Formal And Informal Institutions

Formal and Informal Institutions
Formal and informal institutions' lending policies and access to credit by small–scale enterprises in Kenya: An empirical assessment
By
Rosemary Atieno
University of Nairobi
AERC Research Paper 111 African Economic Research Consortium, Nairobi November 2001
© 2001, African Economic Research Consortium.
Published by: The African Economic Research Consortium P.O. Box 62882 Nairobi, Kenya
Printed by:
The Regal Press Kenya, Ltd. P.O. Box 46116 Nairobi, Kenya
ISBN 9966–944–52–4
Contents
List of abbreviations List of tables Acknowledgements Abstract 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Introduction Problem statement Objectives and hypothesis of the
study Literature review Structure and performance of the financial sector in...show more content...
The generation of self–employment in non–farm activities requires investment in working capital. However, at low levels of income, the accumulation
of such capital may be difficult. Under such circumstances, loans, by increasing family income, can help the poor to accumulate their own capital and
invest in employment–generating activities (Hossain, 1988). Commercial banks and other formal institutions fail to cater for the credit needs of
smallholders, however, mainly due to their lending terms and conditions. It is generally the rules and regulations of the formal financial institutions

that have created the myth that the poor are not bankable, and since they can't afford the required collateral, they are considered uncreditworthy
(Adera, 1995). Hence despite efforts to overcome the widespread lack of financial services, especially among smallholders in developing countries, and
the expansion of credit in the rural areas of these countries, the majority still have only limited access to bank services to support their private initiatives
(Braverman and Guasch, 1986). In the recent past, there has been an increased tendency to fund credit programmes in the developing countries aimed
at small–scale enterprises. In Kenya, despite emphasis on increasing the availability of credit to small and microenterprises (SMEs), access to credit
by such enterprises remains one of the major constraints they face. A 1995 survey of small and
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English as a Universal Language Essay
English language as a universal language and it is very important. Every people are urge to learn English language. Especially for university students
who are going to enter society after graduation, English is perceived to be crucial for communication at work with regards to employment. But in
Malaysia, the proficiency of English language among youth is declining. Start in the 70s, many concerned stakeholders from employers, linguists and
educationists to parents have voiced their concern. (Azizan Haraiti, &Lee, Y.M., 2011) Low levels in English proficiently means youth are missing out
on current and important issues. Mahathir Mohamad (2011) hopes young Malaysians to master the English language if they did not want to be left
behind....show more content...
Furthermore, English can increase one's chances of being accepted in the exchange program by improving English. One of the requirements for the
program is that people applying should have decent skills in the English language. Therefore, youth should take actions to improve English language
before regret. Goals, motivation and attitude of youth are the effective ways to improve one's English language. Youth must set up a goal and found out
the motivations before starting improving English. Goals can help youth to sort out what is important and what isn't. With goals, youth will only focus
on the things that they want to achieve and spend precious time on them. For example, learn to write a good essay during three month set as one's
goal, he or she will try their personal best and personal ways to enhance English writing skills during that given period. Motivation also plays a critical
role in improving English language. McDonough S. (1983: 142) stated that "motivation of the student is one of the most important factors influencing
their success or failure in learning the language." When studying English, youth might face a lot of different problems like environment problem,
financial problem and so on. Motivation can help one to keep going despite the problems. If one keeps the motivation high and their eyes on the goal,
no problem will seem insuperable. Besides that, attitude of youth towards improving English language also important. Youth must keep a

