Introduction
This assignment will discuss how my trait scores and natural tendencies contribute to my personality. The essay will also explore how personality traits describe people’s feelings, motivations, and understanding of differences. Personality traits gain significant importance since they influence every aspect of life. They guide people towards making their job choices, shopping decisions, and personality relationships. Thus, employees’ personalities are essential in understanding how people communicate, receive information, and react to change at the workplace. Understanding people’s personality traits is essential in defining how people use their competencies as strengths, identify improvement areas, and learn to work with each other.
Personality
Myers and Brigg’s theory describes the personality types in terms of four-letter codes. These codes describe random variations in people’s behaviors with predictable tendencies due to personality approaches to functional thoughts, interaction, and behavior. Extraversion describes an individual’s source of energy. People with this trait tend to be more outspoken and expressive. Sensing explains how a person takes and processes information (Quick & Nelson 2019). Sensors are practical people who tend to be hands-on learners. Judging describes how an individual organizes their world (Stein & Swan, 2019). Judgers plan their schedule to avoid the last-minute rush. When making a move, thinking is the decision-making tendencies showing how logical and reasonable an individual is.
My four-letter personality trait is ESTJ. I am highly extroverted and find my motivation in spending time with others. Sensing is my second highest trait as I tend to pay keen attention to details and facts rather than concepts and opinions. My third trait is thinking, which shows that I value making decisions based on logic and reason. I have low judging traits, implying that I prefer organization over spontaneous. I was surprised to learn that I can excel at goal setting and decision-making that drive success. I gained insights to take a leading role at work and work.
Teams comprising people of different traits have a unique sense of diversity that brings various dimensions. Working together with people of different traits is great as it would create a greater balance of strengths and weaknesses (Quick & Nelson 2019). The mix would provide the foundation for better quality decision-making. (Stein & Swan, 2019) The difficulties in working together aligning priorities to pursue a common goal. Our styles would systematically implement plans since we value organization over spontaneous actions. We would struggle to make decisions since, unlike my logical and practical approach to things, my colleague prefers working under clear, logical standards.
Interests
Completing the assessment taught me that interest assessments help people understand skills, talent, and personality traits across different situations. Understanding the personality aspect is crucial in identifying suitable careers, relationships, and personal growth. The personality assessment provides crucial insights into the categories of interests that drive individuals (Quick & Nelson 2019). The first category is realistic people who have good attributes in problem-solving. Learning interest personalities ensure gathering the requisite experience to match with desired careers.
They enjoy physical activity and working with their hands to fix things. The second category is investigative people who portray curiosity, analytical, and observant tendencies. This class has interests in working with machines, analyzing data, and solving puzzles. Artistic people are the most effective creators under unstructured situations (Stein & Swan, 2019). They love creating arts new ideas. The next category is enterprising people who prefer to lead. Their interests lie in persuasion, performance, and influence. The interest personality assessment also showed that social people love to work directly with people rather than things. The interest of this class of people is teaching and counseling (Quick & Nelson 2019). The final category is conventional people who possess persistence and respect. The hobbies of this group include working with data and creating reports.
Having different interests poses different challenges to working together by complicating understanding through discussion. Working together in groups is challenging if the participants have different personalities and interests. Decision-making in such groups is often slow and hard to arrive at due to conflicting opinions and perceptions (Quick & Nelson 2019). Individual group members with different interests also find it difficult to work towards a common goal. The goals and objectives of group members with different interests. Working together in groups with different interests is time-consuming and limits effective decision-making processes.
Values
Different values bring diverse ethical behaviors to the workplace. We have a unique mix of values in our groups that impact how we relate and coordinate tasks. For instance, my dominant values are concern for others, responsibility, and open-mindedness. In contrast, my colleague has strong self-respect, prosperity, and achievement values. My colleagues’ achievement values make them concerned about working hard to seek opportunities that will enhance their development. Conversely, my concern for others motivates me to share compassion while helping people prosper as a unit. These variations show that different values within the group affect perception and how individuals communicate.
