Han Fei Tzu and The Art of Hotel Management

Around 280 B. C. the royal family of Han gave birth to one of the greatest philosophers of China, Han Fei Tzu. He studied under Sun Tzu, and in addition, from other philosophers such as the Taoist Legalist philosopher, Shen Tao, and a Legalist philosopher, Shen Pu-hai. Though Han Fei Tzu did not invent Legalism, he furnished the ideas to its perfection. His theories went against those of Confucius’s and other philosophers, focusing more on the practical level. Though ill fated to die in the hand of his own student, Li Ssu, Han Fei Tzu’s theories prove successful in uniting China and establishing the first emperor of China. Han Fei Tzu is a Legalist. His ideas of government establishment and function strove for those of extremes, of utmost reward and punishment. Han Fei Tzu focused on the art of distrust. His ideas parallel those of the modern world business, where the society is filled with darkness. Moreover, his establishment of the hierarchy of government equals those of modern corporations. The Chief Executive Officer oversees each and every order carried out, with specialists occupying different offices. Speaking of corporations, there is one industry that would draw Han Fei Tzu’s close attention. Not only does Han Fei Tzu’s theories apply in this particular business; furthermore, it actually functions in identical ways. In the hotel industry, the vital component not only lies in skills, capitals, or services. Hotel management, for the General Manager, focuses on the tactics of administration. The society within the hotel stands upon tied complications between individuals. Each and every member and staff deal not only with their duties. They face the challenge of cooperation and service. Thus, almost everyone in the hotel industry faces the challenge of socialization, on the materialistic level. People do not approach without purpose. ‘Deals’ and ‘transactions’ lie beneath every interaction. These deals and transactions may be job promotion, favors, etc. When there is no use for any additional help, people depart in their own ways. As one general manager describes, â€Å"I’d rather have a true enemy then all these false friends†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Putting Han Fei Tzu and the art of hotel management together provides the perfect combo. Han Fei Tzu’s â€Å"The Way of the Ruler† should work in harmony with the way of a General Manager. On the level of executive administration, Han Fei Tzu said, â€Å"The ruler [GM] must not reveal his desires; for if he reveals his desires his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. He must not reveal his will; for if he does so his ministers will show a different face. † (P16) A GM, like the ruler, must not reveal his true self to his employees. By revealing the GM’s true self, he is also showing his weakness. Thus, his employees will be acknowledged of where to get at the GM. By this, the GM loses his control and power over his staff members, disabling the superiority over them. The skill to perfect the coverage of identity is trust. â€Å"It is hazardous,† Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"for the ruler of men to trust others, for he who trust others will be controlled by others. † (P84) When trusting others, one reveals his secrets to them. In turn, one day these secrets may backfire and injure the position of the GM. Thus, making sure to ignore trusting others is a fundamental for GMs to stay in control. In connection to trust is the way of assignment. How can the GM appoint positions if he ceases to trust anyone? This is done through the means of observation. Han Fei Tzu recommended, â€Å"if one were only to observe a man’s features and dress and listen to his speech, then even Confucius could not be certain what kind of person he is. But if one tries him out in government office and examines his achievements, then even a man of mediocre judgement can tell whether he is stupid or wise. † (P124) The result of the work is observed to judge a person. Intuitions and visuals are discarded. Rather, results are used to judge an individual and used to place him or her in the right office. Due to the fact that the world of hotel management lies in deep connection with socialization, the line between the manager and managed must be drawn. Henceforth, if the managed lacks the fear against the manager, the order of the hotel will be disrupted. Employees will act lazily and try to reduce their workload. Thus, to avoid laziness and enhance work efficiency, extreme measures of punishment must be carried out. â€Å"The enlightened ruler,† Han Fei Tzu describes, â€Å"controls his ministers by means of two handles alone. The two handles are punishment and favor. (P30) With extreme punishment, the GM sets an example of how misconduct will be treated, while encouraging hard work by means of reward. The usage of punishment and reward also allows greater control by the GM. Han Fei Tzu explains, â€Å"†¦the officials will turn their backs on law, seeking only to establish weighty personal connections and making light of public duty. † (P23) Through punishment and award, managers will be pulled away from attendance of establishing connections with higher executives, while focusing more on their duty. As mentioned above, the skill of socializing is so abused that hotel staffs solely rely upon connections to escape responsibility. Thus, they will learn that, though with connections, punishments will be carried out when duties are not fulfilled. Similarly, rewards will be given even there exists no connections, as long as the job is done right. Speaking of duties, the difference between executive officers and specialized staff must also be