A Formal Definition Of Curriculum
Curriculum
A formal definition of curriculum refers to the means and materials with which students will interact for the purpose of achieving identified educational
outcomes and its purpose is to prepare the student to thrive with the society as it is (Ebert, Ebert, & Bentley, 2013). Curriculum is a very important
piece of education and how it is defined determines the influence it can have over the experiences of the students. It goes deeper than just deciding
what to teach and encompasses more than just the academic side of a student's education. Planned or unplanned curriculum can affect many different
areas of students' lives whether they realize it or not and in places they would not have imagined. There are several different types of curriculum;
explicit, delivered, learned, hidden, and null. These are found at work in most educational settings (Ebert, Ebert, & Bentley, 2013). These different
curriculums work together to give students experiences at many different levels.
Explicit curriculum looks at what is being taught. It is what stands out or is obvious, which is why it is called explicit. This type of curriculum can
often be identified as the mission statement of the school and addresses what knowledge and other types of skills the school wants its students to
achieve or acquire. The objectives in this type of curriculum are measurable and observable. It is also called the intended or formal curriculum because
it is what the school has officially adopted

My Definition of Success Essay example
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."
– Albert Einstein ––
My personal definition would not include "stuff" at all. No one will care (and neither will you) what kind of car your drove or how big your house
was when you're on your deathbed. Your thoughts will not be about your job, the office or how much money you made.
Personal success is defined by how content and enjoyable your life is. That is not to say that challenges and disappointments aren't included in this. A
rich, eventful and challenging life doing what you enjoy and positively affecting others seems to me to be just about right. Find a job you love and
you'll never work another day in your life. I know I won't. In my...show more content...
Past, present and future are all important to keep in perspective. Looking back and not having regrets is extremely satisfying. Your current situation and
your contentment with it are also very important, and having goals and milestones to work toward in the future keeps you motivated and keeps life
interesting and challenging.
In this age in which we live, success is generally measured by the amount of money you earn, or the amount of wealth or power or number of
promotions you've accumulated. I find that the older I grow, the more I view the people who are most happy and content with their lives as the most
successful. Rich, poor or in between, they've tended to treat life as a journey, not a final destination. They took that trip when they were 25 even
though they really couldn't afford it, they ordered the $55 bottle of wine with their filet because they knew that even though it was expensive it would
enhance the meal so much more than water would. They took a chance on a start–up company, moved to Europe or Asia and experienced things that
most people only dream about. If they managed to grow wealthy from the experience, so much the better. As long as moderation with most things is
practiced, things won't spin out of control.
Bottom line rules for a successful life:
Always try new things.
Listen twice as much as you talk.
Travel as much as you can comfortably afford.
Faith and family always come first –

What is Curriculum? According to Stotsky (2012), curriculum is a plan of action that is aimed at achieving desired goals and objectives. It is a set of
learning activities meant to make the learner attain goals as prescribed by the educational system. Generally, it includes the subjects and activities that a
given school system is responsible for. Moreover, it defines the environment where certain learning activities take place. Furthermore, curriculum
defines what happens in any formal educational institution, and no school or university can exist without it. The concepts governing curriculum are
dynamic in nature because of the changes that occur in everyday lives. In summary, it refers to the total learning experience not only in a...show more
content...
Other scholars present value oriented principles of curriculum (Glanz, 2006). In this regard, experiences of the learners are considered, apart from
making decisions regarding content, process, issues, and topics. These authors' perceptions regarding curriculum are both students and society centered.
Curriculum exists in three forms, namely planned, enacted and experienced (Boomer, 1992). Planned Curriculum It exists in the form of planned
programs, objectives, instructions, and assessments offered by schools. Mostly, planning of a curriculum takes place in five stages, which include
framing, lesson planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Its characteristics include proper definition of goals, measurability of the
learning objectives, and valid assessments. A curriculum is considered as planned if it systematically implements educational activities and programs.
Its combination of methods and instructions makes it have a wider scope (English, 2010). Enacted Curriculum It deals with professional judgments
about the type of curriculum that is ready for implementation and evaluation. As a result, teachers are assigned the responsibility of assessing the
relevant pedagogical knowledge in use. However, their professional authority in actualizing the curriculum may conflict with the planned curriculum
(English, 2010). Experienced Curriculum and Challenge This is what actually takes place in the classroom situation.