Exploring value in the working environment is essential since it allows organizations to maximize unique norms and beliefs. Organizations with a diverse workforce often benefit from different perceptions and ideas that contribute to innovation and growth. Exploring value is essential in mobilizing employees towards a purpose. These values enable employees to identify their strengths and strive to achieve goals in a manner that benefits them and the entire organization. Having value alignment is essential in the workforce since it empowers employees to have a sense of engagement and purpose to reinforce their broader goals.
Our team might experience a value clash when members perceive actual and incompatible beliefs. Since our group members have different personalities and interests, strong personal beliefs may lead to disagreements and differing aims. Likewise, differences in value can lead to conflict when people have different perceptions about priorities (Schormair & Gilbert, 2021). This conflict often causes people to weigh values against each other and choose those to evaluate. Value clash can be resolved by endorsing perceptions as personally essential values (Schormair & Gilbert, 2021). Negotiating around value conflict to find the best solution is another essential strategy to resolving value clashes. What matters most in this approach is staying focused on the problem rather than people.
Conclusion
Personality traits explain how people leverage competencies and limitations to work together as a group. The knowledge of employees’ personalities in the workforce is crucial in understanding people’s communication patterns, information analysis, and reaction to change. My four personality trait letter is ESTJ. This trait defines my personality as a practical, logical, and organized person. Personality differences at the workplace might cause significant challenges in groups, especially in decision-making. Value clash arises from different perceptions held by individual group members. Conflict resulting from values can limit group harmony since it brings differing aims.
Referencing
Quick, J., & Nelson, D. L. (2019). ORGB 6th Edition. Cengage.
Schormair, M. J., & Gilbert, D. U. (2021). Creating value by sharing values: Managing stakeholder value conflict in the face of pluralism through discursive justification. Business Ethics Quarterly, 31(1), 1-36.
Stein, R., & Swan, A. B. (2019). Evaluating the validity of Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator theory: A teaching tool and window into intuitive psychology. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(2), e12434.
PESTEL Analysis: A Case Study On An Emerging Agribusiness In Rwanda Essay Example
Introduction
Ikirezi Natural products, a Rwanda-based essential oils company was founded in 2005 by Dr. Nicholas Hitimana. The company specializes in the production of essential oils for exportation to international markets as well as for domestic customers. Being the only producer of essential oils in Rwanda, the company faces many challenges, but it remains committed to improving the quality of life for the farmers. The company’s vision is to continue producing high-quality essential oils in partnership with farmers. It currently produces five types of essential oils, including Geranium, Patchouli, Lemongrass, and Eucalyptus. Having focused on international markets, the company wants to venture into the domestic market which has the potential to increase the company’s sales revenues and profitability. This discussion provides a detailed PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal) analysis. The analysis examines how each of these external factors affects Ikirezi Natural Products Company.
Political Factors
The company operates in a stable political environment. The launching of a new constitution in 2003 paved the way for the election of a transformational government led by President Kagame. Since then, the country has witnessed massive growth and a politically stable environment. The implementation of an ambitious development blueprint that seeks to transform the country into a middle-income nation has elevated the lives of Rwandans (Reyntjens, 2013). Regional integration, good governance, skilled human resource capital, world-class infrastructure, modernization of the agricultural sector, Strong private sector are the main pillars behind the stable political environment. The stable political environment coupled with transformational leadership allows companies such as Ikirezi to continue growing and expanding to international markets (Malunda & Serge, 2012). The recent strategy to focus on the domestic markets is based on the ease of doing business in Rwanda and the potential market for essential oils in Kigali.
Economic Factors
Rwanda has experienced economic prosperity over the last two decades. The country’s gross domestic product has grown at an average of 8%, which is a relatively high growth rate in Africa. The high economic growth has resulted in a rise in per capita income and a reduction in poverty levels. Vibrant economic policies and reforms have also led to the ease of doing business and elevated the country’s status in Africa (Streeter & McNaught, 2008). The agricultural sector has also received a major boost to increase exports and diversification. The favorable economic environment allows Ikirezi to thrive in the international markets as well as in the domestic market. The rise of the middle class population means more market for the company’s products domestically.
