Transformational Leadership in Human Resource Management

Introduction The business environment is highly dynamic. High stakes in management have been raised rendering the traditional management theories ineffective and compelling new revitalized approach to organizational management. The human capital is the most important agent of change, innovation, and excellence in service in today’s business environment (Burns, 1979, p. 56).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Transformational Leadership in Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, human resource management is no longer regarded as a factor of production but a business partner in the pursuit of the goals and objectives of organizations. This research proposal highlights the change in human resource management required given the current trends in business. Transformational leadership is the required ingredient to human resource management for effective realization of organizational goals. Discussion Organizations have realized that human capital is the most important driver for change to the extent that it facilitates the creation and maintenance of sustainable competitive advantage in an organization. Leadership style adopted by an organization is an important people management factor that the style of leadership as indicated by Bass et al. (2003, p. 102) sets the tone in every aspect of people management from performance management to organizational culture adopted and practiced everyday in the workplace. A study by Hay Foundation as explained in Berman et al. (2006, p. 99) examined over 75 components that promote employee satisfaction. It identified trust and confidence in leadership as the most important factors of promoting employee satisfaction and job commitment. The study also showed that effective communication was the most important leadership vehicle for winning workers’ loyalty, trust and confidence. The classical theories are no longer applicable in the management of people and specifically employees in organizations. These theories were autocratic and failed to realize that human capital has an important role to play in the performance and growth of an organization. Many organizations have embarked on using a modern theory of transformational leadership in managing their employees. According to Inkson Kolb (2002, p. 69), one of the theories that successful organizations have adopted in the recent past is transformational theory. Transformational theory makes possible for individuals to redefinition of vision and mission, and refocuses on their pledge and the reformation of their systems for objective achievement. â€Å"A relationship of mutual stimulation and elevation converts followers into leaders and may convert leaders into moral agents† (Samson Raft, 2008, p. 79). It is a process where leaders and followers create a mutual and collective approach to management by emphasizing upon one philosophy, vision, high standards of morality and performance. Transformational leadership style essentially transforms every worker into a leader; it is squarely pegged on egalitarian culture, empathy and self – management.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The use of this type of leadership inhuman resource management will guide organizations to higher levels of performance. The modern organization employing transformational type of leadership usually applies its four components to their management styles to produce excellent out come for the organizations. According to Samson Raft (2009, p. 80), transformational leadership can be applied in the top management of the organization. To begin with, the management should act as role models to inspire and motivate the employees. Through the application of charisma, the management will depict admirable behavior towards employees. They can also in spire and motivate their employees by coming up with vision and mission for the organization that include employees. By making the employees internalize the goals of the company, the human resource management can match the goals of organization and employees’ goals therefore making them achievable (Burns, 1979, p. 121). Human resource management ensures that there is a good compensation package for employees. According to Berman, (2006), when a company is doing well financially by generating more revenue, it commits a substantial part of it to improve the working conditions of its employees as well as raising their salaries. It also employs the best human resource personnel that manage the employee welfare well. Additionally, they improve working conditions so that employees find no reason to complain again. Through promotion strategies, employees gain a sense of belonging and they feel they are valued hence better performance of an organization. The employment of an effectiv e human resource management team is very important. Best performing organizations have efficient and effective human resource management skills. This has enabled increased communication in such organizations thus reducing the cases of employee-employer misunderstanding. According to Samson Raft (2009), an effective human resource management is vital for the dealing with case of collective bargaining. An organization with