Reply to Understanding Gender’s Role in Leadership Discussion 2

QUESTION

Reply to Understanding Gender’s Role in Leadership Discussion 2

Q – Please read the discussion below and prepare a Reply to this discussion with comments that further and advance the discussion topic.

Regarding how gender plays a role in leadership style and effectiveness

Gender has long been discussed and studied in leadership because it affects leadership style and effectiveness. Leadership skills are not gendered, but societal traditions, expectations, and biases may influence men’s and women’s leadership approaches, which is a major factor in gender norms and preconceptions. Women leaders face a challenge when expected to be both agentic (aggressive, competitive) and communal (nurturing, assisting). This careful balance must be maintained to avoid unwanted views or retaliation from affected parties. Due to increased scrutiny and pressure, women may choose a democratic, participative, and transformational leadership style to meet societal expectations because of the spotlight on them.

Research also shows that men and women in decision-making roles communicate differently. Women are more inclusive, collaborative, and relationship-focused than men, who are more directive and task-oriented (Mashele & Alagidede, 2022). These differences may affect how leaders are regarded and their capacity to motivate and involve others. Balance between work and personal life is another important aspect of a leader’s strategy, especially for women. Female executives may find it harder to balance work and life. This may inspire them to prioritize team members’ needs, including adaptation, understanding, and support, resulting in a more empathic and insightful leadership style. Additionally, mentorship and influential networks can improve leadership abilities and effectiveness. Women in leadership roles may need more mentorship and influential networks, which may limit their career advancement and expose them to more leadership tactics and approaches.

In conclusion, gender equality has improved, but many companies still discriminate against women. This complicates things for female executives. These stereotypes include underestimating women’s talents, preventing women from holding authority, and unfairly criticizing and inspecting women.

Regarding best practices for leading virtual teams with considerations for female leaders in KSA

Women leaders in Saudi Arabia (KSA) face cultural hurdles in addition to virtual team management. Due to this situation, many best practices must be implemented to ensure effective leadership. Establishing effective communication channels is vital. Regular virtual team meetings, collaboration technology, and open communication can boost engagement and teamwork in a virtual environment. Saudi Arabian women leaders must use technology to share documents and communicate internationally (Alhassan & Al Doghan, 2022). Promoting empowerment and inclusivity is also crucial. The capacity of Saudi female executives to understand cultural norms and create an environment where team members can speak freely is crucial. To attain this goal, actively seek input, encourage diverse opinions, and provide equal participation opportunities.

Virtual teams need to build trust and accountability due to less face-to-face interactions. Female leaders should be open, set clear objectives, and provide regular feedback to keep the team united and productive. There may be fewer misunderstandings or arguments due to communication or cultural difficulties. Prioritizing work-life integration is crucial, especially for female leaders and team members juggling work and family. Flexibility and assistance can help women balance these tasks, which are unique to them. This attentive and empathetic attitude could create a helpful and welcoming team environment.

Effective virtual team leaders must foster a culture of continual learning and adaptability. Saudi female executives must be abreast of new technology, best practices, and cultural issues. This will keep their leadership style relevant in a changing virtual world. Female leaders can manage remote teams and foster cooperation, productivity, and inclusivity across national and cultural barriers by applying these best practices and considering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cultural context. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION

QUESTION

This week’s discussion is used to develop the Virtual Team Project.

Week Three Three Case Study: Threaded Discussion

The threaded discussion requires an initial post with two responses (responses to other students). An initial post requires organized writing that is supported by evidence (peer-reviewed literature, textbook). Citations/references must be written in APA format. The post should include an introduction, body, and conclusion for full credit. The initial post must be completed by midnight (PST)/Wednesday. Responses to two other students must be organized and complete. Responses should add to the knowledge and thinking of the group. Responses can be a comprehensive paragraph with support evidence from the textbook or peer-reviewed literature. Responses are due by midnight (PST), Saturday.

CLO 3: Develop skills in the implementation of approaches and strategies in group dynamics in dealing with a variety of cooperative/collaborative situations.

