Advantages And Disadvantages Of Work Life Balance Social Work Essay Essay Example

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Work Life Balance Social Work Essay Paper 2.0 Introduction: AA literature reviewA is a critical and in depth rating of old research in a peculiar country. It allows anyone reading the paper to set up why you are prosecuting this peculiar research plan. The function of a literature reappraisal is to detect replies to a research job. Machi A ; Mc Evoy ( 2008 pp.3 ) explain an beforehand literature reappraisal as the foundation for placing a job that demands original research, and is the footing for the survey of a research job. Both writers even explain farther that a literature reappraisal critically proposes further research which guides the job into placing research aim which so leads to findings and decision from the whole research. Therefore the literature reappraisal covers countries such as the outline of work life balance, the benefits, the attack of gender towards work and life, policies implemented and the best pattern attack to equilibrating work and non-work demands. 2.1 The Outline of Work Life Balance We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages And Disadvantages Of Work Life Balance Social Work Essay specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages And Disadvantages Of Work Life Balance Social Work Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Advantages And Disadvantages Of Work Life Balance Social Work Essay specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Work-life balance is defined as the equilibrium between the sum of clip and attempt person devotes to work and that given to other facets of life . hypertext transfer protocol: //www.healthatwork.org.uk/pdf.pl? file=haw/files/Work-lifeBalance.pdf. However Kaila ( 2005 pp.223 ) relates work life balance as making supportive, healthy work environments for employees who are endeavoring to better incorporate their work and personal duties . In the early 19 century society had categorised working as dominant over life and personal committednesss. However, in this new millenary of the 20 century, the altering forms of persons involvement, gender, societal functions and peculiarly the work force have shifted where persons are seeking personal values and pull offing the complexnesss of life outlooks. 2.2 The Benefits of Work-Life Integration: The key concern drivers for work-life balance in the workplace tends to further positive result such as addition productiveness, reduced turnover, raised morale attract and retain employees. Thompson et Al. ( 1999 pp.14 ) indicated if an organisation Fosters single work-life integrating a cardinal outlook is a positive impact on single work public presentation. Professionals sing clip emphasis or psychological emphasis because of their high work load and possibly because of the demands of private life that they can non carry through satisfactorily, will be probably to endure from low concentration and in the terminal lower productiveness. Conversely, Hudson ( 2005 ) analysis underlined that employees in organisations who do nt hold a balance of work and non work affairs tends to see and bring forth negative results. In fact Hudson ( 2005 ) expressed farther by connoting that employees are more likely to be less productive, less committed and extremely decisive of go forthing the administration once they are sing increased emphasis due to work/life conflicting issues and are perceived of holding no control over equilibrating work and non-work demands. However Kaiser et Al. ( 2010 ) believed that if one viewed reconciliation work and life construct as a agency of take downing absenteeism, cut downing emphasis and wellness issues, so one can safely associate that work-life integrating can hold a positive impact on employees public presentation and productiveness. So based on what was stated above, it may look that the administrations are the 1s profiting from work-life balance. However Kossek A ; Lambert ( 2005 ) implied that employees besides benefit from work-life balance results where workers see lower degree of emphasis, cut down work and non-work struggles and constrains and have greater liberty and flexibleness in accomplishing work-life balance. In visible radiation of what was stated above by relevant writers, it is prudent to indicate out that work-life integrating can hold a positive result which benefits the employees and heighten the administration. 2.3 Organizational Behaviour towards Work-Life Balance: The present magnitude of sing work life balance is to advance a healthy balance between work and non work committednesss which should be the chief thought for administrations to see. However non all directors view work life balance as positive results for the organisation. In fact Rodbourne ( 1996 ) argued that the work/life civilization can be perceived as a factor correlated to less occupation security and negative calling patterned advance due to the use of work/life policies. Conversely, Druker ( 2000 ) implied that it is corporation societal duties to promote work-life balance within their organisation. However more and more organisations are advancing and even offering work life balance plans in the workplace. Herlihy A ; Maiden ( 2005 ) imply that successful organisations are where they are today because they invest in their employees since they recognised that people are capital assets of the organisations instead than a cost to be administered. Both writers besides believed that in order for employees to be effectual at work, they themselves need to be able to do alone parts to the administration that lies within the contexts of their ain personal status. In relation to Herlihy A ; Maiden ( 2005 ) , Powell ( 2010 pp 199 ) explained that persons success in pull offing the work-family interface is influenced by the environments that their employers provide and the schemes they adopt. Powell ( 2010 ) continued further saying that employees who have family-supportive directors and work in organisation that offers family-friendly enterprises tends to remain with the organisation. 