an effective human resource management rarely experiences strike. The effective management takes into consideration core values like putting the employee first. This is because the employee is a factor of production like capital and the output of the firm is because of the employees’ hard work. Therefore, the employees’ needs and values should be seriously handled (Samson Raft, 2009). The human resource management should challenge employees’ assumptions while stimulating and encouraging creativity at the work place. Above all, the employees sh ould be appreciated for their achievements. The human resource management should come up with mechanisms to recognize, appreciate, and reward extraordinary employee efforts at the work place. This will encourage more productivity and lead to higher performance of the organization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Transformational Leadership in Human Resource Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Winkler (2009, p. 145) argues that through the employment of the four major components of transformational leadership in the organization, employees will be transformed to leaders in their respective fields of work and all parties will benefit the organization, the management and the employees. The organization will increase its competitive advantage and therefore become more profitable. Higher profits will translate to higher rewards to employees and the management in terms of better compensation packages. Conclusi on The world has changed with globalization and technology transforming the business environment. Many organizations have now turned to transformational management for human resource management. This is because the use of this type of leadership enables organizations to change their employees into leaders in their field of specialization and therefore increasing the competitiveness of the organization. The four components of transformational leadership are applied in shaping the employees and matching their goals to those of the organization. The management acts as role models and employees follow, as the competitive advantage is increase leading to the benefit of all parties (the employees, the management, and the organization). References Bass, B. et al. (2003). Predicting unit performance by assessing transformational and transactional leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88 (2), 207-218. Berman, M., James, S., Jonathan, P. Montgomery, W. (2006). Human Resource Management in Public Service: Paradoxes, Processes, and Problems. New York, NY: Sage Publications. Burns, J. (1979). Leadership. New York, NY: Prentice Hall. Inkson, K. Kolb, D. (2002). Management: perspectives for New Zealand. 3rd Ed. New York, NY: Prentice Hall.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Samson, D. Raft, R. (2009). Management: Asia pacific edition. 3rd Ed. Victoria: Cengage. Winkler, I. (2009). Contemporary leadership theories: Enhancing the understanding of the complexity, subjectivity, and dynamic of leadership. Philadelphia, PL: WB Saunders Press. This essay on Transformational Leadership in Human Resource Management was written and submitted by user Alia Craft to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Celta application form Essay Example

Celta application form Essay Example Celta application form Essay Celta application form Essay Essay Topic: College application Universal Jorge Tattooed Logan, 2007-2010 During my thesis at the university, I worked as a teaching assistant with undergraduate students. I worked on several microbiology laboratories. Activities generally consisted in explaining the theory for a certain technique or procedure, followed by practical exercises. My responsibilities included assisting students with equipment (measuring, handling), reviewing workflow charts and assisting the professor. Microbiology laboratories are quite demanding and due to safety measures, one must make sure the students follow the protocols and workflow precisely. Finch el Highern, Santa Elena, Ecuador From mid-2010 until 2013 lived on the coast of Ecuador near Quailing. During this time I worked on an agricultural project where students from a local school (College tectonic De Santa Elena) visited the farm once a week to practice what they had learned at school. Activities included equipment instructions, agricultural practices, crop planning, plant growth etc. Activities were conducted during a whole school year. What other work experience do you have? Have had several jobs in customer service and logistics. I have worked for English campaigns in the USA such us Compact and Att. Do you have any other professional training? Yes No If Yes, outline here: Customer service Operations Carpentry and Masonry OTHER INFORMATION Please indicate any health concerns that may be pertinent to your application: None Is there any other information you think is worth mentioning? How did you hear about the courses at International House Bogota;? Internet Will you need help with accommodation? Yes OTHER APPLICATIONS Have you previously applied for a CELT course at any centre? Yes If yes what was the outcome of your application/interview? Approved Are you applying to centers other than II Bogota;? British