Respond to the discussion question attached and provide a 500-word limit response with citation and reference page.
Discussion: Written and Unwritten Policies in Blackwell
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Impact of Written and Unwritten Policies in Blackwell
Introduction:
In any organization, written and unwritten policies shape the culture, practices, and overall functioning. Blackwell, as a fictional company, faces similar challenges in managing its policies. This essay aims to explore the significance of both written and unwritten policies in Blackwell, highlighting their impact on employee behavior, organizational culture, and overall effectiveness.
Thesis Statement:
The combination of well-crafted written policies and a supportive unwritten culture of transparency, accountability, and fairness is crucial for Blackwell’s success and the well-being of its employees.
Body:
The Role of Written Policies:
Written policies serve as formal guidelines that outline expectations, procedures, and rules within an organization. They provide clarity, consistency, and legal protection to both employees and the organization. Within Blackwell, well-drafted written policies can help ensure fair treatment, prevent discrimination, and provide clear guidelines for decision-making. For example, a written policy on promotion criteria can ensure transparency and equal opportunities for all employees.
Impact on Employee Behavior:
Written policies play a vital role in shaping employee behavior. Clear policies create a sense of structure and establish standards for performance and conduct. Employees are more likely to adhere to guidelines when they are well-defined and readily accessible. For instance, a written policy on workplace harassment can promote a respectful work environment by clearly defining prohibited behaviors and outlining the reporting process.
Unwritten Policies and Organizational Culture:
While written policies provide a framework, unwritten policies shape the culture and atmosphere within an organization. In Blackwell, an unwritten culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration can enhance employee morale, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. Unwritten policies set the tone for how employees interact with each other and with management. For example, an unwritten policy of open communication encourages employees to voice their opinions, share ideas, and contribute to decision-making processes.
Impact on Organizational Effectiveness:
The combination of well-crafted written policies and a supportive unwritten culture is essential for Blackwell’s effectiveness. When written policies align with the unwritten norms and values of the organization, it creates a harmonious work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. This, in turn, enhances productivity, reduces turnover rates, and fosters employee loyalty. For instance, an unwritten policy of recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance can reinforce the written policy on performance evaluations.
Balancing Flexibility and Consistency:
While written policies provide structure and consistency, it is crucial to strike a balance by allowing room for flexibility when necessary. Flexibility can accommodate individual circumstances or evolving business needs. However, this flexibility should be guided by the overarching principles established within the written policies. For example, a written policy on remote work can outline guidelines while allowing flexibility for employees to work from home when needed.
Conclusion:
In Blackwell, the interplay between well-crafted written policies and supportive unwritten norms is essential for achieving organizational success. Written policies provide clarity, consistency, and legal protection, while unwritten policies shape the culture and employee behavior. By fostering an unwritten culture of transparency, accountability, and fairness that complements the written policies, Blackwell can create an environment that promotes employee well-being, productivity, and organizational effectiveness.