Defining Play Essay
Introduction
Defining play can be very difficult. The term play can be used to illustrate a wide range of behaviors and activities, and can be perceived as both
essential and insignificant to the child at the same time. Santrock (2012, p.437) suggests a definition of play as "a pleasurable activity that is engaged
in for its own sake." However, this is argued by Kernan (2007, p.5) who states that none of the potential definitions are broad enough to encompass all
of the meanings associated with play. Despite the lack of such universal definition, Rennie (2003, p.22) claims, that "we can recognize play across
barriers of language, of culture, even of species", which conveys its importance in the life and development of children, as it is...show more content...
165 and Wood & Attfield's 1996, p.76.) It encourages children to develop the ability to control their actions and emotions and adjust them to the
recognized social norm and in addition to that, play helps children to prepare themselves to become an active member of a culture and their own
family by interacting with the people closest to them, such as parents and other family members (Vygotsky, as cited in Brennan, 2012, p.162.) As a
result of this, their social and emotional development is advanced from an early stage.
Santrock (2012) also outlines the benefit of play for the child's physical development, as it "permits the child to work off excess physical energy and
to release pent–up tensions" (Santrock, 2012, p.438), resulting in improved physical and mental health. Garvey (1991, p.27) states that play involving
physical activity occurs more frequently in healthy children, possibly confirming that it is a component of healthy development. In addition to this,
encouraging physical activity through play could influence the children to maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life, and has an array of physical and
mental health benefits which prevent disease associated with lack of activity (Chaloux and Media, 2013.)
Describe the difference between informal and formal play
The difference between informal play (also "free" play) and formal play (also "structured" play)

A.Relevant historical overview, including the earliest reference to public health nursing
While there are several formal definitions of the public health nursing, Lillian Wald, who is considered to be one of the first public health nurses in
the United States, said that it as "love in action, and there is no finer manifestation of it than the care of the poor and disabled in the own homes"
(Masters, 2014, p.32). In 1983, with the help of her colleague, Mary Brewster, she established a first independent public nursing service called Henry
Street Settlement, which later became the Visiting Nurse Association of New York City. It laid the foundation forpublic health nursing in the United
States. Several years later, the need for public health nursing became more evident during the influenza epidemic of 1917 (Masters, 2014). Wald didn't
see public health nursing as simply taking care of sick people at their homes. She wanted to turn it away "from the traditional philosophy of
benevolent visiting into autonomous methods and organizations" (Frachel, 1988, p. 88). In her vision, the goal of public health nurses was to address
and treat economic and social problems. It is because of the work of Lillian Wald and her fellow colleagues, public nursing today strives to improve the
living conditions of entire communities through collaboration with social agencies.
B.Qualifications and/or experience
As the field of public health nursing has been evolving since the 19th century, so have

My Definition of Failure Essay
The word "failure", by definition, is the condition of not achieving the desired end or ends. However, this standard definition does not come close to
summing up the countless other meanings of failure. Every person, regardless of status, color, or sex, has had to deal with this issue at least once in
their lifetime. Even so, each person's definition of it can vary depending on their personal experiences. The interpretations of failure may differ, but
failure itself involves not putting forth effort, being a disappointment, or not succeeding in a task. Entrepreneur and former professional basketball
player Michael Jordan says this about not working for something: "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not...show more
content...
For example, Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard, one of the most highly acclaimed colleges in the nation. Most people, at the time, would have
considered him a failure. Yet, he went on to create Microsoft, one of the top multinational computer corporations in the world. This proves how
sometimes being a failure can be the gateway to becoming a success. A third interpretation, which is the most common, involves not succeeding in a
task. This type of failure, as seen in the standard definition, occurs when someone simply does not do well at something. This definition can also
apply to the many other meanings of failure. Regardless of the specifics of a situation, each one involves not reaching a set goal. A simple example of
this would involve failing a test. Every time a person takes a test–before their pen touches the paper–they automatically set a goal for what score they
want to get on it. If they get extremely lower than their previously set goal, then they see the grade as a failure. Nevertheless, just because someone
does not succeed in a task, it does not mean that that result is permanent. By learning from their failing experience, a person can use that knowledge to
prevent bad things from happening in the future. This type of failure is somewhat vague, but can apply to almost all situations that humans face.
Failure, although a broad concept, involves a lack of effort, disappointing others, and not succeeding. Nevertheless, a