Council IMPORTANT: Please note that acceptance on a course does not mean a place has been reserved for you. To ensure a place the full fee must be paid no later than six weeks before the start of the course. Fees are not transferable or refundable. I have read and accepted the above conditions. Signed: Arturo Date: 4/15/2015 PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THIS FORM ONCE YOU HAVE LADLED IT IN. Pre-intent. IEEE task: CELT at II Bogota; Name: Arturo Hypes 1. LEARNING There is a lot to learn about teaching in a very short period of time. How would you characterize yourself as a learner? I believe my learning style is a blend between visual and kinesthesia. As input, like for information to be presented visually; reading written dialogues while Im listening helps retaining information. I am also a hands on person and therefore I learn by doing it. I believe on the effectiveness of an empirical approach depending on the topic. B) W hat is your preferred learning style? For example: 1. Watch it done and copy it 2. Read the theory of it and try to apply it 3. Try it out and get feedback on it 4. Work it out for yourself 5. Or My style would be a combination between number 1 and 2. Depends on the topic and the task. 2. TEACHING Answer the following in 2 or 3 sentences: i. How would you get students talking in class? An effective introduction with positive attitude and a smile is a start. It is important to start with a low level of complexity, start building empathy and provide students with enough information for them to fill confident. Then I would continue asking questions, listening carefully in order to keep asking questions based on what they have said. Ii. What are some of the reasons for and against teaching grammar rules? Reasons Against: grammar based lessons dont lead to oral fluency, language is acquired rather than learned. Reasons for: grammar is De backbone of a language, bringing an idea to its full extension needs the underlying structure of grammar. Iii. How important is listening and reading when learning a foreign language? One needs a massive input of data to learn a language fluently, this helps to develop language intuition, while bringing and incorporating new words into the speech. Iv. What is a good way of teaching vocabulary? Some effective ways for teaching vocabulary are: guessing the meaning wrought the context Of a lecture. The Odd word out, where a list Of 4-5 words contains one that does not fit. Match the opposites. 2 lists of words the first list should contain adjectives and the second the opposite of those adjectives. V. What are the main reasons for and against correcting students mistakes? Reasons for: most students do want to have some of their mistakes corrected as it gives them a basis for improvement. Letting errors pass means that bad habits become persistent. Reasons against: over-correcting may cause a student to lose motivation or to stop talking for fear of being wrong. It can also interrupt the flow of the class or activity, making a pause on every mistake to correct. 3. THE TEACHER a. In your opinion, which of the following jobs would best prepare a person for language teaching (choose one only): sports coach tour group leader driving instructor actor/actress Why? Social worker lecturer sales person nurse Multiple interactions with different kinds of people can lead to learn different accents, words, slang etc. Which helps to develop a more richer language. B. In the light of the above, why do you think YOU are suited to language teaching? Ive been interested in the English language and due to my school and university Ive studying it for most of my life. I am also an open minded individual with excellent interpersonal relationships and lots of stamina, which in my opinion can help develop good relations with students. 4. TEACHER TALK ORe-phrase the following teacher talk in language that an elementary learner might understand. O. If you wouldnt mind opening your books to page 23, please. Please open your books and go to page 23. D. What might you ask someone if you wanted to find out how to get to the cost office? What would you say to someone if you need help finding the post office? O. Jot down the answers and then swap with your neighbor. Write down the answer and then exchange it with the person next to you. 5. LANGUAGE AWARENESS 000000000. Which is the odd one out in each group, and why? O. The babys bottle. The nations struggle. The teachers absent. The nurses pay. The governments defeat. The teachers absent is the odd one out because it refers to something happening in the present. The apostrophe is used as a contraction for the teacher is. While in the others is used as a possessive. 0. 0 The plane was hi-jacked by a woman. The tourists were attacked by a gang. The soldier was hit by a bullet. The trains collided by a river. Three hundred people were killed by the earthquake. Why? The by on the sentence is being used in the sense of beside meaning the trains collided at the side of a river or next to it. The others are using it in the sense of through the action of 0. 0 She must have lost the address. Alan must have been here too. That must have been awful. The thieves must have got in through the window.