2.4 Gender and Work Life Balance The early version of working in society was composed that work forces were the dominant 1s towards work while adult females were distinguished as homemakers, nevertheless the construction of that construct has dramatically change where adult females are merely every bit equal to work forces in facet of professionals. Maron ( 2009 ) reported on Equal Stress signified that surveies have found that adult females are lending 44 % of the family household income compared in the yesteryear and that child care by work forces have increased in recent times. Friedman A ; Greenhaus ( 2000 ) pointed out that long ago it was known that work forces was the breadwinner and adult females was the stay-at-wives, nevertheless alterations has shifted in the composing of the workplace enormously. Friedman A ; Greenhaus ( 2000 ) noted that adult females make up half the work force and is increasing in higher degrees whereas there is fewer force per unit area on work forces categorized has the exclusive breadwinner. Korabik et al. , ( 2008 pp.223 ) stated that the gender function political orientation conceptualized the tradition that adult females should give precedence to household duties and work forces to work duties. However Korabik et Al. ( 2008 ) advocated the fact that the gender function political orientation emphasizes a more stereotype function where it frequently produce a negative impact on both female parents and adult females and have developed a nonreversible judgmental analysis. Alternatively the detriment consequence of this should impact on work forces besides so that adult females should non be expected to conform to the stereotype gender function. Despite the many fluctuations of work and life functions for adult females, Cleveland et Al. ( 2000 ) stated that the implicit in premise focuses that the theoretical account life-role for adult females was housewife and that working adult females callings and work committednesss would be interrupted by gestation and child care. Cleveland et Al. ( 2000 ) imply that yes adult females do halt working briefly due to pregnancy nevertheless bulk of them do return to work after that short break. Reeves ( 2010 ) stressing that whether adult females are taking attention of kids, cleansing, cookery and covering with errands, adult females of today has been and are working harder than earlier to run into the demands of work at place and on the occupation. Reece A ; Brandt ( 2006 ) pointed out that most working work forces, merely as adult females, need to equilibrate work and personal life and now have picks which relate to marriage and household life concerns. Harmonizing to Strober ( 2010 ) reported on US Banker News proclaimed that 40 % of work forces wants to be employed by organisations that allows them to use there managerial accomplishments and at the same clip still hold clip to be successful male parents and hubbies. 2.5 Policies behind work-life balance: In many organisations there are a scope of policy picks that have been put in topographic point to suit employees in the field of work life issues. Polices implemented in administrations are intended to help employees, particularly health professionals and females, to pull off work and personal struggles. Supporters of policies argue that the policies in HR patterns help people achieve balance of work and life issues. Sparrow A ; Cooper ( 2003 pp.220 ) applied the situational theory model citing work-life balance policies are introduces where the organisations sees a direct nexus between them and a solution to jobs of absenteeism, and staff turnover . He indicated that employers are implementing policies as portion of a scheme in effort to exemplify lovingness duties for get bying parents. However, harmonizing to Hudson ( 2005 pp.14 ) , the mere handiness of extended and generous work/life policies does non necessary consequence in widespread use by employees or later betterments in work/life balance decreases in work/life struggles. He explains that the complex nature of work-life balance policies is non being utilized because employees are afraid to utilize the plans as a consequence of fright of negative effects. Coussey ( 2000 ) mirrored Hudson ( 2005 ) statement by connoting that employers may believe that it is undistinguished benefits of holding these constabularies and that employees may be unable to afford to do usage of these policies because of concerns that it may impact their calling patterned advance. However, harmonizing to Torun ( 2007 pp.5 ) the possible benefits of work-life programmes, can take to existent qualitative and quantitative benefits for the employer in footings of productiveness additions, lower turnover rate, a stronger squad spirit and trueness to employer. His analysis of work life balance is associated with employees public presentation which provides groundss that a well construction programme can help with clip direction benefits for both the employees