Friday, December 27, 2019

Do Insects Sleep

Sleep restores and rejuvenates. Without it, our minds arent as sharp, and our reflexes become dull. Scientists know for sure that birds, reptiles, and other mammals experience brain wave patterns similar to our own during periods of rest. But what about insects? Do bugs sleep? Its not quite as easy for us to tell whether insects sleep the way we do. They dont have eyelids, for one thing, so youll never see a bug close its eyes for a quick nap. Scientists havent found a way to study insect brain activity, as they have in other animals, to see if typical rest patterns occur.   Studies of Bugs and Sleep Scientists have studied insects in what appears to be a resting state, and have found some interesting parallels between human sleep and insect rest. In a study of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), researchers videotaped and observed individual fruit flies in order to determine whether they slept. The study authors reported that the insects exhibited behaviors that suggested a sleep-like state. At a particular time in the circadian day, the fruit flies would retreat to their preferred napping locations and get comfortable. The insects would remain still for over 2.5 hours, although the scientists noted the flies would sometimes twitch their legs or probosces while at rest. During this period of rest, the fruit flies didnt respond easily to sensory stimuli. In other words, once the fruit flies were snoozing, the researchers had a tough time waking them up. Another study found that usually diurnal fruit flies with a certain gene mutation would become active at night, due to increased dopamine signals. The researchers noted this change in nocturnal behavior in fruit flies is similar to that seen in humans with dementia. In dementia patients, an increase in dopamine can cause agitated behavior in the evening, a symptom known as sundowning.   Studies have also shown that insects deprived of rest suffer much like people do. Fruit flies kept awake beyond their normal active period would recover the lost sleep by napping longer than usual when finally allowed to rest. And in one study population that was denied sleep for an extended period of time, the results were dramatic: About one-third of the fruit flies died. In a study of sleep-deprived honey bees, the insomniac bees could no longer perform an effective waggle dance to communicate with their colony mates. How Bugs Sleep So, by most accounts, the answer is yes, insects do sleep. Insects clearly rest at times and are aroused only by strong stimuli: the heat of day, the darkness of night, or perhaps a sudden attack by a predator. This state of deep rest is called torpor and is the closest behavior to true sleep that bugs exhibit. Migrating monarchs fly by day, and gather for large butterfly slumber parties as night falls. These sleep aggregations keep individual butterflies safe from predators while resting from the long days travels. Some bees have peculiar sleep habits. Certain members of the family Apidae will spend the night suspended by only the grip of their jaws on a favorite plant. Torpor also helps some insects adapt to life-threatening environmental conditions. The New Zealand weta lives at high elevations where nighttime temperatures get quite icy. To combat the cold, the weta simply goes to sleep at night and literally freezes. In the morning, it thaws out and resumes its activity. Many other insects seem to take a quick nap when threatened–think of the pillbugs that roll themselves into balls the moment you touch them. Sources: Do Insects Sleep or Are They Just Feigning It?, Tom Turpin, Professor of Entomology, Purdue UniversityDo insects sleep? The Straight Dope MailbagHendricks et al. Rest in  Drosophila  Is a Sleep-like State, Neuron  25(1), January 2000, pp.129–138.Shaw et al. Correlates of Sleep and Waking in  Drosophila melanogaster,  Science  287(5459),10 Mar 2000  pp.1834-1837.Genetics and Molecular Biology of Rhythms in Drosophila and Other Insects, by Jeffrey C. Hall, 2003.The Mystery of Sleep: Keeping Flies on the Clock, Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Accessed online March 2, 2016.Sundown Syndrome-like Symptoms in Fruit Flies May be Due to High Dopamine Levels,  Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Accessed online March 2, 2016.Klein et al.  Sleep deprivation impairs precision of waggle dance signaling in honey bees,  Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences of the United States of America 107(52), 28  December 2010.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Mccarthyism During The Cold War - 1925 Words

