"" Welcome to my thoughts: January 2009

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Application Forms Are Useful Screening Tools

The application form is an under-utilized tool for screening out undesirable applicants. Many employers treat it as a way to obtain contact information for the applicant and little more. In doing so, they are missing an opportunity to obtain useful information and to establish some beneficial employment terms.A well-drafted application form is a great tool to standardize your pre-hiring information gathering. It allows the employer to dictate the content of applicant’s responses, establishing control over the pre-hiring process. For this reason, the employer should insist on the form being completed even when the applicant is also submitting a resume.

The completed application form establishes a written record, in the applicant’s words, of her pre-hiring disclosures. This can provide very useful evidence if a misrepresentation of qualifications or experience occurs.There are no specific legal limitations on asking for background information. There is no broad legal prohibition against asking pre-hiring questions relating to, for instance, physical limitations, age, gender, etc. If there is a lawful, bona fide reason why the information is required in the context of the available job, the employer need not be concerned about asking.

Legal issues do potentially arise depending on the use to which the information obtained from the applicant is put. These issues arise out of, for instance, B.C.’s Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Code, and Personal Information Protection Act. Information gathered for the unlawful purpose of discriminating against a candidate obviously will cause the employer legal difficulties at some point.

And, according to B.C.’s new Personal Information Protection Act, the employer generally must notify the employee of the purposes for which the information will be collected.To effectively obtain information, businesses should avoid generic application forms. A form should be tailored for the particular operation. Its questions should be very specific, dictating the form of response. It should contain closed (not open-ended) questions and shouldn't leave room for applicants to “self-screen” the information they disclose.

The application form should provide adequate space for the applicant to give full responses. An extra page should be attached in case the employee has a large amount of information to disclose.To avoid complaints about your hiring process, the application form should not contain pejorative language. Asking, for instance, if the applicant has a “handicap” is clearly inappropriate. Asking if the individual has any physical or mental conditions which could affect her ability to perform certain defined tasks is more acceptable.

The application form should contain two clear warnings about the provision of incomplete or inaccurate information. One should be located at the top of the form and the other at the bottom, immediately above the space in which the applicant will sign.

The warnings should state that the provision of complete and accurate information is a condition of being considered for employment. Further, the candidate’s provision of false or misleading information will be treated by the employer as just cause for dismissal.

Most importantly, the employer should use objective, bona fide, screening criteria when determining the successful candidate. This is the most effective method of obtaining a qualified candidate and of avoiding complaints about the hiring process.

These items are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. The legal issues addressed in these items are subject to changes in the applicable law. You should always seek competent legal advice concerning any specific issues affecting you or your business. ___________________________________________________________________ Source: http://www.bcjobs.ca/ Author: About Robert K. Smithson


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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Top Reason That Top Performers Leave: Dissatisfaction with Management

When top performers decide to jump ship, managers may want to consider a little self-reflection, a recent survey suggests. More than one-third (35 percent) of executives interviewed said good employees are most likely to quit their jobs because of unhappiness with management. This is up from 23 percent when the question was asked five years ago. Limited opportunities for advancement was the second most common answer, cited by 33 percent of respondents. The survey was developed by Robert Half International. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on interviews with 150 senior executives from the nation’s 1,000 largest companies.

Executives were asked, “Which of the following is most likely to cause good employees to quit their jobs?” Their responses include unhappiness with management (35 percent); limited opportunities for advancement (33 percent); lack of recognition (13 percent); inadequate salary and benefits (13 percent); bored with their job (1 percent) and other (5 percent).

“Professionals seek strong leadership, particularly during times of uncertainty, and they also want managers they can learn from and who take an interest in their careers,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. “In today’s business environment, where many companies have reduced staff levels, managers need to be extra attentive to the needs of their teams, or they risk losing their most valuable employees.”

Messmer added, “Employees want to see their efforts rewarded and acknowledged. If offering a promotion isn’t an option right now, managers should consider providing employees with professional development opportunities and the flexibility to pursue projects that will help them expand their skill sets.”

Most employees who are looking for a new job will send out warning signals. Robert Half identifies the following five red flags for supervisors to be aware of:

1. A noticeable change in attitude. A formerly enthusiastic staff member may seem withdrawn and indifferent. In addition to examining the individual’s performance, look for changes in behavior in team settings.

2. Longer lunch breaks and frequent absences. This may be a sign that someone is using the time for job interviews. It also could indicate the person is bored with the work.