and the employers in footings to increase productiveness and at the same clip personal life satisfaction. Conversely, to congratulate to Torun ( 2007 ) analysis, Crouter A ; Booth ( 2009 ) implied that administration that has a supportive work-family civilization is associated to positive results that administrations benefit from such as addition committedness, higher occupation satisfaction, lower absenteeism, decreased work household struggle, decreased psychological hurt, fewer bodily ailments and reduce d function strain. Edwards, Scott A ; Raju ( 2003 ) said that work life plan have been created to help with the managing of working persons duties of both work and personal affairs. Galinsky A ; Johnson ( 1998 ) argued that these really said policies are suppose to be seen as indispensable manner of pulling and retaining best endowment for administrations. Burke A ; Cooper ( 2006 pp.149 ) have similar sentiment to Galinsky A ; Johnson ( 1998 ) statement by citing that the proviso of work-life benefits more clearly distinguishes an employer from its rivals and might hold significant effects on an administration s image as good topographic point to work . Conversely to province, in this peculiar country all writers that have given their analysis about policies and work-life balance are merely stressing that administrations that implement work -life policies tend to pull committed employees to work for them. 2.5.1 The Characteristics of Work-Life Balance: The passage of work-life balance challenges the knowledge that the demographic work force has changed drastically in recent old ages. The fact of the affair is that the work force includes dual-earner spouses who are married and have the duties to care for kids and soon some are besides burden with adult-care duty excessively. Because of these brush, several statute law policies was introduced in the UK to suit the European work force committedness, merely to call few from the set are: Parental Leave Pregnancy Leave Flexible Time Time off for dependents 2.5.2 Flexible Working: The construct of flexible working has been normally utilized by many organisations to help employees with equilibrating work and life. Many employers understand the demand for flexible working because of the turning diverseness of adult females in the workplace, ageing population and immature grownups prosecuting an instruction and wishing to work at the same clip. In fact newsman Coughlan ( 2009 ) surveies have found that every two individual in an administration there are now more than one individual in instruction. Harmonizing to Peper et Al. ( 2005 ) employees need flexibleness in the workplace that would help them to equilibrate the demands of work and household. Peper et al. , ( 2005 ) implied further that employees no longer expect their occupations as long life, but do except to construct self-opportunities from working. Specifically the ability to maintain this in head is really indispensable for directors. Robertson ( 2007 ) critically send a really of import message saying that organisations that offer flexible working agreements to employees offers employees to advance good balance between work and place life will germinate to healthy employees and healthy employees are good for concern. To co-occur with Robertson ( 2007 ) , Konrad ( 2006 ) argued that surveies have found that employees who have entree to work-life flexibleness demonstrate stronger organisational committednesss and lessenings employees intention to go forth the administration. 2.6 Best Practices advancing Work-Life Balance: The complexness of a best pattern attack would be appealed by employees one time offered by administrations. By exhibiting this context it would help in develop strategic responses and positive constructs for employees and employers. Burke A ; Cooper ( 2008 pp.229 ) best patterns in the workplace are by and large understood as a set of patterns or actions which consequences in optimal results, ideally profiting both employees and the using administration. Burke A ; Cooper ( 2008 ) further explains that the jussive mood of work patterns increases the morale of run intoing the double docket of employees wellbeing and workplace effectivity. To mirrored Burke A ; Cooper ( 2008 ) , harmonizing to Taylor ( 2002 ) he indicated that organisational patterns frequently assists companies to accomplish competitory advantage in the market place. They argued that these patterns normally enhance concern public presentation in organisations that implement patterns. However, another theoretician Cooper ( 2005 ) disagreed with the statement above, she indicated that what is consider good pattern in one organisations may non be appropriate in one another. Harmonizing to Lewis A ; Cooper ( 2005 pp.5 ) good pattern in a specific context may be unequal tomorrow, which is why an apprehension of the procedure is more utile than merely patterns for prolonging long-run positive results. The nature of best pattern attack preponderantly utilized in administrations is ab initio defined to back up employees work-life duties and committednesss. Brown ( 2005 ) found that the use of best pattern attack of work life integrating does non merely profit employees, but besides administrations and employers with an unfastened head to this attack someway win in pulling valued employees and keep a motivated staff whereby presenting positive result. In the interim to advance work life balance administrations should follow best pattern attack that would promote flexibleness and positive consequences in both