Evaluate a given situation to determine a company’s attitude towards social responsibility

The case of Company X is a good example of private enterprise that has yet to put social development at the core of its business. Before measures are laid out as to how they could improve its corporate social responsibility (CSR), it is imperative to discuss the basics of CSR. CSR is defined as the responsibility of a business towards society (Bateman and Snell, 2002,p. 151). It used to be that businesses exist primarily to sell goods and provide services (Pride, Hughes and Kapoor, 1988, p. 41). In succeeding years, the principle of CSR increased with some organizations becoming motivated in social development, evolving to enlightened self-interest. Enterprises were driven more by the need to enhance competitive advantage. Recognizing that products have achieved quality and price parity, companies saw the need to shore up their reputation capital. In essence, CSR became the competitive advantage. The shift it motivation for social development resulted in CSR becoming mainstream business practice. In recent years, companies measure organizational performance not only with financial aspect but included social and environmental criteria as well. CSR has made a big leap at the heart of businesses (Porter and Kramer, 2006, p. 1). Company Q clearly does not prioritize CSR. While closing some stores due to money lost is a practical move, they were not able to recognize the importance of maintaining customer relationships. True, they granted a persistent customers’ request to sell organic and health-conscious food but they sold it in limited amounts only. Based on the case, it stated that this request has been made for years, meaning there was a clamor for this. Company X was not able to see that. Declining to donate day-old food items to the food bank simply because they were worried of possible revenue loss and issues of stealing and gossip indicates that Company X gives priority to how much money they are making rather than how they could use the opportunity to contribute resources to the society in aim of improving the quality of life. The purpose of a business is not only to pursue profits. Since businesses are part of the society, they cannot ignore social issues. In taking their part in tackling social issues, businesses can create and maintain a stable environment that has long-term profitability (Pride, Hughes and Kapoor, 1988, p. 42). There are three areas that Company X could start with in implementing CSR- customers, employees and community. With regards to the customers, Company X could involve their customers in the product development process. They could provide feedback. The company has had experience in this area when they finally gave in to the customers’ request for organic and health food. Constant communication and interaction with customers is one way. Going an extra step may include putting health and environmental information on their products and services; getting feedback from customers on why they like going to the store and what aspect they feel need improvement (putting up a feedback box), things like that. Company X should remember that word of mouth advertising is a good and simple way to gain customers’ attention. If more customers like the store, there is a high probability that they would recommend it to their friends and colleagues. Customers should feel that the store is a safe place to stay so ample security should be provided. It is stated in the case that the chain closed some stores in high crime areas. When it comes to their employees, it is rather safe to assume that Company X does not trust their employees judging by the fact that they were afraid to donate because some employees may steal and say that they got it from the food drive. Employees are a major stakeholder in businesses. Without employees, the company would not advance. Company X could start implementing employee programs that would benefit them individually and organizationally. It is a fact that employees who enjoy their work and have a good working relationship with their employers are likely to contribute more to the company. Company X could start with putting work-life balance programs and those that facilitate employee participation in decision making. An open channel of communication between employees and managers is vital. After all, in a store, it is the employee that has the most contact with the customers. If Company X deems that donating day-old food results in revenue loss, they could still support the community in other means such as hiring of locals and purchasing products locally. This way, they could augment the income of the community. Additionally, they could espouse employee volunteerism in community development programs. They could also align social development into their business practice. Under this approach, they could identify their needs and determine how communities could be helped. It may not be donating food or money after all. Direct consultation with the community could make a significant change not only for the community but Company X as well. After all, they are situated in the community; they might as well integrate them. Businesses should discharge its CSR in a way that befits its competence. The benefit cuts both ways: businesses add to their income and their communities gain skills, livelihood and assets. CSR should be central and strategic to the business. CSR in an obligation seamlessly integrated into the core business. Everyone needs to step up to alleviate social problems and make the world a better place for the future generation.