Formal and informal relationships coexist within an organization's social structure, leadership, and authority. While formal organizations reflect the
rules and procedures of the organization, informal organizations (i.e. collectives) structure around groups and families without the explicit rules and
procedures of the prior. Although different in structure and role, an organization's official hierarchy and its informal social networks is intertwined.
Organizations cannot function without its people, and, similarly, people would not exist today without formal organizations. Formal and informal
relationships coexist within organizations usually when employees share similar interests related to work. And although most consider informal
relationships as difficult to manage, they are unavoidable and difficult to change. Greenwald suggests that informal relationships are a part of human
nature which cannot be controlled. For example, if a person working for software developer company shares similar interests to his boss, like going to
Cyber Defense Hackathons, these two individuals will most likely create an informal relationship. This outside–of–work similarity creates a positive
work experience for the employee, being accepted by the organization 's formal "clique." In other words, colleagues who enjoy doing activities together
that are not work–related, such as playing golf, attending concerts, or taking yoga, create an informal relationship. Although this is an example an

Formal versus Informal Learning Essay
Formal and Informal Learning environments for employees
Structured and programmed training venues are designed to equip the employee, supervisor, and manager with the knowledge, skills, and abilities
needed to startup, maintain, and improve services and products provided to general public on a global scale. Formal training is generally the focus of
most organizations when discussing the return on investment in the form of revenue generation or in the case of governments, efficiency in utilizing
citizens taxes in a responsible manner.
However, are formal training programs the vehicle by which the majority of employees and management alike acquire the bulk of knowledge needed to
strive, survive, or prosper within the organizational...show more content...
It is also worthy to note that this research found that nearly all millennial employees (under the age of 25) expect to find an on–demand learning portal
(similar to Google and YouTube) within their employer's environment. The Canadian Council on Learning (2008) research states that despite the
importance of adult learning, a number of challenges still persist. Although the rate of adult participants in education and training seemed to have
increased over the last decade, there are still segments of the workforce with learning needs that exist and those employees with the greatest need
are the ones least likely to get the additional education and training they need to succeed. The statistics of a study Canada conducted called
Learning Literacy in Canada (2008), concluded that one of the groups with those unmet needs is those working adults with lower literacy skills.
The statistics reported were from a sampling of 5.8 million Canadians age 25 and older that do not have a high school diploma, and 9 million age 16 to
25 years old that have literacy skills below that which is consider to be necessary for survival within a society in which it is imperative to have skills
needed to provide the basic needs of food and shelter
In

NaivetГ© is ignorance due to a lack of formal education. It would appear that the term naivetГ© would apply as well to one who was taught, albeit
insufficiently. The majority of the human world is naГЇve and abandoned, causing them to remain that way, whether through inability to access a form
of formal education or through the inabilities of the teachers attempting to teach them. It would appear that the lack of education is a major problem in
the world. The worldwide lack of education is due mainly to the scarce availability of formal schooling and its limited depth. In many underdeveloped
countries, there is no formal education or schooling available. Because there is often no public school option in those countries, the only possible...show
more content...
Therefore, farming becomes a much more time and labor intensive effort, in effect lowering the maximum yield and profit. When a surplus of an
item is readily available, it is cheaper. Because there is less produce planted and harvested and because it takes longer and more effort, produce
becomes more expensive, which makes it a loss for everyone. Additionally, no two people have the same potential for inventing, improving, or
discovering a piece of modern science. For example, one person has the potential to come up with an amazing piece of technology or medicine and
execute it well, and he is not able to execute it because he is uneducated. While it would be idiotic to claim that it would never be fashioned, it is clear
that it would take far longer before its implementation in general society. As a direct result of this, the generalhuman populace of the world remains in
the so–called "Dark Ages" that this discovery could dispel. For example, imagine the world without Alexander Graham Bell. To contact someone
one would have to send a telegram; conversation with a remotely located person would be impossible. If Thomas Edison lived in Africa and was
uneducated his whole life the world would not exist as we know it. No computers or calculators or any other electrical device that uses or displays
light in some form would exist. The lack of education is all encompassing and all

