Saturday, January 25, 2020

Comparison of Business Practices in the US and China

Comparison of Business Practices in the US and China Diverse cultures of US and China Culture rules nigh on every particular phase of your life and like many, you are completely unacquainted of this. If inquired, you would define culture as architecture or language, music, visual arts, literature and you wouldnt be wrong. Nevertheless you wouldnt be completely right either. The United States of America is one of the multi ethnical, multi racial and multi cultural countries in the world. It has a highly diverse culture which has helped in forming its unique values. This diversity in culture can also be distinguished geographically where certain groups in different geographical locations have formulated a unique culture among themselves which is quite contrastingly diverse from mainstream American culture. They are Asian-American, Afro-American and Hispanic cultures. China can be listed as a country that has a very rich culture, certain aspects of which dates back to the ancient civilizations 5000 years back. This has been passed down from generation to generation thus preserving its identity and richness. It can be stated that it’s unique, diverse and yet harmoniously blended culture is a priceless asset to the world. The business practices of China and US The world of international business as we all know consists of people from different real and virtual work places in countries. Therefore it is important to know about a countries culture in order to adapt to it and be successful. Culture is complex and multi dimensional, to understand its basic nature we need to consider the Elements of culture. â€Å"Language† the key to culture transmits information. The Americans have commonly around 15 languages. Their main languages are English, Spanish and Indo European. Chinese have over 90 languages with 8 main languages where Mandarin is commonly used. A low context culture’s communication is precise and direct. But in terms of High context culture a lot of terms and facts that go unsaid. Practically Americans tend to communicate directly while the Chinese communicate indirectly, which eventually turns out to be a frustrating situation for Americans as they are quite unsure of what the Chinese expect. This is so while the Chinese feel unsettled by their direct approach. There are over 15000 â€Å"religions† in the world. China is a multi religious country which comprises mainly of three religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. They believe that this world is an illusion and that everything is temporary. Also, that all living things including human beings constantly go through a process of life and death. They also believe in reincarnation. Somehow on the other hand, America comprises mainly of Christian believers and the minorities of around 6% belong to other religions. There are also those who don’t practice in any religion. Every country has their â€Å"values and attitudes† that distinguish them from others. There are different sets of attitudes towards time and future. In US time is important and is equivalent to money while China’s attitudes differ from that. They believe that time is required to make important decisions and look out for long term relationships with their business partners. This creates a contrast affecting their business transactions. â€Å"Customs† too are related to international business. US is physically isolated from all countries except Canada and Mexico. This has contributed to the isolation and the lack of concern towards the rest of the world unless they are threatened by another country or state. China however is connected to many other Asian countries and tends to be interdependent and concerned other nations. Americans have their food eaten using the folk and spoon while the Chinese use chopsticks. Americans tend to shake hands, hug, kiss on the cheek, gesture with one’s hands and use the first names while speaking to adults. Chinese however tend to bow or nod and use fewer gestures as possible. These extreme diversities could be no challenge if each country respects each other’s culture. We live in a technologically advanced global age. So its fairly obvious that international businesses take place among various countries. So how do people understand and communicate among each other? How do people understand their cultures respectively? Its rather difficult. But International businesses are taking place among each and every country due to the wide spread technological and demographical advancement of the societies living on earth. So to understand better and improve the standard of living, people should firstly understand the framework of assessing various cultures. These values are explained as Dimensions of culture by psychologist Dr Geert Hofstede. He further went on to explain that this cultural dimension consists of 5 principles. Power distance Individualism/ collectivism Masculinity/ femininity Uncertainty avoidance Long term/short term orientation Dr. Hofstede found many similarities and differences among these 5 dimensions. And he elaborated that, Building connections with people from around the world is just one dimension of cultural diversity. And therefore we should need to factor it into motivating people, structuring business related projects and developing strategy. USA and China we find similarities and differences with regard to these 5 dimensions. So for simplicity we could explain the dimensions, in a line graph between both China and the United States. Comparison between China and USA in regard to the 5 dimensions of Hofstedes values The buying behavior of consumers Buyer behavior refers to the decision making process and acts of the buyer in purchasing a particular good or a service. The buyer behavior regarding a product may change with the type of culture existing in a country. However the steps in the consumer decision making process remains the same and thus can be used as a suitable instrument in analyzing the behavior of consumers in two countries that are culturally contrasting. Figure 1 consumer decision making process In China, the key cultural