Social Factors
Being a community interest company, Ikirezi main goal is to maximize the social welfare of the community. It currently partners with 4 cooperatives in different locations and employs over 100 farmers directly. Hundreds of farmers also benefit from skills-based training that the company provides annually to fulfill its objective of transforming the communities. The company combines the best business practices with the sustainable social goals to increase net profits, offer dividends to farmers, strengthen the business, initiate developmental projects, and expand operations. Since its inception, the company has improved the lives of farmers through the provision of tangible and intangible benefits (Stephanie et al., 2017). Being a socially responsible company paves way for more growth and expansion in the domestic market.
Technological Factors
The uses technology to extract essential oils from raw materials. For example, the distillation process is carried out by a distillation machine. There are technicians who oversee the whole production process, ensuring that accurate heating and cooling occurs (Stephanie et al., 2017). However, bottling and packaging of the finished products are done manually. In addition, much of the farm-based activities are labor-intensive, which allows the company to hire a high number of farmers and farming assistants to provide guidance to farmers. Being a community-based company whose goal is to improve the lives of farmers, the company is better of being labor-intensive.
Environmental Factors
Effective production of essential oils relies on rainfall patterns since the raw materials come from farms. Climate change has recently affected crop production with the traditional seasons becoming unpredictable (Stephanie et al., 2017). As a result, water is becoming a scarce resource, forcing farmers to rely on irrigation to achieve their production goals. Thus, climate change poses a great risk to the company as lack of enough rainfall affects crop production. However, the recent intervention by the government to provide integrated management of water resources as well as expansion of irrigation networks is a move in the right direction.
Legal Factors
Ikirezi operates in a safe and secure legal environment with unmatched ease of doing business. The process of paying taxes and obtaining a business permit is easy and straightforward in Rwanda. In addition, social enterprises are considered the same as private entities as far as taxation policies and incentives are concerned. Thus, Ikirezi takes advantage of government incentives and tax holidays advanced to private companies to expand (Nowak, 2018). In addition, the government’s effort to commercialize the agricultural sector and to provide soft loans to agribusinesses means more opportunities for the growth of Ikirezi Company.
Conclusion
Overall, Ikirezi’s PESTEL analysis shows that Rwanda offers a conducive environment for small enterprises looking for growth. There are immense opportunities and ready markets for essential oils in Rwanda that the company should grab. The rise of the middle class coupled with high economic growth provides the company with unlimited growth opportunities.
References
Malunda, D., & Serge, M. (2012). Rwanda case study on economic transformation.
Nowak, W. (2018). Doing business in the fastest growing least developed countries. Economic and Social Development: Book of Proceedings, 537-543.
Reyntjens, F. (2013). Political governance in post-genocide Rwanda. Cambridge University Press.
Stephanie T. Coker, Yeareen Yun, Brettany Tucker, Yamatha Saint Germain, & Enkhzul Altangerel. (2017, March 29). Ikirezi Natural Products: From the Farm to Your Spa, Perfumer, and Home. http://www.cornellpolicyreview.com/impact-with-essential-oils/?pdf=4622
Streeter, R., & McNaught, M. (2008). Prospects for Prosperity: Rwanda and the Entrepreneurial Society. Civic Enterprises.
Physical Inactivity And Its Impact On The Health And Lifestyle Of Individuals Essay Example
Introduction
Physical inactivity is among the most common contributing factors for poor health in individuals, both those studying and those working (Ryu & Lee, 2013). One of the most affected regions of the body is the neck. According to Kim (2015), this is especially true judging from the effects of the weight impact of the head on the neck muscles coupled with prolonged periods of inactivity. Such long periods of inactivity may include time spent sitting, staring into a mobile phone or computer monitor (Kim, 2015). The head is maintained steady for long periods with minimal to no head movement during such times. This paper focuses on the impact of inactivity levels due to prolonged inactivity for students in Hong Kong, the impact on a healthy lifestyle, and possible remedies for controlling and preventing body posture-related health conditions on the neck region.