employees and employers. So possibly integrating family-friendly policies and patterns in the workplace could do a difference for employees with a batch of duties, committednesss and work life state of affairss. However Hein ( 2005 ) argued that family-friendly policies and patterns can help employees with the complexness of work life issues. Hein ( 2005 ) explicate farther that even though policies and patterns exist, nevertheless employees tend to be hesitating to continue to utilize them because of calling concerns or the fact that line directors discourage them from utilizing it. All the writers here are merely stressing that employers should make a family-friendly organizational civilization attack where employees and senior directors must be in favor of such patterns and should be seen utilizing the same patterns. Drumhead Reviewing the literature studied indicated by assorted writers, foster the linked with occupation satisfaction and committedness to work life balance. The construct of this seems that the writers all have a nonreversible position to work life balance and the effects to employees public presentations, committednesss and at the same clip organisation effectivity. The grounds illustrates supports that the leaning for negative result of public presentation to originate is expected to impede productiveness, particularly when there are struggles between pull offing clip for non-work and work related issues. To show a nexus with the literature reappraisal, an rating of the methods of research carried out to reason to findings of employees would be employed in the following chapter.

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Migration In Malaysia and Economic Impact

Migration In Malaysia and Economic Impact Throughout human history, migration of human beings is a pre-requisite of human progress and development. Without migration, human being would be doomed to an existence worse than that of the animals. Even animals migrate to seek a better life. The first humans migrated out of Southern Africa thousands of years ago and spread throughout the world and people have been moving about since then. People also migrate because of factors like wars, poverty, discrimination, and for political or even religious reasons. In modern times, people often migrate for security, work and even for education opportunities. Organised immigrant labour migration and free immigration in Malaysia took place under the British colonial administration in the 19th century. 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In the case of movement from rural-to-rural areas, rapid migration was swift mainly by government intervention in rural development and agriculture. Rural-to-urban migration accelerated after government intervention in urban and industrial development was stepped up, especially after the second Malaysia Plan. The push and pull factors at the international level in the region also caused workers to migrate to Malaysia for employment. The accelerated economic development programmes and the sustained high economic growth rates in Malaysia over approximately three decades caused the influx of immigrant workers to meet the increasing demand in the Malaysian labour market. WHY PEOPLE MIGRATE There are many theories that attempt to explain why people migrate. Among others is the need and stress theory  [30]  . This theory holds that every individual has got his own needs to be fulfilled. These needs take various forms including economic, social, psychological and cultural. The higher the chances that an individuals needs will not able to be fulfilled, the higher the stress he suffers from. If this stress grows beyond tolerable limits, the individual will force himself to move to a different area, which seems to promise possible fulfilment of his needs. The migration of people from one country to another country is not a new phenomena. Since early days of colonialism, the colonial powers travelled around the world in search for raw material and new territory. Some of them moved to seek for freedom of worship and some even moved because of the instability of the government. The migration of Muslims from British India to form an Islamic state of Pakistan is one of the biggest voluntary migrations in history  [31]  . Wars and conflicts are another reason for mass movements of people and this kind of movement is categorized as refuges. Because of the situation are so serious, the international consciences were moved and many voluntary organisations were formed to assist these refugees. The Vietnamese Boat People is a good example of the mass movement of people of this nature. Today, we still can see refugees fleeing their country because of war and a good example is the latest situation in Liberia and Sudan. These people who enter another country through unofficial channels are known as illegal immigrants who later, may create problem to the host country. In modern days, seeking for a better life and a stable economy become the main factors that influences migration. Sociologist have long analysed migration in terms of the push-pull model  [32]  . This model differentiates between push factors that drive people to leave home from pull factors that attract migrants to a new location. Push factors occurs within sending states, that is, those that send migrants abroad, while the pull factors occur within receiving states, that is states that received migrants from abroad. Push factors are negative aspects of the sending country, while pull factors are positive aspects of the receiving