Managing HR in a Global Environment

Globalization is responsible for the increase in the number of international job opportunities. In the last half of the twentieth century, developments in technology and in transportation and communication systems have catalyzed a process of transfer of manpower across borders.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing HR in a Global Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This process started in the colonial era, but its significance grew with technological advancement. China is an emerging global power. China is pursuing an aggressive trade policy by seeking bilateral trade agreements with as many countries as possible. In Africa, China is providing grants for infrastructure development and in exchange it takes minerals and agricultural raw materials for its industries. The country is interested in raw materials for its industries and agricultural products for its growing population. As a result, China thro ugh its international investment companies runs operations in various continents. The aim of this paper is to explore the international HR strategy of China. In order to do this, there is a need to explore Chinese operations in Zimbabwe as a case study. This will form the basis for examining Chinese policy in Africa and the issues that surround international HR. Further, there is need to examine the effect of these policies both on locals and on expatriate Chinese workers. Review of the Case Zimbabwean workers employed by a Chinese firm in Zimbabwe on a state project complained about bad treatment by their Chinese superiors. The project, a military intelligence academy, was the first major trade agreement between the Chinese and the Zimbabwean government.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More China offered to build the academy in exchange for Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth. In p articular, China wanted a share of Zimbabwean diamonds. The Zimbabwean workers complained that their Chinese superiors abused them physically and psychologically. Physical abuse took the form of beating meted out to errant local workers. On the other hand, taunts and general mistreatment by the Chinese superiors led the Zimbabwean workers to feel psychologically traumatized. These reports were not taken seriously by the Zimbabwean government. It appeared that government officials were reluctant to raise the issues with their Chinese benefactors. That said, the workers were reluctant to let go of the construction jobs they held in the construction project. Unemployment levels in the country were so high that despite the difficult working conditions and low wages the Zimbabwean workers did not consider resigning from then jobs as an option. This case sets the stage for the discussion on the challenges of international HR. The reasons provided for the difficult relations between the Ch inese workers and the Zimbabweans included cultural differences, language barrier, and poor remuneration for the work done. Chinese working culture differs significantly from Zimbabwean working culture. The Chinese seem more accustomed to working for many hours in a day, exceeding the normal working hours that Zimbabwean workers expected to be on duty. In the orient, work is a key determinant of a person’s status in society. In Zimbabwe, and much of Africa, status is a function of age and wealth, and not a person’s work ethic.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Managing HR in a Global Environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A strong work ethic is not necessarily a source of pride. Rather, if the results of that effort show in the creation of wealth, then it attracts status in society. On the issue of language, the Chinese workers were not conversant with local, languages just like the local worke rs were not conversant with the Chinese language. This situation led to many misunderstandings in the course of the project and was the cause of dissatisfaction among both groups. The workers used sign language to communicate. It is understandable why the atmosphere on site would be heated. Finally, the issue of low wages also created concern for the locals. Their wages were quite low considering they were working long hours. The situation was a precursor to labor problems. Attraction of Africa for the Chinese China’s footprint in Africa is increasing by the day. In the last ten years, Chinese firms driven by Chinese loans to African countries have been undertaking huge construction projects in different parts of Africa. A number of factors explain the Chinese interest in Africa. First, Africa is in need of development partners. The traditional development partners such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are difficult to work with in comparison to the Chinese. Western development aid is normally given with conditions based on the country’s human rights record, its fiscal responsibility, and its political processes. As such, African countries find it difficult to borrow from western countries and other development partners that use the same principles. China on the other hand keeps aid and grants purely economic. It does not ask questions about the internal governance issues of any country.