The academic fraternity may be compared with a deck of playing cards. Since the academics are engaged in the shaping of 'men of tomorrow today', they remain at the top of the pack, the 'Aces'. There can never be a perceptible difference in strategies employed between selling of merchandise and imparting of knowledge. Before the actual 'sale' of ideas or knowledge, a teacher has to go through the whole gamut of preparation or 'Spade' work so as to ensure that the 'cognitive' domain is well taken care of. In every approach, it should be his constant endeavour to hit his students in the 'Heart', which represents the 'affective' domain. As the teacher starts realising that each one of his students has a mind and a mouth, he should allow them to use both. As he starts giving importance to class room 'interaction' backed by frequent feedback, he will come to realize that he is dealing in 'Diamonds' precious enough for the posterity. The teacher tries to cushion his lectures with a 'Club', linking the unknown with the known. Teaching is a human experience and since all encounters within the class room centre around the 'Joker', the teacher has to prepare himself well in order to see that he has all the 'ingredients' to fit into any teacher-student learning situation.
In the midst of such situations prevailing, for academicians, productivity is a function of their eagerness to increase their personal status, and their intellectual pilgrimage, if we may say so, is dictated by external conditions. The credit goes to Mao Tse-tung (1967) who said 'external causes are the conditions of change and internal causes are the basis of change. In a suitable temperature an egg changes into a chicken, but no temperature can change a stone into a chicken because each has a different basis'. Achievement and recognition are both considered as intrinsic. However achievement is determined by performance, while recognition may have something to do with job satisfaction. It is to be recognised that job satisfaction levels can vary performance.
An examination of the problems of job satisfaction is called for since it is a question of the incumbent's satisfaction that is considered as essential to checkmate the diminishing returns of productivity. Merton (1949) makes a distinction between ' locals' and ' cosmopolitans' and sharing a parochial nature of the 'locals' and ecumenical nature of the 'cosmopolitans' , Gouldner (1957) goes on to add that while the 'locals' loyalty to employing organisation is ' high', they are 'low' on commitment to specialised role skills and are likely to use an inner reference group orientation. The 'cosmopolitans' on the other hand are those 'low' on loyalty to employing organisation, 'high' on commitment to specialised role skills and are likely to use outer reference group orientation.
It needs to be seen whether academicians can have access to rewards far beyond the levels of job satisfaction. In other words, independent of levels of satisfaction, productivity is their life breath and without it their survival will be in jeopardy. For them ‘contended mind is not a continual feast'. Unless academicians who are comparable to 'cosmopolitans' have an 'urge' to be seen as men of eminence, mere presence of 'high' level of job satisfaction will be of no avail. Viewed against the background of a condition in which 'high satisfaction' is prevalent with 'urge' conspicuous by its absence, it is discernable that there exists a 'paternalistic relationship' between the academicians and the management with their eyes not focused on productivity. Increased productivity with an 'urge' for 'outer group reference' contributes to the eminence of academicians.
The heads of the academicians, though small, need to carry all the news in order to stay put in their professional pursuits and thereby make a mark. Such of those who lag behind and fail to make a mark are sure to go 'unwept, unhonoured and unsung to the vile dust whence they sprung'.
Relevant Links:
http://drpadmalatha.blogspot.com
Bibliography
Job Satisfaction Among Academicians by Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
Sunday, May 17, 2009
KNOWLEDGE:ITS ROOTS AND FRUITS
Authors : Dr. HORNELL HART; Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
Published: May 17, 2009
Daniel Bell, known for his work on 'The Coming of Post Industrial Society'
makes a distinction between information and knowledge, since knowledge is equated with information. Knowledge is also equated with instruction, enlightenment, learning, practical skill and so on and it includes expertise. According to Daniel Bell, knowledge is an organised set of statement of facts or ideas presenting a reasoned judgment or an experimental result which is transmitted to others through some communication medium in ome systematic form. On the otherhand, information is 'data processing' in the broadest sense. Both knowledge and information are terms used interchangeably. If we take learning as equivalent to knowledge, such learning can take place when individuals interact with others and with their environment.