specified. â€Å"Appoint one man to each office. Let no one,† Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"do as he pleases, and never permit men to change office or to hold two offices at the same time. (P39) A waiter is a waiter, and his duty is to serve the customer. Topping the waiters is the chief-waiter, who oversees the functioning of the restaurant. F/B (Food & Beverage) division manager sees to it that all the restaurants are providing the best service possible, keeping their customers content and jubilant. This is the distribution of responsibilities. To succeed in management, the GM must remember the words of Han Fei Tzu, where â€Å"the ministers name their proposals, the ruler holds fast to the name, and the ministers come forward with results. When names and results match, then superior and inferior will achieve harmony. † (P37) One’s own duty must be recognized, and regardless of the importance of the task, only by the fulfillment of every detail can a hotel function in its proper way. Moreover, â€Å"things have their proper place, talents their proper use. When all are in their proper place, then superior and inferior may be free from action. (P35)† Each member of the hotel secures their own position, making sure they have good ethics in their duties. One must not cross the lines of their responsibility, for it brings disorder and confusion to the hotel as a whole. Everyone minds their own task, and when appointed a certain position, they focus their energy to fulfill the requirements. Relating the bondage of duties and socialization of hotel members enter the competition for position. Every staff working in a hotel looks up to a higher level. They want to upgrade their status to increase their salary, to gain a better reputation, or other unspecific reasons. As a result, while everyone is socializing, treating each other in friendly matters, each one is in fact selfish. In reality, they fight over positions beneath the surface. Thus, a GM must â€Å"guard against danger, fear peril, make haste to designate your heir, and misfortune will have no means to arise. † As long as the GM announces the entitlement of certain positions, individuals will be aware of the occupied office, thus ceasing to plot for competitions. Even as the head of a hotel, the GM has to work in order to gain the ‘favor’ of his colleagues. Unlike the times of Han Fei Tzu, where the emperor ruled a province, GMs ruled only a hotel. Thus, punishments such as beheading and property confiscation could not be utilized. An alternative would be persuasion, to successfully convince his employees to follow his orders. This would be the usage of rewards, or wages. Han Fei Tzu suggests, â€Å"praise other men whose deeds are like those of the person you are talking to; commend other actions which are based upon the same policies as his. † Though this strategy is for ministers, the employers nowadays should also consider this tactic. Through persuasion, the GM may be able to command his people with greater efficiency. The hotel is like a province, and similar to ancient China, there exist more than one province. Competing hotels stand everywhere, and they are the ones that the GM battles. Thus, the GM must know how to maximize the usage of public resource and private capital to triumph in sales over other hotel competitors. Han Fei Tzu has already seen the significance in resource allocation, as he describes, â€Å"When the sage rules, he takes into consideration the quantity of things and deliberates on scarcity and plenty. † (P99) Though by this Han Fei Tzu means in terms of punishment and reward, this rule would be applied towards the usage of capital and investment, for the time is situated for such measures. The change of technology and uprising of new competing hotels also forces the GM to decide on major upgrades for the hotel. Which component of the hotel should the GM upgrade? Should technology be weighed heavier, or should the GM renovate the outlook? Han Fei Tzu recommends, â€Å"Those who have no understanding of government always tell you, â€Å"Never change old ways, never depart from established custom! † But the sage cares nothing about change or no change; his only concerns is to rule properly. † (P93) By this, the GM’s responsibility is to make the best decisions for the hotel, and because circumstances change according to the age, and ways of dealing with them change with the circumstances,† (P99) the GM’s decisions would be in reaction to the functions of competing hotels. If Hyatt renovated their lobby, Sheratons would check to see if this did create a higher room sales rate. If so, the Sheratons should also upgrade their lobby facility to compete against Hyatt. One particularly important writing of Han Fei Tzu is ‘The Eight Villainies’. This not only applies as a warning against the ruler and advice for the minister, it can also be manipulated to be used by the GM. Han Fei Tzu would certainly enjoy seeing his tactics used to its full extent. Here is a briefing for how this ‘Eight Villainies’ can be deployed and modernized for the best use by the GM: Making use of his bedfellows => Immediately upon distribution of reward, the GM may hope to ask for greater job performances, prior to the former one. Making use of his attendants => The GM, as the head of the hotel, can force lower employees such as waiters to agree with the GM, thus convincing the waiter-head to be held responsible for certain events. This applies to other offices as well. Making use of his elder and kin => By visiting the families of his employee, the GM may be more persuasive and successful at convincing his employee at undertaking certain task, for the family, in consideration of promotions, will try