drivers of purchasing decision making are philosophies such as Confucianism and Taoism as well as the collectivist nature of society. China being collectivists in nature gives much consideration to the voice of the public as well as ‘face’ (Mianzi) and ‘relationship’ (Guanxi) issues. In the USA, individualism plays an important role in all consumer decisions as well as religion, race and geographic location. China US Need recognition and problem awareness Both Confucianism and Taoism focus on family values. Chinese individuals have a deep sense of immediate family bindings. In every family unit, the elders are greatly respected. At the same time youngsters are also given importance and prioritized for being the ‘roots’ of generation continuation. As a result, when recognizing the needs of family, the needs of their children are given more importance. Ex: education needs of children are considered crucial in Chinese households as well as children’s healthcare products. As a developed western country, individualism tends to be the key ingredient that drives buying decisions. Individuals are encouraged to trust their personal judgment and thus when recognizing needs, individual needs are given more preference rather than collective needs. Information search In China, the buyers prefer word of mouth information to other sources. This aspect is related to collectivism. Buyers want to ‘be the same’ as others in their respective group so that they will be accepted. Acceptance is a vital factor for them. Due to this, they inquire from their friends, acquaintances or relatives regarding a certain product. This is how conformity of a product is decided. In mainstream culture of US, buyers receive information mainly through digital networks due to the various advancements available in electronic medias and the flexibility of US individuals to adapt to new technology. Meanwhile in varied sub cultures located across geographic boundaries traditional means are also used in getting informed regarding a certain product. Evaluation of alternatives In terms of public reputation (Mianzi) issues, Chinese individuals wish to put up a good ‘face’ for the others in their respective group to show their wealth and certain other factors. This issue distinctively promotes purchase of luxury products. But it has been also found out that there is more involvement in evaluation of alternatives when purchasing a product for social value rather than for private consumption. Americans usually do not bargain in front of a store owner. The social environment could affect the consumer behaviour in America. For example they would prefer eating corn flakes and ham instead of rice. Americans tend to seek goods with variety and have impulse purchases. This is so because they live a faster life than of Asian countries. Post purchase evaluation Buyers usually show concern post purchase and feel that an alternative would have been preferable. In this case, brand switching occurs the next time which the customer purchases. But, if they receive the social recognition intended for which they originally bought the product or receive a positive feedback from the society, the brand switching decision would not necessarily be taken. Americans usually would try something new when purchasing the next time. However if they are fully satisfied with a product they shall preferably buy it the next time as well. But their decision is rather unpredictable. Future economic development of China and US In 1978, china was one of the poorest countries in the world. Their real per capita GDP in China was one-fourth of US real per capita GDP. Since then every year China was able to grow at 8% every year. As a result they are now one-fifth of the US level and at the same level as Brazil. China was under the communist rule since the revolution in 1949. After the leadership in 1978 china moved away from the central planning and government oriented policies towards a more decentralized economy. China is now a market economy making it a strong role for development of the state. The United States were always a market economy and the economy represents very small roles played by the government. When focusing on the employment rates and wages of the Chinese labour force it is relatively cheaper in a global context. This could lead China to being one of the strongest economic forces of the future and it could also be a significant factor for many international businesses. In china it is believed that work-life is about integration and harmony within work forces. A balanced work life and family life is not a significant aspect in China. Chinese employees do not interact socially but are more domestic oriented. US employees on the other hand are more work oriented. But it also differs according to their social class. For Example the lower level employees work seven extra hours a week which is equivalent to an average day’s work. The Chinese employment relationship strongly influences the work place to be â€Å"family like† while US prefers to have a professional working environment. The concept â€Å"work hard play hard† applies directly to the US work forc e. China has the largest population in the world being 1.357 billion as at 2013 where as the US population only counts to 316.1 million as at 2013. Firstly, internal migrants have supplied abundant labour to the Chinese economy. Secondly a large number of Chinese are 60 years or older and Finally, Chinese families have only one child based on their three decade old policy. These factors will in future represent a crisis since these effects are hard to reverse back. The US population mostly consists of senior citizens. That is, 13% of the population are more than 65 years old and is expected to increase to 20% by 2050. Also the population of young people is expected to rise in contrast to China. Since 2002 US is the largest economy in the world. China achieved a rapid growth in 2010 where it became the second largest economy, beating Japan. Since then US and China are the competitive nations of the world. The predictions of future economic rates as at 2019 are that the US GDP would be 22.1 trillion dollars compared to China with 14.8 trillion dollars. US is more service oriented where as China has a balance between Service and Industries The Unemployment Rate in China as reported by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the people’s republic of china has remained unchanged being 4.10 percent in the third quarter of 2014. Compared to China, even though the rate of unemployment in USA is high â€Å"6.2%†; USA has achieved a drastic drop in its unemployment rate compared to its figures in the last five years, Which is a highly favorable for its economic growth in the future. However, china has not made any measures to address their rate of unemployment.   