Since the late 1940s, American cinema has been obsessed with the idea of the atomic bomb and what it stands for; whether that be destruction or absolute power depends on the film. This symbolism would then come to define the 1950s, and later on American cinema as well. This symbolism then must be addressed from the lenses of, both, history and socio-political commentary. Then the question must be posed why specifically these two lenses? The answer to this question, then, lies in the films of the 50s, and beyond. Whether this answer lies in the apocalyptic imagination present in the films or the politics of the time, McCarthyism would influence American culture far beyond the 50s, depends on the historian who is asked. The answer, then,†¦show more content†¦Each of these wishes, then, points back to what scholars of the time period know all too well, the governments need for a justification of atomic research. This justification came primarily from the second wish granted by the gene, the wish for â€Å"a source of beneficial rays,† in which the genie grants humanity the powers of atomic medicine and atomic agriculture. The primary way atomic medicine and agriculture was used to justify atomic research was through experiments in which radioactive isotopes would be either directly injected into plants or, otherwise, put into the soil via fertilizer. These ventures into atomic agriculture and medicine were primarily fueled by organizations like the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and were used to justify a reason for atomic research that did not revolve around atomic weapons. This concern about the uses of atomic energy is further reflected in Eisenhower’s â€Å"Atom’s Peace† speech when he says, â€Å"Against the dark background of the atomic bomb, the United States does not wish merely to present strength, but also the desire and the hope for peace.† This quotation shows the need for peaceful applications of atomic energy. From here one can then look at the ideas of the nuclear test documentary. â€Å"The nuclear test documentary is a little-known subgenre of documentary activity. Most people are aware of these ï ¬ lms—ï ¬ nanced by the government in order to provide a lastingShow MoreRelatedTelevision Role in Preserving American Values During the Cold War1715 Words   |  7 Pages Television Role In Preserving American Values During The Cold War After World War II, technology was advancing and converting from military orientation to more consumer based companies. One of the new technology devices that were introduced to American consumers was television. American television in the 1940’s and 1950’s became a link marvel between Americans, podcasting news, shows, and movies. American television during the 1940’s and the 1950’s played a major rule in preservingRead MoreThe Cold War and Its Effect on The History of America Essay1706 Words   |  7 Pages The Cold War was the ideological conflict between the two superpowers of the world, the democratic United States of America and the communist Soviet Union. For over fifty years the two superpowers fought each other indirectly for power and control of the world. The Cold War started after the end of the Second World War in 1945 when the eyes of both superpowers were no longer looking at Nazi Germany, but instead at each other and the fate of the rest of the world. The Cold War began after the SecondRead MoreMcCarthyism and Documents of History1422 Words   |  6 PagesDuring the times of McCarthyism the House Committee on Un-American Activities employed barbaric and â€Å"Un-American† techniques that would characterize the American law system as an extinguisher of American civil liberties; during this exploration we will be examining a brief history of McCarthyism and a few documents from this time period. Initially, we will be traversing the history from pre-McCarthyism on in to the times of McCarthyism. Following, we will be evaluating three documents from the timesRead MoreThe Campaign Of Joseph Mccarthy1373 Words   |  6 Pagesin Wheeling, West Virginia, McCarthy proclaimed that he was aware of two hundred five card carrying members of the communist party who worked for the United States Department of State (â€Å"McCarthyism†). On February 20, 1950, McCarthy addressed the Senate and made a list of claims and cited eight one cases (â€Å"McCarthyism†). The Senate then called for a full investigation. McCarthy took advantage of the citizens’ fear of communism, conveying how he deceived the nation to reach the superiority he wishedRead MoreMccarthyism : Salem Witch Trials1246 Words   |  5 PagesDuring the Salem witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts and McCarthyism all across America many of the traits were historically similar and based on little or no evidence. When looking back on witchcraft in the 1600s and McCarthyism in the 1940s and 50s life at the time had many influences and many things parallel; both were caused by fear and paranoia and resulted in destruction. The witch trials in Salem and the hearings all across America about McCarthyism were influenced by daily activities andRead MoreEssay on Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare1134 Words   |  5 Pagesin the 1950s-everyone was afraid of the â€Å"reds†, or communists. The cold war had a large affect on this, because it is when America became afraid of communists or Russians. McCarthyism affected everyone in America Most citizens were afraid of the reds, some were former or current reds, some were accused and persecuted for being an assumed red. It’s clear that McCarthyism played a big role in the development of America. McCarthyism became a household term, not only associated with the red scare. ItRead MoreThe Red Scare and McCarthyism Essays1295 Words   |  6 PagesThe Red Scare and McCarthyism had begun Paranoia, disloyalty, people losing jobs. The Red Scare and McCarthyism both made everything else worse. Communism is a political theory derived from Karl Marx, advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. At the end of the month when they get their paychecks they both end up with the same amount of money it is not fair, right? but that is moreRead MoreThe Soviet Union During The Cold War999 Words   |  4 PagesThe emergence of the Cold War with the Soviet Union had far reaching impacts on American society, including hindering the pace of social reform in the United States. While some aspects of the Cold War may have helped promote certain social reforms, the net impact, deterred inevitable social reforms. Tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War induced a fear of communism in Americans that had numerous effects on American policies. McCarthyism, a period of controversialRead MoreParallels Between Witchcraft And Mccarthyism1405 Words   |  6 PagesWitchcraft and McCarthyism During the Salem witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, and McCarthyism all across America many of the traits were historically similar and based on little or no evidence. When looking back on witchcraft in the 1600s and McCarthyism in the 1940s and 50s life at the time had many influences and many things parallel; both were caused by fear and paranoia and resulted in destruction. The witch trials in Salem and the hearings all across America about McCarthyism were influencedRead MoreSoviet Union And The Cold War Essay1484 Words   |  6 PagesThe Cold War was a state of tension between the Soviet Union and the United States soon after WWII had ended. The war was deemed â€Å"cold’ because there was no direct fight between the two key countries. When World War II ended, there were only two super powers left and both had intentions of spreading their incompatible ideological system across the globe. Soviet’s Communism and the United States’ Capitalism were the different views that sparked the Cold War. Problems started when the USSR started