3. Missed deadlines and increased errors. Everyone misses a deadline from time to time, but apathetic workers make it a habit - one that can throw off the efficiency of an entire department or company. Numerous errors from a previously conscientious employee are a sign of disengagement and may signal lost interest and an impending departure.

4. More professional attire. An employee who shows up for work wearing suits even though your company has a business casual dress policy may be going on job interviews with other firms.

5. A drop in productivity. A decline in performance or work quality and increased forgetfulness about deadlines, meetings and appointments could indicate a worker who is gradually disconnecting from the job.

Source: Robert Half International; www.rhi.com.
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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Why do we need to change working hours?

Ever since Anni administration has changed the working hours and Pay of civil servants, public started to debate about it, starting from political figures, and party level to individual citizen. Some heavily criticize, however other strongly supports to the decision.

Even though I support to it, I personally feel that they have not given enough of information and justification about the move. Human being will have tendency to resist change, unless or otherwise the change is justified to them, especially when it comes to work life. The critics believe that changing working hours will have bad impact to those who earn low income, and believe that they’ll not have enough time do part-time work to fulfill their living needs.
As former government has very much influenced public servants’ mind-set during his 30 years, so we should keep in mind that it is not easy task to change them. That is the main reason why they declining to implement plan of current government.
There are many possible reasons why there seems to be a change recently in working hours. School system has change to one session. This make working parents’ life easy; they don’t need to take their kids to school morning, afternoon and evening, like they did before, and decentralization of the government is another move towards the work life balance. Once this system is fully implemented across the country, people will see the real benefit of this move.
I believe that the productivity and service efficiency of our government servants will also be benefited by this change. Some criticize that one hour is not enough for them to have a lunch; in fact a very less number of people will go home and take lunch, and others claim that as the country is 100% muslim country they need time off to have their prayer done. In some extend I am agree with them, but government not necessarily needed to release them all at once to pray, instead government could provide avenue, where they can perform their prayers in the office or nearby mosque.
Recent study shows that 78% of Maldivian workers go to bed between 11pm to 2 am. Research suggest that at least 08 hrs of sleep is a must to refresh the human system. Although there is a little or no impact of moving from 7:30 am to 8:00.
I suggest reviewing business hours as well. I think Maldives is the only country where all the shops keep open from 8am till 11pm. I presume it is good to practice new business hours from 8 am till 9 pm including time-off for prayer and meal. Study shows that reducing or shutting down of public transport and closedown of shops (except authorized party with high tax) will help to reduce crimes and increase safety in the densely populated towns.

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Saturday, January 24, 2009

Do men really think that virginity is worth millions of dollars?

People do different things to earn; some choose to be employed, and others do amazing and creative type of business to make money. Recently a student who has auctioned her virginity to pay for a masters degree in Family and Marriage therapy, it has seen bidding hit £2.5million ($3.7m).

The idea that virginity has a high value harkens back to the days of early humans -- if a man has sex with a virgin woman, he knows for sure that her children will be his, anthropologists reason. In early civilizations, women were also considered the property of men, said Laura Carpenter, assistant professor of sociology at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
Natalie Dylan, 22, claims her offer of a one-night stand has persuaded 10,000 men to bid for sex with her. Last September, when her auction came to light, she had received bids up to £162,000 ($243,000) but since then interest in her has rocketed.

The student who has a degree in Women's Studies insisted she was not demeaning herself. Miss Dylan, from San Diego, California, USA, said she was persuaded to offer herself to the highest bidder after her sister Avia, 23, paid for her own degree after working as a prostitute for three weeks.
She said: "I get some men who are obviously looking for a girlfriend but I try and make it clear that this is a one-night-only offer. My study is completely authentic in that I truly am auctioning my virginity but I am not being sold into this. I'm not being taken advantage of in any way. I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal."
She added: “shocking that men will pay so much for someone's virginity, which isn't even prized so highly anymore." Today, about 95 percent of Americans have sex before they're 25 years of age.