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, Africa governments find the Chinese less intrusive and easier to deal with as they seek financing to meet their development goals. Secondly, Africa is very rich in mineral wealth. Some commentators claim that Africa has the greatest quantities of mineral wealth compared to other continents. The historical scramble for Africa by European powers proves this. Africa actually produces a large quantity of natural resources and mineral wealth consumed by the rest of the world. Africa is also becoming an important supplier of crude oil. The southern and central parts of Africa produce minerals such as diamond, gold and copper, while North Africa is rich in oil. Thirdly, Africa is the source of timber and agricultural products. In fact, some African economies rely on agriculture as their basic means of earning foreign exchange. China needs agricultural products to feed its growing population, and therefore it is establishing relationships with African countries in order to have a source of food and agricultural products for its people. Some commentators believe that Chinese interest in the Renaissance dam in Ethiopia is based on the projections that the dam will transform Ethiopia’s agricultural industry because it will make large scale irrigation a reality. This in turn will assure China of large quantities of food imports. China’s economy is only second in size to the American economy. This makes the Chinese feel that they are in the right place to assume superpower status. Traditionally, China was a closed society. The Great Wall of China came up to keep raiders from the North from invading China and it also served as a symbol of Chinese determination to keep to itself. The recent upsurge of Chinese interest in international trade reveals Chinese desire to play a greater role in global issues. Chinese is busy launching international broadcast services in the countries it traditionally had very little to do with. Chinese scholarships are ava ilable to African students, and China is also setting up cultural centers in countries that it wants to relate to more closely. These activities show that China is interested in becoming a geopolitical power. Finally, China is doing business with Africa as part of its trade and investment strategy. China needs jobs for its citizens. Therefore Chinese companies launch projects in Africa and as part of the conditions, china exports labor thereby creating job opportunities for its citizens. In addition, China is making money from the interest it earns from loan repayments by countries it supports. The list of countries that owe China is growing, just like Chinese income from debt repayments is growing. Staffing Strategies Open to Multinational Corporations Any corporation that operates in more than one country must have an international staffing strategy. Crossing boarders bring several issues into play, such as legal and regulatory requirements, the need to transfer the companyâ€℠¢s corporate culture, and a desire to understand the indigenous culture of the new country. Kottolli identified four main staffing strategies in use by multinational corporations (1). The four strategies were the use of an ethnocentric approach, application of a polycentric approach, using a polycentric, and an indigenous strategy. An ethnocentric approach in international HR is the use of a home country executive to head subsidiaries in other countries. This is the most common approach during the early stages of Internationalization. The main advantage of this approach is that the mother company can feel secure that the new subsidiary is remaining aligned to the strategic direction of the company based on the presence of a home grown professional. In addition there is a greater chance of success in the transfer of corporate culture to a new territory when the executive understands the operations of the parent company. On the other hand, this approach can breed resentment from local s especially if the executive is less experienced than local workers. In some countries, it may lead to legal bottlenecks. The second approach to international HR strategy is the use of a polycentric approach. It is a compromise approach which allows local executives to work alongside an expatriate executive from the home country. It seeks to bring the benefits of the two worlds into the organization. The benefits associated with a polycentric approach is that it gives the organization a strong strategic position because it provides the organization with the best local knowledge buttressed against international experience. Secondly, it reduces the tension associated with full foreign control experienced by locals. Similarly, it gives the parent company a feeling of control over the affairs of their foreign subsidiaries. The disadvantage of a polycentric approach is that it sets up the organization for power struggles. The expatriate executive is likely to feel obliged to pursue busi ness in a manner that closely resembles the operations of the mother company, while the local executive might feel that some of the elements of this approach are not practical, acceptable or effective in the local operation. Thirdly, organizations can choose to use a meritocratic approach to international HR. This simply means that the best person in the organization heads the subsidiary. This is the ideal way of practicing HR, at least in theory. The benefit this approach presents to the organization is that it reduces the questions relating to the qualifications and suitability of the executive. Such an executive will command greater respect from all stakeholders compared to one chosen to meet other criteria. However, using a meritocratic approach does not shield the organization from questions relating to its HR policy. If the best person for the job is from the parent company, then the challenges associated with an ethnocentric system may surface. Finally, some organizations cho ose an indigenous approach to international HR. With this approach, the executives of the subsidiary all come from the locality. This approach is very useful if there is political or cultural incompatibility between the two countries. It hides the foreign face of the company. However, the risk of a distinct corporate culture emerging is higher. This risk translates into a threat when the