Individuals increase their understanding of reality by observing others and also by examining their results of their acts. If you observe others' acts and thereby learn on your own, or if you are made to observe others and thereby learn (i.e what is called as Contagion, seen as a positive means of social control). You also learn by 'trial and error'. It is others experience or your own experience that helps you to learn.
The following saying assumes relevancy:
Wise men learn by fools experience and
Fools, by their own experience.
As held by Hornell Hart (1964) mankind seeks knowledge by a variety of ways. The quest for reliable knowledge is the essence of 'scientific research'. Seeking knowledge both by scientific and non-scientific methods dates back to periods earlier than the dawn of history. In his book entitled
'Laboratory Manual for Introductory Sociology', Hornell Hart (1964) idetifies five rungs which represent five basic methods of knowledge seeking. The five rungs are (1) Intuition (2) Logic (3) Authority tradition
4) Introspection and (5) Empiricism. Empiricism which lies at the bottom of the rung help the seekers of knowledge to use eyes, ears, fingers and other sensory organs. What one gets through his senses proides the basis for test of turth. The following proverbs lend credence to the above:
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating of it";
" Seeing is believing".
Introspection, which is in the second rung from the bottom, involves observation of of one's own private experience. It includes such acts as recalling memory, feeling a liking or dislike for something, and noticing how one's own mind works. It also includes observing what happens in one's own dreams and using one's own imagination. The immediate test of truth under this method is what one observes inwardly.
Authority-Tradition, in the third rung of the ladder may also be called 'rung of transmitting information. Under this method, the test for acceptance of a given item is that some one on whom we repose confidence confides that it is true. Tradition includes the vast bulk of social heritage of knowledge and belief. On the otherhand, authority consists of transmitted information backed up by sanctions and pressures. It is the basis for the whole structure of civil and criminal law, founded upon the Constitutions, statutes and judicial precedents. Transmission of information begins at home and both the primary and secondary groups an individual comes in contact with are involved in this process.
Logic is the fourth rung in the ladder. Philosophers, lawyers, mathematicians and other theorists place emphasis on this method of finding and testing truth.
In the fifth rung lies Intuition. Intuition includes every sudden flash of insight. The immediate test of truth is merely one's own inner conviction.
If these are the ' roots' of knowledge, what are its ' fruits'?
August Comte, 'the father of sociology', said that the purpose of science is to understand, so as to predict, in order to control. Manuel Castells in his
work on 'The Rise of the Network Society, Volume I, Page 159) writes to say that the interaction between 'tacit knowledge' and 'explicit knowledge' serves as a source of innovation.
Finally, is may be said
'Action without knowledge is rootless ;
Knowledge without action is fruitless'.
Published: May 17, 2009
Daniel Bell, known for his work on 'The Coming of Post Industrial Society'
makes a distinction between information and knowledge, since knowledge is equated with information. Knowledge is also equated with instruction, enlightenment, learning, practical skill and so on and it includes expertise. According to Daniel Bell, knowledge is an organised set of statement of facts or ideas presenting a reasoned judgment or an experimental result which is transmitted to others through some communication medium in ome systematic form. On the otherhand, information is 'data processing' in the broadest sense. Both knowledge and information are terms used interchangeably. If we take learning as equivalent to knowledge, such learning can take place when individuals interact with others and with their environment.
Individuals increase their understanding of reality by observing others and also by examining their results of their acts. If you observe others' acts and thereby learn on your own, or if you are made to observe others and thereby learn (i.e what is called as Contagion, seen as a positive means of social control). You also learn by 'trial and error'. It is others experience or your own experience that helps you to learn.
The following saying assumes relevancy:
Wise men learn by fools experience and
Fools, by their own experience.
