Theoretical dimensions involving criminal behavior Research Paper

Theoretical dimensions involving criminal behavior - Research Paper Example Cultural norms are actions and practices that are well-accepted in society, while deviant actions are those that are not acceptable. All forms of crime are considered deviant. It is not acceptable for a person to break into the house of someone else and take everything. It is not acceptable for a person to randomly kill another person. Thus, deviants, most especially, criminals, need to be punished in order for them to be accepted again into society. Theories on Criminal Behavior One of the sociological theories that were applied to criminal behavior was Durkheim’s concept of anomie. Anomie is the mismatch between a person’s (or a group’s) beliefs and that of the majority. When a feeling of anomie exists, then the two groups can not exist in the presence of the other. One has to give way, usually, the smaller group adapting the norms of the larger group. When the smaller group decides to continue going against the norms, then conflict would occur. The concept of anomie was used by Robert King Merton and other sociologists to develop what they refer to as the Strain Theory. The strain theory states that social structures and norms within society may pressure citizens to commit crime. It follows Durkheim’s study of anomie and suicide. He believed that a person commits suicide due to a feeling of insignificance and alienation. Merton used Durkheim’s views to further explain deviance and criminal behavior. ... et of social relationships in which members of the society or group are variously implicated." Anomie, the state of normlessness, arises when there is "an acute disjunction between the cultural norms and goals and the socially structured capacities of members of the group to act in accord with them." (Merton, 1968) Merton then links all the three concepts and believes that discontinuities between culture and structure cause deviance. Source: Wikipedia.org If Merton’s theory would be applied to the social context at present, an example we can use is the common belief that crimes increase in times of economic crisis. People have certain cultural practices, and these practices are supported by the structure (government and economy). Once the structure breaks down, like in an economic crisis, the people would have to adjust their practices. Those who cannot adjust to the new structure, or those who does not want to adjust, tend to do crimes. It’s like a person who steals mo ney from the bank so that he or she can buy food and other basic needs. Robert Agnew further explained Merton’s theory, believing that a theory should not be tied to social class or culture. He popularized the general strain theory, which focused more on an individual’s immediate social environment. He argued that an individual's actual or anticipated failure to achieve positively valued goals, actual or anticipated removal of positively valued behavior, and actual or anticipated presentation of negative behavior all result in strain. For example, if an individual fails to get the kind of attention that he or she expects from others, then that would cause that individual to feel bad about other people. These situations are more common among children, and if this kind of feeling builds up, then

Strategy Implementation of Coca-Cola Research Paper

Strategy Implementation of Coca-Cola - Research Paper Example The present study would focus on the Coca-Cola Company. It has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and well developed systems, procedures and tools that align it to the structure in place to enable it cope with ever increasing competitive world. It creative and innovative culture has enabled it to keep in pace with stiff competition from their main competitor Pepsi. The company has developed a strand of valuable resources in its people and the resources that it contains that enable the multinational to serve its customers with quality and attractive products. The firm has employed a number of strategies so as to realize it objectives and visions, such as fair returns on shareholder value increase value to the community. During the 2010 annual report, it is noted that the company adopted a number of strategies. As noted in their press release, the company has continued to increase the volume of business through innovation and diversification of its products into potential markets esp ecially North America by building several brands such as Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitamin water, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Business analysts provide that the company has continued to deal with volatile economic challenges in their pursuit of global business. The firm has also continued to invest in order to build solid brands of coke fuelled by marketing and promotional innovations. For instance, the ‘open happiness campaign and FIFA world cup promotional programs drove growth and increased reputation of the coke brands. Furthermore, the firm has continued to pursue sustainable developments in the environments and education funding through corporate social responsibility imitative. Structure of the organisation The firm has a well organized organic structure that consist of shorter and learner span of control that ensure timely decisions are met effectively. It has a simple matrix structure that consists of divisions led and driven by p rojects (Mintzberg, 1979; Glueck,1980; Gilbraith and Nathason,1978). The firm has a both decentralised and centralised. The corporate leaders of the company have delegated authority to a number of line and tactical managers in all their divisions around the world so that faster and timely decisions can be arrived. This translates into better quality of service delivery to their customers. Mintzberg (1979) argues that it is pertinent for a firm to centralise some certain policies, as centralising certain essential matters that deal with strategy and strategic options of the overall firm ensures that control is limited and controlled appropriately. These include product and market development. It has also centralised forms of policies and values that every stakeholder should adhere to in discharging their duties and responsibilities. Chandler (1962), Mintzberg (1979) and Glueck (1980) note that some essential matters that arise out of agency necessitate the corporate leaders to retain some authority and control to avoid misappropriation of powers for their own interest and at the expense of the firm.. This ensures uniformity in their systems, procedures and techniques so that productions techniques and tools are similar to maintain a brand name and reputation of the company. For instance, last year it was in a process of improving the quality of brands by pursuing a healthier diet campaign in the United States of America. It also instituted a number of promotional tools that boosted its sales volume and drove its global competiveness higher than 5 %(