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

!!ސިޔާސީ ޗަރުކޭސް

ސިޔާސީގޮތުން ހިފިނުހުރެވިގެން އުޅޭ އެތަށްބަޔަކު އިއްޒަތްތެރިންގެ ގޮތުގައި މިމުޖުތަމަޢުގައި އާންމުވާން ފަށައިފިއެވެ. ރައްޔިތުން ނިކުމެ ބޭނުމެށް ނޫނޭ، ކަމަކުނުދެޔޭ، ބުނުމުން ކުލަބަދަލު ކޮށްލައިގެން ރައްޔިތުން ކުރިމައްޗަށް ދެވަނަފަހަރަށް ނިކުތުން އަޅުގަނޑަށް މާނަކުރެވެނީ ރައްޔިތުން ގަޅަހެއްދުމުގެ މާނާގައެވެ
.
މިބައިމީހުނަށް "ހިފިނުހުރެވިގެން" ތިއުޅެނީ ކީއްވެތޯ ސުވާލުކޮށްފިނަމަ ޖަވާބަކަށް އަބަދުވެސް ވަނީ "ރައްޔިތުންނަށް ޚިދުމަތް ކުރުމުގައި" އެންމެ ފައިދާބޮޑުގޮތް ބަލައި އެގޮތަށް ދީލާލަނީ ކަމުގައެވެ. ފަހަރެއްގައިވެސް މިބައިމީހުން އަމިއްލަ އެދުމުގެ ވާހަކައެއް ނޫނުނެވެ. ދިވެހި މުޖުތަމަޢުގައި ވިކިފައި ތިބޭ ބައެއްކަމުގެ ލަގަބުވެސް މިބައިމީހުންނަށް މީހުން ދެމުން ގެންދެމުން ގެންދާއިރު އަނެށް ބަޔަކު މިބައިމީހުން ސިފަކުރަނީ " ފުޅޮއިގައި އޮންނަ ކުނިގަނޑެށް" ގެ ގޮތުގައިއެވެ. އުނބަށް ޖެހުން އެއީ މިފަދަމީހުންގެ ދިރިއުޅުމުގެ އެއްބައިކަން އެއީ އެންމެން ދަންނަ ބޮޑު ސިއްރެކެވެ
.
ފާޓީތަކުން އަބަދުވެސް އިވޭ އަޑަކީ މިވެނި އެވެނިޕާޓީ އަކީ ރައްޔިތުންނަށް އޮޅުވާލާ ޕާޓީއެކޭ ކިޔާތަނެވެ. އެހެންނަމަވެސް ގިނަޕާޓީތަކަކީ ހަޤީޤަތުގައިވެސް ރައްޔިތުންނަށް އޮޅުވާލައި މަކަރުހަދާފައިވާ ޕާޓީތަކެކެވެ. މިކަމުގެ ދަލީލަކަށް މީހުންގެ ހުއްދަޔާނުލައި ޕާޓީތަކުގައި މީހުންގެ ނަންޖެއްސައި ، ބޯގިނަކޮށް ގިނައަދަދެއްގެ ފައިސާ ބޭނުންކޮށްފައި ވާވުންވެސް ފުދެއެވެ. އިތުރަށް ވިދާޅުވޭ

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Obama Inaugural Speech

Message to the Muslim World
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Barack Hussain Obama has been sworn in as the 44th US president

Photo bbc.com
Here is his inauguration speech in full. "My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
Serious challenges
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
Nation of 'risk-takers'
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
'Remaking America'
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Restoring trust
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
'Ready to lead'
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
'Era of peace'
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
'Duties'
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
'Gift of freedom'
This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: "Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

HR lacks credibility with managers

Less than a third (30%) of managers think HR adds value to their organisation. Research unveiled today by Roffey Park reveals HR must respond better to the needs of the business, as well as improve its customer focus and credibility.
The survey, which was completed by nearly 800 managers last autumn, found more than half (59%) of managers are feeling the pressure due to the economic downturn. Stress, it found, has increased dramatically from 67% in 2008 to 83% in 2009.
One of the few areas of positive news was on leadership and the economic crisis: 62% of managers feel leadership in their organisation is good with 6% believing it to be excellent. Only 4% view leadership as very poor. When managers were surveyed in November/December2008, almost 80% thought leadership in their organisation was good or very good, compared with less than 70% earlier in the year. read full article

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Let’s Wake up, before they control

