Today, I just paid for my tuition fee with an additional surcharge fee. I was not able to pay on time as I avoided traveling during the Christmas season. This term, I am taking-up MAR and ManAcc.
I had a feel of what MAR is under Dr. Ben and if I may say, the first day of class was fun, and interesting. He introduced the activities that will be done throughout our hybrid class (a mix of face-to-face and online classes). The lessons and activities seem very practical and appropriate for business leaders and aspiring business leaders. I am looking forward for another fun and fruitful term!
0 Comments
I thank God for the restful week I had. And with that, I think I was able to start my year right! =) More time praying, and bonding with my family. More time sleeping, eating and relaxing. I also had the chance to eat at two of my favorite restaurants (not to mention, I have a dozen) again after quite sometime -- Min Sok and Behrouz.
I was able to do my movie marathon:
I, too, bought something for myself that I do not need. Here's the thing, I stopped buying for myself after I gave birth. I feel bad when I buy material things that I do not need. Usually, these things are gifts, or I would only buy something that I really, really need or to help out a charity/organization. I reward myself with food and rest and if lucky with a trip abroad. Hopefully, I will learn to reward myself more. However, I feel really, really good, even great, and best! when I buy something for my family and friends. =) Looking forward to school, learning and Kate's schooling this year! Take care! 2015 has been a year full of ups and downs; nonetheless, I am still very grateful of what this year has given me. Thank you Lord for your love, guidance and blessings!
To name a few, here are my monthly memorable events:
To cap it off, I was also able to do my movie marathon which I thought I will never have the chance to this year...
Thank you Lord for 2015! Looking for a better and brighter 2016! Take care everyone! Last 9th of December at exactly 9:30 PM, our grades were released online. I thank God, my family and dear friends for their utmost support. I got a perfect grade in both of my subjects for this term! Yay for that! (*jump for joy*)
When I started this blog, I told myself that I will try and continue this blog even after my CSR class. This is my first entry after the 1st Term of AY 2015-2016. And hopefully, I can continue with this... Thank you for reading my blog and looking forward to share more experiences, adventures and learnings with you all! The term is almost ending. One more meeting to go and we are done! I am thankful for the learnings and experiences I had this term. This is my 4th term of my MBA course, and about 6-7 more terms to go. Slowly but surely I will get there. I know I can do this and finish this course. I have stopped for 5 terms and I was able to convince myself to come back. With time management and setting my priorities right, I know I can do this. Of course with the help and support of my family which is the most important of all.
I enjoyed Quantitative Methodology and LBL, Ethics, and CSR, the 2 subjects I took-up this term. I had numerous learnings that I was able to apply immediately in my work and life. Next term, I will embark new challenges and learnings in taking-up Management Accounting and Management Action Research. I thank God for the strength, the time and the ability to be able to balance my family, work and studies. This term has been truly challenging, filled with self growth, development, character building and learnings. Fun and memorable experiences that I learned from and made me a better person. Service Learning (During) Last Thursday, November 19, we had our Service Learning activity at the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (POLA) in Mandaluyong City. I would like to share with you what had transpired before, during and after the activity. I would also like to share my personal feelings and take-away in this memorable Service Learning activity. Our group together with POLA decided to engage in vertical gardening, particularly the principle of hydroponics as a way to help beautify the community and furthermore as a respond to Pope Francis' Laudato Si, which is the Encyclical on the Environment -- On the care of our common home. Gardening, particularly vertical gardening has many benefits, a few of them are: http://themicrogardener.com/
My feelings, emotions and outlook before engaging in the activity: “I was excited to do this activity for POLA. I imagine it as a fun and learning activity for POLA and for ourselves. We may even do this in our own homes! When we were planning this activity, we intended that the materials be easily acquired and the maintenance will also be easy. We wanted the parish/community to be able to quickly harvest what they have planted and this may be possible through the principle of hydroponics. We initially considered veggies to be planted as an additional source of food and income. At the same time, I also felt scared that the plants we will sow will not bloom/grow to what is expected of them. Hoping that the participants have a green thumb, will learn a lot, enjoy from the activity and will be able to impart their learnings to others." Preparation of venue and some of the materials: During the lecture, demonstration and workshop: Finished products: What I felt during and after engaging in the activity: "During the activity, I felt overwhelmed because the participants had so many questions. They were more knowledgeable than us! They were so excited to work on their hydroponic plant. I also felt happy because I felt and saw how enthusiastic they are in learning new ways to plant. They were taking down notes on the hand-outs that we distributed. They were asking various questions. They were eagerly working on their hydroponic plant. They even made more than 2 hydroponic plants. The participants planted ornamentals, leafy vegetables like pechay, arugula and basil, some even planted siling labuyo and cherry tomatoes. After the activity, I felt tired but very much fulfilled. It was a very good experience and feeling seeing how others appreciate what you do for them. The group did the research, interview, providing of raw materials and simple lecture and workshop on how to go about hydroponics -- these simple things were very much appreciated by the participants. They will even share their learnings with other people in the community and the kids. Through this activity, we clearly saw and learned that it does not take big things or activities to be able to help others, simple learning and simple gestures will be appreciated a long way. Hopefully, the future LBL, Ethics and CSR class will be able to continue Service Learning Activities that were started. Aside from the activities being sustainable itself, a constant review, reminder and support will help the communities go a long way." Words are not enough to let me express how grateful I am in being able to engage in such activity. We were able to help other people/community. It was also a fulfilling experience as you see the participants from teens to the elderly, both men and women take time to plant and learn new planting techniques. Moving forward, I would like to encourage our company to start and engage in simple activities for the community or for those organizations that will be needing our help and support. It gives a nice and happy feeling when you are able to give back in your own simple ways.