Case Study CLO 3

Mountain Medical’s Cardiac Surgery Team

The members of the Mountain Medical Center’s cardiac surgery team were excited, but also a bit nervous. They were about to use a new method of performing the most technically challenging of all surgeries: the repair of the heart. Only last week they had been using traditional, open-heart procedure that requires splitting the patient’s chest at the breastbone, stopping the heart and transferring its duties to a heart-lung bypass machine, clamping off the arteries and values as necessary, isolating and repairing the damaged portions of the heart, and then closing the 8-inch long wound in the chest. But they would not be using those methods today. Instead, the team would be carrying out a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgeon would make a small incision between the patient’s ribs and snake a high-tech instrument into the heart, guided by feedback from a network of computers, cameras, and ultrasound scanners.

These new procedures would make entirely new demands of the surgical team. Traditional surgical teammates work closely with one another, but they are not continually interdependent. The anesthesiologist sedates the patient and monitors his or her breathing. The perfusionist is the technician who operates the heart-lung machine. The surgeon makes the incision, splits the chest, repairs the heart, and then closes the incisions. The scrub nurse or technician prepares the sterile field, suctions blood from the sit, and passes instruments to the surgeon as needed. The new procedure is not so modularized. The surgeon can no longer see the heart, but must rely on the computer-enhanced images provided by the perfusionist and anesthesiologist. Because the surgeon cannot apply clamps directly to the heart to stop the flow of blood, that work is done by the anesthesiologist. Because the surgeon cannot apply clamps directly to the heart to stop the flow of blood, that work is done by the anesthesiologist, who threads a catheter into the aorta through the femoral vein. The scrub nurse monitors and maintains pressures and vital signs and attaches, when needed, forceps, scissors, scalpels, and other surgical tools to the surgeon’s operation mechanicals.

The new procedures require an unprecedented degree of teamwork, but the Mountain Medical team was ready for the challenge. They had practiced for months to learn the new method, and their diligence showed in their level of coordination and communication in the operating room. The operation took somewhat longer than they had expected it would, but there were no surprises: Their first patient recovered fully, but also more quickly because of their use of the minimally invasive, and team-intensive, technique. (Healy, Undre, & Vincent, 2006; Pisano, Bohmer, & Edmondson, 2001).

Please read the following and post/respond to the following question.

What makes these people a team as opposed to a “group”?

Discussion post reply 2

Question

Discussion Thread: Organizational Culture

      The assigned case study this week delves into the need for immediate action rather than lengthy assessment and slow calculated moves. The restructure process will change the dynamic of the assumed organizational situations and systems and require harsher decisions of those in leadership roles (Li & Wang, 2023, p. 3).

      Under normal circumstances Theory Y could be applied to ensure staff feel valued and appreciated due to their contribution to the organization (Schmitz & Gunderman, 2019, p. 1), however, due to the urgent need as per instruction a more stringent approach is needed. Theory X states managers will take more authority over workers and although it can create negative outcomes over the long term, it is a necessity in the short term (Senarathne, 2020, p. 11-12).

      The bible speaks of dropping dead weight in the book of Isaiah and applies that meaning to thoughts that disobey the will of God, and items not of God (New International Version). In a company setting owners and managers at times have to remove staff that are not effective in their positions. Verse 1-2 in the book of John states “God cuts off the branches that bear no fruit”, which is direct instruction for humans lives in the current world (New International Version). When an impending closure or failure looms tough calls such as realignment of management staff, elimination of key roles, cost cutting of extra and non-essential expenses might be utilized. Changes in leadership can cause confusion to stakeholders however it can be unavoidable in a restructure process (Li & Wang, 2023, p.8).

      Utilizing a basic re-structuring process initially by cutting all non-essential expenses immediately, which could be deactivating all company cards staff hold and stemming all raises and bonuses thus stopping the flow from unauthorized sources. Advising staff in low producing departments, they were furloughed or temporarily laid off providing the influx of their salaries back into the system. Closing locations pending the size of the business is another way to cut expenses, however there is not enough information to list that as a must do.

      Staff unity would be beneficial, however, at this point given the situation, the main focus must be ensuring each staff member knows their particular job and is providing their best effort in the process. Negative speech will only lead to discord (Merida et al., 2015, p. 151). Narrowing latitude of managers and instructing a management style more structured and authoritative will assist as well, while cross training and ensuring more staff are able to complete assorted tasks under the new structure (Jones & George, 2022, 55). Managers will need to assess quickly and downsize their departments to the absolutes therefore eliminating staff overhead and in essence ensure each department head maintains control over the specific objectives set for the short-term situation (Senarathne, 2020, p. 14).