country  [33]  . In fact, these differentiating factors are really two sides of the same coin. In moving migrants must not only see a lack of benefits at home but also a surplus of benefits abroad. There are also more ambiguous factors, called network factors that can either facilitate or deter migration. Generally, the network factors are the networks of friends and relatives already settled in destination countries that serve as sources of information and anchor communities for newcomers  [34]  . The network factors also include, cost of travel, the ease of communication and international business trend. These factors are not related to a specific country, but still have a profound effect on international migration. The Pull Factor Generally, there are two factors attracting migrants to receiving countries. First, the higher standards of living and higher wages; economic provide the both biggest push and pull factors for potential migrants  [35]  . Second, Labour Demand; almost all developed countries have found that they need immigrant labour. Rich economies create millions of jobs that domestic workers refuse to fill but immigrant workers will cross borders to take  [36]  . In the case of Malaysia, a wave of labour migration began in the early 70s where shortage of labour became critical especially in the plantation sectors. In mid 80s, the labour shortage becomes acute and this has attracted more immigrant workers into the country. The Push Factor Generally, there are several reasons driving people to emigrate from their home country. First, lack of jobs/poverty; economic provides the main reason behind migration  [37]  . In some countries jobs simply do not exist for a great deal of the population. In others, the gap between the rewards of labour in the sending and receiving country are great enough so as to warrant a move. Second, civil strife, war, political and religious persecution; some migrants are impelled to cross national borders by war or persecution at home  [38]  . Some of these migrants end up in receiving countries as refugees or asylum seekers. Third, environmental problems  [39]  ; environmental problems and natural disasters often cause the loss of money, homes and jobs. The Networking The demand-pull of jobs is linked to the supply push of low wages and joblessness by migration networks. Migration network encompasses everything that enables people to learn about opportunities abroad and take advantage of them. Others are motivated to go abroad by family members who are working or settled down in the host country, contractors, labour brokers and other often-shadowy middlemen or tekong who promise the migrants better deals. WHY MALAYSIA BECOME MIGRANT DESTINATION The theory of migration occurs because of the sending and receiving factors mainly due to the push-pull and supply-demand forces. The influx of immigrant workers to Malaysia is not a recent phenomena. Malaysia replicates the complexity of international migration that exercises both of imports and exports of labour. Better economic growth and Malaysias geographical location that shares common borders with it neighbouring countries has become a pull-factor for migration to Malaysia. In contrast, the economic disparity, inequality and poverty in the country of origin serve as the push-factor for them to migrate, looking for jobs and better living. Generally, there are many other reasons why these immigrant workers choose Malaysia as their destination. First, Malaysia geographical location, second, the stable and sound government, third, labours shortage, fourth, higher wages and finally, the employer attitudes. Geographical Location Malaysia geographical location, which is in the centre of South East Asia is easily accessible either by land or sea. In addition, the easy access and the shortage of enforcing agencies along the extended shores and entry points into Malaysia have caused the entry of many illegal immigrants undetected. Stable and Sound Government Since independence, Malaysia has been governed by a stable government and with sound economic growth. This political and economical stability has become the main attraction for migration. Comparatively, Malaysia has been seen as the most stable nation in this region in comparison to her neighbours. As such, others have regarded this country as an oasis in the region. Labour Shortage Malaysia has been experiencing a very high level of industrial development and it has developed further to be classified as a newly industrialized country. Therefore, from the human assets perspective the country has generated a huge demand of the work force especially unskilled workers for immediate employment in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. The labour shortage in Malaysia has become an important issues and employing immigrant workers is considered to be the most viable short-term solution. Higher Wages Generally, the immigrant workers in Malaysia can be regarded as an economic migrant. Comparatively, Malaysian employers pay higher wages to the immigrant workers for a similar job back home. This situation is made even worse, where the wages offered is considered low for the local workers. Thus, it opens the job opportunities to the immigrant workers. The Employer Attitude The Malaysian employers attitude is also another pulling factors that attracted foreign workers. Beside that, it is suspected that there has been a simultaneous entry of huge number of illegal workers as well. Similar to the legal workers, the illegal workers were also employed in the