Biography of Cory Booker, Democratic U.S. Senator

Biography of Cory Booker, Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker is an American politician and rising star in the Democratic Party who is considered a likely candidate for president in the 2020 election. He is a former  mayor of Newark, New Jersey, who once considered challenging the most popular governor in the U.S.,  Republican Gov. Chris Christie,  but chose instead to seek election to the U.S. Senate. Booker has taken credit for reviving one of American most notorious failed cities and emerged as one of President Donald Trumps fiercest critics.   Early Years Booker was born to  Carolyn and Cary Booker, both executives at the IBM computer company, on April 27, 1969, in Washington, D.C. He was raised from a young age in Newark, New Jersey, and earned a football scholarship to Stanford University after graduating from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan, New Jersey, in 1987. He had been a football standout in high school but decided that athletics would be his ticket and not my destination. Booker earned both a bachelors degree political science and masters degree in sociology from Stanford University and an honors degree in history at Oxford University. He was a Rhodes Scholar and completed his law degree at Yale University. Political Career Booker began work  as a staff attorney for the Urban Justice Center, a nonprofit legal-services and advocacy agency in Newark, after earning his law degree. He was stationed in East Harlem at a time when police were aggressively sweeping many of the areas young people into the criminal justice system. Booker was elected to the Newark city council at age 29 and served from 1998 to 2002. In 2006, at age 37, he was first elected Newark mayor and heads the states largest, and perhaps most troubled, city. He was re-elected Newark mayor in 2010. He turned down an offer from President Barack Obama in 2009 to head the newly created White House Office of Urban Affairs Policy. Booker said he was considering a run for governor against Christie, whose  popularity surged  largely due to his handling of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and  was seeking a second term  in 2013. In June of that year, he announced he would seek the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died at age 89. In 2011, Time magazine named Booker one of the 100 most influential people. He was a prominent surrogate for Obama in the  2012 election  against  Republican Mitt Romney  and spoke at  that years Democratic National Convention. Presidential Aspirations Booker has said he will not run for the White House in 2020, but many observers believe he is laying the groundwork to unseat Republican Donald Trump, who was elected to a first term in 2016. They believe Bookers first signal at a 2020 candidacy we his unprecedented testimony against a colleague in the U.S. Senate,  Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, who was nominated for attorney general by Trump. Bookers speech in opposition to his colleague was compared to former President Barack Obamas soaring rhetoric. Said Booker of his decision to testify against Sessions: In the choice between standing with Senate norms or standing up for what my conscience tells me is best for our country, I will always choose conscience and country. ... The arc of the moral universe does not just naturally curve toward justice. We must bend it. Obama often referred to the arc of history and often used the quote: The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.†Ã‚   Critics saw Bookers decision to testify against Sessions a clear sign of his intention to run for president in 2020. Wrote Republican U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas: â€Å"I’m very disappointed that Sen. Booker has chosen to start his 2020 presidential campaign by testifying against Sen. Sessions. Booker also made high-profile visits to states that are considered vital to presidential candidates including Iowa. Personal Life Booker is single and has no children. Controversies Booker has developed a reputation as Newark mayor for being plainspoken and blunt - characteristics that are somewhat rare in politicians and occasionally land them in hot water. During the 2012 election, Booker caught some flak when he described his partys attacks on Republican Mitt Romneys work at Bain Capital nauseating. The Romney picked up on the comments and used them in the campaign. Legacy Booker is an outspoken advocate for boosting the quality of public education in his city, and has led some particularly successful reforms as Newark mayor. He is also known for shining a light of poverty. In 2012, he embarked on a weeklong campaign to live on food stamps and lived on less than $30 worth of groceries. The constrained food options I have for this one short week highlight for me ... what many hardworking families have to deal with week after week, Booker wrote. Booker said he embarked on the food stamp project following a complaint by a constituent that nutrition is not the governments responsibility. This comment caused me to reflect on the families and children in my community who benefit from SNAP assistance and deserve deeper consideration, he wrote. In my own quest to better understand the outcomes of SNAP assistance, I suggested to this specific Twitter user that we both live on a SNAP equivalent food budget for a week and document our experience. In 25 Accomplishments in 25 Months, Booker and the Newark city council proclaimed successes in adding more police to the city streets, reducing violent crime, expanding public parks, improving access to public transportation and attracting new businesses to the area and creating jobs. Critics, however, have suggested the notion of a reviving Newark was just a mirage and Booker was merely a cheerleader who cared more about his image than getting things done. Journalist Amy S. Rosenberg wrote in 2016 that Booker left behind bruised feelings in the neighborhoods where residents wanted jobs more than cheerleading. And to the residents who forked over big increases in fees and taxes, there remains a gnawing suspicion that Booker cared more about the optics of a social media moment than actually delivering on basic city services. In 2012, Booker saved a woman from a burning house, news of which spread rapidly across social media. On the social network Twitter, users elevated Booker to a sort of hero status, writing that he could win a game of Connect Four with only three moves and that super heroes dress up as Cory Booker on Halloween. He became known as Supermayor. Notable Quotes â€Å"Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people; before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children; before you preach to me of your passion for your faith, teach me about it through your compassion for your neighbors. In the end, I’m not as interested in what you have to tell or sell as I am in how you choose to live and give.† â€Å"There are two ways to go through life, as a thermometer or a thermostat. Dont be a thermometer, just reflecting whats around you, going up or down with your surroundings. Be a thermostat and set the temperature.†Ã‚   â€Å"Tolerance is becoming accustomed to injustice; love is becoming disturbed and activated by another’s adverse condition. Tolerance crosses the street; love confronts. Tolerance builds fences; love opens doors. Tolerance breeds indifference; love demands engagement. Tolerance couldn’t care less; love always cares more. Sources Ross, Janell. â€Å"Six Noteworthy Things about Cory Booker.†Ã‚  The Washington Post, WP Company, 25 July 2016.Wogan, JB. â€Å"But What Did Cory Booker Actually Accomplish in Newark?†Ã‚  Governing Magazine: State and Local Government News for Americas Leaders, Governing, 1 Dec. 2013.Rosenberg, Amy S. â€Å"Cory Bookers Newark Mirage.† Politico, 8 July 2016. Fast Facts:  Cory Anthony Booker Known For:  U.S. Senator from New Jersey and potential 2020 presidential candidate.   Born:  April 27, 1969, in Washington, D.C. Parents:  Carolyn and Cary Booker. Education: Stanford University, B.S., M.A.; University of Oxford, honors degree; Yale Law School, J.D. Fun Fact: Booker became a social-media sensation after he entered a burning home in Newark, New Jersey, to save his neighbor in 2012.