I am very much thankful that DLSU MBA's course incorporates the value of becoming an ethical Lasallian leader. It also emphasizes engaging on CSR and Service Learning activities that will be helpful and sustainable to the chosen community. I hope that this program develops and even improve its continuity. There may even be an SL activity part 2 possibly incorporated with HRM with OrgBev, this time focusing on the part 2 of the initially started SL activity or probably how will the CSR programs of the company help continue started activities from the LBL, Ethics and CSR class. “What makes people yearn for more and what makes it difficult to stop? How can we better manage ourselves in order to benefit others? Why should we think about our actions and how this affect others?" These are just some of the questions that came to me while watching “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room”. And so many more concerns about how can these people think only of benefiting themselves, becoming more rich and powerful without considering others. I am amazed on how their story never ended with just earning millions of dollars but billions! The bible speaks for itself and is very much true in this story, “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” The story centered on intelligence, arrogance, greed, manipulation, and power. A perfect example on how money and power became the god that controlled the people involved. How they wanted to have more without even taking into consideration the effects of their actions and decisions to their stakeholders. They took actions that will merely benefit them, not the company, nor the clients. Their intelligence were used to fool those who believe that they will earn from what was presented favorable to them. The executives manipulated the data and showed what is attractive to investors/clients. It was all selfishness geared towards their richness and becoming more rich and powerful. Too much arrogance made them feel and think that they will not be caught with what they are doing; it even seemed like they are not guilty of what has transpired. Lay, Skilling, Fastow and all other executives got involved into a so-called groupthink, “a phenomenon developed in groups and marked by the consensus of opinion without critical reasoning or evaluation of consequences or alternatives. Groupthink evolves around a common desire to not upset the balance of a group of people by creating conflict, with creativity and individuality considered potentially harmful traits that should be avoided.” Groupthink fails to see potential problems because it focuses on satisfying the group and the present situation. It does not give the opportunity for actions to be scrutinized and thought of thoroughly mainly because individual critical thinking is not encouraged. There is the lack of taking and owning responsibility for one's actions and decisions. Sadly, most traditional business schools solely focus on profit and fails to look into the responsibility to all stakeholders. It is more on profit maximization, and quicker ROI type of thinking --- all goals and purpose directed towards making money. It seems to me that money-making thinking is even emphasized, wherein fact this is something that someone does not need training. I think all individual establishing business, working and making money will definitely immediately focus on money-making and profit! It is very seldom that ethical development and considerations are taught and molded to the individual. This is where we too should remind executives or soon to be executives that they should look into the good of both internal and external stakeholders. In our LBL class, I appreciate how Ms. Pia constantly remind us that we will be leading others and we will embark our beliefs, practices and traits to others. Being ethical starts within us and we do have the capability and power to influence others to do so. It is good to be reminded that we have to do business the right, ethical and the lawful way. At the onset that you are planning to hide and manipulate data, keep in mind that there is something wrong with what you intend to do. As an individual we should be able to carefully assess our decisions and actions. Is it right? Is it beneficial to others? How will others be affected with my actions and decisions? Will I hurt someone in doing so? As a follower we should consider what we are following and not just listen to what is being presented to us. We must take the time to study, research and analyze the facts that is presented to us. Is it the truth? Is it lawful? Is this the right thing to follow, to do? As a leader we should keep in mind that others are looking-up on us. We are role models and that we are being followed. Our actions and decisions does not only affect others but we also influence others. I have thought of the following ethical considerations based on the video/story presented: Data manipulation. They played with figures and the truth. They did not show what were the real values and what was really happening with the company. Data and values were sugarcoated to depict favorable performance. They even had complex financial statements that were confusing to shareholders and analysts. Insider trading. Information and data should be given to all shareholders and clients/investors. If you have access to nonpublic information or there is something that you are keeping to yourselves and will benefit only those who know it, then this is illegal and unethical. Justice, fairness and truth. The fact that they are manipulating data depicts that there is something wrong and unethical with what they are doing. But this did not stop them from so. They continue to hide company debts; they continued to show that they are performing well. They did not give their clients/investors what they should know. They mislead these people for their own welfare. Moving forward, let us learn from what happened in the story. 1] Let us be vigilant people and understand that if there is something “too good to be true” that is happening, this is not the case. The favorable performance may be manipulated or sugarcoated. 