to convince particular individuals to gain favor of the GM. Encouraging baleful pursuits => The GM may appoint certain managers or staffs a better office, with fully equipped furniture and luxuries, thus impose heavier duty and greater responsibility unto the manager. Making use of the people => Considering one question, would the employees be in greater pursuit to gain favor from their GM or their manager? Given the fact that the GM is the head of the hotel, employees are certain to strive in contenting their wage-payer. Thus, the GM can impose a greater influence upon his employees to order managers indirectly to do so as the GM pleases. (This is very similar to ‘Making use of his attendants) Making use of fluent speakers => In one way, the GM may assign speakers from popular hotel management schools such as Cornell to speak in agreement with the GM. This increases credibility and enhances the strength of persuasion. Making use of authority and might => The GM is the head of the hotel, thus he possesses the greatest authority and might in the hotel. Using this power, the GM should exploit it to its full extent, by terminating unwanted managers or lazy employees. Making use of the surrounding => The fact that there are competing hotels can too, be used to the GM’s advantage. His position enables special ‘connections’ with other executives, thus when the GM’s own managers are not following orders, the GM can make certain that he would not be able to gain a similar job at a different hotel. Only the GM’s hotel is willing to accept this particular individual. Though these ‘Eight Villainies’ may too, be used against the ruler -Han Fei Tzu wrote it as a warning to rulers- GM should also consider these tactics to employ them himself. A final warning Han Fei Tzu suggests is the trade of authority and power. In this case, Han Fei Tzu warns, â€Å"no ministers should be allowed to borrow the power and authority of the ruler. † (P89) The GM is indeed the most powerful man in the hotel. If he was to lend his authority to managers, this power may be exploited in terms of corruption. Money might be drained, employees might be lost, and worse, the GM himself may be used as a scapegoat. Overall, the vital mentality that should be considered is not only the GM’s. The hotel functions as a whole, thus each and every member work together to benefit the hotel. In hotel management, the ways of the GM stands not alone, but with the support of his managers and employees. Thus, the mentality of these managers and employees should also be considered. Han Fei Tzu summarizes the essence of this whole construct. â€Å"The interests of the state and the individual are,† Han Fei Tzu analyzes, â€Å"mutually at odds, and both cannot prevail at the same time. Managers and employees must not act selfishly to gain their own benefits, but rather, everyone must work with good ethics to strengthen the hotel as a whole. The question, â€Å"what would Han Fei Tzu say about hotel management,† is asked. In response, Han Fei Tzu would comment, â€Å"Hence it is said that the art of hotel management affiliates itself to the rules of a king, they work in the same mechanism. Han Fei Tzu would promote a copy of his philosophies to the GM of the hotel. The ways of the ancient government and modern hotel construct are identical. The only difference lies in the lack of military. Yet, without military and arms, the essence of Han Fei Tzu’s philosophies remains. Without the conduct of arms, persuasion is the new modern weapon. To manipulate the thinking of others is the new rule. Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in reality a cookbook for dealing with people. This works perfectly for hotel management because GMs deal more with socialization than actual hotel functioning. Indeed, there involve skill and talent to administer the hotel, yet in order for jobs to be done, the GM must learn how to control his managers and employees. Han Fei Tzu would have been the perfect GM if he lived. He would not comment on everything, but only minor details, for his theories apply in great affiliation with hotel management. Even on a greater level, Han Fei Tzu’s theories are in bondage to corporate functions. The weapon in the modern days though, is wealth. Han Fei Tzu’s thinking not only applies to hotel management, but it also works for corporate executives. Han Fei Tzu would have said the same things to each officer working in a firm, for his teachings hold true for everyone. Han Fei Tzu’s work is actually a perfect guideline for modern day society, where people work to their own benefits and lack the altruistic characteristic that existed in ancient times. Han Fei Tzu focuses specifically on the level of trust and socialization. This skill is vital in the survival of society, because in the world of infinite talents, it is only luck and connection that surfaces a person’s identity and ability. Han Fei Tzu, though dislike the fact that this is true, admits to the flaw of the system. Human nature is ultimately bad and lazy. Each individual strives for their benefits, discarding benevolent practice. Thus, Han Fei Tzu discredits and criticizes the theories of benevolence, particularly promoted by Confucius and Mencius. In the modern world, everyone tries to survive under the tide of wealth and capitalism. They work in companies and firms to accomplish this goal. Yet, it is the interaction of individuals that make up societies, communities, and corporations. Han Fei Tzu, if living in today’s world, would indeed thrift in his philosophies, and make millions if he wrote the book, Han Fei Tzu and the Art of Humanistic Behavior. His ideas target not only rulers and ministers, they too, function well in today’s world.

