Correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion Research Paper

Correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion - Research Paper Example Correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion However, it is also practices in some specific lakes and rivers. There is therefore a correlations surfing and spirituality. Most surfers also state that they get a moment to connect with the Creator when they are at the ocean. Normally, surfers have to wait until waves begin flowing. It is at this moment that they get a chance to observe and marvel at the nature surrounding them. They enjoy the flora and fauna at the ocean and get to understand that they are a supernatural being that actually controls all these. This is also a time for introspection amongst many surfers. They get to connect with their inner being, including their role in the world. To them, creature are more than physical things, but also spiritual. However, it is not possible to talk about surfing and spirituality without mentioning media. The three parts of social cultures cannot be separated from each other. It is the media, which actually propagates the activity of surfing as well as religion. For instance, ther e are various electronic and print media, which have been involved in covering surfing activity. However, it is difficult for the media to report the surfers’ spiritual experiences. However, as it shall be demonstrated in the following research, many surfers who are interviewed indicate that they actually experience connection with supernatural being. Research question: Is there a relationship between media, surfing, and spirituality? Hypothesis In this researcher, the main hypothesis is that surfing is more than just an activity for entertainment. It has been used to draw surfers closer to their gods, as well as being able to find meaning in their lives. Through surfing, individuals are able to appreciate the fact that there is a supernatural being, which created all the wonders observed in the ocean. The researcher works under the assumption that there is a relationship between media and spirituality. Purpose of the study The study was carried out with a view to establish a correlation between surfing culture, spirituality, and religion. The three are important social phenomenon, which are difficult to be separated from each other. Media however, exists to complement the two activities. It allows the rest of the community members to appreciate the role of surfing in promoting spirituality. For instance, a number of films have been used to show the beauty of surfing. Several magazines have been published providing information about surfing and the experiences that the surfers go through. However, this study seeks to establish whether the assertion that the three cultural phenomenon are actually related. Literature review A research conducted by Moore (2011) indicates a correlation between spirituality and surfing. She carried a research entitled, ‘spiritual experience, and environmentalism.’ She focused her study on the surfing activities and scuba divers in New Zealand. In total, she had about 74 surfers and about 83 scuba divers. Her mai n aim was to establish whether there was any correlation between these water activities and spirituality. She had used the random sampling method to acquire a representative sample. According to her study, there was a close relationship between the two social cultures. Surfing, which is normally regarded as a profane activity has the potential to turn people towards sacredness. In this study for instance, about 70% of the interviewed members indicated that they had experienced some spiritual

Cross Cultural Management Case Study 1500words exc Essay

Cross Cultural Management Case Study 1500words exc. ReferencingBibliography - Essay Example The decision to enter markets outside the home country depends on a company's resources, managerial mindset and the nature of opportunity and threat. Mattel's best-known brand Barbie and its enviable global position has resulted in part from the company's willingness and ability to back its flag ship product with a strong local marketing effort. Mattel has positioned its brand 'Barbie' as a global brand, independent of any country of origin link. Barbie is a Barbie wherever it is made. Mattel has adopted a geocentric orientation i. e., it is adopting a worldview that sees similarity and differences in markets and countries and seeks to create a global strategy that is fully responsive to local needs and wants. Mattel's global marketing strategies for Barbie converges to market needs and wants, technologies advancements and socio-culture integration. A global marketing strategy is built on an information system that scans the world business environment to identify opportunities, trend s, threats and resources. A truly global company leverages its skills and focuses its resource to create superior perceived value for customers and achieve competitive advantage. Mattel has adopted the above strategies to become successful in global market. 2. As Theodore Levitt (1983) in his article" the globalization of markets" in the Harvard Business review argued that around the globe using standardized high quality world products and market then around the global using standardized advertising, pricing and distribution. But most of the organization found it, just a bunk. However success is not solely based on a standardization of marketing elements. To be successful in different market could be achieved only by spending a great deal of time and money to become an insider. That is, the company built a complete local infrastructure with its sales force. Now exactly the same path Mattel has adopted to become successful in Japanese market. Initially Mettle's Barbie has failed is John W. Amerman former CEO of Mattel state 'they did not know what that product was, and it didn't work" (Golab, 1994). Even availing the services of the consultant and modification of product looks do not have sufficient effect. Even the second partnership wi th Bandai didn't worked property. Finally in 1991, Mattel's own sales and marketing staff and office plays the trick and after spending more time and money, in 1994, Mattel has achieved some success and made profit in Japan with sales almost doubling since reintroduction (Golab, 1994). Mattel introduced its own American Barbie with long hair " Star princess Barbie" which becomes one of the top selling dolls in Japan (Thornton, 1994). Apart from time and marketing infrastructure development Mattel has conducted a consumer research in the Japanese market to understand the actual likings of the target customers. To survive in this new globally competitive world we had to modernize. Information technology is the glue for everything we do. For global marketer, information is one of the most essential requirements for decision-making (Reid, 1995; Green and Eric, 1975; Mullen, 1995). So market