Chinese still poses less prospective than Americans to Say They Live Comfortably:Superficially at odds with the countrys growth and sense of economic positivity, the Chinese have not grown more likely to feel they can live comfortably on their current income over the past six years. In 2012, 58% said they were able to get by on their current earnings, an amount that has remained relatively fixed. About a third (32%) is finding it verydifficult to earn just enough money to live on, and this rate has similarly continued basically constant. This would seem to suggest that economic progress has not yet directly translated into a more monetarily secure population, or, on the other hand, that as the Chinese sense wealthier, they find themselves attaining new requirements. And, one in 10 Chinese claim that they are living comfortably on their current revenue, a percentage that has shown no growth over time. Americans continue to maintain a much better average than the Chinese regarding their individual revenues. A plurality (38%) in 2012 said they were living comfortably on their current revenue; additional 34% said they were getting along. A quarter of Americans have found it very difficult to live with their current income. Although they are greater than the Chinese on this metric, Americans opinions of their capability to live a comfortable life have been affected by the recession. They are a reduced amount to be expected now than in 2007 to feel they can live comfortably on their present-day income and more probably to feel it is challenging to live on it. Reference List Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Cross-Cultural Skills from Mind Tools. 2014.Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Cross-Cultural Skills from Mind Tools. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm. [Accessed 22nd October 2014]. Journal of Communication Volume 48, Issue 4 December 1998 Wiley Online Library. 2014. Journal of Communication Volume 48, Issue 4 December 1998 Wiley Online Library. [ONLINE] Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcom.1998.48.issue-4/issuetoc. [Accessed 22nd October 2014]. Chinese Culture, China Culture Center, Facts, Ancient Custom and Tradition. 2014. Chinese Culture, China Culture Center, Facts, Ancient Custom and Tradition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/. [Accessed 25thOctober 2014]. Chinese Traditions and Culture. 2014.Chinese Traditions and Culture. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.chinese-traditions-and-culture.com/. [Accessed 27th October 2014] Lesson in American Culture and American Values. 2014. Lesson in American Culture and American Values. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.internationalstudentguidetotheusa.com/articles/culture.htm. [Accessed 28th October 2014]. Need Recognition. 2014. Need Recognition. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.boundless.com/marketing/textbooks/boundless-marketing-textbook/consumer-marketing-4/consumer-decision-process-40/need-recognition-200-4088/. [Accessed 1st November 2014]. Opinion Briefing: U.S. vs. China Strengths and Weaknesses . 2014. Opinion Briefing: U.S. vs. China Strengths and Weaknesses . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/162965/opinion-briefing-china-strengths-weaknesses.aspx. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. China has the worlds fastest growth in living standards China.org.cn. 2014. China has the worlds fastest growth in living standards China.org.cn. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2013-10/24/content_30391004.htm. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. China’s Population Destiny: The Looming Crisis | Brookings Institution . 2014. China’s Population Destiny: The Looming Crisis | Brookings Institution . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.brookings.edu/research/articles/2010/09/china-population-wang. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. The Changing Demographics of America | 40th Anniversary | Smithsonian. 2014. The Changing Demographics of America | 40th Anniversary | Smithsonian. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/40th-anniversary/the-changing-demographics-of-america-538284/?no-ist. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. Journal of Consumer Psychology | Vol 12, Iss 2, Pgs 69-176, (2002) | ScienceDirect.com. 2014.Journal of Consumer Psychology | Vol 12, Iss 2, Pgs 69-176, (2002) | ScienceDirect.com. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10577408/12/2. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]

Friday, January 17, 2020

Maintaining Records Essay