corporate culture within subsidiaries differs significantly to the point that it affects business processes. Management Approaches used by Chinese Corporations The Chinese model of economic support for Africa differs from the models used by western countries and western development corporations. Chinese aid rarely makes it to Africa in form of cash. Rather, China pledges to provide the actual needs African countries need. For instance, a Chinese loan structured for the construction of a road may not leave Chinese banks. The money simply moves from one Chinese bank to another, where international roa d constructions companies have accounts. The construction company uses the money to hire some Chinese laborers and local workers from the lending country to work in the project. In effect, the money does not pass through the hands of the African government where the construction project is underway. This model of development makes it necessary for the Chinese companies to send their employees to African countries. Since most of the projects are infrastructure related or have very close Chinese interests intertwined with them, the best people to manage them are Chinese executives. Therefore, the most common model used by Chinese firms operating in Africa is the ethnocentric model. This is more pronounced in government initiated contracts. Chinese business people who travel to Africa to establish trade relations on their own also end up as the senior most executives of their companies. They may have local trading partners, but usually they will bring in Chinese nationals to take up th e executive functions. Perhaps the biggest barrier to Chinese International HR is the language barrier. There are few multilingual people with a working knowledge of the Chinese language as well as other international languages. This limits the extent of cooperation possible because of the risks that can occur because of the language barrier. Culture Shock and its Effect on Chinese Workers Inevitably, Chinese workers across the African continent deal with culture shock as part of the challenges they need to overcome on order to operate effectively in Africa. Chinese workers are accustomed to greater control from superiors based on the political environment of their country. In Africa, the situation is not similar. Most people are more vocal about their rights because of the years spent in promoting democratic ideals in Africa. Therefore Chinese supervisors tend to view African workers as arrogant and disrespectful. This may explain their resort to force to discipline errant workers. Africans are generally more social than the Chinese. They live in communities which are welcoming to foreigners, and practice hospitality. The Chinese workers in the African continent may find these overtures suspicious. For those who are able to see that Africans are simply being social with them, there is a good chance that they will enjoy beneficial friendships. Politically, Africa is on average about fifty years old since its independence from colonial powers. As such, many Africans are still sensitive to foreign control. Any actions by foreigners that seem to recreate a master-servant relationship are repugnant to Africans. Therefore, authoritarian superiors end up as very unpopular with African workers. In fact, there is growing disquiet among African workers employed by Chinese firms. Laborers and manual workers think the Chinese are brutal and authoritarian. This does not auger well with Africans who feel as though the Chinese are using colonialist attitudes in their relati onships with locals. On the social front, some of the Chinese workers living in Africa have engaged in relationships with locals, leading to the birth of children with mixed heritages. This phenomenon will increase of Chinese immigrants moving to Africa to trade. Some of them choose to settle in Africa after the completion of their contracts. This growing population of Chinese immigrants in Africa will be very instrumental in the future relations of China and Africa. Their understanding of local conditions and language, coupled with their knowledge of Chinese culture and working conditions will make them effective trade ambassadors. Works Cited Brookes, Peter and Ji Hye Shin. â€Å"China’s Influence in Africa: Implications for the United States.† 2006. The Heritage Foundation. Web. Davis, Irl M. The American Entrepreneur in Asia: A Personal Journey of Global Proportions. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2005. Print. East Asia Quarterly. â€Å"Are China’s Multinational C orporations Really Multinational?† East Asia Quarterly April-June 2012. Print. Kottolli, Arun. â€Å"International Staffing Strategy.† 2006. White Papers. Web. Schnurr, Matthew A and Larry A Swatuk. Natural Resources and Social Conflict: Towards Critical Environmental Security. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. Print. Smith, David. â€Å"Workers Claim Abuse as China adds Zimbabwe to its Scramble for Africa.† 2012. The Guardian. Web. Sutter, Robert G. Chinese Foreign Relations: Power and Policy since the Cold War. Plymouth: Rowman and Littlefield, 2012. Print. The Economist. â€Å"The Chinese in Africa Trying to Pull Together: Africans are Asking Whether China is making their Lunch or Eating it.† 2011. The Economist. Web. Walker, Danielle Medina, Thomas D Walker and Joerg Thomas Schmitz. Doing Business Internationally: The Guide to Cross-Cultural Success. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2003. Print. Zhu, Zhiqun. China’s New Diplomacy: Ratio nale, Strategies and Significance. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing, 2010. Print. This essay on Managing HR in a Global Environment was written and submitted by user Trey Dillon to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future

