The War for Kindness, authored by Jamil Zaki, explores empathy in a fascinating way. Zaki defines the evolutionary role of affinity as increasing collaboration and hence improving the likelihood of survival. He also has shown how it can be taught as a skill and altered in the lab, emphasizing how, in theory, we could boost compassion to minimize conflict. In general, the book is worth reading the most crucial lesson because it demonstrates kindness as a proficiency and skill that can be cultivated, not an inherent character feature that one either possesses or lacks. The book illustrates the significance of increased affinity and rapport. in the world is the next primary reason it is worthwhile to read. As I read Zaki, I realized a fundamental connection between kindness and appreciation. Empathy creates an environment for sympathy, or what Zaki refers to as kindness, to flourish.
The book’s evidence-based analysis of rapport, which uncovers how it can malfunction, wear down, or otherwise go haywire and afterward addresses empathic shortcomings, makes it worthwhile. However, one of the crucial teachings from the book is that if people are willing to make an effort, they may acquire empathy in as many ways as possible. The challenge is that life and work can frequently interfere. Jamil Zaki deserves a lot of credit for compiling such a broad spectrum of information and research that shows how empathy, like a tissue, can grow or degenerate. One needs bravery, self-reflection, and the determination to step out of seclusion and into the vast unknown of other individuals to acquire empathy. You can find yourself uncovering the diverse and rich personalities of others as you practice empathy.
Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation
An ERP system can help people simplify the whole company and centralize all data, allowing for more accurate analytics and a more productive, collaborative, and data-driven workplace environment. Individuals from various develop common meanings through intercultural communication that is a representational, interpretative, transactional, and contextual activity. From the perspective of national culture, ERP systems should be developed in accordance with cultural differences and considering cultural theoretical approaches.
In order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational processes, it is feasible to suggest that businesses can adapt various technological advancements, for instance, Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP. ERP is a consolidated, integrated, flexible, and adjustable information service that streamlines corporate operations and preserves all company data in one place (Malik & Khan, 2021). It is a technology solutions product that is more adaptable, sensitive to changing company requirements, and covers all of the corporation’s essential operations (Malik & Khan, 2021). ERP is a company’s underpinning element of business intelligence, providing managers with a unified and comprehensive picture of all processes. It efficiently organizes the business’s functional operations, transforming the firm’s core values to something that is predominantly backed by technology. Information and communication technologies have the potential to profoundly alter the way businesses operate; many companies employ Enterprise Resource Planning systems to increase their productivity (Menon, 2019). ERP systems use corporate information and analytics to deliver a comprehensive overview of a firm’s activities (Menon, 2019). Thus, in general, ERP software is utilized for the purpose of reducing costs, improving transparency, and increasing the velocity of business processes.
In other terms, ERP software networks are integrated into the business activities of organizations; hence, all sphere related to a company, including interpersonal and intercultural, are influenced by ERP implementation. The ERP enables the firm remain functional with contemporary innovation networks by allowing outsiders, for instance, partners and customers, in while keeping insiders, such as internal procedures and staff, out (Uddin et al., 2019). In an entrepreneurial framework, a better understanding of ERP adoption and implementation now encompasses all of the operational key processes to cope with all of the value-creating agencies in downstream and upstream (Uddin et al., 2019). By connecting information about manufacturing, finance, logistics, and human resources, ERP solutions may help a company be more self-aware. An ERP solution may minimize expensive duplicate and mismatched technology by connecting multiple platforms utilized by different parts of an organization. Coherence between the host society and the ERP system culture might be critical to ERP success. Due to the inside company culture, which is symbolic of society culture, ERP program implementation in a globalized context might be fractured.
In fact, it is possible to state that cultural aspects can impact the implementation procedures in terms of ERP. From the perspective of national culture, ERP implementation can become a barrier and drawback for businesses regardless of market segment or type of activity. Companies in developing nations typically employ native ERP systems rather than international software (Ekren et al., 2018). ERP suppliers and experts, on the other hand, have provided several global ERP blueprints incorporating their multi-language and high-quality customization possibilities; nevertheless, there may be certain cultural adaptation issues that arise during ERP program implementation (Ekren et al., 2018). As a result, ERP systems in emerging nations confront several problems, particularly cultural concerns (Ekren et al., 2018). In comparison to ERP initiatives done by worldwide ERP companies, national ERP projects confront unique difficulties (Alkraiji et al., 2020). The uniformity of ERP systems should be investigated in terms of enterprise applications, distributors and partners, strategic partnerships, and ERP complete software consistency. As a result, ERP architects, consultants, and suppliers must first adjust their products and services to various national settings, as well as diverse kinds of businesses within a single nation.