Examples and Uses of Metals and Nonmetals

Examples and Uses of Metals and Nonmetals Most elements are metals, but quite a few are nonmetals. Its important to be able to distinguish between the different types of elements. Here is a list of five metals and five nonmetals, an explanation of how you can tell them apart, and some examples of their uses. Five Nonmetals The nonmetals are located on the upper rights include: nitrogenoxygenheliumsulfurchlorine Five Metals Metals usually are hard, dense conductors, often exhibiting a shiny metallic luster. Metallic elements readily lose electrons to form positive ions. Except for mercury, metals are solids at room temperature and pressure. Examples include: ironuraniumsodiumaluminumcalcium How to Tell Nonmetals and Metals Apart The easiest way to identify whether an element is a metal or nonmetal is to find its position on the periodic table. There is a zigzag line that runs down the right side of the table. Elements on this line are metalloids or semimetals, which have properties intermediate between those of metals and nonmetals. Every element located to the right of this line is a nonmetal. All other elements (most elements) are metals. The only exception is hydrogen, which is considered a nonmetal in its gaseous state at room temperature and pressure. The two rows of elements below the body of the periodic table also are metals. Basically, about 75 percent of elements are metals, so if youre given an unknown element and asked to make a guess, go with a metal. Element names can be a clue, too. Many metals have names ending with -ium (examples: beryllium, titanium). Nonmetals may have names ending with -gen, -ine, or -on (examples: hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, argon). Uses for Metals and Nonmetals Metals uses are directly linked to their qualities. For example: Shiny metals such as copper, silver, and gold are often used for decorative arts, jewelry, and coins.Strong metals such as iron and metal alloys such as stainless steel are used to build structures, ships, and vehicles such as cars, trains, and trucks.Some metals have specific qualities that dictate their use. For example, copper is a good choice for wiring because it is particularly good for conducting electricity. Tungsten is used for the filaments of light bulbs because it glows white hot without melting. Nonmetals are both plentiful and useful. Some of the most commonly used include: Oxygen, a gas, is absolutely essential to human life. Not only do we breathe it and use it for medical purposes, but we also use it as an important element in combustion.Sulphur is valued for its medical properties and is also an important ingredient in many chemical solutions. Sulfuric acid is an important tool for industry: It is used in batteries and in manufacturing.Chlorine, a nonmetal, is a powerful disinfectant. It is used to purify drinking water and swimming pools.