       Last minute efforts for company salvage could be filing Chapter 11 to protect assets and ensure creditors are kept at bay (Hotchkiss, et al., 2023, p. 2), however it is unclear if this situation would warrant this step.

      Cost cutting is first and foremost then the shuffle of key personnel into new roles that create the opening for eliminating unessential higher and middle management positions is next (Li & Wang, 2023, p.10). This is followed closely by utilizing Theory X for closer supervision while the company gains its footing in the market and financially (Jones & George 2022, 50-51). Once all departments are running efficiently and the financial situation is fully under control, only then can staff retention plans be instituted to provide longevity to the organization.

                                                                             

Tiffin University Activity 2.1: Role of Community Leaders discussion

QUESTION

Introduction

For this discussion, you will have the opportunity to describe the role community leaders play in your chosen community issue. 

First, let’s define “community.” In the context of this course, we are attempting to involve you in your local community or a community you have access to. Think of your church, the community center in your city, local business groups, an organization you may belong to, or even your workplace. All of these local communities represent a larger community. Think global. Act local.

Community leaders are integral within communities, and the power and influence they possess can impact communities positively or negatively. Community leaders are defined as any person who possesses decision-making capabilities within the community (a school principal, pastor, mayor, club president, etc.). Therefore, gaining further understanding as to some of the specific roles community leaders play in your chosen issue will help you to more clearly understand a potential solution.

Secondary Responses

Provide at least two secondary responses to your classmates for the Discussion by answering the following questions:

Are their community leaders accessible? Do you think they could send a letter to them and receive a response? Would they listen?

Can you provide any insight, experience, advice, or opinions for thought?

one paragraph for each of the secondary responses.

  • ————————
  • Marquitta: Community can be defined as a group of people that have a common area of residential habitation and or vested interest within a particular area. With my community issue being focused on juvenile engagement during summer months, I see leadership within my community to understand and agree on how allocating resources and programming toward young people will benefit the community as a whole.

Power holders typically hold meetings that are attended by the general public. City council members are assigned to particular areas of the city and they are responsible for addressing the needs within their respective area. For the councilman to take inventory of their area needs they must engage the citizens. The safety forces traditionally have youth programming. My community issue would ensure that the existing programming is made available and resourceful for young people regardless of the area of the city they reside.

Identifying these community leaders creates a valuable network that works in unison to provide the city’s youth with several, productive, and educational outlets during the summer months.

Dennis:

Community leaders play an important role in addressing healthcare access issues in every community. Their tasks include advocacy, resource allocation, policy formulation, and community participation. They act as activists, raising awareness about healthcare access and the difficulties encountered by underprivileged people. They also have an impact on resource allocation, diverting cash toward access-improving activities. Leaders also play an important role in policymaking, pushing for policies that reduce barriers to access and ensuring their successful implementation. Furthermore, they promote community participation and cooperation by encouraging communication among stakeholders to identify concerns and create solutions jointly.

           There are various methods for properly identifying and contacting these leaders. Research and networking assist in identifying important stakeholders, while direct approach via different methods such as email, phone calls, or in-person meetings opens discourse. Leveraging existing community contacts can also make it easier to reach out to leaders. Identifying these leaders is critical for the project’s success because it builds support and momentum, offers access to resources and knowledge, and ensures that solutions are sustainable. Engaging community leaders ensures that projects are in line with community needs, goals, and resources, which contributes to the project’s long-term success. Thus, community leaders must be engaged through strategic outreach and partnership in order to successfully address the issue of access to care.

Graph and questions

QUESTION

Assume that this graph is a model used in a perfectly competitive market. Graph attached below 

Explain what a perfectly competitive market means in economic terms. (5 pts) (SLO’s #1 & 3)

Assuming this graph plots supply and demand for a specific product, identify line L1 and line L3. (10 pts SLO # 1)

  1. Lines L1 and L3 intersect at point ‘a’ (ignore point ‘b’ for now).
  2. What term is used to describe point ‘a’. (5 pts) (SLO #1)
  3. Explain in detail what this term means.(5 pts) (SLO #1 & 3)

In analyzing this graph for L1 and L3, explain what would occur if a supplier attempted to sell this product for $20. (5 pts) (SLO’s 1, 2, 3)