It is compulsory to emphasize the theoretical frameworks that are generally reported in the scholarly literature to explain ERP implementation from the perspective of national culture. For instance, it is feasible to highlight an approach connected to interpersonal and intercultural communication, which is Hofstede’s theory. Some studies use Hofstede’s country dimensions of culture to examine the influence of cultural characteristics on the deployment of ERP systems from a holistic perspective, particularly in the setting of developing countries (Ekren et al., 2018). Furthermore, academic evaluations of ERP systems were undertaken using Hofstede’s local cultural dimensions, accompanied by empirical methodology and cultural differences analyses (Ekren et al., 2018). In ERP implementation, Hofstede’s approach can be utilized in order to obtain an imporved understanding of the basic principles of cultural diversity.
At the same time, this theory neglects personification and individualization since it encompasses general notions that cannot be applicable to everyone. Multiple disciplines overlap in cross-national study on cultural variations across place and time, although the significance of themes varies by academic subject (Beugelsdijk & Welzel, 2018). In cross-cultural psychology and intercultural communication, Hofstede’s dimensional theory of culture reigns supreme (Beugelsdijk & Welzel, 2018). Another theoretical framework that can be used in ERP implementation is Inglehart’ concept. Inglehart tested his hypothesis using World Values Survey data from 43 cultures that were demographically and statistically representative of their people (Kaasa, 2021). This idea is different form Hofstede’s since it emphasizes dynamic cultural transformation; therefore, it can be critically applied to ERP development.
Finally, Schwartz’s elaboration can be mentioned due to its relevance in values and cultural differences research. The Schwartz theory of fundamental values determines various broad human values that can be tied to cultural variables and are distinguished by the underlying objective or desire (Guo et al., 2020). On the basis of distinct investigations at each level, Schwartz’s value-based structure distinguished multiple types of value constructions at the individual and cultural stages (Guo et al., 2020). In general, all the three abovementioned theories have been used to explain ERP implementation in organisations since they assist ERP developers in comprehending cultural differences and features to adjust ERP technologies. These approaches have been empirically tested for ERP context and compared to each other.
In addition, adding to the previously described approaches, ERP risk factors should be underlined. Another study’s major goal is to discover the national criteria that influence ERP adoption risk factors (Zendehdel Nobari et al., 2018). One of the research’s findings is the merging of local ERP implementation specialists’ tacit and explicit knowledge with meta-synthesis findings on national characteristics impacting ERP implementation risk conditions (Zendehdel Nobari et al., 2018). Grounded and multi grounded theoretical aspects were used to uncover national criteria determining implementation risk factors for ERP (Zendehdel Nobari et al., 2018). Grounded theory is a common approach that is used in numerous qualitative and quantitative data production research activities (Chun Tie et al., 2019). The goal of grounded theory is to uncover or develop theory from evidence that has been collected consistently and analyzed through comparative analysis (Chun Tie et al., 2019). In contrast to intercultural theories, grounded theoretical framework can help in the research related to cultural features in ERP elaboration.
Concerning the views of the suitability of culture framework to explain ERP implementation, it is possible to note that cultural aspects are essential in the process of adjusting ERP programs. ERP deployment necessitates a full commitment from the business as well as a substantial change management solution in the context of employees from various cultures (Kiran & Reddy, 2019). At the same time, it is obligatory to state that it is incorrect to focus solely on cultural features. For instance, corporate sensemaking is critical to ERP adoption since it allows the focus organization to obtain a better knowledge of the organization’s particular contextual difficulties (Tan et al., 2020). The contextual factors underlying ERP adoption, in addition, impact the sensemaking architecture (Tan et al., 2020). Thus, given the importance of national culture theoretical framework analysis, it is also necessary to pay attention to other variables and dependencies related to ERP adaptation and implementation.
To summarize, it is possible to state that firms implement different technical breakthroughs, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP, in order to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational operations. In reality, it is conceivable to argue that cultural factors have an influence on ERP adoption techniques. ERP deployment, independent of market sector or kind of operation, can become a barrier and a detriment for organizations due to national culture. Given the relevance of national culture theoretical framework analysis, additional factors and dependencies connected to ERP adaptation and implementation must also be considered.
References
Alkraiji, A. I., Jayawickrama, U., Olan, F., Asaduzzaman, M., Subasinghage, M., & Gallage, S. (2020). The perspective of national ERP vendors in achieving ERP project success in government organisations: A case of Saudi Arabia. Enterprise Information Systems, 1-34. Web.
Beugelsdijk, S., & Welzel, C. (2018). Dimensions and dynamics of national culture: Synthesizing Hofstede with Inglehart. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 49(10), 1469-1505.
Chun Tie, Y., Birks, M., & Francis, K. (2019). Grounded theory research: A design framework for novice researchers. SAGE Open Medicine, 7.
Ekren, G., Koç, T., Erkollar, A., & Oberer, B. (2018). Cultural aspects in the adoption of ERP systems: A holistic view. The International Symposium for Production Research, 355-366. Web.
