Imperfect Institutions or Human Relations

Imperfect Institutions: Possibilities and Limits of Reform

Author: Thrainn Eggertsson

The emergence of New Institutional Economics toward the end of the twentieth century profoundly changed our ideas about the organization of economic systems and their social and political foundations. Imperfect Institutions explores recent developments in this field and pushes the discussion forward by allowing for incomplete knowledge of social systems and unexpected system dynamics and, above all, by focusing explicitly on institutional policy. Empirical studies extending from Africa to Iceland are cited in support of the theoretical argument.

In Imperfect Institutions Thráinn Eggertsson extends his attempt to integrate and develop the new field that began with his acclaimed Economic Behavior and Institutions (1990), which has been translated into six languages. This latest work analyzes why institutions that create relative economic backwardness emerge and persist and considers the possibilities and limits of institutional reform.

Thráinn Eggertsson is Professor of Economics at the University of Iceland and Global Distinguished Professor of Politics at New York University. Previously published works include Economic Behavior and Institutions (1990) and Empirical Studies in Institutional Change with Lee Alston and Douglass North (1996).

Interesting book: MCSE Exam 70 297 or SOA Design Patterns

Human Relations: Principles and Practices

Author: Barry Reec

This edition of Human Relations: Principles and Practices continues to focus on the immediate personal application of human relations principles and practices. In addition to incorporating the authors' innovative "Total Person" approach toward the field, the Sixth Edition includes an increased emphasis on issues of diversity, presenting a broad range of characteristics that affect relationships on the job and ways to achieve insight when dealing with a wide-range of people related problems. The updated pedagogy includes strategically placed exercises that encourage teamwork and group problem-solving techniques, first-person advice from respected writers, educators, and business leaders, opening vignettes featuring prominent individuals in real-world situations, and "Career Corner" sections that provide practical solutions to common human relations problems.

Table of Contents:

Contents

Note: Each chapter includes a Summary, Career Corner, Key Terms, Review Questions, Application Exercises, Role-Play Exercise, and Internet Exercise.

• 1. Introduction to Human Relations
  The Nature, Purpose, and Importance of Human Relations
  The Forces Influencing Behavior at Work
  The Development of the Human Relations Movement
  Major Themes in Human Relations
  Human Relations: Benefits to You
  Case 1.1 Challenges in the New Economy
  Case 1.2 In Search of Work/Life Balance

  2. Improving Interpersonal Communications

  Advanced Technology's Impact on Communication

  The Communication Process

  Communication Filters

  How to Improve Personal Communication

  Communicating Via Technology

  Case 2.1 Cybersurveillance: Big Brother Is Watching!

  Case 2.2 Reading Nonverbal Cues

  3. Building High Self-Esteem

  The Power of Self-Esteem

  Self-Esteem Influences Your Behavior

  How to Build Self-Esteem

  Organizations Can Help

  Case 3.1 "Popeye" Lives On

  Case 3.2 Find Your Yoda

  4. Personal Values Influence Ethical Choices

  Character, Integrity, and Moral Development

  How Personal Values Are Formed

  Values Conflicts

  Personal Values and Ethical Choices

  Corporate Values and Ethical Choices

  Values and Ethics in International Business

  Case 4.1 Character Counts as Much as Credentials

  Case 4.2 To Get to the Bottom of the Scandal, Go to the Top

  5. Attitudes Can Shape Your Life

  Attitudes Can Be Learned

  How Attitudes Are Formed

  Attitudes Valued by Employers

  How to Change Attitudes

  A Final Word

  Case 5.1 Where Is My Stability?

  Case 5.2 LifeIs Good at the Pike Place Fish Market

  6. Developing a Professional Presence

  Professional Presence—An Introduction

  The Image You Project

  Case 6.1 The Importance of Class

  Case 6.2 Do You Want to Be Your Own Brand?

  7. Valuing Work Force Diversity

  Work Force Diversity—A Definition

  Prejudiced Attitudes—An Introduction

  The Many Forms of Discrimination

  The Issue of Valuing Diversity

  Managing Diversity

  Affirmative Action: Yesterday and Today

  Case 7.1 Quality Education Through Enhanced Diversity

  Case 7.2 Xenophobia: Fear of Foreigners

  8. Resolving Conflict and Achieving Emotional Balance

  A New View of Conflict

  Finding the Root Causes of Conflict

  Learn to Negotiate Effectively

  Conflict Resolution Process

  Achieving Emotional Balance

  Factors That Influence Our Emotions

  Coping with Your Anger and the Anger of Others

  Strategies for Achieving Emotional Control

  Case 8.1 Helping Employees Who Behave Badly

  Case 8.2 Couples Combat

  9. A Life Plan for Effective Human Relations

  Achieving Balance in a Chaotic World

  Toward a New Definition of Success

  Toward Right Livelihood

  Developing a Healthy Lifestyle

  Planning for Changes in Your Life

  The Choice Is Yours

  Case 9.1 Friendships as a Source of Positive Energy