2] It is better to have products and services that you actually see and feel rather than good figures without any basis at all. 3] If we see that we want to hide something or manipulate processes and data, then we should not continue doing it. We must remain transparent and true to our clients/consumers. 4] Profit is not everything, be lawful and ethical first, then profit will follow. If you focus on profit, karma will take its toll on you, like what happened to the executives of Enron. God gives justice to everyone at His own right time. And 5] we should be ethical individuals, followers and leaders who weighs our actions and decisions, who considers the effects of our deeds and who always considers the welfare of others. References (2000). Bible Hub. 1 Timothy 6:10. Retrieved from http://biblehub.com/1_timothy/6-10.htm on November 1, 2015. (2015). Investopedia. Groupthink. Retrieved from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/groupthink.asp on November 1, 2015. Bratton, William W. (May 2002). "Does Corporate Law Protect the Interests of Shareholders and Other Stakeholders?: Enron and the Dark Side of Shareholder Value" (PDF). Tulane Law Review (New Orleans: Tulane University Law School) (1275): 6. Retrieved 2010-10-12. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enron_scandal#cite_note-DarkSide6-12 on November 1, 2015. "We only have one earth to live in and we should take care of it. Like a mother takes care of her sick child." - RLM It is very sad to see people misuse and abuse the planet, especially those that litter around and cannot seem to put their trash it its proper place. Simple things we can contribute will help a lot in making our planet a liveable place for us and the future generations.
We have to consider others and the future generations in how we treat our environment and our planet. We should not only think of ourselves and what we have now. I believe that our ancestors made our planet a liveable place for us, and we should do the same for our family and others. Apparently, due to technological advancement, the misuse and abuse of our natural resources and improper care of pollutants, we failed to protect our only home. The good news is, it is never to late for us to correct our wrongdoings. We may still correctly act and protect our environment from getting destroyed. As a mother, I want my daughter to see, feel and experience the earth as we experienced it. Be able to swim in beaches, play with the animals and breathe a clean air. Unfortunately, my daughter started to have asthma at the age of 8 months. She's already 2 years and 5 months and has not outgrown it. I hope and pray that she will eventually outgrow it. Seeing your daughter not able to breathe properly is very heart breaking. And the simple cause of her asthma are the cigarette smoke and emission from vehicles. These things we could have avoided if other people will be sensitive enough. Government should be strict and limit smoking areas which should not be allowed in public places. Sin taxes should be tripled or even quadrupled to discourage consumers from purchasing them. Furthermore, emission testing should be strictly done. I have been to a couple of emission testing sites that really does not conduct the testing but takes a picture, pretending they did it. When we questioned why they are doing that, they said that the machine is broken and that our car seems to be in shape. This is very disappointing that you pay for a premium amount but you do not get the service you need. If this happened to us, what more with the jeepneys, trucks and buses who are willing to bribe just to get renewed and avoid the maintenance or changing car parts to have a cleaner emission. Let us all please be sensitive to the needs of our family, of our loved ones, and of the future generations. This earth is not our own. However, we should show compassion and treat is as our own. Love and respect mother earth, it's the only one we have. Our family had a recent trip to Osaka, Japan and I would like to share how socially responsible the citizens of Japan are. This is our first family trip after I gave birth last May 2013. Osaka (including Kyoto, Kobe and Nara) is a very clean and organized city. I noticed that the people strictly adhere to policies set by the government on how to make their place clean, organized and more sustainable for others and for future generations. I have been to Japan twice before, sponsored by my former company. I would definitely go back, again and again, mainly because of the good food, safe and secured environment, friendly and helpful citizens and the clean and relaxing environment. Everything is also accessible and easy for tourists, although there is a language barrier, they make sure they get to help you. Here are a few observations I had:
These are very simple things yet the Japanese government and people make sure they are implemented and followed. I hope in our country, that we will be able to start, implement and strictly follow policies and activities that will make our country a better place to live in -- more clean, more green and more sustainable. "What are human rights? Why are human rights more often than not violated, abused? How will we protect our rights and the rights of others? What can we do as management to instill in our company to respect, follow and protect each and everyone's human rights?" As defined by United Nations of the Human Rights, Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. (http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Pages/WhatareHumanRights.aspx) The human rights entitled to everyone covers:
All these should work together for the benefit and the "human rights" of the individual. More often than not, human rights are violated and abused because of the lack of awareness of the individual that it exists and it is being violated. Taken for example, an employee who is under probationary and due to "insubordination", immediately terminated by the company. This is a clear violation of human rights and something that is unethical. Although, the employee is under probationary and may be accused of insubordination, he/she should be given at least two warnings --- a written notice to explain the accusations and a verbal exchange for both parties to lay-out and explain their sides. It is never just and rightful to immediately terminate the employee without doing these steps. However, being able to defend yourself entails that you know the law and if not, this right may be abused for the benefit of the other. Education and awareness will help us avoid violation and abuse of our rights. If we know how others should treat us, then we may be able to defend ourselves; more so, help and defend others who cannot fight for themselves. We may be able to protect our rights and others by properly educating ourselves and sharing our learnings and experiences to others. As management, we should provide regular training to our staff with their rights and responsibilities as employees --- what do we expect from them and what should be expected of us. We should not abuse the opportunity that others do not know how they should be treated. If we are doing things that inspires/motivates others then most certainly we are doing something good. And in doing so, we do not offend others and we do not violate their human rights. As we live each day of our lives, let us think and consider how we want to be treated, then that is how we should treat others too. The case for this week is on Philippine National Oil Company Energy Development Corporation or simply PNOC EDC. In my opinion, this case depicts that the initial intention of the president may be selfish but in the long-run it benefited both the internal and external stakeholders. This is a happy case that projected what CSR, Philantrophy and CSR 2.0 model is. The tragic incident that affected the plant and employees of PNOC EDC at Leyte paved the way for the president to better understand why the townsfolk do not show pity or even condole with the victims and their families. Their was no relationship between the host community or the locals with the PNOC EDC employees. The president through thorough study, observance and due diligence saw that the company needs to relate and connect to the townsfolk through their children. He thought of youth camps in order to win the hearts and minds of the locals. Seeing that through this, there will be an established relationship between the host community and the employees as well as PNOC EDC for the protection of both company and its employees. The instance given in the case is a common thing in the Philippines, where the company or owners of lands or businesses need to "delight" the host community or locals within the vicinity. Mainly because these locals are "friends" to the extremists and may help protect the company and its employees. Furthermore, the locals will feel abused because someone is taking advantage of the resources that they have. I know a similar instance where my cousin is involved. He owns an animal farm in the suburbs of Rizal. the place is known for presence of extremists. In order for him to gain the trust and have a connection and relationship with the locals for his protection, he provided the watering system and even planted vegetation in his farm for the locals. He also employed locals in his farm. This of course resulted in not only protection but an established rapport because he provided additional sources of livelihood and income to the host community. Likened to the president of PNOC EDC, my cousin also had selfish intentions. The initial intentions of these people may not be correctly placed but the outcome of their programs definitely benefited both the internal and external stakeholders. I believe that with proper understanding and education, the employees of PNOC EDC will be able to see and accept why their company needs to serve the host community too. Based on the facts, activities and goals presented, I must say that PNOC EDC is in CSR 2.0 Model already. They are more than just doing philantrophy and risk management, CSR for them has a fundamental strategic and operational impact. Aside from the safety of the company and its employees, PNOC EDC was able to improve the relationship of the company with its host communities. Furthermore, the activities provided to the children do not only developed them physically, socially, mentally but also their EQ. It is very important for the children to get involved and do different activities that will help in their development. Activities and exposure that may seem only for a time being are not true for children. The different involvement they have help shape them as a person -- both physically and mentally. Places and experiences that they may see, have and feel greatly affects their totally as a person. "Children go through distinct periods of development as they move from infants to young adults. During each of these stages multiple changes in the development of the brain are taking place. What occurs and approximately when these developments take place are genetically determined. However, environmental circumstances and exchanges with key individuals within that environment have significant influence on how each child benefits from each developmental event." Read more: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/ages-stages/#ixzz3pO3S2YHr In my opinion, what PNOC EDC did was very strategic, because showing concern and compassion to the children will really touch the hearts of the locals, gain their trust and establish long-lasting relationship with them. It is a challenge though to make the employees understand that the extra budget will be allocated to the host communities instead to them. But I believe with proper education and involvement by the employees, their families and children in the youth camp activities, this will help them gain understanding and appreciate what their company is doing for their external stakeholders. Employees have the right to serve their companies as it is stipulated in their contracts. Employers on the other hand have the responsibility to provide a decent source of living, to follow what was agreed on the contract and to give benefits that will improve the employee's life and even boost their morale.