Will Paper Based Books Survive or will the E-media completely Replace Essay

Will Paper Based Books Survive or will the E-media completely Replace Paper Media - Essay Example In addition, the passion of e-books can be mainly observed among the young generations of the countries as compared to others. It is predominantly due to the introduction of varied electronic gadgets such as iPad, tablet and kindle. Moreover, it also spotlights, varied benefits which it offers to its publishers, booksellers, authors and customers. In addition, the report also depicts that emergence of e-books and e-readers would replace the paper books in the future markets. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 Critical Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers 5 Market Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers 5 Customer Needs and Wants from e-books and e-readers 6 Value Chain Analysis From Author To Reader 7 Conclusion and Recommendations 9 Strategic Analysis of the Future Direction of This Market 9 References 10 Bibliography 13 Introduction In this era of globalisation and industrialisation, the passion of e-books and e-readers has increased at a rapid pace. Th is is due to the emergence of information technology (IT) in the universities and colleges all over the world. Moreover, due to the increased passion of internet mainly among the young generation of varied countries, the craze for e-books and e-readers has improved by a large extent. The term ‘e-book’ can be referred to electronic book or digital book which can be viewed with the help of electronic media. It mainly comprises texts, images and information similar to paper books. Besides, the digital or e-books are rather more efficient and effective in utilisation. Furthermore, with the help of digital books, varied old but valuable books or journals can be utilised for the purpose of reading in order to enhance the learning and knowledge of individuals (Miller, 2009). On the other hand, paper printed books may not be available always for the customers or students, which might create an intricate situation. Thus, due to the emergence of e-media, the numbers of e-books ar e increasing thereby enhancing the amount of the e-readers (Deangelo, 2011). Apart from these, the passion of e-books is mainly observed in case of a particular section of individuals i.e. youth among others, which is quite noteworthy. Moreover, this strategy or concept also augmented the satisfaction and contentment of the readers as it can be accessed at any point of time. Still, paper books are recognised as one of the most efficient assets of both modern as well as previous times. The report mainly highlights the impact of e-media over the paper-books. Furthermore, it also attempts to identify the benefits and the advantages of utilisation of e-books rather than paper-books in this age of globalisation. In addition, it also spotlights varied aspects related to the increased passion for e-books among a specific section of individuals i.e. youth. The report is divided into three sections namely introduction, critical analysis of e-books and e-readers along with conclusion and reco mmendations. Critical Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers Market Analysis of e-Books and e-Readers A market segment is referred to the classification of a particular group of customers consisting of certain definite characteristics along with uniform demands and requirements. It also attempts to recognise certain specific qualities such as quality, price and design among others. The passion of e-books has highly increased among the young generation of varied countries namely Southern Africa and the United Kingdom (Advertising Forecast, 2011). This is due to the fact the craze of internet is increasing mainly among the young generations of the countries within the age group (10 to 35 years), which is quite beneficial and detrimental as well. The passion is

Innovation & Creativity and Enterprise Research Proposal

Innovation & Creativity and Enterprise - Research Proposal Example Bilton and Cummings (2010) have exemplified many incidents where companies have excelled and outnumbered their competitors through their capability of being creative and innovative. Birla (2013) has also revealed that as the ideas and innovations are rapidly progressing, inclusion of all such creative ideas and technical innovations in the business operations is required for a company to gain a competitive edge in the industry segment. However, Lockard (2010) has expressed his doubt on the scope available for companies operating in Gulf region to incorporate ICE in their business process. For conducting the research, secondary data collection method should be obtained (Creswell, 2013). Thus information regarding incorporation of innovative technologies and establishing the scope for creativity within the enterprise will be acquired from various relevant journals and magazines, annual reports of Zain Telecom, industry reports etc. Qualitative research approach should be taken so that intrinsic reasons, outlook and motivation can be derived from all available information (Krathwohl, 2008). An organization striving for adding value to the products and services, building broader business networks and establishing long enduring relationship with national and international clients, must establish and exercise the foundation of ICE. Though it is believed that Gulf region is deprived from many technological and other innovative considerations, the research is undertaken for establishing the fact that in this modern age of globalization, the companies operating in this region, such as Zain Telecom, have also managed to incorporate innovation, creativity and enterprise to establish and strengthen their global

U03a1 Project Topic Choice and Rationale Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

