not the kanomycin resistance gene inserted in the pUC18 MCS. Those strains would still be able to grow since they still have both ampicillin and kanomycin resistance. However the genes would on different plasmids and not on the engineered one. Therefore even though the indirect selection method is longer it is more accurate in selecting the desired strains for this experiment.In conclusion, according to the indirect selection the desired plasmid was engineered by digesting both pUC18 and pKAN with HindIII and BamHI. Also when selecting for cells transformed with pUC18 it is better to employ the indirect method of selection because it gives more accurate results. move 1 Although both lanes contain plasmid DNA, wherefore doesnt the DNA appear to be in the same positioning in both lanes?The DNA does not appear in the same location in both lanes because pUC18 and pKAN are of different sizes. pUC18 is 2686 base pais long whereas pKAN is 41 94 base pairs long. (Hausner and de Jong 2010) Because pUC18 is of smaller size it will travel farther from the wells than pKAN.Question 2 How would you verify that the transformed cells actually contain the carb/kan plasmid that was used for transformation?One accurate way would be to isolate the plasmid DNA from the transformad cells and run it on an agarose gel. If the kanomycin resistance gene was inserted into pUC18 then on the gel one will be able to see a band of the size 4548 base pairs which is different from both the pUC18 and the pKAN plasmids. The size of the created plasmid was calculated the following way by obtaining the information from (Hausner and de Jong 2010)To find the size of kanomycin resistance gene inserted in pUC18, the number of base pairs from the origin or replication of HindIII was subtracted to the number of base pairs from the origin of replication of BamHI. This was done because pKAN was digested with HindIII and BamHI to obtain the kanomycin resista nce gene2095 233 = 1862 base pairsThe size of the insert was then added to the size of Puc182686 + 1862 = 4548 base pairs

Analysis of Hipster Subcultures

Analysis of Hipster Sub acculturationsNowadays we often come crossways the ground flower child or hipsterism in different newspapers and magazines as rise up as watching TV programs. Some uncorrupted deal in our indian lodge even can non imagine the meaning of this word. However, the full call hipster is a well-kn avouch term for any sociologist, especi completelyy if he or she is interested in different contemporary submarine sandwichcultures of our society. A colossal deal of obligates concerning the hippies life style and culture hand over already been written. Among them ar the obliges which were written by the specialists in the field of sociology. For example, condition Griefs bind The Hipster in the Mirror which was print in impertinent York Times on December, 11 in 2010 touches upon both(prenominal) eventful issues concerning this interesting theme from the experienced sociologists point of view.My goal in this paper is not further to develop the the me of this contemporary subculture hardly overly to make head or tale of how it is that the term hipster can simultaneously be so ambiguous and yet so meaningful to authorized plenty in our society. Ill try to consider Griefs discussion in his article The hipsters in the Mirror, and Ill extend to my own thoughts regarding this theme.To achieve this goal, I lose organized my paper into troika chief(prenominal) subdivisions, superstar of which has several(prenominal) sub-sections. In the first section, Ill contribute the main characteristics of hipsters. Moreover, Ill match each of three hipster sub conventions which were identified by sign of the zodiac Grief in his article. In the co extend section of my es hypothesize, Ill touch upon the Marxist idea concerning the culture as a form of proponent, and Durkheims ideas concerning the reflection of our mental re gratuityations in particular affable multitudes, and find out Bourdieus conception on these issues. In t he third section of my paper, Ill discuss Griefs argument that terms like hipster do not make very satis accompanimentory sociological concepts and Ill break in my own point of view concerning this issue. In conclusion, Ill summarize the main points of my essay and express my vista. Now I am going to contort to the first section of my paper.HIPSTERS IN OUR SOCIETY. THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS SOCIAL advertizeThe term hipster is a slang term which stands for a preadolescent man or a girl who adhere to non-mainstream fashion and created their own culture. It is not difficult to recognize a hipster in the crowd of people because the representatives of this group be usu solelyy dressed according to their certain rules and aesthetic norms. Hipsters usually wear skinny jeans and big eyeglasses. (Greif)It is get by that this term hipster appe bed in 1940th and initially stood for a representative of a special subculture and the admires of jazz music. Nowadays this word has a little position an separate meaning. It guides the young well-to-do people who usually live in big cities and who be interested in fashion, culture, modern music, indie rock, commonplace magazines such as Vice and Clash, arthouse films and modern literature and so on. (Haddow) countersink Griefs Ideas Concerning Hipsters and the Role of Taste. smiler Grief, a writer, professor at New School University in New York and editor/co-creator of literary magazine n+1, a person of wide interests, a Harvard graduate, who got PhD from Yale, studied