  1. Assume that line L1 shifts outward and to the right to line L2.
  2. Identify and explain two different occurrences which would cause this shift. (5 pts) (SLO’s 1 & 3)
  3. This shift from L1 to L2 shows L2 intersecting L3 at a new point: point ‘b’. Explain what has occurred in terms of quantity supplied and the new price, i.e. why have both quantity and price changed as illustrated at point ‘b’? (10 pts) (SLO’s 1,2,3)
  4. If this graph represented supply and demand analysis for a product you were selling, explain how you would use this model to predict consumer behavior (you may use varying quantity/price relationships to support your explanation). (25 pts) (SLO’s 2 & 3)

Student Learning Outcomes:  1. Demonstrate understanding of classic microeconomic principles and concepts (such as supply and demand, competition and monopoly, and profit maximization) in quizzes, tables, graphs, and analytical essay responses. 2. Utilize tools and theories to explain consumer behavior. 3. Criterion

  1. Accomplished
    14-17
  2. Very Good
    12-13
  3. Competent
    11

Developing
10 or below

Interpretation of Graphical Model Identifies all portions of a supply and demand graph including a clear and accurate explanation of ‘market equilibrium’ as it applies to supply and demand theory in a perfectly competitive market.Mostly clearly and accurately identifies all portions of a supply and demand graph including a clear and accurate explanation of ‘market equilibrium’ as it applies to supply and demand theory in a perfectly competitive market.Identifies most portions of a supply and demand graph with one to two major errors and/or a clear but not wholly accurate explanation of ‘market equilibrium’ as it applies to supply and demand theory in a perfectly competitive market. Fails to adequately identify and explain most portions of the supply and demand graph as well as the inability to explain clearly the concept of ‘market equilibrium’ as it applies to supply and demand theory in a perfectly competitive market.Application of Graphical Model to Project Consumer BehaviorClearly and accurately explains consumer behavior in a perfectly competitive market by analyzing a graphical model of ‘supply’, ‘demand’, and ‘equilibrium market price’.Mostly an accurate explanation of consumer behavior in a perfectly competitive market by analyzing a graphical model of ‘supply’, ‘demand’, and ‘equilibrium market price’ with minor errors in clarity. Explains consumer behavior in a perfectly competitive market by analyzing a graphical model of ‘supply’, ‘demand’, and ‘equilibrium market price with lapses in both accuracy and clarity.’ Fails to clearly and accurately explain consumer behavior in a perfectly competitive market by analyzing a graphical model of ‘supply’, ‘demand’, and ‘equilibrium market price Written Articulation of Concepts Presented in Graphical Model Responses are logically organized, clear, and concise with only minor errors in mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation). All responses are mostly logically organized, fairly clear and concise with fairly good use of writing mechanics. Responses lack some organizational skills and contain several errors in writing mechanics.  Inaccurate, incomplete, and/or unclear organizational skills containing numerous errors in mechanics. 

Case study schizophrenia

Question

Woody is a 30-year-old male who presents in your office with a history of psychosis starting at age 21. He started becoming psychotic and paranoid while living with roommates in college. He was noted to withdraw and worry about the government spying on him. He decided that he could only eat white foods like cottage cheese, frozen yogurt, and vanilla ice cream. His roommates noticed that he began talking to himself, started hiding from others, and quit going to class so they called his mom who took him to the hospital and began getting his treatment and moved home with his mom.

He was started on olanzapine and did well for two years, but it was discontinued. He was then changed to an SGA which made it painful and hard to keep his legs still. He trialed another Second Generation Antipsychotic next that was dosed high very quickly and he began to experience gynecomastia. Some mood stabilizers were trialed, but one caused tremors and he became toxic when dehydrated. He was then hospitalized for malnutrition after he stopped eating. He claimed that he was chosen, and it was time to fast for the month. While inpatient, he was treated for dehydration and given Haldol which was effective for his psychosis, and he was discharged in stable condition. He remained on Haldol for a year and was able to work at the local grocery until he became to display some severe EPS making it difficult for him to continue bagging groceries at the store.

After losing his job he began to start withdrawing and refusing his medication. He began to start hiding from the mailman every day thinking that the government was spying on him. He said that the military was whispering in his ear telling him to kill himself to protect the world. He attempted to hang himself with his bedsheet, but his mom walked in and saved him. He was immediately admitted to the hospital. He continued to have suicidal ideations and whispered so that the government could not hear him.