U03a1 Project Topic Choice and Rationale - Essay Example that traditional Fee-for-Service payment rewards piecemeal work and â€Å"volume† of services rather than prevention of illness and coordination of care. The more procedures a physician performs, and the higher the value of the procedure, the more the physician is paid† (Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative, 2007). The option chosen for this paper is Option B. The next section will provide an overview of the organisation and the strategic planning issue. The organization chosen for this study is Tufts Medical Center. The organization deal with providing healthcare for children and is a well recognized organization with a ranking within the top five percent of the institutions nationwide (Tufts Medical Center). The organization has been able to provide the customers with excellent care over the years. The strategic issue that is present in the organization is the lack of a good record keeping process for the employee injuries on the job. The organization’s strategy in a number of ways lacks a strong plan for the employees and care of the employees. This is clear from the recent news which reads, â€Å"The Nurses Association distributed a press release several weeks ago saying the hospital showed a lack of concern for the health and safety of its workers. The union also picketed the hospital earlier this year to protest changes in nurses staffing patterns† ( Altman & Altman ). Several theories that have been explained in the past which deal with both human resources as well as the strategic management in the health care industry specifically highlight the need for a safe working environment for the employees and it is by law needed for the organizations to keep complete records of the various employee injuries and on the job issues that might arise. In the case of Tufts Medical Center this has clearly been missed out and the organization has not been able to keep up the records in time and effectively. As explained by Beta – Research School for