Economy
Maldives is one of the fastest growing economies in south Asia. Though there are many features which contributes to pumping money into our economy main contributor is tourism.
According to the world economy watch; after deadly Tsunami, Maldives economy has managed to find stable ground by achieving US $ 1.588 billion and real growth rate of 6.6%, GDP per capita US$ 4,600 till 2007. In which Tourism accounts for 20% GDP and over 60% of foreign exchange, and 90% of the government revenue is generated due to import duties and tourism related tax.
Employment ministry data shows that more than 72,000 foreign workers are resident in Maldives, amounting to 19 per cent of the total population - or equivalent to 25 per cent of the number of Maldivians. And second highest numbers of foreigner are working in Tourism related field.
Employees Shortage
Since nearer to the fall of last regime, tourism sector was stretched to the whole country, under the banner of “Tourism expansions Plan,” Though there was a political conspiracy behind these decisions, However we should keep in mind that before it was open for bidding government must do sound human resources development plan in order to cater upcoming resorts. In fact, we never see such a plan, instead government just simply keep on warding resorts to different companies. As a result tourism sector is in need of human resources, and lack of talents. Most remarkably the resorts nearby Male’ had a big impact.
As we aware that nearly all of the managerial positions in many resorts are filled by the foreigners. We rarely see Maldivian General Managers and Resident Managers. We need to think deeply about this matter.
Educational opportunity
Currently the only place where formal hospitality related education provider is the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism studies, which is also up to higher national diploma level. According to the FHS records every year, at least 1000 graduates move to industry. However these graduate never last for more than two years. We need to escalate the problems associated with and start nationwide campaign and provide information to strengthen our workforce.
May companies initiate to develop human resources by providing long and short courses; and other opportunities to widen employees’ horizon. But sadly, once they return to the organization, we see they are being kept oppressed and alienated.
I wonder why such companies are spending huge amount of money for employee development. Some research suggests that often this type of oppression is happening in companies where higher level mangers see them as a threat.
Misconception
Unlike city hotel concept, our tourism is much more distinct in nature. The islands are isolated by sea, in other word our hotel industry is based on “Isolated Island Resort Concept.”
Maldivian business Owners, tend believe that “White skins” can do better than the locals; so that they used to hire foreign Managers. The implied meaning of these actions suggests that local owners never trust local managers. And never want local managers to be in power.
“I am living in a five star prison, guards are nice, food and accommodation is not bad. I hardly get chance to visit my family, due to high occupancy, and lack of staff in our section” said one of the resort workers.
Discrimination
Unlike foreign managers, local managers are paid much more lower than the foreign manager, even though the locals counterpart is in equal in terms of rank, environment and job scope. We often see that the foreign managers are allowed to bring their wife or partner into a resort to stay with them, however local managers has no authority to bring their loved ones for even just a single day.
The research done by the Lim and John (2007) shows that as many as 42% of the revenue distributed as a salary go to foreign countries, and the pay gap between the local manager and foreign managers were very high.
Why our country is so backward to promote hotel industry to our young stars and school leavers?
When I was in office, I got a chance to visit some of the densely populated atolls to promote hospitality industry. I recognized that most of the youngsters are willing to work in hotel sector, unfortunately they were forced to stay beck in the island due to their family pressure.
We got to do something to promote the hospitality industry to our youngsters and their parents. If not, soon or later whole industry will controlled by foreign workers.

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Friday, January 16, 2009

I Love You, I need You


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She is still better than Teen


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Monday, January 12, 2009

!!ޔަޤީން ނުވަނީ ކީއްވެބާ

މަސްތުވާތަކެތީގެ މައްސަލައަކީ ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގައި ވަރަށްވެސް ބާރަށް ފެތުރެމުން އަންނަ ވަބާއެއްކަމަށް ­­­އެންމެންވެސް ޤަބޫލުކުރެއެވެ. މިކަން ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއަށް ތާރަފް ވެފައިވަނީ 70 ގެ އަހަރުތަކުގައި އެވެ. އަދި ފުރަތަމަ ފަހަރަށް ކޮކެއިން 1993 ގައި ރާއްޖެއިން ފެނިފައި ވާއިރު، ހަމަ މިއަހަރުގެ ސެޕްޓެންބަރު މަހުގައި 8 ކިލޯގެ ހެރޮއިންވެސް ވަނީ އަތުލައި ގަންފައވެ. ފަހުގެ ތަފާސް ހިސާބުތަކުން ދައްކާގޮތުގައި ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގައި ކޮންމެ އާބާދީގެ 12 މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން 1 އަކީ މަސްތުވާތަކެރީގެ ޝިކާރައަކަށް ވެފައިވާމީހެވެ. އަދި މަސްތިވާތަކެތި ބޭނުންކުރާމީހުންގެ ކޮންމެ 12 މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން 10 މީހުންނަކީ ޒުވާނުންނެވެ. އަދި ޑްރަގްސް ބޭނުން ކުރާ މީންގެ އުމުރުފުރާ އަހަރަކަށް ވުރެ އަހަރެށް ހަގުވަމުން އަންނަކަންވެސް ފާހަގަ ކުރެވެއެވެ.