Ensure you know your companies policies for maintain records. Do they have certain ways of doing things i.e. writing in black etc. Also ensure the information is easy to read. Do not use abbreviations unless you state what they mean. Always be aware of confidentiality. Make sure each record is signed and dated. Keep each record in some kind of order i.e. Alphabetical, numeric, or use an identification code for each individual to make it easier to find the individuals records. Make sure every piece of paperwork is in date order so it is easy to look for. If there are any options to be given make sure there is evidence to back this up. Try to make sure you finish the piece of work before your shift finishes. When the records are finished with they must be stored away somewhere safe and locked away, If you need to leave your desk and are working on someone records you must put them away securely first. Always remember the confidentiality data protection act. When reading people information or writing about them always make sure you do it in a place where no one can read over your shoulder or see what records you have. Ask not to be disturbed while you are updating records. If the records are on a computer then you must make sure all the information is accurate and saved in the right place. The PC must be password locked and have an antivirus.  If you use a USB then it must be protected and supplied from your company and have your managers approval. Task A AiIdentify four key pieces of Legislation or Codes of Practice relating to handling information in social care settings. Data Protection Act 1998 – this Act is to protect the data on each individual and ensures confidentiality is kept. Freedom of Information Act 2000 – A person can ask to look at the information kept on them if they want to read it. Care Standards Act – this ensure all information is correct and stored away securely. Health and Social Care Act. – This ensures that all information regarding to health and social care is treated appropriately and by the relevant people. AiiExplain how legislation requirements and codes of practice affect the day to day work of a social care worker in relation to handling information. The requirements ensure that Social Care workers handle all information in an accurate and confidential manner. Safeguarding is an important part of the job as it could contain a person’s personal information. This has to be dealt with in a professional manner and requirements are there to make sure everyone follows them even during their personal time. At no given time should any information be discussed about a person’s information unless it is to a person relevant to the job. A social care worker has to be mindful of everything they say, write, document and share to ensure the legal requirements are followed. The requirements are they to ensure information is always kept confidential even when inputting onto a computer which is why passwords are always needed to ensure security. AiiiExplain two ways of helping other practitioners to understand the importance of handling information securely. 1. I would help others by explaining what would happen if they did not handle information the correct way. An example of this could be if someone was to get hold of bank details then they could steal money. People may judge if the find out information they do not like. You could be fined heavily or go to jail for breach of information. Giving them a copy of the Legislation policies would also be helpful. 2. I would show other practitioners how I handle all information and how I would make sure it was safely stored once I  had finished with it. AivExplain two ways of helping other practitioners to understand the different systems used to record information in adult social care settings. 1. I would provide information on the two ways they can record all their data. The first would be about storing records manually. This would be in a secure place where only the relevant people can gain access. 2. Second would be by storing information electronically. I would ensure that they understood that to make this safe they have to have a password on the computer which should be changed regularly and an anti-virus should be placed in the computer system.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

George Washington and the Farewell Address - 717 Words

George Washington and the Farewell Address As the first president to guide, lead and protect what was very much a youthful, vulnerable, hopeful and energetic nation, George Washington will always hold a special and inalienable place in the minds and hearts of all Americans. However, other historians would assert that it was his achievements as an unflinching and courageous military leader was really equated to his most lasting and important contribution to American history: As the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army the services and achievements of George Washington are unique in the worlds history. He was much more than the Commander in Chief. He was the one necessary person, whose calm, unswerving, determined sense of patriotic duty to country, and ability put real backbone into the Revolution and kept it from collapsing or merging into a civil conflict, under the hardships and unexpected privations encountered during the eight years of war (ushistory.org, 2011). Some schola rs go so far as to posit that the Revolutionary war would never have been successful had it not been for his brave leadership and devotion to the cause (ushistory.org, 2010). Regardless of the pivotal and singular contributions George Washington made to the corridors of history, when he decided to leave office after two terms, this decision no doubt marked a melancholy and somewhat uncertain moment for young America. Washingtons Farewell Address often embodies the warnings from a partingShow MoreRelatedGeorge Washington Farewell Address1117 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Paper In 1796, George Washington, who was known as being one of the greatest leaders in history, wrote an important document to the American people. This document was written to inform and help prevent the Americans from making any mistakes or decisions that could hurt the nation and the people in it. You should know that Washington was extremely sensitive to the importance of public appearance and he used his departure from Presidency to publicize a major final statement of his politicalRead MoreGeorge Washington s Farewell Address Essay1258 Words   |  6 PagesChase Williams US History to 1865 Dr. Lisa Crutchfield October 14, 2015 George Washington s Farewell Address, Primary Source Analysis George Washington’s Presidential Farewell Address consisted of three critical elements that were considered vital for the functional survival of the country that had just won its independence. On September 19, 1796, President Washington advised the nation to stand together as one united country, warned the people about the dangers of political parties and heRead MoreGeorge