International Human Rights Norms

International Human Rights Norms We live in a constantly changing and evolving world. The remarkable advances in the biotechnology, telecommunications and transportation in addition to the emergence of new regional political alliances and the increasing integration of the markets have led to unprecedented demographic shifts. As a result of all this factors, which we can be defined as globalisation, previously isolated peoples were being brought together either voluntarily or involuntarily. This confluence of peoples and cultures led to the so called pluralism, which is the diversity of views and perceptions of certain ideas and concepts in contrast to a single approach or way of interpretation. One of those concepts which have been a subject of a huge international debate and scrutiny is the concept of human rights. As defined by Donnelly human rights are those that protect those things that are necessary for a life of dignity or for a richer and more fully human life.  [1]  One of the main ideologies of human rights on a national scale is cultural relativism. People who support the idea of cultural relativism think that most (or some) human rights depend on the cultural context since they are encoded in the particular culture and therefore when implementing international human rights standards we should take into account states particular culture. In this essay, I will argue in favour of neither of the two theories but rather in support of a third one relative universality. Arguments in favour of cultural relativism Firstly, I will begin with examining the cultural relativists arguments. The term culture is often used loosely by advocates of both universalism and cultural relativism, so let me clarify its meaning. A good definition of culture is the one proposed by Reidel a set of shared meanings, norms, and practices that form a comprehensive world view that serves to unite a group and contribute to the identity of its members.  [2]  There are two most essentialized concepts of culture culture as tradition and culture as essence.  [3]  Cultural relativism is a theory established by the anthropologist Franz Boas. Elvin Hatch says that Boasian relativism implies that principle of right and wrong do have some validity, but a very limited one, for they are legitimate only for the members of the society in which they are found.  [4]  According to the Boasian relativism we should not be indifferent towards other ways of life and we should respect and approve them. The most prominent arg ument in favour of cultural relativism is that it preserves the autonomy and the self-determination of a state and its citizens. Another argument is the research argument, namely, that the researches show that different cultures have different views on morality and therefore different views on human rights. Consequently, since the different states interpret human rights in a different way international human rights standards cannot be achieved and human rights should rather be interpreted in the context of the culture of the particular state. Furthermore, cultural relativism is supported by the tolerance argument which states that each country should be tolerant towards other countries and their culture. A fourth argument in favour of cultural relativism is the one given by Abdullahi An-Naim. He argues that there are states such as most of the African and Asian countries which did not actually participate in the formulation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948  [5]  and even though they did participate in the formulation of the subsequent instruments they did so on the basis of an establish framework and philosophical assumptions adopted in their absence.  [6]  Harris-Short adds to this argument by saying that it is only the state that agreed on the terms of the international treaties and not states individuals. Therefore, international human rights are illegitimate since the consent of the internal population of a state is not present.  [7]  Another argument given by cultural relativists is that if we assume that human rights are universal this would make democracy dangerous since with the rise of international policies which are determined by normative claims of ethics and morality, it would be the Western elites and not the minorities which will lead.  [8]  A huge adherent to the cultural relativism theory is the American Anthropological Association, which in its submission to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in 194 7, argues that culture plays a vital role in ones life from the moment of his birth and it shapes not only his behaviour but also his thoughts and aspirations.  [9]   Arguments against cultural relativism A strong argument against cultural relativism is the one given by John Tilley. He says that cultural relativism as a theory lacks the support needed in order to become the dominant human rights theory.  [10]  He also argues that no consensus exists among relativists about how best to defend their thesis (some prefer the tolerance argument, others the research argument, and so on) or even about how to define it.  [11]  Another argument is that cultural relativism is often used as a justification of malpractices. As Donnelly says, cultural relativism is all too often a mere cloak for self-interest or arbitrary rule.  [12]  He uses examples of powerful people in the past such as presidents of countries and their deeds in order to illustrate how cultural relativism can actually be used as a justification for bad purposes.  [13]  A further argument is that cultural relativists consider culture as something unchangeable and static. According to Tracy Higgins, cultural rela tivist arguments oversimplify the complexity and fidelity of culture by treating culture as monolithic and moral norms within a particular culture as readily ascertainable.  [14]  Instead, culture should be seen as dynamic and constantly evolving. One of the biggest groups of people all over the world, who are opposed to the idea of cultural relativism are the feminists. They argue that culture is quite often unfairly used as a justification for denying women a range of basic human rights. The best example of such a case is the situation in the Muslim countries where verse 4:34 of the Quran says that men are entitled to exercise authority over women and not the reverse. Using this statute as a justification, men in these countries treat women unequally and this is certainly a violation of the international human rights standards enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 Art 2 which states, Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.  [15]   Furthermore, the unequal treatment of women is also a breach of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966 Art 3  [16]  and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966 Art 3  [17]  both of which aim to ensure that women are treated equally in the enjoyment of the rights enshrined in them. Feminists also condemn the female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting. It is a common practice for the African countries but also for some parts of the Middle East, Europe and North-America. People who practice female genital mutilation consider it as inalienable part of their culture. They think that it actually has a beneficial effect on the woman and they justify its use by saying that it is in accord with their culture. However, it is obviously in breach of international human rights standards and organizations such as UNICEF and UNFPA strongly condemn it as being medically unproven and discriminat ory. Arguments in favour of relative universality Even though there are many arguments supporting cultural relativism it is not effective enough because of its many disadvantages I have listed above. Neither is universalism due to the fact that there are many states with different cultures and local practices for who it will be extremely hard and quite improbable to embrace the international human rights movement in case the rights proposed by it have a universal dimension. There is a more flexible and developed approach to human rights called relative universality. It is a mixture between universalism and relativism that views human rights as prima facie universal, but recognizes culture as a limited source of exceptions and principles of interpretation.  [18]  The principle of relative universality of human rights which can also be defined as weak cultural relativism has been developed by Jack Donnelly. He argues that there are three hierarchical levels of variation which can be distinguished, involving cultural relativity in the substance of lists of human rights, in the interpretation of individual rights, and in the form in which particular rights are implemented.  [19]  This means that the more particular and narrow a certain human right is the more it allows for different interpretations based on states cultural practices and beliefs. Relative universality means a weak cultural relativism which differs from the normal and most common concept of cultural relativism by the fact that it only allows limited rather than unlimited deviations from international human rights standards.  [20]  His idea of the relative universality of human rights Donnelly supports through his observations on 4 different factors functional universality, international legal universality, overlapping consensus universality and ontological universality.  [21]  Lets define all these terms. Firstly, functional universality lies on the fact that the function of human rights is the same all over the world, namely, to pr ovide people with attractive remedies for some of the most pressing systemic threats to human dignity.  [22]  Secondly, international legal universality is based on the idea that almost every state in the world has accepted the authority of the international human rights which roughly means the rights enshrined in the UDHR 1948 and the consequent six core international human rights treaties (on civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, racial discrimination, women, torture, and children).  [23]  Thirdly, the overlapping consensus universality is explained through the idea that throughout the past couple of decades more and more adherents of different doctrines all over the world start to endorse the human rights movement voluntarily.  [24]  Last but not least, Donnelly discusses the ontological universality and comes to the conclusion that from an ontological point of view people cannot have fully universal human rights since all prominent compre hensive doctrines ignore or actively denied human rights for large parts of their history.  [25]  By defending functional, legal international and overlapping consensus universality and insisting that the anthropological universality of human rights is indefensible, Donnelly comes to the conclusion that it is inappropriate to talk neither for the cultural relativism of human rights nor for their universality but rather for their relative universality. He develops the most comprehensive and flexible approach towards human rights which not only assumes that there are certain inalienable human rights such as the right to freedom from torture, the right to a fair trial, etc. , but also takes into consideration local cultural practices and beliefs in the implementation of international human rights standards. Relative universality of human rights allows the state to preserve at a certain extent its autonomy and sovereignty and also the self-determination of its citizens. This is illu strated by the two examples given by Donnelly. The first one is the example of the law of apostasy. The UDHR 1948 Art 18 declares that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. However, in the Muslim countries it is forbidden to change your religion. Donnelly argues that in this case, it should be permissible for Muslim countries, for example, to treat people who change their religion in a different way such as to deny them certain benefits as long as those are not guaranteed by the human rights.  [26]  In this case religion is so important for Muslim countries that not allowing them to punish people who change their religious views would be a strong intolerance towards them. The second example is use of hate speech in the USA. Its use is in breach of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 1965 Article 4  [27]  and of the ICCPR 1968 Article 20(2). Nevertheless, the hate speech is permitted in the USA since people there consider the right of freedom of speech as being of a bigger importance than the right not to be a subject of a discriminatory and racial treatment. These two examples show that there are cases in which we should allow countries to interpret human rights in a way they find appropriate as long as it is not drastically in breach of the international human rights standards. There are people who disagree with the theory developed by Donnelly like Michael Goodhart. Even though Goodhart agrees with the substance of Donnellys argument, he argues that rather than the conceptual, functional and legal international universality of human rights we should pay attention to their inclusiveness, generality and variability, and the extent of concurrence on human rights concepts. Furthermore, he finds that instead of anthropological universality we should explore their metaphysical status. He thinks that it is not appropriate to define the international human rights standards as relatively universal and argues that the use of the term relative universality more confuses rather than brings clarity in our understanding of them.  [28]  Furthermore, he believes that rejecting the universality of human rights will boost their legitimacy since, as he says, it is not the universality of human rights which makes them legitimate but rather their global appeal, their promise of ending domination and oppression.  [29]  Even though Goodhart agrees with the substance of Donnellys argument, he argues that rather than the conceptual, functional and legal international universality of human rights we should pay attention to their inclusiveness, generality and variability, and the extent of concurrence on human rights concepts. Furthermore, he finds that instead of anthropological universality we should explore their metaphysical status.  [30]  However, in his subsequent article, in response to Goodhart, Donnelly defends his arguments quite well. He says that th e abolition of the ordinary language of interpretation of human rights including the terms relativism and universalism and the adoption of new terms on their place are quite unlikely to happen since it will take too much time for the new terms to penetrate.  [31]  Despite the critique from Goodhart, Donnellys approach to human rights standards is the most convincing one developed so far. Globally, we have seen many cases such as Sahin v. Turkey,  [32]  Goldman v Weinberger  [33]  and Multani v. Commission Scolaire Marguerite  [34]  in which people were denied rights which for them are intrinsic part of their culture. The international human rights movement should not rush the process of creating and implementing international human rights standards. These standards should rather be achieved with caution and patience. According to Gunning, it is essential for this process to include a dialogue with a tone that respects the cultural diversity since only through a dial ogue of that kind the world can reach a consensus on human rights standards which would take into account all the differences in their cultural practices and beliefs.  [35]  Ibrawoh adds to this idea by saying that, the promotion of national human rights standards against the background of the dominant cultural and social traditions in the state should be done with due respect to meritorious cultural values and traditions of local communities.  [36]   For example, if we want to incorporate international human rights standards into Muslim countries we should try to do it within the framework of Islam in order to succeed.  [37]  Hatch suggest that instead of leaving cultures as they are, as museum pieces, we should help to bring about change, or better, we should help the oppressed to bring about change.  [38]  He argues that actually the more developed states are those who do not want the less developed to adopt and endorse the international human rights standards since they want to keep the status quo. This idea is supported by Higgins who suggests that actually the Western states and the liberal scholars and not the oppressed are those who advance the point that there can be no fully universal concept of human rights since we need to take into account the difference between the various cultures of the states.  [39]   Conclusion Taking into account all the arguments listed above, we can conclude that Donnellys relative universality theory of human rights is the most effective and comprehensive human rights approach so far. It promotes the idea that human rights should be neither fully universal nor fully relative but rather relatively universal and that states are allowed to occasional and strictly limited local variations and exceptions based on local cultural practices and beliefs in implementing international human rights standards. Word Count: 2748