ރާއްޖޭގައި ހިންގާ މާރާމާރީއާއި ވައްކަމާއި ފޭރުމާއި އަދި އެނޫންވެސް މިފަދަ ނޭއްގާނީ ހަރަކާތްތަކުގައި ބައިވެރިވެގެން ހައްޔަރުކުރެވޭ މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން ކޮންމެ 20 މީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން 18 މީހުންނަކީ މަސްތުވާތަކެތީގެ ރެކޯޑް އޮންނަ މީހެކެވެ. އަދި ދިވެރާއްޖޭގައި މީހުން ދިރިއުޅޭ 200 ރަށުގެ ތެރެއިން ކޮންމެ ރަށެއްގައި މަދުވެގެން 10 އާއި 28 ދެމެދުގެ ޢަދަދެއްގެ ޑޮރަގްސް ބޭނުން ކުރާމީހުން އުޅޭކަމަށް އަންދާޒާ ކުރެވެއެވެ. ރާއްޖޭގައި ކުރާ ޑްރަގުގެ ވިޔަފާރީގެ އަގު އަހަރަކު 57 މިލިއަން ރުފިޔާއަށް އަރާކަމަށް އަންދާޒާކުރާއިރު، ފާއިތުވެދިޔަ 10 އަހަރު ތެރޭގައި ޖުމްލަ 1.61 ޓަނުގެ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ކަމައް "ޝައްކުކުރެވޭ ތަކެތި" ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއިން އަތުލައިގެންފައި ވެއެވެ. މީގެ ޖުމްލަ އަގު ގާތްގަނޑަކަށް 4.12 ބިލިއަން ދިވެހި ރުފިޔާއަށް އަރާނެކަމަށް އަންދާޒާ ކުރެވޭއިރު މިއީ މިކުޑަ ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ބޮލަކަށް 1333.33 ރުފިޔާގެ މިންވަރެކެވެ. އަދި މިހާތަކަށް ޖަލުގައި ހުކުމް ތަންފީޒުކުރާ މީހުންގެ ނިސްބަތުން %80 މީހުންނަކީ މަސްތުވާ ތެކެތީގެ މީހުންނެވެ. މިދަންނަވާލީ މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ދިވެރާއްޖޭގައި އާލާވެ އަށަގަނެފައިވާ މިންވަރެވެ.

ނަމަވެސް ހައިރާންވާން ޖެހޭ ކަމަކީ 309000 ހާ މީހުން އުޅޭ، އެންމެންނަށް އަނެކާއަކީ ކާކުކަން އެނގޭ 100 ފަސެންޓް މުސްލިމު ޤައުމެއް މިފަދަ ޙާލަތަކަށް ދިޔައީ ކީއްވެގެން ހެއްޔެވެ. އަޅުގަނޑުގެ މަޤުޞަދަކީ އެކަމުގެ ސަބަބު ހޯދުމެއްނޫނެވެ. އެހެންނަމަވެސް މިކަން ހުއްޓުވުމުގައި މޯލްޑިވްސް ޕޮލިސް ސާވިސް ގެ ދައުރު މިހާތަނަށް ފެންނަން ނެތުމެވެ. މިހާތަނަށް ދިވެހިރާއްޖެއިން އަތުލައިގަތް އެއްވެސް މަސްތުވާއެއްޗެށް އެއީ ކަނޑައެޅިގެން މަސްތުވާތަކެތިކަމަށް މޯލްޑިވްސް ޕޮލިސް ސަރވިސް އިން ހާމަކޮށްދީފައި އެއް ނުވެއެވެ. އަބަދުވެސް އެބޭފުޅުން ހާމަކުރަމުން ގެންދަނީ "މަސްތުވާތަކެތި ކަމަށް ޝައްކުކުރެވޭ ތަކެތި" އަތުލައިގަތް ވާހަކައެވެ
ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ދައުލަތުގެ ބަޖެޓުން ބޮޑު ހަރަދުކޮށްގެ ތަޙުލީލް ކުރުމަށް ބޭނުންކުރާ އެތަކެށް މެޝިން ތަކާއި އަދި މީހުން ބިނާކުރުމަށްޓަކައި އެތަކެށް މިލިއަން ރުފިޔާއެއް ޙަރަދުކުރާކަން އެއީ އެންމެން ވެސް ދަންނަ ވަރަށްވެސް ބޮޑު ޙަޤީޤަތެކެވެ. އަދި މައުލޫމާތު ހާމަކުރުމުގައި ބައެއްފަހަރަށް "ތަހުޤީޤީ މަރުޙަލާ" ގައި ކަމަށްބުނެ ބައެއްމައުލޫމާތު ހާމަނުކުރާއިރު، ޑްރަގްސްގެ ގޮތުގައި އަތުލާތަކެތި ޓެސްޓް ނުކޮށް އަދި ޔަޤީން ނުކޮށް ހާމަކުރަނީ ކޮންސަބަބަކާ ހުރެބާވައޭ މިއީވެސް ހަމަ އުފެދޭ ސުވާލެކެވެ.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Demonstration Held Against Israel