Formal Communication Essay
3. Introduction to Communication
Communication is a largely learned skill throughout the world. However, because most people are born with the ability to speak, not all can
communicate as they may have a disorder such as, being deaf. People who cannot communicate can make special efforts to develop and refine their
skills of communication further. Very often, people take it for granted knowing that we communicate with each other for granted. However, sometimes
people dont keep in mind how important and complex communication actually is. There are two types of communication 1) one–way communication
and 2) two–way communication.
5. One–way and Two–way Communication
One–way Communication (i)
One–way communication consists of two main purposes....show more content...
Formal and Informal Communication
Formal Communication (i)
The meaning of formal communications is when one is required to type a verbal presentation or document, which must be followed by professional
rules, and also consists of ways to avoid the use of slang words. For example, letters are a formal method of communication, as one may be required
to send a letter that contains relevant information. In addition, people write formal letters to those who are respective chairs of a business or have
high status. Examples of people one would send a formal letter to are people like principles, teachers, police inspectors, doctors or CEO's.
Informal Communication (ii)
The meaning of informal communication is simply the opposite of formal communication. Informal communication can occur whilst one is not
working. In addition, it consists of someone having a casual informal conversation with family or friends. However, informal communication should
almost never happen whilst working. An example of informal communication is socializing. Socializing is an informal way of communication as it
consists of learning outside of an institution. In addition, as these people are close to one and are trustworthy, one may feel free to have an informal
conversation with them. This type of communication helps one in the aspect of interacting with others around

Defining Community Essay
What do you think about your neighbours? How do you feel about your schools? What do you think about your community? Community has always
been a big part of our lives and it has been here since the day we were born. We might even live on the same street, but we grow up in different
households and this results in many different views on communities. The many definitions of our community may include our home, our heritage, and
even our religion. First, community is our "home." We have been living in a community ever since we were just little babies and it has always
influenced us. Communities have played a big part in who we are today. We start off in school not knowing anyone or anything and as you get older
you begin to think about the...show more content...
They go back to our ancestors that have originated our last names. There is background for almost every last name in your community and that is
the great thing about it. Long after you are deceased, you will be remembered for the great things you have done. You will not just be remembered
for yourself, but for the things that you have accomplished in your community as well. You will always be recognized and remembered for the
things that you chose to do in your community. Community is a big part of you and everything you do will be associated with it. Third, Community
is your religion. The day you begin to realize what community means to you is the day you begin to believe in it. Anywhere you go, it will be an
instinct for you to represent your community, whether it be through sports or just leisure travels. You represent what means most to you and will
always defend it the best you can. Community is not an actual religion, but it is a personal religion. The best way to define a community will never be
clear. You have your own feelings on communities and our thoughts on it will always be different from everyone else's. Everyone has a different
perspective on communities, it is endless. All of the definitions relate to what I think about a community. Community to me means "home". A
community is where I have grown up and learned important life lessons. The things that matter most to me in my community are my family, my