Jesus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Jesus - Essay Example Paul certainly made a concerted effort to distance the persona of Jesus from His Jewish background, by elevating Him to a supernatural and transcendent platform. While addressing his Corinthian congregations, Paul says that "If Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and our faith has been in vain. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (1 Cor. 15:14, 17). 2. The most rampant misconception about Judaism in the academic and theological circles is that the Jewish theology and law happens to be an utterly monolithic entity that is devoid of all the versatility and elements of dissent, the attributes so essential to claim validity and social and popular acceptance in the modern world. Not only is this impression far from reality, but utterly dilutes the reality that like other valid religions, Judaism is a living, vibrating and ever evolving religion that is seriously sensitive to the needs of the times and the altering aspirations of the masses. Ample evidence pertaining to this fact exists in the Jewish religious texts. Several learned and influential sources have done their best to establish that Judaism is basically misogynistic and is peculiarly harsh to the issues and problems faced by the women in the past and the present. Many people believe that Jesus' injunctions against divorce were an attempt to safeguard the women of His times against the injustices of the Jewish laws. The fact is that prejudices rampant against women in the times of Jesus were not peculiar to Judaism only, but were a generalized phenomenon that was common to the Jewish and non-Jewish societies of those days. Hence, misogynist tendencies cannot be solely attributed to the Jews, when the Church itself has its share of prejudices against women and other marginalized segments of the society. 3. The Liberation Theology and the World Council of Churches can definitely re-fabricate their version of Christianity to be more contemporary so as to extend their scope for justice and reconciliation to incorporate a Jewish context, by accepting the Jewish background of Jesus to begin with. 4. Levin's message of interfaith dialogue seems to be in consonance with Jesus' understanding of religion as Jesus assessed the faithful by their conduct, which left ample scope for the participation of non-Christians. However, this does not hold true for Paul's understanding of religion. 5. A. A Marcionite is a person who recognizes Jesus to be the savior sent by God and regards Paul to be His chief apostle, but is intolerant of Yahweh and Hebrew Bible. B. Constantine I also known as Constantine the great was the first Roman emperor who was affiliated to Christianity. C. A Gnostic is a person who owed allegiance to a series of religions that originated in the antiquity, which had elaborate and sometimes contradictory belief systems. The Jewish mystical studies of Kabbalah owe a lot to Gnostic ideas. D. Shema stands for an affirmation of the Jewish faith and a firm belief in one God. Jews are expected to say Shema in the morning and at night.

Design Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Design Proposal - Assignment Example John Hopkins evidenced based model provides a strong and powerful problem-solving approach when making decision in the clinical setting. Tools that are user-friendly accompany it. The tools are for guiding group and individual users. Nurses should utilize the model because it has been designed to attain  the needs of the  nurse  practising. It is a very important framework that guides the synthesis and translation of evidence into clinical practice. Mechanically ventilated patients are susceptible to pneumonia resulting in a higher rate of getting complications and mortality. There is an increased risk of acquiring nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients due to supine positioning. As a result of acquiring nosocomial pneumonia, the cost involved in treatment increases and the length of hospitalization is also increased. Patients  critically ill in  the  ICU  are at a risk of dying from their critical illness as well as a secondary process such as nosocomial pneumonia. Nosocomial pneumonia affects 28 percent of the critically ill patients with an incidence rate of 6 to 10 cases in 1000 hospital admissions. For this reason, proper patient positioning is very essential. Collaboration  and teamwork are  crucial  to the success of the project. My team will be composed of five key members. Among them will include an intensive care doctor with training on  care  of  the critically ill patients and a registered critical care nurse with special training in critical care of the critically ill patients. The two specialists will provide resourceful knowledge on care of the patients. A nurse educator will also be incorporated in the team to provide education on the importance proper positioning of the patients and an ICU respiratory therapist who are important in patient rehabilitation to recovery from respiratory conditions. The last team member will be a physiotherapist who will be focused on promoting

Family Systems and Healthy Development Essay Example for Free