Essay on Romeo and Juliet Tragedy of Character or Tragedy of Fate?

Sierra Davenport Mr. Gingery CP English 1 6 March 2013 Romeo and Juliet Tragedy of Fate or Tragedy of Character Romeo and Juliet is a story of a forbidden love, written by William Shakespeare. Some may say that it is a tragedy of fate. Fate is defined as forces outside of your control that makes things happen. An example of fate is when you miss your bus and meet the person who will turn out to be your spouse while you’re standing on the platform waiting on the next bus. I think Romeo and Juliet is the exact opposite of fate, they undoubtedly took things into their own hands.The tragedy in this story didn’t start until Romeo killed Mercutio, like I said; fate is when the forces outside of your control take action. Romeo was definitely in control of this situation, initially if Romeo didn’t get in between the fight with Tybalt and Mercutio, Mercutio would have never died and as a result Romeo wouldn’t have to feel the need to stab Tybalt for the death of hi s friend. Even if Tybalt did kill Mercutio, Romeo didn’t have to take matters in his own hands and kill Tybalt himself if he just waited, then Prince Escalus would have kept his word and had Tybalt either imprisoned or killed.So this was definitely character. Another component that led to this tragedy that could have been prevented is when Juliet asked Friar Laurence to help her to get out of marrying Count Paris. Now the Friar, knowing that Juliet was desperate enough to do anything, decided that this was his chance to get himself in the clear and have Juliet pose as a dead person so that he wouldn’t have to marry the same person twice, which I’m pretty sure wasn’t allowed back then.He being the Friar would have had to tell people that he already married Juliet to Romeo and that he couldn’t re-marry Juliet while she was still married to Romeo. So he decided on taking the easy way out and gives Juliet a potion that puts her in such a deep sleep tha t she will appear dead. Juliet being desperate, willingly and without hindrance agreed to take the potion the night before the wedding so that it would stay in effect till the day after the wedding was suppose to be arranged.There was a million and one ways to go about getting out of marrying Paris, this was by far the easiest but it resulted into Romeo believing she actually was dead. Lastly, the biggest tragedy of all, Romeo gets word from Balthasar that Juliet is dead and because Friar John wasn’t able to get Friar Laurence’s letter to Romeo explaining the plan and what was going to happen, Romeo, completely naive, goes to the apothecary to get a poison to commit suicide to be with Juliet on the other side.He rides to Verona from Mantua to be beside Juliet when he kills himself and not knowing that Friar Laurence was coming, he says his last words and drinks the poison. When Juliet wakes and sees Romeo lying on the ground dead she is so dumbfounded and speechless th at she was unable to leave, but because the watch was coming the Friar had to leave. So when Juliet was alone she took Romeo’s dagger and out of pure character she stabs herself and she dies. This is Romeo and Juliet, the tale of a forbidden love.But as their inexorable love turned into a tale of adversity their distance began to sunder because of the acts of transgression, and the tyrannous consequences lead these star-crossed lovers aloof. The poison that ended the lives of Romeo and Juliet and ended the feud between the Montague’s and Capulet’s was definitely not fate. So therefore the tale written by William Shakespeare was indeed a terrible tragedy of character. â€Å"Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide. Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on The dashing rocks thy seasick, weary bark. Here’s to my love! † – Romeo Montague