Washington Farewell Address Essay1663 Words   |  7 PagesGeorge Washington, a very famous man known as the first President of the United States of America, was born on the 22nd of February, 1732 in the colony of Bridges Creek, Virginia. (George Presidential Early Life sec.1 para.3) He was born into a wealthy, land-owning family and was a very political individual. Washington served as a Major in the Virginia militia and also fought in the French and Indian War from 1754 to 1763. In addition, Washington became a representative of the Virginia legislatureRead MoreGeorge Washington s Farewell Address1996 Wor ds   |  8 PagesIn George Washington s Farewell Address, Washington warns against the dangers of political factions by stating, â€Å"it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views† (Washington). However, despite American leaders such as George Washington and James MadisonRead MoreGeorge Washington s Farewell Address Essay1884 Words   |  8 Pages1796 that George Washington gave his â€Å"Farewell Address.† This profoundly important message is still read each year in the Senate. On September 19, 1796, US President George Washington published his Farewell Address to the nation of citizens. It was a thoroughly thoughtful analysis of our new nation, its needs for the future and his plans to decline to seek a third ter m as president. It was not delivered as a speech, but rather published in many newspapers and public venues. George Washington announcedRead MoreGeorge Washington s Farewell Address1158 Words   |  5 Pagessupport in favor of George Washington. Since then there has never been an undisputed presidential ruling. It was also the only time where factions weren’t prevalent. In George Washington’s Farewell Address, he states that, the alternate domination of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and is itself a frightful tyranny. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent repression. From Washington s perspectiveRead MoreAnalysis Of George Washington s Farewell Address954 Words   |  4 PagesThe document, George Washington, Farewell Address, was a letter written to the citizens of the United States of America. It allowed outgoing President Washington to give advice on how to maintain the nation after he was gone. He advised our politicians to act in good faith towards all nations and to make an effort to keep peace with other countries. He cautioned to remain connected to God, maintain high moral principles and to set a good example, one that is guided by a sense of justice and kindnessRead MoreGeorge Washington s Speech On Farewell Address831 Words   |  4 PagesAuthor: George Washington Title: Farewell Address a. Identify the document--what type of document is it (i.e. a letter, a newspaper article, etc.) and what year was it created? This document is a piece of George Washington’s final public address/speech as presidentRead MoreAnalysis Of George Washington s Farewell Address1009 Words   |  5 PagesProblem: In 1789 George Washington’s Farewell Address contained one major piece of advice to the county regarding relations with other nations: â€Å"avoid entangling alliances.† Those words shaped United States foreign policy for more than a century (Policy Making, American Government). Today some Americans think that Washington’s words are still wise ones, and that the United States (U.S.) should withdraw from world affairs whenever possible. In truth, however, the United States has been embroiledRead MoreEconomic Prosperity : George Washington s Farewell Address1660 Words   |  7 PagesEsha Parikh Blanchard APUSH 2 16 January 2015 Economic Prosperity: 1898-1945: Prior to the 1890’s, the United States followed a foreign policy of seclusion to worldly matters. This idea stemming from George Washington’s Farewell Address to â€Å"avoid entangling alliances† became the foundation for American seclusion and detachment, a policy which resulted in this country being able to overcome tremendous internal difficulties facing the rising, fast-changing state of America. The Manifest Destiny enlarged

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Overview of Supported Employment - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 2961 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/02/15 Category Career Essay Level High school Tags: Employment Essay Did you like this example? Supported employment is a model of vocational rehabilitation that helps consumers with developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, or other significant disabilities get placed in jobs that they want to pursue (Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 2018; Moll, Huff, Detwiler, 2003 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). This model also gives consumers the supports, accommodations, and training needed to enable their success in the workplace (Moll, Huff, Detwiler, 2003 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). Rather than using a â€Å"train and then place† approach from the traditional vocational rehabilitation model, a â€Å"place and then train† approach is used instead, also known as the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model within supported employment (Becker Drake, 1993 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; Drake Becker, 1996 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; Bond et al., 2001 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; Bond, 2004 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Overview of Supported Employment" essay for you Create order The IPS model was created to increase treatment outcomes for consumers as well as helping them acquire competitive employment like people who do not have disabilities (Becker Drake, 1993 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; Drake Becker, 1996 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). Supported employment in its entirety shows consumers that regardless of their condition, it is possible for them to find a job that best fits their strengths and experiences instead of trying to become â€Å"perfect workers† (SAMHSA, 2009). Populations that benefit from supported employment Although supported employment