Reflection on learning experience (CBL group project)
The CBL group project has helped me understand the association between health surveys and neck pains by demonstrating the prevalence of neck pains within a population group. The project has also taught me several factors contributing to neck pains. As a nurse, one must become aware of neck pains symptoms and potential factors contributing to its development. Consequently, I have learned that neck pain problems are dependent on the group of affected individuals and the factors the group is predisposed to. This is especially the case for students in university who spend more time studying. I have learned that university students’ regular sitting positions may be the major contributing factors for the development of neck pains. Spending more time in such positions during online studying due to the ongoing pandemic leads to more complications associated with neck pains. Judging from the level of persistence in such complications, it becomes clear how neck pains result in further complications such as reducing lifestyle quality and overall productivity. As a nurse, other more common consequences for diagnosis include regional body discomfort, muscle pain, and reduced mobility and functionality. As a result, physical activity practices and orientations are crucial in alleviating this problem. Such remedies involve neck and shoulder exercises and proper ergonomic practices in study sessions among Hong Kong students. As a future nurse, I will educate my patients on the need to practice upright sitting positions with straightened backs, knees positioned slightly lower, and reading material at eye level. I will also emphasize ensuring physical movement from a seat every hour to provide exercise to the muscles and avoiding smartphone use for long periods at neck flexion positions to avoid straining the neck. Reducing pain is one of the primary treatments for neck pains. I have learned that this can be done using non-pharmacological and pharmacological pain management. I will combine pharmacological pain management treatments with non-pharmacological treatments such as physiotherapy and massage therapy as a nurse. Where necessary, I will provide referrals to qualified therapists for physical sessions in neck pain management. Additionally, it is vital that medical practitioners, such as nurses attending Hong Kong student patients, educate them on proper sitting positions and the importance of regular exercise that focuses on affected areas.
Impact of prolonged physical inactivity on the wellness of individuals within the society
Physical activity levels have been shown to reflect on aspects of society such as health and overall well-being. According to Ryu and Lee (2013), a study conducted in Korea on physical activity levels of adult Koreans concerning demographic, physical, and psychological variables during the country’s 2017 national health survey revealed associations between physical activity and overall well-being of Korean citizens. Physical activity was related to varying socio-economic and environmental factors such as health inequality-related factors. During the study, individuals who were found to be the most susceptible to mental health and chronic diseases also demonstrated the lowest physical activity levels. This suggests that a lack of physical activity among individuals, especially those at risk of suffering from chronic and mental illnesses, is a major contributing factor to deteriorating physical and mental health. According to the study, older females who form part of the minority group with low income also demonstrated lower than average levels of participation in physical activity. This also suggests that both socio-economic factors and physiological factors play a part in altering the healthy lifestyle of individuals (Han, 2009).
Additionally, it is thought that the difference in levels of physical activity within populations due to socio-economic factors may result in a trend of health inequality among the citizens of a given country. Given the above statistics, one may conclude that high levels of inactivity can contribute to weakened physical and mental health (Kim, 2015) along with chronic diseases. On the other hand, these lead to lowered socio-economic activities due to having a larger population of sick individuals. Medical costs are also bound to increase following an increase in unhealthy individuals. The result is an increase in the strain on the mental health of the caregivers (Han, 2009), the sick, and the country’s economic health.
Current efforts in primary healthcare and nursing community service
The most common cases of neck pains as witnessed by health practitioners do not stem from serious diseases and are often associated with bad postures and minor sprains. These neck pains are often referred to as ‘non-specific neck pains’ or ‘simple neck pains’ (Liu, 2016). Diagnostic procedures often entail checking for restricted neck movement where the pain worsens as the neck moves. For non-chronic neck pains, diagnosis entails checking for pains that come and go from time to time. No medical tests are required for simple neck pains associated with minor strains and poor posture. Treatment procedures often entail administering anti-inflammatory painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen (Liu, 2016).
