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Following are three writing sample cases that will help to illustrate the
differences between high and low conceptual complexity.
Writing samples-low complexity
Writing samples-high complexity
Low Conceptual Complexity Example #1
I haven’t changed my decision – if anything it is
reinforced. After hearing the opinions of the other people in the group – who
were all in favor of the resolution – I still believe strongly that it is the
responsibility of the commercial, global enterprises to exert pressure on
the international community to promote humanitarian aims such as decent living
wages, and humane working conditions and to work towards ending child labor such
as we see in developing nations. Only with this pressure will can the
abhorrent conditions reported in these nations gradually change. It is the
imperative of especially Western or 1st World multinationals to work
towards this goal of a more humane world with the understanding that everyone
deserves this – not just the fortunate few.
Low Conceptual Complexity Example #2
In my first response I was mistaken in thinking that the
Allsport Company would be shut down. In fact it is just Global Industries which
would end distribution of Allsport. In this case, I fully agree with the
resolution. To continue distribution would be to ignore this great moral
injustice. Indeed Global Industries’s revenues would be affected, but being such
a large company, the change would not be that significant. It is much more
significant to make a statement about the millions of children working for
Allsport. Discontinuing distribution would sent a message not only to other
companies, but also to consumers who might reconsider purchasing Allsport
products and to the government of Asiana that might be influenced into making
policy changes about child labor and working conditions. I do not know the exact
repercussions that this resolution would have on Global Industries financially
but the moral weight of the issue overrides any concern with revenue.
Low Conceptual Complexity Example #3
No monetary gain justifies continued support of the outrageous child labor
practices outlined above. The children who work in Allsport factories are
victims of an incredible disregard for basic human rights. If I were a member of
the Board of Directors for Global Industries, there is no way I would be able to
live with myself while knowing the awful practices my company was perpetuating.
Any company that distributes Allsport products is supporting and helping to
continue child exploitation. Furthermore, any individual who purchases Allsport
products is participating in this process. Unfortunately, I think too few people
are aware of the extent to which many companies exploit their foreign workers.
However, when information about a specific company is exposed to you, shattering
your ignorance, I don't see how anyone could continue to support that company
with a clear conscience.
High Conceptual Complexity Example #1
I agree with the proposition to discontinue distribution of Allsport wear. I
think that refusing to distribute products made from child labor would send an
important message to other large companies also employing the use of children. I
would vote to discontinue marketing of Allsport wear. At the same time,
however, a number of factors must also be examined before discontinuing the
product. The information given does not state how large a portion Allsport wear
has in Global Industries' distribution of products. Would discontinuation cause
severe economic decline and hurt the business? If Global Industries will be
profoundly influenced economically with its decision to forgo Allsports wear,
other measures might have to be taken. Because Global Industries is only a
distributor and not actually marketing the product, they aren't responsible for
the way in which their clients choose to manufacture their goods. Global
Industries could send a message to other marketers by boycotting Allsportswear
entirely, for ethical reasons, but if this discontinuation is going to cause
Global Industries to fold, such drastic measures should not be taken.
Is Global Industries the sole distributor for Allsports wear? If so, they
could negotiate a way to lessen the inhumane manufacturing processes abroad
without actually discontinuing the products. They might be able to persuade
Allsports wear to lessen labor hours, regulate education and protect wages with
the threat of discontinuation. This way, both companies could still profit.
With the information given at this point, I would vote "yes" on the proposal.
I think, however, that an in-depth analysis into the economic impact and
compromising alternatives would help.
High Conceptual Complexity Example #2
My opinion on the Resolution hasn’t changed where the
due to the discussion but my I’ve been forced to consider the trickier
economic side of the situation. There are many facets of this problem that
aren’t presented in the ‘summary & Resolution’. The astounding statistics on the
prevalence of child labor and the dire health consequences associated provide a
strong ethical argument for the resolution.
But there is no information given that would suggest the
possible negative effects of this resolution. If All-Sport is a major
multinational company, they probably employ many adults in addition to their
child laborers. [Illegible, crossed-out text] Forcing All-sport to shut down
operations may result in the loss of many jobs in third world countries. Though
it would be ideal to [illegible, crossed-out text] completely abolish all
multinational corporations that are found to commit human rights violations,
this just is not realistic. As much as I am disheartened by the fact that most
corporations will ‘clean up their act’ solely [illegible, crossed-out text] due
to financial [illegible, crossed-out text] pressure, and not because of some
sort of humanistic enlightenment, it may be the only option.
Multinational corporations can provide a boost to
developing economies and supply many jobs to impoverished people. If these
[?] rather than trying [?] If every
Thus, [illegible, crossed-out text] if the resolution
succeeds in ruining All-Sport, it may be backfiring on its own humane ideals.
Perhaps an ultimatum should be made (after business is ended), in which ‘we’
would offer to recontinue business only if standards for humane working
conditions for all employees were implemented.
High Conceptual Complexity Example #3
I would vote against this resolution to discontinue
distribution of Allsport sportswear. I feel that there is so much more behind
having child labor in our factories, like the economy and the wealth of
families. Obviously, they feel the need and necessity to work and work for next
to nothing. I feel that as a company we should take a more direct approach to
the situation, perhaps implementing health and safety regulations and raising
the salary of workers, also ensuring proper working days. If we choose to
discontinue distribution of Allsport there will be 2 bad effects a) we will lose
their business, which is quite a lot of money and 2) we will have done nothing
to solve the problem that we stand against. I feel it is important to show other
companies that we are more involved with the situation and trying to alleviate
some of the harsh conditions. This will have a more positive effect on the world
and hopefully on the children and families working over there, it will also
allow us to continue to do business with Allsport and stay in business.
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