As held by Hornell Hart (1964) mankind seeks knowledge by a variety of ways. The quest for reliable knowledge is the essence of 'scientific research'. Seeking knowledge both by scientific and non-scientific methods dates back to periods earlier than the dawn of history. In his book entitled
'Laboratory Manual for Introductory Sociology', Hornell Hart (1964) idetifies five rungs which represent five basic methods of knowledge seeking. The five rungs are (1) Intuition (2) Logic (3) Authority tradition
4) Introspection and (5) Empiricism. Empiricism which lies at the bottom of the rung help the seekers of knowledge to use eyes, ears, fingers and other sensory organs. What one gets through his senses proides the basis for test of turth. The following proverbs lend credence to the above:
"The proof of the pudding is in the eating of it";
" Seeing is believing".
Introspection, which is in the second rung from the bottom, involves observation of of one's own private experience. It includes such acts as recalling memory, feeling a liking or dislike for something, and noticing how one's own mind works. It also includes observing what happens in one's own dreams and using one's own imagination. The immediate test of truth under this method is what one observes inwardly.
Authority-Tradition, in the third rung of the ladder may also be called 'rung of transmitting information. Under this method, the test for acceptance of a given item is that some one on whom we repose confidence confides that it is true. Tradition includes the vast bulk of social heritage of knowledge and belief. On the otherhand, authority consists of transmitted information backed up by sanctions and pressures. It is the basis for the whole structure of civil and criminal law, founded upon the Constitutions, statutes and judicial precedents. Transmission of information begins at home and both the primary and secondary groups an individual comes in contact with are involved in this process.
Logic is the fourth rung in the ladder. Philosophers, lawyers, mathematicians and other theorists place emphasis on this method of finding and testing truth.
In the fifth rung lies Intuition. Intuition includes every sudden flash of insight. The immediate test of truth is merely one's own inner conviction.
If these are the ' roots' of knowledge, what are its ' fruits'?
August Comte, 'the father of sociology', said that the purpose of science is to understand, so as to predict, in order to control. Manuel Castells in his
work on 'The Rise of the Network Society, Volume I, Page 159) writes to say that the interaction between 'tacit knowledge' and 'explicit knowledge' serves as a source of innovation.
Finally, is may be said
'Action without knowledge is rootless ;
Knowledge without action is fruitless'.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
WITHERING THE CHARM OF LIFE
Though little, your finger raised against in accusation, turns one's womb into a tomb. Mercilessly doing more mischief, your little finger makes the deadliest war weapons pale into insignificance. Though your mind is the launching pad, it facilitates your 'miniature missile' soar into greater heights with your message of constructive destruction. Such a mindless misadventure debilitates the mind and dilapidates the hopes of the hapless recipient of the 'most unkindest cut of all'. Situated as he is, he is confronted with the question 'what this day has in store' for him?. As he turns out of the bed, such a crucial question looms large before his mind's eye. While each morning shows the day as 'childhood shows the man', how is it that the turn of events prove themselves to be unpredictably elusive, he bemourns. We start the day, hoping against hope that we will be able to win rewards justifiably through struggle,but days wear out when we invariably accept caprices with resignation. Suspense-filled incidents, like mirages, make our struggle meaningless.
Is it a truism that 'all happiness that man can gain is not in pleasure, but in relief from pain'? Whether such a relief from pain one will get when he falls into deep slumber never again to come back to face the haunting question?
Is it a truism that 'all happiness that man can gain is not in pleasure, but in relief from pain'? Whether such a relief from pain one will get when he falls into deep slumber never again to come back to face the haunting question?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Insofar as TV channels and and News Papers are concerned, 'some are born great, some are made great and greatness is thrust upon some'. Though it is for NDTV to decide to which one of the categories it belongs, prevailing environs and conditions show NTDV in poor light.
Considered as 'immortal', great tamil poet Thiruvalluvar said 'to be balanced and not bend to any side like the Weighing beam is the beauty of the Great.(Kural:118)
Media do not appear to have come out of their 'slavish' mentality. Those whose 'soul' is so dead will make a departure from neutrality and confined as they are in a confused state of mind, confuse the common man for selfish ends.