As I have seen and experience in my previous work and current work, it is disappointing that the employer/management do not give ample training about the rights of each employee. More often than not, the employers take advantage of the fact that the employees do not know anything about their rights and what is stated in the law. The employees themselves do not take time to know what is in the labor and civil code that may protect their rights as employees and individuals. There is the mentality that "they (employees) do not know so we can do this" and on one side "we (employees) do not know about that." If we will continue to have this thinking and practice then it will be more difficult for us to move up (improve) in the CSR Continuum, it will be more difficult to engage in ethical practices. As business owners or part of management, we may impose that the company invests in training that make both the employers and employees aware of their rights and responsibilities. The company should adhere to governing laws and organizations such as the civil code, labor code and the Department of Labor and Employment. The company/organization needs to make things right in order for the employees to do what is right. The employers have the bigger responsibility in educating the employees of their rights. And I believe that if we treat our people right, they will give back with utmost care, passion and integrity in their work and practices. Furthermore, we will be able to provide growth and development as well as sustainable and quality living to our employees. Source: https://www.ntt.com/csr_e/report2011/img/kihonhoushin_img03.gif
I have started contemplating and drafting my Ethics and CSR Project Research for our company. I have used The Corporate Citizenship Audit guidelines provided in our Google Drive by Ms. Pia, and based on this Audit form, we have so many things we can work on to improve the state of the employees, customers, community, society/environment. It served as a good guideline for me because it was able to cover all stakeholders. I already have learned a lot from this course (and continuously learning) and I can easily apply them in my daily activities at work. When it comes to this project research, I appreciate that I am also able to help my company. Although, LS is still a very young and developing company, they are very much willing to change and improve what they currently have and do for the good of all stakeholders. Having this project research will help me identify the problem that may be addressed by Ethics and CSR programs; more so, focus on things that were not so much of a priority before, because these things greatly contribute to the development of the company, society and environment. Furthermore, I would want to propose possible actions and solutions to help address the issue and move towards the betterment in the CSR Continuum. Both the Corporate Citizenship Audit and the CSR Continuum will serve as a guideline on where to focus and how to develop the company's Ethical and CSR practices and activities. As defined by dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prudence), prudence is being wise in practical affairs, as by providing for the future; it is also taking things with caution with regard to practical matters.
Given this definition, my experiences and how I see management decision and skills, I do not agree that prudence is the most important virtue. A good manager should embody several virtues that will help him with his actions and decisions. These virtues then will better form the leader to become a transformational leader who is also ethical. The various virtues should make-up the totality of the leader, no one virtue would be the focus, every virtue is important to allow him to make better and ethical decisions. Below is a list of just as important virtue other than prudence:
http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/2013/06/the_ten_virtues_of_outstanding.html A well rounded individual helps shape others. Leaders should serve as a model, they should influence others so that their virtues will be emulated in the lives and practices of others. They too may serve as our mentor, teaching and influencing us! One of my goals in life is to be able to serve as a good example, not just with my colleague; more so, with my daughter. Being able to impart virtues of a servant-leader to my daughter will be one of my dream come true. Today, Saturday at 7:00 PM with the help and assistance of Dr. Edralin, our group will meet up with the President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Ms. Techie De Leon of the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (POLA) to discuss our plans and the help we can extend to them for our Service Learning project.
Unfortunately, out of the 7 members, only 4 can attend the meeting and unluckily, I am one of them. I work on a Saturday and my shift lasts for 11 hours, Yes! 11 hours, that is from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Based on the meeting last Saturday and the group's discussion yesterday, Sunday, amongst the four option:
Our group is excited and thrilled to spearhead this project for POLA. We aim to help them build the vertical garden and eventually provide food, like crops and vegetables and serve as additional source of income for the parish. To be continued... Service Learning (During)... |
AuthorRLM, daughter, wife, mother, employee and student will blog about her reflections on her BUS560M Class. She hopes to continue this blog after taking-up the course. Enjoy reading! =) Archives
January 2016
|