General Questions related to this case and similar cases where antipsychotic and mood-stabilizing medications are prescribed:

Both delusions and hallucinations are part of the constellation of symptoms of psychosis. How are they different?

What are some organic conditions that may present with symptoms of psychosis?

  1. What side effects of antipsychotic medications could be so troublesome that they get in the way of normal everyday activities?
  2. Which SGA is most likely to cause gynecomastia and why? What questions would you ask your patient to assess for this side effect and what lab would you order for monitoring?
  3. What are the indications for prescribing a Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) antipsychotic? What must occur prior to starting an LAI?
  4. What mood-stabilizing medication is most likely to cause tremors and dehydration? What special monitoring does this medication require?
  5. What is the Clozapine REMS? What are the serious side effects of clozapine? Explain the requirements for prescribing and patient monitoring, and what changes would you make depending on the results.
  6. Do you agree that Clozapine should be reserved for patients who have failed multiple previous trials of antipsychotic medications?
  7. What are the special considerations for each of the following frequently prescribed Second-Generation Antipsychotics? (For example which one is most likely to cause gynecomastia, which has been associated with akathisia, which is more highly associated with the chance for prolonged QTC interval in which an EKG may be helpful for a baseline,  which is more weight neutral, which is more sedating, etc)
  8. Aripiprazole:
  9. Asenapine:

Lurasidone:

  • Quetiapine:
  • Quetiapine XR: (What would be the advantage of the XR formulation? Disadvantage?)
  • Risperidone:
  • Ziprasidone

PGCC Critical Thinking Question and Shared Decision Making Case Study

Question

PART 1 Shared Decision-Making Case Study

Instructions

Using the case study provided, respond to the critical thinking questions. Each response should be original (in your own words) and a minimum of 2–3 sentences in length.

Case Study

Your patient is in the last stages of metastatic lung cancer. She is receiving oral pain medications to control pain associated with the metastatic involvement of her spine. She is in the hospital after falling at home but has not suffered a fracture; her length of stay is estimated to be no more than 3 to 4 days. She eats very few calories, but she can take in about 250 kcal in supplemental nutrition.

85-year-old woman in hospital bed with oxygen

You assess her risk for pressure ulcers, and she is at high risk due to her nutritional status, time spent in bed, and need for assistance to move in the bed. She has no breaks in her skin at this time, and she is on a regular hospital mattress. She has been incontinent of urine.

Two key pieces of evidence for her care include:

  • Use higher-specification foam mattresses rather than standard hospital foam mattresses for all individuals assessed as being at risk for pressure ulcer development. (Strength of evidence = A)
  • Strength of evidence A: The recommendation is supported by direct scientific evidence from properly designed and implemented controlled trials on pressure ulcers in humans (or humans at risk for pressure ulcers), providing statistical results that consistently support the guideline statement (Level 1 studies required). (NPUA-EPUAP, 2009)
  • Avoid use of urinary catheters in patients and nursing home residents for management of incontinence. (Category 1B)
  • Category 1B: A strong recommendation supported by low-quality evidence suggesting net clinical benefits or harms or an accepted practice (e.g., aseptic technique) supported by low- to very low-quality evidence Inappropriate catheter use includes “a substitute for nursing care of the patient or resident with incontinence” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009).

Acceptable use is to improve comfort for end-of-life care if needed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009).

  1. Given the two pieces of evidence, what are the key clinical questions to consider when caring for this patient?
  2. If the evidence of meaning existed, what questions would you ask about the meaning of a patient’s experience?
  3. What are the potential conflicts between the decision that the evidence would point to and what the patient may desire?
  4. How could you use the principles of patient-centered care to resolve any conflict between the evidence and patient desires?
  5. Considering this case study, what is the role of patient-centered care and patient preferences in evidence-based practice?
  6. Considering this case study, do you think the weight that patient preferences take in evidence-based clinical decision-making should be equal to the evidence?
  7. Considering this case study, what role does the level of evidence—i.e., the confidence in the evidence—play in determining the interplay between the evidence and patient preferences?
  8. Considering this case study, what is nursing’s role in negotiating patient-centered, evidence-based clinical decisions?

PART 2 CRITICAL THINKING QUESTION

Create a Microsoft Word document and answer the following questions based on this module’s readings. Your response should be a minimum of 3–5 sentences in length, original (in your own words), and use professional writing.