Guo, C. J., Warkentin, M., Luo, X. R., Gurung, A., & Shim, J. P. (2020). An imposed etic approach with Schwartz polar dimensions to explore cross-cultural use of social network services. Information & Management, 57(8), 103261. Web.
Kiran, T., & Reddy, A. (2019). Critical success factors of ERP implementation in SMEs. Journal of Project Management, 4(4), 267-280.
Malik, M. O., & Khan, N. (2021). Analysis of ERP implementation to develop a strategy for its success in developing countries. Production Planning & Control, 32(12), 1020-1035.
Menon, S. (2019). Critical challenges in enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. International Journal of Business and Management, 14(7), 54-69. Web.
Kaasa, A. (2021). Merging hofstede, schwartz, and inglehart into a single system. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 52(4), 339-353. Web.
Tan, B., Pan, S. L., Chen, W., & Huang, L. (2020). Organizational sensemaking in ERP implementation: The influence of sensemaking structure. MIS Quarterly, 44(4). Web.
Uddin, M. A., Alam, M. S., Mamun, A. A., Khan, T. U. Z., & Akter, A. (2019). A study of the adoption and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP): Identification of moderators and mediator. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(1).
Zendehdel Nobari, B., Azar, A., Rahmati, M., Kazerooni, M., Ghasemi, A. (2018). Identifying national effective parameters in ERP implementation risk factors in Iran by multi grounded approach. Public Management Researches, 11(41), 5-28.
Impact Of The Advanced Technology
Technological advancements have made life easy on earth through automation and digitization of human activities. The planet benefits from technological developments through reduced deforestation and pollution. The adoption of technologically enabled systems has helped human beings recycle products that are harmful to the planet. Meanwhile, technology helps people effectively manage intimate relationships. The development of social media and other communication channels allows people to manage conflicts and disseminate their grievances without prejudice. Furthermore, technological advancements have influenced cultural beliefs and social beliefs. The mainstream media has been on the frontline of promoting cultural beliefs in the public. Therefore, the recent advancements in technology have positively influenced life on earth through environmental conservation and enhanced human interactions.
Technology and Our Planet
The earth has features that support human life and other living organisms. The oxygen and water serve the crucial purpose of giving life to the organisms on earth. Moreover, the soil support plants that provide food for animals on earth. Destruction of soil, water, and air can lead to the death of the living organisms that survive on earth (Bilal et al. 4). Human activities such as deforestation, industrial activities, and the use of non-renewable energy sources are detrimental to the earth. Although human beings may exploit the earth’s resources for their benefit and survival, such activities risk the lives of other living organisms. Technological advancements such as electric cars inventions, renewable energy sources, and environmental control systems help protect the earth.
Transport and communication are one of the major human activities on earth. Transportation involves the use of motor vehicles that utilizes fuels such as diesel and petroleum. The combustion of the fuel leads to the release of gases such as Carbon dioxide that are detrimental to the air. Unlike diesel-powered vehicles, electric cars are fast and environmentally friendly (Čekerevac et al.). Moreover, electric cars make lesser noise than diesel-powered motor vehicles. Furthermore, the technology has eliminated unnecessary use of motor vehicles that is harmful to the environment. For instance, the banking industry benefits from electronic transfer of money (Baradaran 402). Consequently, it is easier to send money to any part of the world without the intervention of motor vehicles. The electric cars and electronic money transfer protect the environment from pollution.
Human beings use fuel to conduct various activities such as cooking, and running machines, among others. The use of non-renewable sources of energy such as diesel, kerosene, and petroleum, is detrimental to the environment and natural resources on earth. For instance, ozone gases are released through the burning of fuels, increasing the earth’s temperatures. Technological inventions in renewable sources of energy help protect the earth from the scorching effects of the ozone gases. The technology utilizes clean energy sources such as the sun, wind, and geothermal power. The solar panels are structured in such a manner that they can produce enough power as fuels. Additionally, the windmills utilize the moving air to produce energy. The clean energy produced from renewable sources does not affect the earth and living organisms.
Technology and Our Relationships
Technology plays a significant role in human routine activities such as work and business. A human relationship is a multifaceted concept that involves daily interactions at home, and the workplace, among others. Maintaining the relationship can be difficult, especially in presence of social barriers such as miscommunication and cultural intolerance. The communication systems allow human beings to effectively communicate, and solve any conflict that hinders their associations. Moreover, the use of technologically enabled banking systems such as electronic help people quickly share money with their loved ones when troubled (Baradaran 402). Technological developments help human beings build strong relationships through effective communications and financial support.
