Application Of Resilience By Tsun Yuen Wong Writing 139W Pro
Application of Resilience Tsun Yuen Wong Writing 139W Professor Danilo Caputo July 16, 2020
The word resilience is applied in various contexts to mean different things. In this paper, I will contrast the application of this word in both academia and non-profit societies. According to Novotnའ& Křeménková (2016), there is a relationship between students' performance, social background, and their performance in school. On the other hand, Witmer & Mellinger (2016) state that non-profit organizations use the term to describe, among other things, the ability of an organization to withstand turmoil. The application of resilience in academic disciplines is more compelling because it positively uses its concept rather than a misplaced form.
In matters that touch on education, this term can be used to explain diverse issues such as the ability of a student to succeed in challenging circumstances (Novotnའ& Křeménková, 2016). For instance, an individual who manages to acquire a Ph.D. after missing a significant amount of time due to lack of school fees or because of other issues like illness can be described as having resilience. A student who comes from a background of extreme poverty and rises to academic achievement exemplifies resilience. The application of resilience in schools also describes institutions that exceed expectations to help learners achieve results unrealized due to their operating conditions. For example, a university in rural Africa that manages to produce successful students despite hardships demonstrates resilience. One might argue that such university staff are "punching above their weight" and achieving results comparable to internationally renowned institutions.
Resilience is used in academic circles to describe a woman who has come from disadvantaged communities and excelled in education (Boylorn, 2017). Consider a girl from a traditional African family where parents do not value girls' education. Such a woman might have to run away from home to escape early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). She may also seek shelter in a rescue center and pursue education, exemplifying resilience by showing the strength to transcend cultural and social barriers in pursuit of academic success.
In terms of non-profit organizations, resilience refers to the ability of an institution to respond effectively to external factors that could negatively impact its operations (Witmer & Mellinger, 2016). A well-established organization can withstand turbulence and emerge resilient. Building resilience involves developing capacities among staff and systems, including improvising solutions in adversity. Another application pertains to the willingness of staff to work under difficult conditions, especially given that many non-governmental organizations operate in areas plagued by war, famine, and humanitarian crises. These conditions require staff to demonstrate selflessness and dedication, exemplifying organizational resilience in service of humanity.
Paper For Above instruction
Resilience, a multifaceted concept, plays a crucial role across various domains, particularly in academia and non-profit organizations. This paper explores how resilience manifests differently in these contexts, emphasizing both similarities and differences, and evaluating its significance based on current scholarly discourse.
Introduction
The concept of resilience is broadly defined as the capacity to recover from difficulties or adapt effectively in the face of adversity. Its applications vary, with scholar Novotnའ& Křeménková (2016) highlighting its importance in educational achievement amidst socio-economic challenges, whereas Witmer & Mellinger (2016) emphasize its role in organizational stability during crises. This essay aims to compare and contrast these applications, illustrating how resilience functions in both individual and institutional realms.
Resilience in Academia
Within educational settings, resilience is often observed in students overcoming socio-economic disadvantages, cultural hurdles, or personal health issues. For instance, a student from a marginalized background who attains a Ph.D. after years of struggles demonstrates resilience rooted in perseverance and determination. Similarly, educational institutions in resource-limited settings exemplify resilience when they surpass expectations to produce competent graduates. An African rural university that graduates students despite infrastructural challenges exemplifies institutional resilience. Furthermore, scholars like Boylorn (2017) describe individual resilience as evident in women who break cultural norms—fleeing early marriage or FGM—to pursue education, emphasizing resilience's role in transcending societal limitations.
Resilience in Non-Profit Organizations
In non-profit sectors, resilience pertains to an organization's capacity to respond to external shocks such as political unrest, natural disasters, or economic downturns. Witmer & Mellinger (2016) argue that resilient organizations effectively adapt their operations by building capacity among staff and systems, often improvising solutions to unforeseen challenges. Staff in these organizations demonstrate resilience through their selflessness and willingness to operate under dangerous or unfavorable conditions, such as in war zones or famine-affected areas. Such resilience ensures organizational continuity and effectiveness in delivering humanitarian aid, despite adverse circumstances.
Shared Aspects of Resilience
A commonality between these contexts is that resilience entails overcoming challenges to sustain or improve performance. Both individuals and institutions must demonstrate perseverance to survive hardships and achieve their goals. For example, a resilient student or organization embodies determination, adaptability, and resourcefulness. They withstand setbacks and continue striving in spite of difficulties. However, misapplication can occur when resilience is invoked superficially, such as leaders claiming resilience after mismanagement causes crises (Williams et al., 2017). This demonstrates how resilience can be misused, leading to complacency or denial of responsibility.
Contrasts in Application
The contrast between resilience in individual students and organizations is notable. Personal resilience often involves innate traits or learned perseverance developed through life experiences. Students from challenging backgrounds build resilience from scratch, facing obstacles such as poverty, cultural barriers, or health issues, and emerging victorious through hard work. Conversely, resilience in organizations can be premeditated, involving strategic planning and capacity building aimed at preparing the institution for external shocks (Witmer & Mellinger, 2016). Such organizational resilience often relies on policies, procedures, and training that enable swift adaptation to crises.
Evaluation of Scholarly Insights
Among the sources reviewed, the arguments for resilience in academia appear more compelling. Novotnའ& Křeménková (2016) effectively illustrate how resilience directly correlates with academic success, particularly among at-risk youth. Their evidence underscores resilience as a critical factor in overcoming socio-economic barriers. The language used is persuasive, supported by empirical research, and devoid of rhetorical bias. On the other hand, although Witmer & Mellinger (2016) provide valuable insights into organizational resilience, their applicability may sometimes seem abstract, especially in contexts where resilience is overemphasized without considering systemic issues that hinder adaptive capacity.
Conclusion
Resilience embodies the human capacity to withstand adversity, whether in personal struggles or organizational crises. The comparison reveals that resilience is both innate and strategic, built through perseverance and planning respectively. While the scholarly works generally emphasize its positive aspects, caution must be exercised to avoid misuse or overgeneralization. Recognizing the nuanced applications of resilience can lead to more effective interventions, policies, and personal development strategies, ultimately fostering a more resilient society capable of facing future challenges.
References
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- Williams, T. A., Gruber, D. A., Sutcliffe, K. M., Shepherd, D. A., & Zhao, E. Y. (2017). Organizational response to adversity: Fusing crisis management and resilience research streams. Academy of Management Annals, 11(2).
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