helps consumers with developmental disabilities and other significant disabilities, consumers with serious mental illness are an important population in supported employment (Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, 2018; U.S. Department of Labor, 1993 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). One example of a serious mental illness is schizophrenia, as well as other psychotic disorders (Brown Stoffel, 2011). Consumers with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders may show one or more of these abnormalities, which include â€Å"delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior (including catatonia), and negative symptoms† (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These abnormalities can affect how a consumer is in the workplace. Negative symptoms can decrease a consumer’s performance, which are more prevalent in consumers with schizophrenia (A merican Psychiatric Association, 2013). Consumers that exhibit these negative symptoms may not speak as much, express emotions, have motivation to initiate purpose activities, experience pleasure, show interest in social interactions, or have opportunities for social interactions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). As for developmental disabilities, these would include neurodevelopmental disorders that â€Å"produce impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning† (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). These impairments can widely vary â€Å"from very specific limitations of learning or control of executive functions to global impairments of social skills or intelligence† (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). No matter what disability a consumer may have, supported employment will help that consumer find a job. Expected outcomes of supported employment The goal of supported employment is to help consumers find jobs in typical settings in the community outside of segregated workshops and also having the supports needed to be successful at work (U.S. Department of Labor, 1993 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). Examples of such supports include â€Å"job coaches, arranged transportation, and assistive technology† (U.S. Department of Labor, 1993 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). It allows for consumers to take part in work settings with people who do not have disabilities and earn competitive wages (SAMHSA, 2009). There are a several components that make up supported employment programs. One component consists of integrating the consumer’s mental health services with the employment assistance services and having them work in synchrony with each other (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). A second component involves allowing a consumer to use supported employment se rvices based off of their desire to work and not on their illness or employment history (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). A third component focuses finding a competitive job that fits the consumer’s preferences, which is the goal (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). A fourth component is comprised of starting the job search as soon as a consumer decides to enter the supported employment program (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). A fifth component includes unlimited customized support for the consumer whenever they need it (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). Lastly, a sixth component incorporates Social Security benefits counseling, which helps the consumer take care of their Social Security, health insurance, and other government benefits efficiently (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011; SAMHSA, 2009). This counseling wi ll further help the consumer’s entry into the workforce, as well as helping them keeping their job (Bond Jones, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). Therefore, supported employment helps consumers get competitive jobs and makes the transition into those jobs go more smoothly. Team members of supported employment In order to make supported employment work effectively, a team is needed to help with different responsibilities. The supported employment staff is made up of supported employment leaders, employment specialists, benefits specialists, and mental health practitioners (SAMHSA, 2009). Supported employment leaders supervise employment specialists and serve as the link to other coordinators within a mental health agency (SAMHSA, 2009). Employment specialists are the servicers of supported employment by assisting consumers with acquiring and upholding jobs that go along with their vocational goals and recovery (SAMHSA, 2009). Benefits specialists are the go-to people when a consumer needs complete information about benefits and work incentives (SAMHSA, 2009). They help consumers who want to go to work by looking over their benefits and informing them about how work will affect them (SAMHSA, 2009). As the consumers work more and make more money, benefits specialists can provide individualized benefits planning to help them handle their benefits and health care coverage (SAMHSA, 2009). Mental health practitioners uphold vocational goals of consumers as well as talk about clinical and rehabilitation concerns that pertain to work (SAMHSA, 2009). These concerns can include side effects from medication, ongoing symptoms such as hallucinations, cognitive problems, and other rehabilitation needs that will facilitate better work performance, such as social skills training to improve a consumer’s ability to socialize (SAMHSA, 2009). Once a consumer is in the competitive workforce, supervisors and coworkers can also provide natural support to them as they transition into the job, which can help them retain a job for a longer period of time (McGurk, Mueser, Pascaris, 2005 as cited in Brown Stoffel, 2011). Literature review Kirsh, B. (2016). Client, contextual and program elements influencing supported employment: A literature review. Community Mental Health Journal, 52, 809-820. Here is a literature review that focused on issues within supported employment (SE) that have not been the main points of research for this model. There were six research questions that were asked. They were as follows: 1) What impact do labor market trends have on the effectiveness of SE? 2) How lasting are the effects of SE and what factors influence longevity of SE? 3) What levels and types of employment are targeted by SE? 4) What are the characteristics of people who benefit most from SE? 5) What is the role of peer support in SE? 6) What are the barriers to effective SE implementation? A literature search that looked at peer-reviewed articles that ranged from 1988 to 2010 was performed using major databases. Two keywords that were used were â€Å"supported employment† and â€Å"individual placement and support.