A Comparison of Wells’ and Marx’s Ideas on Class Struggles and the Future We grow up envisioning the future through television programming such as the Jetsons and Star Trek. Through optimistic eyes, we see the future as merely a further advancement of our technology, society, and comforts of living. Inversely, because of natural fear, we never portray the future as a continuation or development of the problems we face today: Diseases will always have cures, wars will always end, and social struggles will always be resolved. H. G. Wells and Karl Marx challenged these sanguinely views of the advancement of human society and identify the faults that would lead to our destruction. Wells, through the Time Machine, illustrates how the increasing wealth gap and the industrial revolution diminish our capabilities as humans. Though Marx is confident about the future, through The Communist Manifesto and dialectical materialism, he describes how the introduction of unskilled labor and capitalism is a step backwards in our development. Their ideas share the common the me of identifying and facing our problem; however, they disagree of whether the downfall is as a class oriented problem. Karl Marx defined history as acting in a dialectical manner. He thought that there was always a thesis (advancement), antithesis (setback), and synthesis (further advancement). He thought that in 1848 we were in the antithesis that is capitalism. Factories, industry, and large businesses impeded the advancement process. Before those, people were creative, manufacturing people who made products from start to finish and enjoyed all the profits that their efforts allowed them to. Now, people worked numerously more hours and inputted much more strength and effort into their work. They only produced part of a product and were paid a wage. Their salary was a small fraction of the profits made by the finished product. Someone who inputted no effort into the produ... Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future Free Essays on A Comparison Of Wells’ And Marx’s Ideas On Class Struggles And The Future A Comparison of Wells’ and Marx’s Ideas on Class Struggles and the Future We grow up envisioning the future through television programming such as the Jetsons and Star Trek. Through optimistic eyes, we see the future as merely a further advancement of our technology, society, and comforts of living. Inversely, because of natural fear, we never portray the future as a continuation or development of the problems we face today: Diseases will always have cures, wars will always end, and social struggles will always be resolved. H. G. Wells and Karl Marx challenged these sanguinely views of the advancement of human society and identify the faults that would lead to our destruction. Wells, through the Time Machine, illustrates how the increasing wealth gap and the industrial revolution diminish our capabilities as humans. Though Marx is confident about the future, through The Communist Manifesto and dialectical materialism, he describes how the introduction of unskilled labor and capitalism is a step backwards in our development. Their ideas share the common th eme of identifying and facing our problem; however, they disagree of whether the downfall is as a class oriented problem. Karl Marx defined history as acting in a dialectical manner. He thought that there was always a thesis (advancement), antithesis (setback), and synthesis (further advancement). He thought that in 1848 we were in the antithesis that is capitalism. Factories, industry, and large businesses impeded the advancement process. Before those, people were creative, manufacturing people who made products from start to finish and enjoyed all the profits that their efforts allowed them to. Now, people worked numerously more hours and inputted much more strength and effort into their work. They only produced part of a product and were paid a wage. Their salary was a small fraction of the profits made by the finished product. Someone who inputted no effort into the produ...

