Strengths and Limitations of Rational-Choice Based Perspectives Essay

Strengths and Limitations of Rational-Choice Based Perspectives - Essay Example The essay "Strengths and Limitations of Rational-Choice Based Perspectives" talks about the rational choice based perspectives in terms of their reliance on mathematical techniques and tries to explain how developmental theories have recently informed our understanding of criminal behavior. A major strength of rational-choice-based perspectives is its reliance on mathematical techniques. When a theory is couched in terms of mathematics, it is usually quite straightforward to determine whether the conclusions follow from the assumptions. In effect, because of its theoretical value as contrasted to practical theories, rational choice based perspectives tend to dominate its competitors because it has been more successful empirically. Another advantage of this perspective is its emphasis and focus on decision making. Here, a decision-making approach views crime within a situational, interactional and social context. Explanations are developed that focus on the beliefs and perceptions of perpetrators of crime. Having a more extensive perspective regarding the causes of crime. Another strength of this perspective is its adherence to the principle of parsimony, i.e. it does not rely on scientists and eugenicists conducting detailed examinations of genetic material. It suggests that the individuals who have a simple choice whether to commit the crime, commit crime or not. Some people consider this as the greatest advantage of this view. This simplistic rational choice based perspective unfortunately leads to more limitations.... Furthermore, rational choice based perspectives are limited due to its abstract nature, that is to say, its lack of realistic and empirical procedures. Thus, the limiting factor of this perspective would seem to be that â€Å"the assumptions of the theory are not literally and completely true . . . Determining the validity of a model would therefore seem to involve a subtle examination of both plausibility of assumptions and conformity with real-world data† (Baylor University, 2002, 56). In relation to its unempirical approach is â€Å"the lack of evidence, which is gathered to give facts to the explanation† (â€Å"White†, 2010). Thus, it leads us to Problems associated with inadequate information and uncertainty (â€Å"Gingrich†, 2000). In other words, the rational choice model limits the explanatory value of how people choose their course of action, which is vital to analyzing criminal behavior. Lastly, a critical limitation and criticism of this view is that â€Å"some theorists argue that almost everything humans do is rational, even altruism and self-sacrifice. By expanding to include all forms of action as rational, irrational action becomes part of the model. By including every possible form of action in rational choice theory, it is not clear how the standards of what is rational and what is not are constructed† (â€Å"Gingrich†) 2. Explain how developmental theories have recently informed our understanding of criminal behavior as a developmental process. â€Å"The emerging developmental approach has emphasized the neurological, biological, mental, emotional, and social changes in children and how these changes

Leadership Style Paper Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership Style - Term Paper Example This study led him to the conclusion of three unique styles of leadership. (U.S Army Handbook) 1. Authoritarian. 2. Participative. 3. Delegative. Authoritarian: A leader acts as an authoritarian when he orders or commands his workers to perform a particular action. In this case, the people working under the leader do not have enough knowledge about the operation or task that the leader wants them to do. They are not capable enough or are inexperienced or not so reliable to judge how to carry out the given task in the best way that meets the requirements and satisfaction of their leader. Hence, the leader has to completely direct them. There is no one to guide or give any sorts of opinions to the leader. The leader himself has to analyze the risks, failures and successes of his decisions and has to implement on it all alone. Participative: The second style of a leader is participative, which in my opinion is the most compatible and applicable style for a successful leader. As understo od by its name, the leader also participates in the work which he assigns to his workers. In this way of leading, a leader forms a friendly atmosphere of mutual interaction and cooperation. The leader interacts and works along with his workers, takes their advice and suggestions as well. However, the final decision has to be made by the leader but, this method of leadership helps him to take a wiser and a better decision that may no doubt be beneficial. This style of leadership has its own limitations; it can be implemented only if the workers are experienced and capable enough to give useful suggestions to the leader. Delegative: This style of leadership means that the leader sets free his workers to work according to their own wish. The workers are granted permission by the leader to take their own decisions and work the way they want to. This style of leadership is very limited and implemented very rarely. This is so because the workers need to be highly skilled, experienced, rel iable and have enough knowledge in order to work themselves and make their own decisions without any help and guidance of their leader. (Leadership Styles) According to me, a good leader is the one that acts on all three styles depending upon the situation and time and the abilities of the people working under him. Therefore, my style of leadership is a unique combination of all three styles of leadership described above. Therefore, I can benefit the company using all three styles. Being an IT manager in the company, I have a wonderful opportunity to try out the new IT professionals and technicians. By using the authoritarian style, I can provide opportunities to new workers. These new workers might be talented but not at all experienced. Hence, through my authoritarian style, I can motivate and encourage them to work well and eventually they will become useful for the company. As there is a rapid development and advancement in the world of information technology, therefore giving a chance to the new IT workers can definitely benefit the company in a way that the new workers have studied and have been trained according to the new methods and techniques which can bring a positive change and improvement in the company. Through my authoritarian leadership, I can direct them, polish their talents and knowledge and guide them in order to make