† Articles that were included in the study were about supported employment with people with mental illnesses or comorbid addiction and mental d isorders. Articles that were not included were about fidelity measurements or were simply program descriptions without any outcomes. For each article reviewed, a template cover sheet was created as data was extracted. A cover sheet had the type of study, purpose, design, context, and participants of each study. There were also headings for each research question. Once all of the information was collected from the articles, a separate document was made for each research question, and the data pertaining to that question was put into that document. The information on these documents were then summarized to look at the complete answer for each question being asked. Results revealed that labor market trends are inversely related to SE efficacy rates. When there are high unemployment rates, there are lower employment rates for SE. On the other hand, a healthy economy leads to higher rates of job acquisition and longer lengths of employment. Participants in SE programs worked longer than other groups across all studies. The presence of skills training, cognitive training, funding models, and job matching positively contribute to the long-lasting effects of supported employment. Participants of SE programs had jobs in competitive settings that were the same as coworkers without mental illnesses. The jobs were at least minimum wage, either part-time or full-time, and mostly entry-level positions that were involved in retail, service, general laborer, and clerical work. They did not require technical skills, advanced education, or prior work experience. In regards to characteristics within each participant, positive personal attitudes and beliefs, higher education (at least a high school degree), prior employment history, higher cognitive and mental health characteristics, supportive families, and association with income support increased their ability to find and keep jobs. Males tended to find and get jobs more than females due to the physical nature of some jobs. Age had mixed results with participants under the age of thirty-five having better employment outcomes or older participants between the ages of forty and forty-nine having longer job tenure. Demographics did not significantly determine job tenure. The presence of peer support helped participants in SE programs feel like they were not alone in their pursuit for competitive jobs. It was helpful for participants to talk to people in similar situations, and it pushed them to continue with the job search. There were several barriers found that negatively affecte d supported employment. Negative attitudes toward participants and the lack of skills, training, and knowledge of SE staff led to decreased effectiveness of SE. There were leadership challenges that affected the productivity of SE programs. Screening and referral challenges were presented through some teams only wanting to help participants who were more likely to perform well in the workforce and some mental health professionals seeing work as a stressor for participants rather than a benefit. Then there was the fear of losing health insurance and other benefits based on disability policies and social security programs. Stigma towards people with mental illness continues to be prevalent, which can affect a participant’s ability to get a competitive job. From this article, it was found that supported employment can be very effective for people with serious mental illness. On the other hand, the effectiveness of this model also depends on many factors. For instance, supported employment is more successful when a person has the interest and motivation to find a job. Although supported employment programs do not discriminate against people based on their mental illness or prior work experience, it looks like people who are in supported employment programs have a higher probability of getting a job if they have previous employment history, are higher functioning and have a handle on their symptoms, and participate in peer support groups. There are also outside influences that can change the effectiveness of supported employment, such as labor market trends, an inefficient supported education staff, and discrimination against people who are participating in supported employment. With all of this information in mind, it looks like the research shows that the effectiveness of supported employment depends on factors within the participants of a supported employment program and factors outside of the participants’ control. Occupational therapy’s role in supported employment With supported employment being dependent on the preferences of the consumer, it is not difficult to incorporate its principles in the client-centered profession of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy can complement supported employment by finding ways for a consumer to successfully participate in their desired activities and tasks in the workplace. Occupational therapists can advocate for the right of consumers to pursue competitive jobs. Along with this, they can advocate for consumers to get special transportation so they can get to work safely and on time. If consumers are placed in a job that they are interested in but are having difficulties with some job tasks, occupational therapists can do activity analysis and find ways to adapt the environment or