In many countries of the world there is a growing feeling of uneasiness about the economic situation and its related social consequences. Every day the newspapers tell us that the recession is over, but we see only that scores of organizations go bankrupt, while others are struggling hard to stay in business; that many people have lost their jobs, but welfare measures are being reduced or abolished altogether. By now we should have become aware that our society is not facing temporary market difficulties, but a much deeper and wider crisis with only one root in worldwide economic developments, while other roots are social and psychological in nature. These factors are intertwined, and therefore the answer to the crisis cannot merely be an economic cost-benefit analysis of organizational management. Sociocultural factors participate in the economic process even at the level of individual organizations, and what happens in them has backlash influences on the entire society. Therefore the problem is not the management of the individual organization, but the macroconception of management, which in the Western world of today separates the economic aspects from the social ones, and the individual organizations from society. Social and Economic Management in the Competitive Society begins by analyzing the management models of today to determine which characteristics yield the best results on the economic and social levels. The second step is to indicate the necessary changes of managerial thinking and acting, in order to boost economic results with reasonable profits while minimizing social costs. Finally, the potential ramifications of such changes are explored.

This book challenges all existing theories which link self-realization to wealth and honor, to be achieved only when all other needs are fully satisfied. This study is conducted by an international group of leading psychologists. It argues that existing pyramidal theories are not only unfair to all strata of society but also not defendable in light of scientific research. The authors put forward a new theory of self-realization based mainly on empirical research but also on the analysis of past literature and the study of famous people. They contend that self-realization functions within the framework of adjustment. This theory allows for the self-realization of the ordinary man not just the elite. In this framework the individual selects and defines what constitutes his/her self-realization. "Self-Realization, Success and Adjustment" will be of particular interest to personality theorists, occupational and career counselors, and social psychologists.

Divided into two parts, Part I of this book analyzes the meaning of self-realization for the modern man: Is it Success? Is it money or access to power? Is it the challenge of work? At the conclusion of this section the authors present their new theory based on the framework of adjustment. Part II gives a theoretical and practical analysis of the means toward self-realization: participation in the social process, the development of cognitive, effective, and motivational dimensions of personality, the planning and realization of life-long careers, and above all, the plan project of one's life.

The author of this book asserts that the phenomenon of the economic meltdown in 2008 isn't an accidental occurrence; rather, it is a result of the entire social system which is driven by contemporary culture as crystallized around the internet. This book examines the personal damage done to lives, aspirations, and social and physical security due to the globalization of economic processes. The author assesses the chances for an improved globalization with a human face, by shifting the value emphasis and priorities, to bring forth a new culture that proclaims the priority of human happiness over the exclusive accumulation of economic wealth.

Krau provides an in-depth analysis of the formation and fulfillment of life aspirations. He examines the possibility of planning and predicting careers-a significant instrument for achieving life meaning for people, even under unfavorable economic conditions. Krau asserts that to assist people in fulfilling their aspirations, vocational counseling has to become counseling for self-realization. Drawing upon years of investigations, Edgar Krau provides an in-depth analysis of the formation and fulfillment of life aspirations. In adolescence, life aspirations take shape by imagining a desired end-state. But aspects of this image are often uncoordinated or even contradictory, and very often the person seems unaware of these contradictions. In choosing a career, people attempt to match this image with public perceptions of a specific occupation. But both notions may not correspond to existing realities, and the actual motives behind career choice may deviate from those declared. Utilizing numerous case studies and models drawn from these and other studies, Krau shows the normative characteristics that lead to vocational success, but also those causing failure, maladjustment, and frustration, and he illustrates how career counseling can become successful counseling for self-realization. Krau provides a needed tool for personality and vocational psychologists as well as anyone involved in career development and vocational guidance.

In many countries of the world there is a growing feeling of uneasiness about the economic situation and its related social consequences. Every day the newspapers tell us that the recession is over, but we see only that scores of organizations go bankrupt, while others are struggling hard to stay in business; that many people have lost their jobs, but welfare measures are being reduced or abolished altogether. By now we should have become aware that our society is not facing temporary market difficulties, but a much deeper and wider crisis with only one root in worldwide economic developments, while other roots are social and psychological in nature. These factors are intertwined, and therefore the answer to the crisis cannot merely be an economic cost-benefit analysis of organizational management. Sociocultural factors participate in the economic process even at the level of individual organizations, and what happens in them has backlash influences on the entire society. Therefore the problem is not the management of the individual organization, but the macroconception of management, which in the Western world of today separates the economic aspects from the social ones, and the individual organizations from society. Social and Economic Management in the Competitive Society begins by analyzing the management models of today to determine which characteristics yield the best results on the economic and social levels. The second step is to indicate the necessary changes of managerial thinking and acting, in order to boost economic results with reasonable profits while minimizing social costs. Finally, the potential ramifications of such changes are explored.