  1. What is the role of patient-centered care and patient preferences in evidence-based practice?
  2. Do you think the weight that patient preferences take in evidence-based clinical decision-making should be equal to the evidence?
  3. What role does the level of evidence—i.e., the confidence in the evidence—play in determining the interplay between the evidence and patient preferences?
  4. What is nursing’s role in negotiating patient-centered, evidence-based clinical decisions?

reflection 2

QUESTION

Social Work Values

Objective:  Define social work and introduction to social work values.

Social work is a dynamic and demanding profession that requires a variety of skills and qualities. Whether these skills are innate or acquired, success in the field requires social workers to continually develop them throughout their career. While this list is not exhaustive, the following skills are vital for all social workers.

Social workers rely on their values and skills to help individuals address issues.  One of the core values of social work is the importance of human relationships.  To start building a strong relationship a social worker will begin applying the skills we learned about in this module.  One of the most significant one being empathy.

Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person’s experience and point of view. NASW defines it as “the act of perceiving, understanding, experiencing and responding to the emotional state and ideas of another person.”¹

“Stepping into someone else’s shoes” and recognizing that experiences, perceptions and worldviews are unique to each individual enables social workers to better understand and build stronger relationships with clients. It is a vital skill that helps social workers to determine a client’s needs based on his or her unique experiences in order to efficiently provide services.

¹Barker, R. L. (2003). The Social Work Dictionary. 5th ed. Washington, DC: NASW Press.

The difficult thing about empathy, as you saw in the video On Empathy  is that sometimes we might not agree with our client or in an attempt to be positive, we want to cheer them on and say something completely opposite so they feel better, what I like to call “the cheerleader response”.  See examples below:

Client (when discussing her daughter) :   “I am a terrible parent, she just doesn’t listen to me and I have to yell at her to get her attention”

In this situation we might be tempted to say “Of course you are a good parent…don’t be so hard on yourself”...however that is not true empathy.  Empathy would be  something like “What I hear you say is that parenting is hard” or “That sounds like a struggle, it must be very hard for you”.

Adolescent Client (when discussing his dad):  “My dad hates me, he is the worst dad ever!”

In this situation we might be tempted to say “No he doesn’t! He loves you so much, he buys you food and clothes…” or “You are mad, but you know that’s not true.”  An empathic response would be something such as, “I am sorry to hear that, what does it meant to you that he hates you?” or “Help me understand why he hates you, that must be lonely and hard for you…”

Submission and Grading

1. In your own words, define Social Work and state how it is different from other professions you have encountered or your own (if Social Work is not your major). See section Social Work and Other Helping Professions to help with this question.

2. Reflect on empathy, how can you practice using it to strengthen the core value of  importance of human relationships.  Think of your everyday interactions at work or in your community.  Even if you do not work in social work, you can use empathy with any type of customer, consumer or individual in your community.  In a full paragraph, describe

1. How you will implement empathy and do you think it will benefit those relationships?

2. Do you foresee any difficulties as you practice implementing empathy?

reflection 1f

QUESTION

Social Work Values

Objective:  Define social work and introduction to social work values.

Social work is a dynamic and demanding profession that requires a variety of skills and qualities. Whether these skills are innate or acquired, success in the field requires social workers to continually develop them throughout their career. While this list is not exhaustive, the following skills are vital for all social workers.

Social workers rely on their values and skills to help individuals address issues.  One of the core values of social work is the importance of human relationships.  To start building a strong relationship a social worker will begin applying the skills we learned about in this module.  One of the most significant one being empathy.

Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person’s experience and point of view. NASW defines it as “the act of perceiving, understanding, experiencing and responding to the emotional state and ideas of another person.”¹

“Stepping into someone else’s shoes” and recognizing that experiences, perceptions and worldviews are unique to each individual enables social workers to better understand and build stronger relationships with clients. It is a vital skill that helps social workers to determine a client’s needs based on his or her unique experiences in order to efficiently provide services.

¹Barker, R. L. (2003). The Social Work Dictionary. 5th ed. Washington, DC: NASW Press.