Family Systems and Healthy Development Essay Healthy development is generally understood as the progressive physical, emotional, cognitive and social maturation that takes place in a person’s life from conception onwards into adulthood. This process is further influenced by a continuous whirlwind of biological and environmental factors. Of the numerous environmental factors that an individual encounters over the course of the life span, it is clear to see family systems play a significant role and can be extremely impactful on the developmental process. To gain a better understanding of the impact of family on healthy development, it is worthwhile to consider the various family structures that exist in our culture. The portrait of the family in today’s society is no longer rigidly defined by marriage, which is characterized by a two parent household with children; rather there are increasing numbers of single parents, teen parents, divorced parents and same-sex couple parents. â€Å"Sometimes we forget the great variety of forms, not only of the families living amongst us, but also those presented in scripture. There are single person families like Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. There are families experiencing difficulties like Joseph and his brothers, or broken families seeking new life like Naomi and Ruth† (Way, 2003). Of the various forms that the family structure can take, one consistent factor that is crucial for the facilitation of healthy development is family stability. Parental mental competence, stable-loving caregivers, positive or negative parenting are all factors that contribute to the establishment of the stability of the family unit. The home environment is arguably one of the most important facets of an individual’s childhood growth and development. When there is structure and stability children tend to thrive and are more self-aware and assertive, versus when there is little to no stability the opposite effect can be expected to occur. â€Å"When disruptions in the stability of the family environment occur, youths’ ability to develop adequate   self-control skills may be compromised, leading to both internalizing and externalizing problems (Malatras Israel, 2013). Though there are notable differences in the childrearing practices around the world there are marked similarities that exist in the context of determining a healthy family unit. It is helpful to consider socioeconomic status, parental contributions and involvement, sibling relationships, family history and cultural norms when trying to determine the overall health of a family system. Factors such as warmth, emotional availability, routine activities such as predictable bed or mealtime activities, religious observances and communication are of considerable importance when evaluating the health of a family system in the Western culture. However in other cultures such as the Caribbean there is less emphasis placed on the feelings of warmth and emotional connections and more on discipline, control and behavior management. Children in the Caribbean are expected to perform adult responsibilities at a much earlier age than their American counterparts. For example in a study conducted on child health in Jamaica â€Å"at the age of four or five, children of both sexes begin doing household chores such as sweeping, mopping, floor polishing, and caring for younger children† (Sargent Harris, 1992). Children are also expected to complete tasks such as cooking and laundry as early as the age of seven. Within the constraints of cultural norms, one can say that a healthy family system is one in which the developing child can thrive physically and emotionally and is on track to becoming a functional member of that society. In the same way that a healthy family system can assist an individual in becoming self-sufficient and aware; there are negative impacts that can occur when there are breakdowns in the foundation of the family. For example in families where psychological maltreatment takes place, the effects can be detrimental to the child who as a result may suffer from low self-esteem, lying, misbehavior, and underachievement in school. The impact of abuse on brain development is also profound and has been linked to a reduction in the size of the amygdala and hippocampus later on in adulthood. It is also noted that the fear, terror and stress associated with abuse may also produce permanent changes due to the overstimulation of the limbic system (Feldman, 2014). In conclusion, one can clearly see the vast significance that the role of  family plays in the physical, spiritual, social and cognitive development of an individual. The family unit is the training ground for life in the world at large and its impact can be either positive or negative. However there are several other factors at work in determining how an individual will handle their life regardless of the cards that they are dealt. For instance a child who grows up in a home where he has been the victim of psychological maltreatment may still have a chance at being a fully functional and contributing member of society due to his resilience and ability to traverse difficult circumstances. Likewise some children who are given all the tools for success, emotional stability and great family environment may still make bad decisions later on in life. The research is unprecedented in its support that healthy family systems, regardless of cultural norms facilitate the production of health y independent adults who are able to thrive in the society of their upbringing. References Feldman, R. S. (2014). Development across the life span (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Malatras, J. W. and Israel, A. C. (2013), The Influence of Family Stability on Self-Control and Adjustment. J. Clin. Psychol., 69: 661–670. doi: 10.1002/jclp.21935. Sargent, C., Harris, M. (1992). Gender ideology, childrearing, and child health in Jamaica. American Ethnologist, 19(3), 523-537. Retrieved from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/645199. Way, P. (2003). Family systems. The Clergy Journal, 80(1), 14-15. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230514795?accountid=12085.