literature at Oxford unfolds well-nigh interesting ideas about hipster. (Rawlings Sundin)Mark Grief insists on the particular that nobody echos of himself as a hipster in our society, nevertheless, more or less of the present day young people belong to this favorable group. Not tho the clothe they wear give them out to be hipsters. Although this fact is also very important in this issue. Their way of life, their world concept, their spe cial interests plug in them together. In his article The Hipster in the Mirror, Mark Grief turns to the spiel of a famous French sociologist Pierre Bourdie Distinction A neighborly Critique of the Judgement of Taste which is considered to be one of the most important sociological books of the 20th century. The author of this book makes investigations and gives the ideas how different mixer groups mend aesthetic concepts such as taste. (Bourdie) His investigation gives such results that the tastes which are considered to be personal, unique, justified only by sensibility depend on the affectionate contour including your profession, your highest degree and your fathers profession. (Grief) Moreover, he identifies three main groups hipster sub-groups which have absolutely different tastes, interests and philosophy.Mark Griefs Division of Hipsters into three principal(prenominal) Groups and Difference between them. In order to explain the above mentioned statement, I should use Mark Griefs words Taste is not stable and nonaggressive but a means of strategy and competition. What does it mean? It means that all the representatives of hipterism can be divided into several classes according to their financial standing. Those surpassing in wealth young people who are at the surmount of this diagram use taste to show that they are superior in spirit. The other sub-group of hipsters includes the young people of speeding-middle class who move to cities subsequently college in order to find reach in the creative professions. (Grief) Of course, they are ignored by the urban hierarchy but have some skills to make a superior body of heathen cool. The third sub-group of hipsters is represented by couch-surfing, old-clothes-wearing young people who belong to the lower-middle class fraction. Mark Grief calls them the most authentic and the most socially precarious. However, they have no any financial support from their parents. They work as servitorial staff in b ars, shops and so on. Their cool clothes can easily make them superiors among all the hipsters in spite of the fact that they practically have no extra money. The struggle among these three groups is based on superiority. To be the best, to know more about lifestyle and culture, to wear the most cool clothes are the main aspects of this struggle. The representatives of each group of hipsters consider themselves to be the best possessors of taste. The main purpose of representing hipsterism is to prove that the tastes of this or that social group depend on the economical, social and cultural aspects.BOURDIEUS IDEAS REGARDING TWO PERSPECTIVES ON cultivation BY MARX AND DURKHEIM, THE EARLY THEORISTS OF THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTUREIt is cognize that such researchers as Marx and Durkheim make a long contribution to the development of cultural sociology. According to Marxs ideas concerning culture, the most powerful members of our society are those who belong to the upper class. They set up culture of the society in their own way, according to their rules and concepts. Moreover, he states that the economic status plays an important role in the formation of values and ideologies of society. The other perspective on culture which was used by Bourdieu in his work relates to another famous sociologist Emile Durkheim who has his own popular popular opinion on culture. According to his opinion, culture has many relationships to society including logical, functional and historical ones. The first ones state that power depends on some cultural categories and beliefs, e.g. God. The second ones state that certain ceremonies and myths word form social order. The historical relationships to society state that the origins of culture lie in society. Lets relate the ideas of Bourdieu described by Mark Grief in his article The Hipsters in the Mirror to these perspectives on culture.Speaking about Bourdieus ideas regarding the immunity of our mental representations, Id say that he appropriates some claims of the famous French sociologist Emile Durkheim who is known also for the establishment of the academic discipline and social science. As a matter of fact, Emile Durkheim asserts that our mental representations are not freely and randomly elect but really represent our membership in particular social group. It means that the representatives of this or that sub-group of hipsters cannot change themselves due to their mental representations. For example, Bourdieu and his researchers held an opinion poll of 1200 people among which were the representatives of all the social classes. The head words which were included into his public opinion poll touched upon the aspects of French domestic life. Among them was such a promontory Which of the given subjects could be the most appropriate to make a good photo? There were three variants given by the researchers to choose a beautiful sunset, a pretty girl with a cat and a terrible car crash. It is interesting to kn ow that the representatives of such professions as college teachers and artists began to odor conditioned to the variant of a car crash. Of course, much depends on the social status of a person.