Considered as 'immortal', great tamil poet Thiruvalluvar said 'to be balanced and not bend to any side like the Weighing beam is the beauty of the Great.(Kural:118)
Media do not appear to have come out of their 'slavish' mentality. Those whose 'soul' is so dead will make a departure from neutrality and confined as they are in a confused state of mind, confuse the common man for selfish ends.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
THOUGHTS RUNNING AMUCK
The Article Link Refered Fromhttp://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Congress+is+not+old,+Priyankas+retort+to+Modis+remark&artid=LvbTbGuW440=&SectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&MainSectionID=b7ziAYMenjw=&SEO=BJP;+Gujarat+Chief+Minister;+Narendra+Modi;+Congre&SectionName=pWehHe7IsSU=ByRangarajan
When you sit for an examination with intent to secure a degree, the examiner has no choice but to go through your answer script whether there ie sense or not. In her eagerness to answer Mr Narendra Modi's accusation of the Congress party being an old one, Priyanka has paraded her ignorance and the mature voters will give zero mark for an immature prattle of priyanka.Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka should understand that 'congress party' is not a proprietary concern belonging to the 'trio'. It looks to me that they do not even know the ' a, b, c' of governance of the country. To expect them to lnow the 'x, y, z' of governance of the country looks like asking for the moon.
By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
4/11/2009 4:29:00 PM
Arrest order issued for Lalu Prasad for Varun remarksApr 7, 2009 ... By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN 4/7/2009 3:48:00 AM. dear on line editor,If the report attributed Lalu is fact thewww.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Arrest+order+issued+for+Lalu... Would have run roller over Varun: Lalu Prasad - expressbuzz.com
At a time when the law is taking its course in the matter of Varun Gandhi's alleged speeches against the muslims, there appears to be no reason for the Railway Minister Lallu Prasad Yadhv to speak at a tangent. His exercise looks like the one intended to appease the otherwise well informed muslim brethren. Unlike the likes of Lallu Prasad Yadhv, poverty knows no religion, region or language.Had the politicians been really serious and concerned about ensuring the 'greatest good for the greatest number of people' right from day one of India's Independence we would have not only eradicated poverty, but would not have had the opportunity to win Oscar award for a film like 'Slumdog millionaire'. which was woven around utter poverty. Like the Railways advertisement which runs as 'less luggage, more comfort, make travel a pleasure', politicians herenceforth should 'talk less, work more and make the country prosperous' in every sense of the term.
By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
4/7/2009 3:48:00 AM
I'm ready for a live debate with Manmohan: Advani - Express ...
www.indianexpress.com/news/manmohans-comments/439469// - 52k -
WHAT IS HECUBA TO HIM OR HE TO HECUBA.......... by Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN on 26 Mar 2009
I bear no ill-will nor have I anything against Mrs Sonia Gandhi.The undeniable fact that remains is that she is the wife of Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi and daughter in law of Late Srimathi Indira Gandhi.The Country expects that she should continue to play the 'roleless role' she had played when both Rajiv and Indira Gandhi were alive.Shakespeare said 'what is Hecuba to him or he to Hecuba that he should weep for her'? Why should Sonia Gandhi take great interest in the internal affairs of this Country?Is it not a shame that this Great land of ours with a population in excess of over 100 crores is unable to identify one with not soul so dead to call this is my own, my native land.? Is it because we have fallen into 'irreparable amnesia', or suffer from 'intellectual deficiency'?
Varun Gandhi was wrong, but was EC right? - Have you Heard.....
