Eleven essays by scholars of Chinese literature, culture, and politics describe the current state of Chinese critical inquiry, surveying recent Chinese intellectual culture, with attention to popular culture and Chinese models of intellectuality. The role of western literary theory, the influence of the New Confucianism, and the place of scientism and social theory in modern Chinese thought are all covered. The study of history is given particular scrutiny, with consideration to the theory of ultrastable systems, the relationship between patriotism and intellectual curiosity, the interplay of past and future, and the tensions between liberalism and the new left. c. Book News Inc.

Since the early 1980s, sociology of education has been the subject of serious criticism, much of it emanating from supporters of the New Right in education. The discipline has been depicted as subversive, irrelevant and offering no really useful knowledge. In this collection of original articles, the authors seek to address such criticisms through an examination of key reforms. The chapters thus provide a critical commentary on past work as well as identifying a series of agendas for future research and analysis. Overall the intention is to encourage debate and dialogue.

Opening a new window into Chinese intellectual discourse, this unique book is a critical engagement with the issues, problems, and meanings of contemporary Chinese intellectual thought. As key participants in these debates who have exercised a significant influence on the development of contemporary Chinese thought, the volume's contributors explore concerns over the role of the intellectual and the outcomes of knowledge production in the humanities. Masterfully translated, these essays provide a wide range of conflicting perspectives on contemporary Chinese intellectuality, yet they share in common the belief held by many Chinese intellectuals in the power of intellectual labor to shape and change social life. By showing how Western social and cultural theory as well as the May Fourth and pre-modern Confucian traditions are being adapted for contemporary Chinese intellectual use, the book highlights how Chinese academics have affirmed an independent critical role for themselves in post-Mao China and the scope of the knowledge industry that they have created and developed since 1979.

Are employees encouraged to speak up or to pipe down? Do they share ideas openly or do they remain silent in ways that are hurtful to individuals and harmful to the functioning of their organizations? This collection of 12 essays addresses these and related issues from a variety of scholarly perspectives.

For any group or organization to function effectively, it must be able to make decisions well. Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making is the first book to offer groups (and group facilitators) a clear and efficient path togenerating widespread agreement while fostering full participation and true collaboration. Poised to become the new standard for group facilitation, Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making combines: Deep insight into complex group dynamics Effective conflict resolution techniques Powerful communication skills. Groups using this simple, step-by step approach experience increased cohesion and commitment and stronger relationships as a result of their successful cooperation. Incorporating the principles of collaboration, inclusion, empathy, and open-mindedness, the CODM process encourages shared ownership of group decisions. The method can be used in any group situation, regardless of whether the final decision-making power rests with a single person or team, a vote of members, or unanimity. Business, government, non-profit, social and community organizations can all benefit from Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making. Whether you are a designated facilitator or an active participant, understanding this powerfulframework will help you contribute to the success of your group through achieving maximum participation and efficiency, a clearer decision-making process, better decisions, and improved group dynamics.

This insightful Research Handbook delivers a comprehensive analysis of the significant contemporary trends and issues affecting human resource management (HRM) for health care, and their subsequent impact on individuals, organisations and national health services. This title contains one or more Open Access chapters.