construction, manufacturing and service sectors at a very low wage rate. It is a known fact that employers prefer this arrangement for various reasons such as a lower overhead cost and preventing them from registering to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organization (SOCSO), medical and social benefits. For the illegal immigrants, because of their unlawful status, they become less demanding in terms of salary and other privileges. As for the employers, in order to boost their production, the illegal immigrant workers can be easily employed to work extra hours with minimum wages. THE MIGRANT COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Most of the immigrant workers in Malaysia came from her neighbouring countries; Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand  [40]  . However, in early 90s, immigrant workers from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and few other countries started to dominate the Malaysias labour workforce. Therefore, it is only realistic to identify the country of origin of the immigrant workers and examine the push factors that make them migrate to this country. Indonesia Being the largest country in this region with 1.9 million sq km, Indonesia is facing administrative problems in trying to govern the nations vast regions equally. To develop the whole country, it requires massive effort and resources and this have created a gap between the provinces. Some parts of the country enjoy multi multi-fold development while others are still left far behind  [41]  . The problems of socio-economy seem to have centred on its big population, since Indonesia is the fourth most populous country with approximately 225 million. The Indonesian economy is dependence on oil and gas, plywood, textiles, rubber and palm oil. However, the limited resources and infrastructure available were not adequate to accommodate the demands of growing population  [42]  . This among other factors has caused poverty, which is estimated 24% of its population. Beside that, unprecedented turmoil in recent years, first the Asian financial crisis, followed by the fall of President Suharto, the first free election since 1960, the loss of East Timor, independence demands from restive provinces, bloody inter-ethnic and religious conflict and devastating tsunami had worsen the economic situation, increased the inflation and unemployment rates. Thailand Like Indonesia, Thailand is also facing the problem of poverty, where 80% of the population lives in the rural areas and most of them are poor farmers. The reason is simple; the Thai government is concentrating more on defence rather than the socio-economy development of the country. Philippines The Philippines, which consist of 3,666 islands, is facing almost similar problem like Indonesia in terms of administration and developments of the provinces. Beside that, religious conflict between Islam and Christian has imposed serious threat to the country. This is coupled with the uneven development between the provinces, which has created a disparity situation amongst the citizen while the armed revolution by the militant groups in Southern Philippines post a major threat to its internal security. Bangladesh This small country with a large population is facing many problems. The high rates of poverty and political instability of the country has influenced the citizen to look for better opportunities in other countries. The country also constantly experiences natural disaster such as floods and drought, which made the situation worst. Myanmar The close policy of Myanmar to the outside world is one of the reasons for the backwardness of the country. The poverty rates is very high amongst the population of 85% Buddhist. Being a poor country, Myanmar faces the same socio-economy problem and political instability, which hinder the development of the country. Nepal With its ancient culture and the Himalaya as a backdrop, the landlocked Kingdom of Nepal has for many years been the destination of choice for foreign travellers in search of adventure. The country with an area of 147,181 sq km and 26.3 million people is one of the poorest countries in the world where more than 40% of its population is estimated to live in poverty. Being a landlocked country with limited agriculture and other industries, Nepal economy relies mainly on tourist industries. However, the current political turmoil and the growing Maoist guerrilla insurgency movement that keeps the tourist away are now undermining the Nepal economies. Maoist rebels have been waging a campaign against the constitutional monarchy in a conflict that has left more than 11,000 people dead since it started in 1996. Based on the UN reports, it is indicated that, the rebellion has displaced more than 100,000 people  [43]  . Nepal also has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of refugees living in camps in Nepal. The refugees, Bhutanese of Nepalese descent fled violence in their homeland in early 1990s. With these ongoing problems, worsen economy and political situation has drive away the people to look for a better living in other countries. Other Countries Other than the countries mentioned, there are also immigrant workers from India, Pakistan, China, Middle East and even African countries. These countries are also facing the same socio-economy problem and political instability. However, the numbers is not as high as the other immigrants from the Malaysias neighbouring countries. Some enter the country legally but had extended their stay although their visa