A demonstration was held on Friday evening, to voice against the ongoing military surge by the Israeli armed forces into the land of Palestinians, which is killing hundreds and wounding countless others
The demonstrations started at the artificial beach on Friday evening. Numerous political parties are non-profit organizations contributed towards organizing the rally which kicked off the demonstration. A number of people spoke out at the demonstration, harshly criticizing the violation of human rights and damages being inflicted on Palestinians by the Jews
A boy killed by Israil
The Human Rights Commissioner Ahmed Saleem, Shaheem from Adhalath Party, and other high-profile figures addressed the crowd, and spoke out that the Maldivians are with the people of Palestine. They strictly condemned the military attacks carried out by the mighty military force of Israel against the powerless Palestinians in violation to international conventions.
The Ambassador for Human Rights MoAhamed Latheef, and the speaker of the People's Majlis Mohamed Shihab were among those present at the demonstration.
A mosue attacked by Jew
The demonstration called for no ties to be kept with the Jews, to avoid buying Jewish products, and to make sure Jews are not allowed to trade in Maldives to any extent. Hundreds of people expressed their views against Israel, in the rally which went on from Artificial Beach in Henveiru Ward to the Masjidh Mohamed Bin Abdullah Mosque in Maafannu Ward. The demonstrators also prayed for victory to the people of Palestine, as the words "Allah Akbar" echoed throughout the streets.
A special prayer was recited for the Palestinian people, after Magrib prayers at the Mohamed Bin Abdullah Mosque. Also, the Friday sermon by Imam Dr.Abdul Majeed Abdul Baary also reflected on a prayer for victory and triumph for the people of Palestine.
Source : Miadhu

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Thursday, January 8, 2009

American v British teeth

British teeth are not like American teeth.
Hollywood smiles are pearly white paragons of straightness. British teeth might be described as having character.
So much character, in fact, that Ricky Gervais says one US journalist complimented him on being prepared to wear unflattering false teeth for his role read more

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Work as long as you can

This is the advice from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to older and retired Singaporeans, who he said should stay active and engaged as they can still contribute much to the workforce and community.
But to support older workers, many social attitudes and institutional structures established when life expectancies were shorter and Singapore's population was younger will have to change, said Mr Lee, pointing out that by 2030, one-fifth of the population will be 65 years and older. This is nearly one million people, three times the number today. Mr Lee cited the wage structures and employment terms as examples which need to be updated.
Speaking at a conference on reinventing retirement on Thursday morning, PM Lee urged all parties to play their roles in changing outdated status quo. 'Employers prefer to hire younger workers who cost them less under a seniority-based wage system, making it harder for older workers to find and keep jobs,' he noted.
'This was reasonable when life expectancy was in the 60s, but it is not sustainable with expectancy around 80 today, and still going up.'
Urging employers to appreciate older workers, Mr Lee said they could be a valuable resource at the workplace, given their years of experience, wisdom and loyalty.
To the older workers, he said they must be prepared to work longer and be ready to adjust to different responsibilities, and possibly lighter work and less pay, which the PM said 'is understandably harder to accept.'
Family attitudes will have to change, too. For example, older women can work as room attendants but hotels have reported that these women tend to drop out from the training programmes, often under pressure from their children who are against their parents doing such chores. read more