The Falkland Islands Conflict :: Falkland Islands War Independence Essays

No one really knows who discovered the Falkland Islands. Nearly every British historian will insist that the English explorer John Davis discovered the islands in 1592(1) while Argentineans typically credit Vespucci, Magellan, or Sebald de Weert. (2) The events of January 2, 1883 are not in dispute, however. On this date, James Onslow, captain of the HMS Clio, dropped anchor just off the Falklands. The next day he went ashore and raised the British flag. (3) This action infuriated the Argentines, who had taken control of the Falklands upon receiving independence from Spain in 1816. With his imperialistic seizure of the islands, Onslow began a sequence of events that would end nearly 150 years later in war. Shortly after the invasion, the Argentine government set out four arguments in favour of their ownership of the Falklands: 1. Argentina ruled all land in the region formerly held by Spain. 2. Spain had purchased the islands from France. 3. Britain had abandoned its claim to the Falklands in a â€Å"secret† 1771 agreement. 4. Britain had abandoned its settlement in West Falkland in 1774.(4) No matter how well formed these arguments may have been, they fell on deaf ears in Britain. Lord Palmerston, the British Foreign Secretary, simply asserted that the Falklands had been British since the initial claim of sovereignty in 1765. (5) Although Argentina remained in a state of official protest, few things changed over the next 132 years. The issue was finally brought to the forefront in 1965 when the United Nations passed Resolution 2065, which called upon Britain and Argentina to come to an agreement on the issue with reasonable speed. (6) With this resolution began what came to be called the â€Å"Seventeen Year War† between the two nations. In March 1967 Britain agreed that it might be possible to cede sovereignty of the Falklands to Argentina, as long as the islanders agreed. (7) While the Argentines may have viewed this as a major concession, Britain had really given up very little. The Falkland islanders were quite resolute in their desire to remain subjects of the Queen.

Lady of Bath vs. Desdemona

ENGL 220 – Scott Mackenzie December 8th, 2010 Breaking the Socially Acceptable Behavior of Women in Chaucer and Shakespeare To say that men in the centuries leading up to the twentieth believed a woman must be â€Å"seen but not heard,† is a fair statement. Women during the times of Chaucer and Shakespeare were second class citizens with little rights. They were considered properties of their masters (fathers and husbands), and had no use other than birthing and mothering. A woman was supposed to be meek, chaste, and have no opinion.However, the characters Desdemona in William Shakespeare’s Othello and Dame Alison from The Wife of Bath’s Prologue in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales seemingly go against common conventions of women, as they are bold characters who have strong opinions and exert dominance. Dame Alison, the Wife of Bath, is a character created by Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. She is a merchant who has an interest in profit, an d uses sex and her many husbands to gain that profit. Alison has been married five times, and she is open to more, as sex is extremely important to her. Welcome the sixte, whan that ever he shal! / For sothe, I wol nat kepe me chast in al,/ Whan myn housbonde is fro the world anoon. † (51-53) Alison is boldly stating that she will continue to remarry because she cannot remain without sex, a statement that blatantly goes against the ideal woman, a lady who has one husband and is chaste at all times. Alison challenges this ideal when she says, â€Å"but that I axe, why that the fifthe man/ was noon housbond to the Samaritan? 1/ How manye mighte she have in mariage? / †¦ God bad us for to wexe and multiplye. (21-23, 28) In Alison’s time, the messages in the bible were considered the truth and 1 Referencing a story in the bible where Jesus told a Samaritan that though she had five mates, only one was her husband. were not to be challenged, especially by a woman. Withi n the first one hundred lines of her prologue, Dame Alison is breaking traditional womanly conventions by admitting her love of sex and questioning why the bible says she can only have one husband. Traditionally, husbands worked to make money and wives took care of the household.However, in The Canterbury Tales, we find out that Dame Alison is a business woman who â€Å"of cloth-making she hadde swich an haunt,/ she passed hem of Ypres and of Gaunt. † (Prologue to Canterbury Tales, 449-50) And though she is a successful business woman in her own right, Alison also uses sex to control her men and receive material gifts from them. She states that her first husbands were so old that â€Å"they had me yeven hir gold and hir tresoor;/ me neded nat do lenger diligence/ to winne hir love, or doon hem reverence. (204-206) In this quote, Alison is saying that they gave her land, money, and love without her having to have sex with them, a quote that shows readers she is open about sle eping with men to get what