had expired. Their main reason in doing so is to earn a better living in this country. SUMMARY In summary, Malaysia needs the immigrant workers for the development, but their presence should not dominate the labour work force because they will definitely pose some positive and negative impact as well as threat to the national security. The positive and negative impact of their presence varies. From the economic perspective, their employment helped the continuous development and economic growth of the country by filling the gap of the acute labour shortages. On contrary, their presence and employment depress wages and this has reduced the competitiveness of local workers and frustrates attempt made by the trade unions to improve their working terms and conditions. A productive and competitive workforce is crucial for Malaysia in order to develop a knowledge-based economy and to achieve its aspiration of becoming a fully developed nation. However, most of the immigrant workers are unskilled or semi skilled labours with lower academic background. Therefore, the government has to formulate a comprehensive policy governing this requirement, which will definitely incur extra cost and procedures to the employer. As a result of this bureaucracy, the employer often blamed the process of importing workers as being lengthy and tedious process. Therefore, they recruited illegal workers who are readily available for employment. Socially, being less educated, poor and lower social class, these immigrants workers seem to be un-stabled economically, physically and mentally. As a result, negative competitions for a better living can emerged from these situations. For example; their incursion into non-designated jobs like petty trading imposes unnecessary competition to the local traders. They also compete with the locals for cheaper housing especially in the urban areas, which resulted the rise in rental and short supply of houses. Some of them are even move into developing new illegal squatters and this has impose strain on the basic amenities in the areas. Any slightest conflicts resulted from this competition might turn into social clashes between the immigrants and the locals. Immigrant workers have also been seen as a threat to security and political stability. This stems from their ignorance of the countrys law. This can be seen from various activities such as, illegal entry, involve in criminal activities, over staying, opening government land illegally, and many others. These activities will definitely have serious implication on security. Illegal entry for examples, implies that Malaysias has porous borders and was unable protect the borders, allowing not only economic migrants to come through but also any subversive elements. Illegal entry will also enables those with contagious diseases to filter through and spread it to the population.

Japanese Identity Essay -- Japan Culture History Essays

Japanese Identity Throughout its history, Japan has striven to define its national identity not by its own means, but by those predefined by foreign, and most recently, Western powers. Despite legends of the island archipelago being created by the sun goddess Amaterasu, Japan seems to have consistently maintained a indecisive self-image with respect to its neighbors. In the past, China had represented the pinnacle of culture and technology and had tremendously influenced other surrounding countries in Asia and in the world. Indeed, Japan owes its written language to imported and adapted Chinese characters. Without question, China remained for a long time the most influential force upon Japan. However, island nation maintained a rather precarious self-identity: How could a country like Japan, which was supposedly created by the gods and therefore a divine nation, consider itself the apex of the world, given China’s tremendous influence and power? Could Japan truly consider itself the greatest l and in the world if China, or Chugoku in Japanese, literally meant â€Å"the central country?† For this reason, Japan never truly accepted a position of â€Å"belonging† to Asia. That is, despite a considerable amount of imported culture, Japan was still somehow inherently different from other Asian countries. So, if Japan does not â€Å"belong† to Asia, does it belong to some other amorphous collection of nations, namely Europe or the West? Certainly in the modern post-WWII era Japan has seen phenomenal economic growth, even to the point of threatening the US as the primary global economic power during the height of the â€Å"bubble economy.† Some credit this success to the changes implemented during the US occupation. Undoubtedly without US assistan... ...th can be seen walking around in some of the most bizarre looking clothing. I once saw a young girl wearing a swan dress not unlike the one worn by Bjork. I have seen some of the worst â€Å"fashion faux-pas,† with severely conflicting colors, completely mismatching styles of the top, bottom, and shoes, makeup seemingly done by a five-year-old. As one might like to hope that these styles were mistakenly created by the individual, it is clear that they are intended, whether for shock value or for personal satisfaction. It seems as though in places such as Harajuku, the more â€Å"unique,† the better. While Miyake seemed to have far reaching consequences for Japanese identity on the international level, Kawakubo’s constant questioning of societal norms helped foster individual deviations, thereby creating a new identity which, ironically enough, is not limited to or by itself.