Professionalism Definition Essay
In order to define the word professional, it is helpful to comprehend general characteristics typically associated with the term professionalism. These
terms consist of poised, qualified, presentable, well spoken, and confident. Through experience and what I have been taught, first impressions can be
the key to success. To accomplish this task, dressing in mature and conservative clothing with clean maintained physical appearance gives off the idea
that you are put together and responsible. Next to first impression are one's credentials. In most scenarios, having earned at minimum a high school
diploma. In order to reach a higher standard of professional it is helpful to have received a Bachelor degree from a notable college or university. With
many factors playing into defining oneself as a professional, look at the steps to success is how to begin. In order to fulfill my description of being
titled as professional, it is important to graduate college and hopefully earn a masters or doctorate following my four years of college at The
University of Scranton. As a psychology major, having experience prior to an application to an internship or job, such as shadowing a psychologist is
valuable in hopes of learning more about what...show more content...
This involves possessing people skills, cooperation, and patience when talking and working among employees and customers. In regards to
cooperation, being able to work through conflict and difficult decisions is critical in acting professionally. Following the guidelines and rules of your
workplace is included in this action. In addition, separating your personal life from your work life reduces distractions, keeping you on track. If a
person prospers in these steps, higher officials will acknowledge your achievements they will begin to deem you

Formal Communication In Health And Social Care
Formal communication is used in a professional setting where members of staff are required to speak in a certain way that can be seen to be
acceptable and respectful. Which speaking in this way allows them to be understood by the majority of people therefore it doesn't create
communication barriers such as the way jargon might do. An Health and Social example is When a Doctor uses formal language when speaking to a
patient (service user). They tend to greet and address them in a respectful way by using names such as '' Mrs or Mr '' to show how much they value
the service user. In this instance, the service user will feel appreciate and wanted. Formal communication is effective in the sense that it's seen as
professional but it can also have

Essay about Defining Politics
Defining Politics Politics is the collective name given to many different systems, ideas and real world issues. It is impossible to define politics as any
one thing in particular, but as a label for many different aspects of life encompassed into one.
Politics is largely about decision making, Politicians dispute on a regular basis about pending decisions to be made. Decisions to be made, of course
vary in size and some are obviously much more important than others. Nevertheless, politics nearly always sets–out to make decisions in the best ways
irrespective of how big or small they may be. Groups of...show more content...
Politics strives to reduce this conflict and keep it to a minimum. Politics is responsible for taking all views into consideration and reaching a consensus
– something all people involved can agree on to a certain extent.
Politics also goes hand in hand with the concept of power. Power, in any form of politics is of utmost importance, without power, politicians
wouldn't be able to enforce rulings on a population. Power concerns being able to get others to do/act as other people would like them to. Power can
be enforced in a number of different ways, power, of course cannot be assumed unless the people with power have something strong to back up their
rulings. Sometimes, force is used to provoke obedience (coercion), while a legitimate government will often not need to resort to means of force.
People are likely to comply with the law simply because they believe the government to be making the correct decisions. Coercion and legitimacy work
in tandem to maintain obedience.
Politics concerns people, people's involvement in politics is key in running an efficient political system. Voting is possibly the most important aspect of
political activity. Elections are held in which people vote for their preferred political party, while referendums also play a key part in making major
political decisions. Political involvement doesn't stop with voting. Pressure Groups can be joined in