Week 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 5 - Essay Example Population defines economic output in most countries through the labor market that in turn will affect the productivity and economic performance of a population. In general, The U.S. has a larger labor market than Japan, while China and Mexico have a larger labor market than India and Saudi Arabia respectively. While most standard of living indices uses GDP per capita, I chose the Human Development Index to measure the quality of life in a country. This is because countries with lots of income do not necessarily spend their money in ways that create higher life expectancies or better education. According to Investopedia, the HDI is a tool developed by the United Nations to measure and rank countries’ levels of social and economic development based on four criteria: Life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling and gross national income per capita. A higher HDI generally means a better quality of life this index has been standardized to track changes in development levels over time and to compare development levels in different countries. Generally, the US and China has a better quality of life than Japan and India respectively while Saudi Arabia and Mexico are at par in terms of quality of life. International Monetary Fund. (2012, April). Report on Population and GDP of Selected Countries. Retrieved April 21, 2012, from

What is Technology Green Architecture and Green Electricity Essay

What is Technology Green Architecture and Green Electricity - Essay Example Wheel is considered to be the basis of technological advancement and is still considered to be one of the most influential technological development that mankind has seen. It was during 1760 to 1850 that there was a spurt of developments in technology (Ashton, 1969). This period is often referred to as industrial revolution (Ashton, 1969). Technology was introduced initially in the agriculture industry to facilitate food production. This intensified food production and food processing. However, these technological innovations brought forth massive changes in the life styles and life processes of people. The operational pattern of textile, metal, transportation and some of the other industries were the first ones to get influenced by technology(Ashton, 1969). Later technology was introduces in all spheres of life and was exported across nations. However, technological advancements also resulted in the inappropriate and over exploitation of resources. For example, technological advance ments in oil mining have resulted in overexploitation of fossil fuels. Technology in aviation and transportation in general has caused emissions causing detrimental effects in climate and environment.This indiscriminate advancement of technology has made the scientific fraternity think about technologies like Green Architecture and Green Electricity. Green Architecture Green Architecture refers to a school of thought in the field of architecture which involves minimal use of non-renewable resources and also results in minimal pollution of the environment Vohra S (2007). The facilities created by green architects will ensure optimal utilization of resources like energy, water etc. A sustainable approach is followed in the technologies employed in green architecture. It has been reported that the first green office was built in 1985 in the US (McDonough, 2006). Examples of technologies which go into a green building are water recycling units, traditional roof tops using indigenous mat erials ensuring absorption of heat, indoor greenery, natural light management using sunlight oriented construction, weather proof building skin, solar power, social spaces and waste management technologies(McDonough, 2006). Corporate companies are ensuring that their offices are constructed using green technologies. Green Electricity Green electricity is another technology developed by the industry which is oriented on a sustainability approach. This includes processes to harness energy with least environmental pollution. Some examples of green electricity are wind power, solar energy, geothermal power, anaerobic digestion, biomass power, tidal power and some forms of nuclear power (McDonough, 2006). As many of the technologies which produce green electricity depend on decomposition of waste, this has a mutually beneficial effect. The Benefits The primary benefit of green architecture is that it provides low cost housing. The various green technologies incorporated in a green buildi ng will ensure considerable reduction in green gas emissions (Sunday, O, Suneetha S & , Ademola B K ,2010). It must be noted here that buildings, especially urban architecture is a major contributor to green gas emissions (Sunday, O, Suneetha S & , Ademola B K ,2010). An example to this is the air conditioners, which produces a large quantum of carbon emissions. Green building technologies incorporates changes in roofing which absorbs heat. Moreover Green Technology has come up with evaporative cooling systems which reduce emission (Vohra ,2007). Along with it, it has been reported that a large quantum of energy consumption is caused by buildings. Thus Green Architecture will help in the reduction of global energy consumption. The case of

The film Boorstin Essay Example for Free

The film Boorstin Essay Boorstin also says that, â€Å"Dissent is the great problem of America today.† That reminded me of the book that we read over the summer, The Lord of the Flies. Jack and Ralph show dissent by nearly killing each other, never finding a common ground on how to run the island, and they can never just talk to one another. There always has to be something that’s said through another character, and soon gets back to the other character. They’re arguing never got them anywhere, and that’s why that example is an example of dissent. Boorstin’s views on dissent and disagreement are very much true. Disagreement is where two different sides have two different opinions, and dissent is where sides have different opinions, but cant come to a conclusion what so ever. People should take what Daniel is saying into effect so they can learn from it. Boorstin also says that, â€Å"Dissent is the great problem of America today.† That reminded me of the book that we read over the summer, The Lord of the Flies. Jack and Ralph show dissent by nearly killing each other, never finding a common ground on how to run the island, and they can never just talk to one another. There always has to be something that’s said through another character, and soon gets back to the other character. They’re arguing never got them anywhere, and that’s why that example is an example of dissent. Boorstin’s views on dissent and disagreement are very much true. Disagreement is where two different sides have two different opinions, and dissent is where sides have different opinions, but cant come to a conclusion what so ever. People should take what Daniel is saying into effect so they can learn from it.

It Wont Happen to Me - Original Writing :: Papers

It Won't Happen to Me - Original Writing Harvey had heard about the disappearances in the forest. Despite what his parents had said and the rumours he had heard, he was not going to let himself be scared by some over exaggerated stories. After all, he was fifteen years old, strong and definitely didn't think anything could possibly happen to him. It was one of those days in the middle of July when the summer seems as if it will never end. Harvey wanted to make the most of his holiday and was going to stay at someone's house with a couple of friends and hoped to arrive before dark. His parents had insisted on him taking the long way round and bypassing the forest but he decided it would take too long. He felt it made no sense riding the long way around instead of taking the direct route so he grabbed his backpack, hopped on his bike and started to make his way through the dirty trails of the forest. All was going well, Harvey was cheerful and was looking forward to the night ahead of him. He thought that if he kept up this pace he would be at his friend's house in no time. But suddenly he heard something from underneath him. Upon further inspection he realized he had suffered a puncture. "Damn", he cursed as he examined the damage. The tyre was completely deflated and there was no hope of cycling the rest of the journey. He stood still in the middle of the middle of the forest for a few moments and contemplated what would be the best thing to do. He remembered he had left his bike lock at home and was angry with himself that he had left with such haste. He decided that all he could do was put his bike behind a towering fir tree and hope that its bright red colour scheme didn't attract too much attention. The light was beginning to fade so he quickly rejoined the track and carried on with his journey.