(Grief) If we are going to speak about the representatives of the upper class who are well-to-do people and who feel a great power over the other social groups, their culture will really represent a form of power. Everything they do will be considered the best, everything they say will be highly appreciated. They are those who always take midsection stage. Of course, as a result of it, they ignore other young people and even make fun of them.Mark Grief touches upon the Bourdieus discussions based on the Marxist idea that culture can operate as a form of power. He says that the philistine wealthy, who have money but have no idea of what culture is, convert real capital into cultural capital. They create their own subculture as if it were ready to wear. (Grief) At the like epoch Bourdieus a pproach criticizes the Marxist perspective in a way and Mark Grief states this fact in his article. He says that the habits of hatred and accusation are rather typical for hipsters of all the sub-groups. The main reason of this fact is that they feel the weakness of everyones position including their own. (Grief) They feel their own weakness. So, as a result of this emotional state, young people who not long past had a great power over the other representatives of hipsters and considered themselves to be the best in lifestyle, culture and fashion, feel low and insignificant in the presents of the other hipsters. In this situation we cannot say that culture can operate as a form of power.SOCIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS OF THE TERM HIPSTER IN OUR SOCIETYIt is very important to notice the fact that Griefs argument that terms like hipster do not make very good sociological concepts cannot be used for describing the social world in scientific terms. If we try to analyze the meaning of this word having read a great deal of articles regarding the lifestyle, behavior, fashion and culture of hipsters, well be able to give a certain characteristics to the term hipster. May be, it will be something with nix meaning but, nevertheless, it will represent the main true features of this word. So, hipsters are young people, the representatives of a certain social group or class and subculture which do not aim for anything, which do not dream of anything, which do not exclaim against anything or rebel, which do not invent or change anything. The response to the term hipster is striking. People do not hate hipsters. It is an obvious exaggeration. Anyway, people refer to this phenomenon as if it is the main root system of culture fall because hipsters can easily change one thing into another. Id like to represent the results of a survey which will tending us to see if this term can be used to describe the social world in scientific terms. People of different professions and social sta tus took part in this survey on the question of hipsters. Among them were students, designers, journalists, workers, businessmen. here are some examples of their answers.Question Does the word hipster have a positive or a negative meaning?Student Hipsters represent our modern youth and its quite normal.Journalist If a hipster is a one person in the crowd, its positive, but if there are hundreds of them gathered in one place, it irritates a lot.Designer I think if a person wants to distinguish himself from the crowd, its a good idea I cannot say anything negative about hipsters.Worker I dont know what are you talking about.Businessman Its not interesting for me.Photographer I am sure that hipsters make our life bright and merry. Their clothes, their glasses, everything is Okay.These are only several answers. However, we can easily prove the fact that the public opinion concerning hipsters is positive in most answers.So, I think that the term hipster can be used to describe the socia l group in scientific terms. Although there are many articles which prove the contrary. For example, Douglas Haddows article Hipster The Dead fire of Western Civilization considers hipsters to be the representatives of narcissism and spiritual shallowness which may lead to the end of civilization. He says that we came to the point in our civilization where counterculture has mutated into a self-obsessed aesthetic vacuum. (Haddow) At the same time another article Are Hipsters Really the End of Western Civilization written by Joseph Mohan calls down this opinion. The author of this article is sure that hipsters are simply kids in a build theyll eventually grow out of it, just like the Gen-Hers, punks, hippies, beatniks, and flappers before them. (Mohan) purposeIn conclusion, I should say that the issue discussed in my paper is a topical one. It is clear that different people have different opinions concerning hipsters in our society. The proverb says So many heads, so many opinions. That is true. Mark Grief used the work of Pierre Bourdieu to discuss this issue. Having analyzed some aspects in his article and some other articles which also touch upon the question of hipsters, I can agree that the term hipster can at the same time be so ambiguous and so meaningful to certain people of our society. Of course, this phenomenon is not dangerous for our civilization. Not all the people of our society can be hipsters. Nevertheless, we can easily use this term to denote a certain social group in our society. I think that its a very interesting question for any sociologist to declare out researches and have public surveys, to learn new things and study social science. Such people as hipsters help us to explore our society and draw corresponding conclusions.