job task or introduce the use of assistive technology to complete job tasks. Besides job tasks, occupational therapists can help with skills training that will help further support consumers’ success in the workplace. For example, if a consumer is having difficulties engaging in social interactions with supervisors, coworkers, or customers if applicable, occupational therapists can organize a social skills training for them. If a consumer is having difficulties expressing their wants and needs in the workplace, occupational therapists can organize an assertion skills training. Other examples of skills training can pertain to organization or time management to help consumers perform efficiently and in a timely manner at work. As a consumer starts making more money, money management techniques can also be taught by an occupational therapist, perhaps in collaboration with the benefits specialists. Together with the supported employment staff, occupational therapists can help uphold the principles of supported employment. Areas of impairment that supported employment addresses The main impairment that supported employment addresses is work. It helps consumers identify their interests that can help them pinpoint potential jobs and then look into those jobs. Employment specialists can then help consumers find and get jobs. Once consumers get jobs, then the supported employment staff can help improve their job performance as necessary through skills training, occupation modifications, environmental modifications, and introducing assistive technology when needed. A second impairment that is addressed is driving and community mobility. Special transportation may need to be arranged in order for a consumer to get to work safely and on time, as well as get picked up when the work day is finished. A third impairment that is addressed is financial management. Thanks to the presence of a benefits specialist on the supported employment staff, consumers will have knowledge of their benefits and healthcare coverage. They will also learn money management tec hniques as they earn more money. Addressing these impairments will help a consumer be successful in their everyday life. PEO Model and supported employment To relate supported employment back to occupational therapy, an occupational therapy model that will best complement supported employment is the PEO model. The PEO model focuses on the dynamic relationships that occur when people participate in their occupations in different environments over time (Brown Stoffel, 2011). These relationships between people, occupations, and environments can either positively or negatively affect each other, and changes within any part affects the other parts on various levels (Brown Stoffel, 2011). Analyses are performed on the relationships between the person and the occupation, the occupation and the environment, and the person and the environment during a specific point of time and space (Brown Stoffel, 2011). Depending on the circumstances, the amount of each part can vary, and occupational performance can look different every time (Brown Stoffel, 2011). The overlapping of all three components and the resulting performance from it is the person’s occupational performance (CAOT, 1997). This occupational therapy model works well with supported employment when a consumer gets a job. In order to see if a consumer needs skills training, job task modifications, or assistive technology, the relationship between the consumer and the occupation can be analyzed to see if the interaction between them promotes success at work. The relationship between a consumer and the environment can be looked at to see if there are any outside influences that are affecting the consumer while at work. Furthermore, the relationship between an occupation and the environment can be examined to see if there are outside influences affecting how an occupation at work is performed or if an occupation is affecting the environment. Looking at the interactions between a consumer, their occupation, and their environment through this model can help adjust themselves, the job task, or the workplace accordingly so the consumer can increase their occupational performance. Evaluation tools that can complement supported employment Assessment tools that can be used to evaluate consumers and complement supported employment are client interview, interest checklist, and activity analysis. Through a client interview, the consumer can express their interests in their own words, and from there, potential jobs can be determined. If it is difficult for a consumer to think of what they are interested in, an interest checklist with a list of different activities can be used to specifically pinpoint interests. Once a consumer is in the workplace, activity analysis can be performed. The consumer can be observed doing a job task and analyze their performance. If there are problems, then modifications can be incorporated, such as changing the job task or the environment or introducing assistive technology in order to increase the consumer’s job performance. Occupational therapy can help assess consumers before or after they obtain a competitive job. Occupational therapy intervention goals There are five general intervention goals that can be worked on based on the supported employment model. The first goal is for the consumer to identify interests to help with their job search. For a consumer who participated in social skills training, the second goal is for the consumer to interact with supervisors, coworkers and customers using skills obtained from the social skills training. If a consumer needs to use assistive technology, the third goal is for the consumer to successfully complete job tasks while using assistive technology. For a consumer who needs to work on time management, the fourth goal is for the consumer to manage their time effectively by getting to work on time, completing job tasks during the time allotted, and leaving work at their designated time. As for a consumer who received organization skills training, the fifth goal is for the consumer to incorporate techniques to help them stay organized in the workplace.