From C.S.Rangarajan. March 30, 2009 6:30 PM. Politicians are adept at making a mountain out of a mole hill. No one has a right to sit in judgment over the ...
blogs.livemint.com/blogs/have_you_heard/archive/... - 111k - Similar pages
From C.S.Rangarajan March 30, 2009 6:30 PM Politicians are adept at making a mountain out of a mole hill. No one has a right to sit in judgment over the alleged 'hate' speech of Varun Gandhi against the muslims. Though'Satya meva jayathe' is said to be a guiding principle of this Great Nation, lies,the whole lies,and nothing but lies tinged with venom pour when politicians open their mouths.There has never been an occasion for any leader to encourage constructive criticism. All political parties are seen as accelerating the course of destruction of the finer elements which keep this nation on a high pedestal still. Narrow ends will hasten the end of those whose loyalty to the nation is questionable.
When you sit for an examination with intent to secure a degree, the examiner has no choice but to go through your answer script whether there ie sense or not. In her eagerness to answer Mr Narendra Modi's accusation of the Congress party being an old one, Priyanka has paraded her ignorance and the mature voters will give zero mark for an immature prattle of priyanka.Sonia, Rahul and Priyanka should understand that 'congress party' is not a proprietary concern belonging to the 'trio'. It looks to me that they do not even know the ' a, b, c' of governance of the country. To expect them to lnow the 'x, y, z' of governance of the country looks like asking for the moon.
By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
4/11/2009 4:29:00 PM
Arrest order issued for Lalu Prasad for Varun remarksApr 7, 2009 ... By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN 4/7/2009 3:48:00 AM. dear on line editor,If the report attributed Lalu is fact thewww.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Arrest+order+issued+for+Lalu... Would have run roller over Varun: Lalu Prasad - expressbuzz.com
At a time when the law is taking its course in the matter of Varun Gandhi's alleged speeches against the muslims, there appears to be no reason for the Railway Minister Lallu Prasad Yadhv to speak at a tangent. His exercise looks like the one intended to appease the otherwise well informed muslim brethren. Unlike the likes of Lallu Prasad Yadhv, poverty knows no religion, region or language.Had the politicians been really serious and concerned about ensuring the 'greatest good for the greatest number of people' right from day one of India's Independence we would have not only eradicated poverty, but would not have had the opportunity to win Oscar award for a film like 'Slumdog millionaire'. which was woven around utter poverty. Like the Railways advertisement which runs as 'less luggage, more comfort, make travel a pleasure', politicians herenceforth should 'talk less, work more and make the country prosperous' in every sense of the term.
By Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN
4/7/2009 3:48:00 AM
I'm ready for a live debate with Manmohan: Advani - Express ...
www.indianexpress.com/news/manmohans-comments/439469// - 52k -
WHAT IS HECUBA TO HIM OR HE TO HECUBA.......... by Dr.C.S.RANGARAJAN on 26 Mar 2009
I bear no ill-will nor have I anything against Mrs Sonia Gandhi.The undeniable fact that remains is that she is the wife of Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi and daughter in law of Late Srimathi Indira Gandhi.The Country expects that she should continue to play the 'roleless role' she had played when both Rajiv and Indira Gandhi were alive.Shakespeare said 'what is Hecuba to him or he to Hecuba that he should weep for her'? Why should Sonia Gandhi take great interest in the internal affairs of this Country?Is it not a shame that this Great land of ours with a population in excess of over 100 crores is unable to identify one with not soul so dead to call this is my own, my native land.? Is it because we have fallen into 'irreparable amnesia', or suffer from 'intellectual deficiency'?
Varun Gandhi was wrong, but was EC right? - Have you Heard.....
From C.S.Rangarajan. March 30, 2009 6:30 PM. Politicians are adept at making a mountain out of a mole hill. No one has a right to sit in judgment over the ...
blogs.livemint.com/blogs/have_you_heard/archive/... - 111k - Similar pages
From C.S.Rangarajan March 30, 2009 6:30 PM Politicians are adept at making a mountain out of a mole hill. No one has a right to sit in judgment over the alleged 'hate' speech of Varun Gandhi against the muslims. Though'Satya meva jayathe' is said to be a guiding principle of this Great Nation, lies,the whole lies,and nothing but lies tinged with venom pour when politicians open their mouths.There has never been an occasion for any leader to encourage constructive criticism. All political parties are seen as accelerating the course of destruction of the finer elements which keep this nation on a high pedestal still. Narrow ends will hasten the end of those whose loyalty to the nation is questionable.