The difficult thing about empathy, as you saw in the video On Empathy  is that sometimes we might not agree with our client or in an attempt to be positive, we want to cheer them on and say something completely opposite so they feel better, what I like to call “the cheerleader response”.  See examples below:

Client (when discussing her daughter) :   “I am a terrible parent, she just doesn’t listen to me and I have to yell at her to get her attention”

In this situation we might be tempted to say “Of course you are a good parent…don’t be so hard on yourself”...however that is not true empathy.  Empathy would be  something like “What I hear you say is that parenting is hard” or “That sounds like a struggle, it must be very hard for you”.

Adolescent Client (when discussing his dad):  “My dad hates me, he is the worst dad ever!”

In this situation we might be tempted to say “No he doesn’t! He loves you so much, he buys you food and clothes…” or “You are mad, but you know that’s not true.”  An empathic response would be something such as, “I am sorry to hear that, what does it meant to you that he hates you?” or “Help me understand why he hates you, that must be lonely and hard for you…”

Submission and Grading

1. In your own words, define Social Work and state how it is different from other professions you have encountered or your own (if Social Work is not your major). See section Social Work and Other Helping Professions to help with this question.

2. Reflect on empathy, how can you practice using it to strengthen the core value of  importance of human relationships.  Think of your everyday interactions at work or in your community.  Even if you do not work in social work, you can use empathy with any type of customer, consumer or individual in your community.  In a full paragraph, describe

1. How you will implement empathy and do you think it will benefit those relationships?

2. Do you foresee any difficulties as you practice implementing empathy?

Week 7 Discussion-Reply Post

QUESTION

Please respond to the following classmate post for this weeks discussion.

The Cold War was a period of open but restricted rivalry that developed after World War II between the United States, the Soviet Union, and their respective allies. This nuanced conflict was characterized by political, economic, and propaganda competition, with limited use of weapons (Britannica, 2024). This era witnessed heightened tensions and ideological differences between the superpowers, leading to prolonged geopolitical maneuvering and strategic competition. Concurrently, international communist expansion, characterized by efforts to spread communist ideology and influence beyond national borders, posed a significant challenge to Western interests. The constant threat of communist expansion prompted the United States and its allies to implement various policies and strategies to counteract these efforts. 

The Marshall Plan, an initiative proposed by Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947, was a highly effective policy for thwarting international communist expansion during the Cold War era. By providing substantial economic aid to war-torn European countries, primarily those vulnerable to communist influence, the United States aimed to rebuild infrastructure, stabilize economies, and foster democratic institutions. This approach successfully countered the appeal of communism by addressing the economic hardships that often fueled support for leftist ideologies. By bolstering the economies of Western European countries, the Marshall Plan not only facilitated their recovery but also served as a deterrent to Soviet attempts at expanding influence through economic instability and political unrest.

The Berlin Airlift, conducted from 1948 to 1949, was a highly effective policy to thwart international communist expansion during the Cold War era. In response to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin, the United States and its allies organized a massive airlift operation to supply the city with necessities such as food, fuel, and other essentials. By sustaining West Berlin without military confrontation, the United States effectively demonstrated its commitment to defending democratic principles and thwarting Soviet aggression. This bold action showcased the resolve and resilience of the Western powers, thereby undermining Soviet attempts to assert dominance in the region through coercive tactics. The Berlin Airlift ensured the survival of West Berlin and served as a powerful symbol of the West’s determination to resist communist expansion, bolstering the morale of democratic nations worldwide.

George F. Kennan’s containment strategy was a comprehensive plan to limit the spread of communism through indirect means, avoiding direct military conflict. According to Corbett et al. (2014), Kennan characterized the Soviet Union not as a revolutionary regime but as a totalitarian bureaucracy incapable of accepting peaceful coexistence with the United States. This understanding of Soviet intentions profoundly influenced the development of containment, which sought to prevent the spread of communism through various means. By containing Soviet influence and supporting democratic nations, the United States effectively thwarted international communist expansion while minimizing the risks of an all-out war.

Considering the effectiveness of the Marshall Plan, Berlin Airlift, and containment strategy, it becomes evident that the United States had legitimate reasons to fear international communist subversion during the Cold War era. The ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, coupled with the aggressive expansionist policies of the Soviet regime, posed significant threats to global stability and democracy. Through strategic initiatives like the Marshall Plan and the Berlin Airlift, as well as the containment strategy, the United States effectively countered communist expansionism. It safeguarded its interests and values on the world stage. Thus, the fears of international communist subversion were justified, given the geopolitical realities and aggressive actions of the Soviet Union during the Cold War era.