Zappos Company Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Zappos Company - Case Study Example ution is one of the factors that can affect the revenue levels since it defines the number of customers that can be served over a specified period (Michelli, 2012). For example, the institution focuses on online purchases as the main source of revenue. Evidently, this is one of the success strategies of the firm since many people in the United States, United Kingdom and other European countries have resorted to buying via the internet (Gray and Vander, 2012). However, the capacity of the firm may not be well exploited since some customers may be left out of the equation. Thus, this paper highlights the importance of capacity to an institution as well as the approaches to be used to improve the situation. Notably, the company has many employees that serve the customers via the internet, but the capacity can be used to improve the revenue generated. Illustratively, a segment of the market may not have access to the internet at all times, and they may need a physical market for the products. In such a situation, the customers have to visit the shops so that they can make their informed purchases. Principally, this may increase the revenues collected by the firm. Additionally, some individuals choose to procure products after ascertaining the exact quality of materials used. In such a situation, the clients will feel the products and may as well fit in the clothes, shoes and other apparels. Resultantly, the customers can make additional purchases. Furthermore, prevalence of physical stores in different parts of the market increases the chances of the employees to make sales. A diverse niche market offers the firm an added advantage as the approach encourages impulse buying. Accordingly, studies about consumer behavior cite that some people create a need for a product after seeing it (Lussier, 2012). Thus, the company can improve its capacity through introduction of additional shops in more locations. Lastly, the amount of time used to place orders should be reduced

Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 6

Case Study - Essay Example The company found itself left out in the cold financially when they were blocked from accessing needed investment resources. An additional significant internal influence in the demise of Burgmaster was a sense of complacency (which damaged the entire industry) that led to a drop in quality, and the neglect of the characteristic benefit that was formerly most associated with the company: innovation. External factors also played an important role in this organizational tragedy. Some would argue that the political environment at the time is what doomed Burgmaster, as it failed to adequately protect the company from international competition. The competing businesses may have been the most crucial issue. Japanese companies were quick to capitalize on all opportunities, including a swing in market demands toward the perceived (and real) benefits associated with Asian technology. Accordingly, the operational strategy that would have been the best hope for saving Burgmaster should have been focused on improving

Ancient Sumer and Egypt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 124

Ancient Sumer and Egypt - Essay Example However, sometimes due to their knowledge especially the scribes, they conflicted with king’s directives. This is because of their critical managerial roles in the entire empire though they revered the highest office’s authority (Hansen & Kenneth 34). Ancient Sumer Empire believed in various family gods, which they attributed with the responsibility of managing nature through each having distinct roles (Hansen & Kenneth 34). Some of these gods embrace Ninhursag, Nunurta, Inanna, Enki, Enlil, and Inanna (Bancroft-Hunt 44). The most powerful deity in Ancient Sumer was the storm god because he had the strength to control floods and storms that affected their livelihood as a farming empire. In addition, the human king played an essential role, which is being an intermediary between the people and the Sumer’s citizens. Sumerians preferred urban life despite the majority of them depending on farming. They also spoke one language, which they used as a form of identifica tion and belonging regardless of emanating from the diverse city-states (Donn, & Don 17). Ancient Egypt’s political authority revolved around the Pharaoh whom the people deemed was a son of Ra (deity of the sun) (Steele 12). Therefore, according to the citizens, Pharaoh was more of god than a mere mortal man in the entire empire (Steele 12). He also assumed the entire empire’s power though he exercised his decrees via the priests and other holy men who belonged to a noble group (Steele 12). Taxation also existed all through the empire whereby citizens gave out their respective portions to the government based on yields or profits they attained (Steele 35). Failure to comply with taxation rules, the government subjected the convicted to forced labor and slavery with the intention of catering for the portions they did not pay.