she wants. She reaffirms this notion of using sex to get what she wants by stating, â€Å"a wys womman wol sette hir ever in oon/ to gete hir love, ther as she hath noon. / But sith I hadde hem hoolly in myn hond,/ and sith they hadde me yeven all hir lond/ what sholde I taken hede hem for to plese/ but it were for my profit and myn ese? (209-214) In the lines following that quote, Alison goes on to mention that she had her husbands wrapped around her finger and that they were happy to please her. This is a direct contradiction to the social expectations of women in the time of Chaucer. Women were supposed to be at their husbands beckon and call, to ask for nothing, and to provide sex when needed by the husband. However, Alison’s husbands are at her beckon and call, she asks repeatedly for things, and she only has sex when she wants something. By using sex to her economic advantage, Alison is further breaking the socially acceptable behavior of wom en.Dame Alison challenges the bible in reference to virginity. Challenging the bible was generally taboo, especially when it came from a woman. Alison poses strong arguments and questions about virginity. Firstly, she says that Saint Paul’s talk of virginity and remaining celibate throughout life â€Å"al nis but conseil. †(82) Secondly, in lines 105-114, she is saying that virginity is a kind of perfection, and though Jesus was perfect, virginity is only meant for those who strive for absolute perfection, like Jesus was. Alison, on the other hand, says that â€Å"[she] wol bistoew the flour of al myn age,/ in the actes and in fruit of mariage. (113-114) Thirdly, Alison questions the design of the physical body. â€Å"Telle me also, to what conclusion/ were membres maad of generacioun/ and for what profit was a wight y-wrought? † (115-117) In this quote, Alison is asking why genitals were made perfect for each other if they weren’t mean to be used. Quest ioning why the bible and society have such strong opinions on virginity, a subject that is not generally discussed by women, is yet another reason why Dame Alison, the Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales challenges the socially acceptable behavior of women.Desdemona, the main female character in William Shakespeare’s Othello is another example of a character who is breaking female behavior norms. In the first act, Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, makes note of what a proper Venetian woman should be. He says they should be â€Å"of spirit still and quiet†¦ never bold. † (I. iii. 95-97) Contrary to Brabantio’s statement however, Desdemona is arguably bold. Her father, Brabantio, has long decided Desdemona will marry a business man. She, however, finds them boring, and thus marries Othello.Othello, though a celebrated general of the Venetian arm, is a moor2 and is therefore somewhat of a 2 A person who usually comes from northern Africa or Arabia and i s therefore black or dark skinned. societal outcast in the predominantly white Venice. Desdemona blatantly defies her father, something proper women never do, by marrying a social outcast. Any proper woman in Othello’s time would have been meek and polite both in public and in private, characteristics that are not displayed by Desdemona in either place.When confronted by her father about her marriage to Othello, Desdemona fights back, stating â€Å"I am hitherto your daughter: but here’s my husband/ and so much duty as my mother show’d/ to you, preferring you before her,/ so much I challenge that I may profess/ due to the Moor my lord. † (I. iii. 185-189) Desdemona is maintaining a strong stance on her marriage to Othello and is not cowering away because of her angry father. She publicly argues with Brabantio, an act that easily challenges the socially acceptable behavior of women as women were supposed to be submissive, never arguing with their fathers ( or any man for that matter), specially in public. Like Dame Alison, Desdemona is a temptress who uses sex to get what she wants. Trying to convince Othello to forgive Cassio, Desdemona states, â€Å"tell me Othello, I wonder in my soul/ what you would ask me that I should deny,/ or stand so mammering on? † (III. iii. 68-70) By referring to her unquestionable desire to please Othello in every possible way, Desdemona is saying that Othello cannot possibly love her as much as she loves him if he denies her wishes. In this one instance, Desdemona is subtly defying the socially acceptable behavior of women as she is using her sexuality to get what she wants.Overall, both Desdemona from Othello and Dame Alison from The Wife of Bath’s Prologue are characters who defy the socially acceptable behavior of women in their respective time periods. Desdemona acts bold by defying and arguing with her father, and uses her sexuality to manipulate. Similarly, Alison uses her sexuality f or economic gains from her five husbands, has a successful business of her own, and challenges the bible’s stance on multiple marriages and virginity. Therefore, both Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare challenge the ideals of the behavior of women in the early 14th and 17th centuries respectively.