The developments of social media platforms help human beings to form social groups that reject various social injustices. Platforms such as Twitter allow the global community to campaign against racism and any other acts that endanger the association among people from various social groups. Consequently, the people see each other as friends, and not enemies. Moreover, the mainstream media such as Television stations and social media networks such as YouTube are used to run programs that encourage people to love each other. For instance, Netflix airs documentaries on the effect of the past world wars. People learn the importance of respecting each other from the negative effects of the wars. Technology has brought history into reality, allowing human beings to learn from their past mistakes.
Technological advancements have led to the formation of strong intimate relationships. The development of dating sites such as Tinder allows people with common hobbies to share their personal experiences, and dates. The sites have been advanced to mobile phone applications with messaging capabilities. Consequently, the potential lover birds get in touch with each other frequently, enhancing stronger intimate relationships. Moreover, the Tv programs integrate family shows that help the family members understand their roles. Furthermore, technology is crucial in bringing similar professionals together through social platforms such as LinkedIn. Therefore, the recent technological advancements have positively influenced human relationships through social communities that help people learn to form each other and learn from their past mistakes that encumbered peaceful living.
Technology and Our Beliefs
Social and cultural beliefs are significant for economic growth and development. Human society is diverse, consisting of people from different cultural backgrounds with unique ways of living. Technological developments have positively influenced cultural beliefs, traditions, and social values among people. Culture help reflect a certain group of people’s perceptions, values, and practices (Kendall 427). Technology help reflects a certain society’s beliefs on various social and economic aspects. For instance, the Christian community promotes their Biblical beliefs through the development of a website that teaches people about the life of Jesus Christ. Moreover, many countries have adopted the technology for uniform economic growth (Baradaran 403). Therefore, social and economic development are enhanced through technological advancements.
Cultural development is crucial for social harmony among various groups of people. Social media platforms play a significant role in allowing the diverse community to interact without prejudicing each other. For instance, various ethnic and racial groups are allowed to express themselves regardless of an audience with contradicting views and beliefs. People of different sexual orientations utilize social media platforms to influence positive attitudes among the community that rejects them. Multiculturalism, and gender equality, among other social values are enhanced through technology. Consequently, social movements such as “black lives matter” have gained wide public support. The positive cultural developments, as influenced by technology, have led to an equal society where leaders are chosen regardless of their ethnic or racial backgrounds. Therefore, the recent technological advancements promote social values and beliefs in the global community.
Technology and Our Socialization
Socialization involves the acquisition of values, habits, and attitudes from a given community. Technological advancements have played significant roles in enhancing human interactions. The development of the internet has led to the interaction of people from different parts of the world. For instance, interactive websites and platforms such as Facebook and MySpace allow the global community to share their personal experiences. Individuals are allowed to share their daily experiences by tagging their friends and family members on social media posts and stories. Consequently, human interaction is made a reality regardless of distance.
Social systems have been enhanced through technological developments that reflect different lifestyles. For instance, social media frame rich and famous people as living comfortable lives (Kendall 427). The people in the lower classes are encouraged to work harder, and live more comfortable lives like the rich and famous as portrayed on the platforms (Bregman 445). Meanwhile, people live comfortably with each other since technological developments have helped conceal wealth from the public (Baradaran 411). Financial technology helps people interact without fear of being stolen. For instance, the use of e-banking services such as credit cards allows the rich and poor to socialize without fear. The recent technological advancements have enhanced security which is crucial for socialization among human beings.
Conclusion
Technology has made life easier on earth through environmental conservation, positive socialization, enhanced multiculturalism, and enhanced socialization. The advent of electric cars and renewable sources of energy helps preserve the environment. The technologies enable human beings to conduct their routine activities without polluting the environment. Moreover, strong human relationships have been influenced by social platforms and Tv programs. The dating sites allow people to virtually meet, learn about each other’s hobbies, and build a strong intimate relationship. The technology reflects the cultural beliefs of various societies, enhancing multiculturalism and equality. Furthermore, various advents promote socialization among various social classes. Therefore, life on earth would be difficult without technological developments.
Works Cited
Baradaran, Mehrsa. “From How the Other Half Banks: Exclusion, Exploitation, and the Threat to Democracy.” Money and Success. 402-412.
Bilal, Asif, Ehtishama Noor, and Ayesha Sajjad. “Urbanization Causing Habitat Destruction and Loss of Birds Diversity in District Sargodha.” Open Access Journal of Biogeneric Science and Research, vol. 10, no. 2, 2021.
Bregman, Rutger. “Why we should give free money to everyone: hard data.” Money and Success. 443-454.
Čekerevac, Zoran, Zdeněk Dvořák, and Lyudmila Prigoda. “Electric or Internal Combustion Engines for Passenger Cars? –Environmental and Economic Aspects.” Communications-Scientific letters of the University of Zilina 24.1 (2022): B49-B58.
Kendall, Diana. “Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption.” Money and Success. 425-430.