What Is Generosity Essay
Melanie Rogers
Prof. Murphy
Philosophy in Literature
November 8th, 2016
Generosity
Whenever the term generosity is uttered, people often shift their minds to giving out possession or money to people sometimes without seeming to be
mean. Therefore the modern society seems to look at generosity from what the outside community think. Some people even give to gain popularity.
What is the correct definition of this word? This term has its genesis in different languages such as Latin, French, and later in English. Ancient meaning
reveals that the word was used in a different context than it is today. Initially, the term generosity was thought to be synonymous with people "of noble
birth." Burwell & Huyser (2014) observe that the term was in use up to the sixteenth century when its English meaning started changing. In the
seventeenth century, it shifted from lineage among the noble families to decency of the spirit and the heart. People started associating generosity with
people born with...show more content...
Firstly generosity can be an acquired or an inherent virtue; natural in the sense that some people act philanthropically even when they are still children.
And they happen to carry on with these virtues even in adulthood. There are those individuals who learn these virtues may be from their religious
teachers, and they continue applying them to perfection.
There is another group of philanthropists who believe that they have acquired enough wealth and now they can give their excess possession to
whichever charitable organization. Do these people define generosity? From Aristotle to Kant and Aquinas there is a standard feature that defines
generosity. Mainly, generosity comprises attitudes and actions. The attitudes should be internally elicited, and therefore the haphazard actions of giving
may not qualify to be termed as

Formal Communication
Formal Communication
Formal communication can be considered as communication efforts that are "dressed up" to fit customary rules and ceremony For example, in a
written letter, the formal communication style will demand that the layout of the piece of written communication follow a specific format that includes
the date, header, salutation, body of the letter, close, signature lines and any indicators of enclosures all placed neatly upon company letterhead or
personal stationery. By contrast, an informal piece of written communication can be as simple as a jotted note to a friend on a torn slip of paper
Formal communications are mostly written, although they may now also include formal presentations that are on computer disk, video tape...show more
content...
Such formal communication is well established and planned. For example, reports and data from staff are organized are generally submitted in
prescribed templates and according to a set schedule. Communication focused on a company's strategy and direction, which originates from company
executives, is funnelled through the organizational chart and changed in such a way to be relevant to each department and manager. What starts out as
"high–level" communication on corporate strategy needs to be thought out through planning sessions so that the communication provides direction and
is actionable for the individuals who implement the tasks of the strategy. The better the communication the better employees and staff will understand
what is expected and required of them. advertisement
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Successful people are good communicators.
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Being an Effective Communicator. Informal Communication in the Workplace
On the other hand, informal communication in the workplace satisfies a variety of needs, particularly social and emotional, and are not based on the
positions individuals occupy within the organizations. As a result, the communication is not managed or planned in any organized fashion. It's more
relaxed, casual and tends to be spread by word–of–mouth quickly throughout a department or organization because it's not restricted to approvals and

What Is Religion? Essay
What is religion? Each person's definition of religion is different. Each person's faith is different. This is a question that has been asked for
centuries, and regardless of the answer given there is no right or wrong answer. Religion can be defined as a group of people who have shared
beliefs who feel their life has purpose or meaning. This feeling or belief that their life has meaning can come from outside of themselves, as well as
within. Taking this one step further, these shared beliefs put into action in the form of worship, can be easily identified because they happen regularly.
It can be said the Primal religions were in fact not religions. Some may argue Confucianism is not a religion. Others may say Taoism is not a...show
more content...
They are teachings learned by previous generations then passed down, they are not always actions. The fifth feature of religion is grace. Grace is
defined by Smith as "the belief and assurance that reality is on our side and can be counted on." Lastly there is mystery. For this there is no exact
definition, but it is all of what a religion cannot explain, it is all that the human mind cannot grasp, it is the certain "higher power" that religion offers.
Of these six features, there are three that are present in most all religions, they are: authority, tradition, and mystery. Authority, tradition, and mystery
further explore and define religion when looking specifically at Primal Religions, Confucianism, and Taoism. Primal Religions are often mistaken to
be the religion of the primitive man, often thought to be unintelligent. There is a definition of "primal" that is better suited than unintelligent or
primitive. Primal in terms of religion, refers to the lack of exposure to technology, it is not "knowing" the state of consciousness given to many by
the technological environment. Primal religions preceded organized religion as we know it today by thousands of years, in some cases millions, but
are still present in the world today; we now call them tribal religions. Within primal religions there are people who are knowledgeable about life, who
are knowledgeable about
Defining Religion–4 traditions, and who are

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