Literature Critique Antibiotic Trials for Coronary Heart Disease Lab Report

Literature Critique Antibiotic Trials for Coronary Heart Disease - Lab Report Example Myocardial Infection with Chlamydia) trial performed on 302 patients with ACS and seropositive for C. pneumoniae was conducted in USA. The patients were randomized to placebo or azithromycin 500 mg/ day for three days followed by 500mg/ week for three months. On the basis of the results of ACADEMIC trial in USA, Gupta etal designed a study with 60 patients in UK. These patients were survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) and elevated antibody titers against Chlamydia. Another trial called STAMINA (The South Thames trial of Antibiotics in Myocardial Infarction and unstable angina) (n=325) addressed both C.pneumoniae and H.pylori . Multiple drug therapy using amoxicillin (500mg/day) for H.pylori and azithromycin(500mg/day) for C.pneumoniae . both combined with metronidazole (400 mg twice a day )and omeperazole( 20mg twice a day )was administered to the patients. Follow up of this trial extended for one year. There were two more large and intermediate size trials made with randomized patient groups of ACS viz. AZACS and CLARIFY. AZACS (Azithromycin in acute coronary syndrome) This trial involved 1450 patients in Los Angeles and this trial recruited patients regardless of their serostatus for Chlamydia infection. treatment with azithromycin.was given for 5- days and duration of follow up was 6-months. Another trial CLARIFY (Clarithromycin in Acute Coronary syndrome patients in Finland) also studied the effect of antibiotic therapy on the secondary prevention of ACS on 148 patients. The patient selection criteria was subjects with acute non-Q-wave MI or unstable angina . These patients were randomized to blinded therapy with either clarithromycin or placebo for three months. The primary endpoint was composite of death, MI, or unstable...(Anderson & Muhlestein, 2004) Atherosclerosis is a disease of epidemic proportions in the western world. Hence a lot of studies have been directed towards this disease till date. Small pilot studies conducted showed a strong association of C. pneuminiae IgG antibody with clinical atherosclerosis. Morever, animal studies have demonstrated the ability of active infection with C. pneumoniae to stimulate or accelerate, and antibiotics to prevent, atherosclerosis ( Anderson & Muhlestein, 2004). and seropositivity to C.pneumoniae and randomized them to recive either placebo or 3 months of treatment with azithromycin (600mg/week).The primary endpoint was a composite of death, MI, hospitalization for unstable angina or need for repeat revascularization at 3 years. ANTIBIO (Antibiotic therapy after Acute Myocardial Infarction) trials examined treatment with roxithromycin (a macrolide antibiotic) versus placebo for 6 weeks in 872 patients with acute MI. In this case the study end point was death. The ISAR-3 (Intracoronary Stenting and Antibiotic Regimen 3) study investigated roxithromycin, an effective anti-chlamydia macrolide for the prevention of restonosis after coronary stent deployment.

Foundation of Business report about the Hairdressing firm called Essay

Foundation of Business report about the Hairdressing firm called Friends - Essay Example the role of David, this paper will make recommendations on how to optimize its overall functioning particularly in marketing, human resources, finances and operations. Friends, with their two hair salons, needs to focus on major marketing programs to revamp their declining fortunes. â€Å"Marketing provides the bridge between an opportunity and a purchase.† (Stapleton and Thomas). It should start with repositioning its hair salon business for the new generation market. With their aging and greying customer base, the potential to sell their services is minimized. â€Å"Retaining existing clients is a key to running your hair salon successfully but attracting new customers should be the aim of Friends hair dressing salon.† (bodycareblog.com) New age customers, the youth and the mid-aged market with their growing grooming consciousness, are the most lucrative market to tap into. The company needs to device appropriate and relevant marketing programs to capitalize on this high potential market. The remarketing should start with services they offer; then along with hairstyling they can offer some complementing beauty salon services. They should transform into a holistic hair styling and beauty care service, offering all hair and beauty service under one roof, which provides the real value for their money and conveniences for the customers. There are various marketing strategies that can be used to pull a large number of customers to the salon. Friends should increase the Ad spend, as it’s very critical to communicate their new positioning to the youth market. Also with competition closing in, the advertisements should be intensified. Advertising through magazines, direct mailing and the most important of all is time-investment. The most effective advertising options are magazines, brochures, or billboards with colorful, creative and attention grabbing content (bodycareblog.com). The company can distribute brochures in residential colonies, posh apartment, colleges,