In some cases, strong painkillers such as codeine and muscle relaxants such as diazepam may also be administered to deal with neck pains that are not responsive to other painkiller treatments. An exception is given for those with asthma, high blood pressure, heart failure or renal impairments. Patients may also be advised to purchase firm supporting pillows for sleeping and keep the neck active and upright. A practitioner may refer the patient to a physiotherapist for acute and chronic neck pains that don’t seem to respond well to pharmaceutical treatments. According to Verhagen (2014), a physiotherapist may advise on or administer various treatments such as traction, heat and manipulation practices. The physiotherapist may also advise on exercises that can be done at home to improve the patient’s condition. Additionally, relatively uncommon non-invasive treatment therapies such as low-level laser therapy may are offered in some hospitals. Other such less common treatments include acupuncture and massage therapies. Other hospitals may offer pain management programs (Verhagen, 2014) for patients with chronic pains to help control the pain.
Recommendations for improving physical activities and bridging service gaps
Initiatives need to be undertaken to bridge service gaps in addressing health and socio-economic challenges associated with high inactivity levels to ensure the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle within the population. The majority of patients have not been adequately educated on the importance of physical activity and the effects of physical inactivity on health (Verhagen, 2014). This presents a significant service gap in mass education. Additionally, some patients do not have access to resources and amenities that allow them to participate in physical activities, creating a service gap in resource allocation. Initiatives to educate may include media-based campaigns to promote the general population’s participation in physical activity (Joseph, 2014). The government should also provide free physical activity education within health centers and schools to encourage participation (Yahia, 2016).
Additionally, medical practitioners should emphasize the importance of the physical activity to patients to encourage their participation. Such emphasis should also include recommendations on desirable levels of engagement and methods to use during exercising. Individuals should also be encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and avoid extreme weight-reducing diets (Yahia, 2016). Such encouragement is essential because a good balance between diet and physical activity is required to maintain good health.
Conclusion
A combined effort is required from the educational sector, medical centers, government input, and individual initiative towards increasing participation in physical activity and generating improvement in healthy living (Yoo & Kim, 2017) to achieve the best results. More resources also need to be allocated to develop amenities and programs associated with physical activities in universities and health centers.
References
Han, M. A., Kim, K. S., Park, J., Kang, M. G., & Ryu, S. Y. (2009). Association between levels of physical activity and poor self-rated health in Korean adults: The Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2005. Public health, 123(10), 665-669.
Kim, S. E., Kim, J. W., & Jee, Y. S. (2015). Relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity in Chinese international students in Korea. Journal of behavioral addictions, 4(3), 200-205.
Liu, S. F., Wang, M. H., Lee, Y. L., & Cheng, Y. R. (2016, December). Applying Kano’s Model and QFD in User Interface Research of Shoulder and Neck Pains Examining Software. In 2016 8th International Conference on Information Technology in Medicine and Education (ITME) (pp. 94-98). IEEE.
Ryu, M., Jo, J., Lee, Y., Chung, Y. S., Kim, K. M., & Baek, W. C. (2013). Association of physical activity with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older adults: the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Age and ageing, 42(6), 734-740.
Yoo, S., & Kim, D. H. (2017). Perceived urban neighborhood environment for physical activity of older adults in Seoul, Korea: a multimethod qualitative study. Preventive medicine, 103, S90-S98.
Yahia, N., Wang, D., Rapley, M., & Dey, R. (2016). Assessment of weight status, dietary habits and beliefs, physical activity, and nutritional knowledge among university students. Perspectives in public health, 136(4), 231-244.
Joseph, R. P., Royse, K. E., Benitez, T. J., & Pekmezi, D. W. (2014). Physical activity and quality of life among university students: exploring self-efficacy, self-esteem, and affect as potential mediators. Quality of life research, 23(2), 659-667.
Verhagen, A. P. (2021). Physiotherapy management of neck pain. Journal of physiotherapy.