I HAVE BEEN WANTING RAHUL TO BE A MINISTER
www.indianexpress.com/news/manmohans-comments/439469// - 52k -
Of all the animals in the Zoo! by Dr.C.S.Rangarajan on 2009-03-26 23:04:24.01415+05:30
What were the major considerations and compelling reasons for Dr. Manmohan Singh to offer a ministerial berth to Rahul Gandhi.? Was it a polite way of showing his gratitude for having got elevated to a position which was beyond even his dreams? What special qualification does Rahul Gandhi possess for his being called upon to assume a position in the Government. Jayanthi Natarajan will be defenceless if it is shown to her that there is no dearth of youth in this country. The saying goes that 'of all the animals in the zoo, the monkey made a mockery of kangaroo'.
Reply Forward
www.indianexpress.com/news/manmohans-comments/439469// - 52k -
Of all the animals in the Zoo! by Dr.C.S.Rangarajan on 2009-03-26 23:04:24.01415+05:30
What were the major considerations and compelling reasons for Dr. Manmohan Singh to offer a ministerial berth to Rahul Gandhi.? Was it a polite way of showing his gratitude for having got elevated to a position which was beyond even his dreams? What special qualification does Rahul Gandhi possess for his being called upon to assume a position in the Government. Jayanthi Natarajan will be defenceless if it is shown to her that there is no dearth of youth in this country. The saying goes that 'of all the animals in the zoo, the monkey made a mockery of kangaroo'.
Reply Forward
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?
I wonder as to why people are not conscious of their
peculiarities and absurdities, affect to disguise what they
are and set up pretensions to what they are not.
Lord Byron in a similar vein observes, we do not
'feel we are not ,
What we have been ;and to deem
We are not what we should be; and to steel
The heart against itself; and to conceal,
With a proud caution,love or hate or aught-
Passion or feeling,purpose,grief or zeal,
Which is the tyrant spirit of our thought,
Is a stern task of soul! No matter, it is taught.'
A very great Saint of Tamilnadu Ramalingaswamigal
known as VALLALAR said that it is better not to
develop relationship with those whose thoughts (which
are inward) and speeches (which are outward) are incongruent.
Such a situation gives rise to a corresponding
life style. Eventhough, we have the ability to
'know a hawk from a handsaw', we ignore the
peculiarities and absurdities of others with whom
we interact. What for we ignore? It is because we
want to win rewards, or it is because we want not
to allow peace to go into pieces? Ultimately. we
make the right wrong and wrong right.
Relevant Links:
* http://drpadmalatha.blogspot.com
peculiarities and absurdities, affect to disguise what they
are and set up pretensions to what they are not.
Lord Byron in a similar vein observes, we do not
'feel we are not ,
What we have been ;and to deem
We are not what we should be; and to steel
The heart against itself; and to conceal,
With a proud caution,love or hate or aught-
Passion or feeling,purpose,grief or zeal,
Which is the tyrant spirit of our thought,
Is a stern task of soul! No matter, it is taught.'
A very great Saint of Tamilnadu Ramalingaswamigal
known as VALLALAR said that it is better not to
develop relationship with those whose thoughts (which
are inward) and speeches (which are outward) are incongruent.
Such a situation gives rise to a corresponding
life style. Eventhough, we have the ability to
'know a hawk from a handsaw', we ignore the
peculiarities and absurdities of others with whom
we interact. What for we ignore? It is because we
want to win rewards, or it is because we want not
to allow peace to go into pieces? Ultimately. we
make the right wrong and wrong right.
Relevant Links:
* http://drpadmalatha.blogspot.com
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