Dramatic power and for ending the play in confusion Essay

The final act of Translations is an act in which Yolland ends up as missing, so creating a number of stories as to the circumstances of his disappearance. The final act of Translations can indeed be criticised for lacking dramatic power, as throughout the act there is no particular build up of tension that leads to one significant event. It can be seen that what happens to Yolland is fairly predictable; therefore the dramatic power is not present. The act can also be seen as ending in confusion as there is no definitive point that tells us exactly what each character goes on to do. But despite this, the statement may be questioned as was it Brian Friel’s purpose to do this? Perhaps by ending the play with a lack of dramatic power and in confusion, he has left the rest of the play and the events leading on from it down to the imagination of the reader. In the final act of Translations, everything flows along in a kind of way that doesn’t give dramatic power, as the subject and the dramatic power it radiates is the same as it was in the beginning of the play. The subject is still the same, being that of the changing of place names and its effect on the people of Ireland, and it never changes, therefore the readers have not experienced a build up of tension to an exciting and unannounced event. The very fact that Yolland, a British soldier loathed by many Irish as he is changing Irish place names, has had a relationship with Maire, a pretty young Irish girl whom Manus also likes, tells us that it may be likely that something will happen to him at the end of the play as he has caused much dislike for himself from those in the play due to these things. Therefore, this also causes a lack of dramatic power when he finally goes missing in act three, as it can be argued that it was bound to happen and could have been predicted by the readers. The final act of Translations also lacks dramatic power due to its ‘echoes’ and resonances (that is, repetitions) to previous parts of the play. Brian Friel has woven in many an echo and resonance into the structure of the play, and this also causes a lack of dramatic power as the points that have been made in previous parts of the play are just being repeated over in act three. However, although it can be argued that there is a considerable lack of dramatic power, this may only be a lack in a physical sense, i.e. a lack of physical dramatic power, such as a fight taking place or someone being killed within the narration of the play. Throughout act three, characters emotions run high, and dramatic power can be seen as being expressed through their emotions. An example can be seen with Sarah mumbling her regret for not being able to speak more fluently. ‘I’m sorry†¦I’m sorry†¦ I’m so sorry, Manus†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ This use of few words repeating themselves, and the use of a. ellipsis symbolises her not being able to fully express her feelings fully through language as her linguistic talent is limited. The act has also been criticised for ending in confusion, and this may be down to many points which emerge throughout Act three.  The final act ends with an ellipsis, in that Hugh ends with, ‘†¦would come forth from Lybia’s downfall†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ If this final speech had ended with a full stop, then perhaps this would have signified the end of an era or the end of a build up to events. However, the ellipsis suggests that the process is ongoing, and it is not clear where the process is leading, or what it is leading to. Therefore, we can’t directly determine what happens at the end of the play, as there appears to be no definitive end to it. The ellipsis suggests that something will happen following the end of the play, yet the readers aren’t made clear as to what that will be. Another reason as to why the act has been criticised for ending in confusion is that we (as the readers) are not clear as to what finally happens to Yolland, or who is responsible for him going missing. We only have our suspicions to work with in trying to create an ending to the story. It seems suspicious that Manus leaves right away after it has been discovered that Yolland is missing, as Owen points out, ‘Clear out now and Lancey’ll think you’re involved somehow.’ Therefore, the readers may form suspicions about who’s involved, yet this shows how the play ends in confusion as no-one can determine what has happened to him. The play ends in confusion as all of the characters are ended on a depressing note, with none of them showing exactly where they are going to go on to or what they’ll end up doing in life. The one thing we know is that Maire is going to go on to learn English, yet we are not told what that will take her on to. None of the characters specify what they will go on to do in life, yet each is ended in a dismal way with Jimmy Jack going mad and Yolland having gone missing. This demonstrates why the play has been criticised for ending in confusion, as the readers must only imagine what the characters go on to do. However, this may also have been purposeful by Friel to let audiences use their imaginations and minds to create an ending to the play. Another way of interpreting this is by saying that Brian Friel has not ended the play in that much confusion, as by taking information from the history books, and by using our own knowledge, it is clear as to what happens to Ireland following on from the end of the play. Ireland does go on to be taken over completely by England, and all the place names are changed form Irish to English. Therefore, it can also be argued that the play does end in confusion but only to a certain extent as we (as readers) at least know the fate of Ireland.  Therefore, the points that Brian Friel ends act three in confusion and with a lack of dramatic power can be agreed upon but can also be argued against as Brian Friel may have ended in such a way for a purpose, that being to allow the reader to use their imagination in creating the end of a ‘story.’