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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Human Resource Management: Staff Selection and Appraisal

The process of staff recruitment and selection is becoming increasingly complex and its integration into organizational and Human Resource (HR) strategies means that the successful outcome of these processes is vital for job performance and organizational success. The intricacy of matching the right applicant to the right job is a perpetual activity for management and HR practitioners considering the organization's economic, social and political contexts. This paper aims to identify the effect the environmental context has towards organizational strategies and the HR system and the subsequent impact on recruitment procedures and selection. Further, an analysis of the importance of staff recruitment and selection within the organization's changing environment and tools used to facilitate the effectiveness of these functions. This will enable an assessment of any changes or strategies needed to avoid failures associated with poor selection and methods to improve recruitment and selection procedures.
Organizations are increasingly becoming focused on being competitive on a national and global level. The importance of the recruitment and selection process is vital for organizational competitiveness and a failure to approach this function effectively will have consequences for future job performance. Numerous authors have emphasised the importance of integrating the recruitment and selection processes into organizational strategies and HR systems as well as the necessity to respond to changes in the organization's environment (e.g. Stone, 2002, p.174, Nankervis, Compton & McCarthy, 1999, p.190, Compton, Morrissey & Nankervis, 2002, pp.16-17). The organization is constantly changing to respond to changes in its environment, for instance, the structure of the organization may change and jobs redesigned to improve efficiency or reduce costs. However, one of the fundamental mistakes made by management is the failure to allocate "the right people to the right jobs" (Stone, 2002, p.124) once these changes occur. Such "economically" inspired" tactics have been criticised as having a detrimental impact towards the productivity of the workforce and this could be related to the failure in acknowledging the job requirements needed after such fundamental organizational changes have occurred (ACIRRT, 1999, pp.16-17).
A further impact on organizational performance is the slow response to increased globalisation resulting in "work intensification" which has consequences for the organization (ACIRRT, 1999, pp.31-33). In conjunction with the impact of the global economy, the high demand for skilled labour has meant a world-wide shortage of skilled staff and this trend continues as organizations seek increased competitiveness resulting in a fundamental change in the labour market (author, 2000,p.66). This has led to a need for organizations to develop sound HR policies and an effective recruitment process ensuring that it can acquire the most qualified pool of applicants available. Management must seek to deal with this competition for skilled labour as well as abiding by anti-discrimination legislation, labour laws and a deregulated industrial relations system (Irwin, 2003, pp.1-5) read full article

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Friday, January 2, 2009

My Stolen Identity

Ever since I heard the word “Fandharaa” , as I mentioned which means Friendship in our language, I was very interested it. Breathlessly I reserved it on my own and on the Net by creating e-mail accounts unfortunately I did not buy it on any of webhoster. I had an impression that no one will ever create or either opens a real business under the name of Fandhara. Thus I keep on introducing it to my friends as an identity of mine in virtual world. Meantime I asked them if they need to know more about me just go to Google and type Fandhara and hit enter.

Strikingly one day, one of true my friend sent me a link with a sad news it says “ Fandharaa Bookshop has officially registered in Maldives”. I was really despondent of it, but later I knew that I was wrong, cox I did not officially take this name by the authorities. Choosing trade names mostly governed by “first come first server” policy.

Once your real identity is stolen, you may follow the following procedure; 1-Take a deep breath and be clam act rather than react

2- Limit further disclose of your information

3- Change your entire password that you use online

4- Place a fraud alert on your credit report

5- Obtain copies of your credit reports when you file the fraud alert

6- Create an ID Theft Report with attached Fraudulent Account Statement

7- Report stolen checks, and close unauthorized checking and savings accounts

8- Begin to call companies for any information that can help you prove your identity theft

9- Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently

10- Contact all your other creditors to notify them about the theft

11- Report stolen ATM, debit, prepaid, gas station, phone, department store, or any other card

12- Contact the Social Security Administration

13- Notify the U.S. State Department about lost or stolen passports

14- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission

15- File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place

16- Find all your bills

17- Question any callers who want your information

18- Begin to block information from your credit report

19- Stop businesses that may report information about you to a CRA

20- Contest bills

21- Expect to deal with false civil and criminal judgments

22- Seek legal advice

23- Secure all your personal information

24- Don't leave a stone unturned

Note: The Blogger will not be responsible for any damage that you may get by acting on the information mentioned.


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