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Theater Arts Final Essay Example For Students

Theater Arts Final Essay The Treatment of Different People in American Pill There are several ways to portray a group of people and have the public believe it. Probably the most influential way to affect a persons view on a certain group of people would be through film. Over the course of the past one hundred years, American film has subjected different groups of people to stereotyping, biased portrayals, and racism. However, these unfortunate stereotypes and the racism in film are quite covert to the public, and they tend to simply believe What they see in their favorite movies. Although there are several groups of people one can hint Of that have been stereotyped or attacked in some way in American film, there are a few specific groups that are prime examples of being victims to the biased portrayals in American film. These groups consist of women, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and gays and lesbians. These groups have all been wrongly viewed by the nations public largely in part because of their portrayal in American film. Women are one group that has been largely affected by American film. They have mainly been major victims to stereotyping, An excellent example of a film hat is packed with stereotypes regarding women would be Peter Jacksons 2005 film, King Kong. One scene in the movie shows one of the main characters, Ann Drown, on a ship heading towards Skull Island. She keeps speaking about the ship and doesnt appear to know anything about ships at all, Normally, this wouldnt be a big deal, but then a man, Bruce Baxter, comes forward speaking about how oven dont belong on ships, and that theyre nothing but trouble. This scene clearly suggests that women should stick to the house work and not explore the outside world. In addition to hat scene, Ann Drown is looking desperately for work in the beginning of the movie, and is offered the address to a strip club by a talent agent. He tells her that she isnt a bad looking girl, and that she should use that to her advantage. This is obviously stating that women must use their looks, and not their talents, to moue forward in society. Besides the specific examples, the Whole storyline of King Kong is a giant stereotype. Ann Drown represents the classic damsel in distress that has to be rescued by her prince charring, in this case, Jack Drill. This stereotype explains It is basically saying that all women need a male savior of some sort, and that theyre helpless without one. Unfortunately the negative generalizations do not end with women. While women are victims of sexism, African Americans are victims of racism in American film, They are negatively portrayed in todays films, and in films that were made decades ago. There are two films that provide solid examples of racism in American film towards African Americans. One would he the not so recent, but in no way old, film Rush Hour. This film was directed by Brett Ratter, and released n 1998. In this film, detective James Carter is one of the main characters, which many would see as a plus for African Americans. However, he is a complete idiot in the film, and is a disgrace to the Los Angels Police Department during most of the movie. He messes up the Bis plans several times during the film. This is suggesting that African Americans are dumb in general and that theyre nothing but trouble. In the 1942 film, Holiday Inn, directed by Mark Sandwich, the same Stereotype is pushed on the public. This would be When Miami, a black servant, is shown disciplining her children. The children are exceptionally slow and dimwitted, giving Off the vibe that African Americans are dumb from their childhood. This stereotype is quite similar to the one given to women in Peter Jacksons 2005 film, King Kong mentioned earlier. In addition to that, when Detective James Carter and Chief Inspector Lee follow a lead and walk into a bar, they see an old African American man smoking marijuana. .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .postImageUrl , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:hover , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:visited , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:active { border:0!important; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:active , .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00 .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf48e9740abae7c529494d7ff19defe00:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Shintoism and Buddhism EssayInstead of arresting the man, James Carter takes the joint from him telling him Im taking this as evidence. The film clearly suggests that he will smoke it later to himself. This sends the message that African Americans are irresponsible and that they partake in illegal activities such as the smoking of marijuana. Hispanics are victims of racial profiling in American film just like African Americans and other ethnic groups. In the 1995 film, My Family, directed by Gregory Nava, Mexicans are stereotyped. Unfortunately, these stereotypes are mostly negative. The film follows the story oftener generations of a Mexican American family. One of the children from the second generation, named Couch, grows up to be a school so to speak. He gets into a fight with one of his vials in one scene and accidentally kills him. He is killed by the LAP while on the run. This all tells the audience that Mexican men are trouble makers and gangsters Jimmy, Couchs brother, sees Couch get shot right in front of him and grows up following Couchs footsteps. This further promotes the stereotype just mentioned. In another scene, When Jimmys wife is Working for a white woman, the white womans friend sees that Jimmys wife is pregnant. She goes on to say that all Mexican women get pregnant. This is promoting a stereotype, but is just downright racist at the same time. In the same film, Rush Hour, Asians are also subject to racial stereotyping. When Chief Inspector Lee first arrives in the United States, Carter walks up to him and blatantly yells Do you speak any English in an exaggerated accent. This promotes the stereotype that Asians have thick accents and/or cannot speak English at all. Another stereotype seen in Rush Hour would be Lees amazing skills in hand to hand combat and gymnastic type maneuvers throughout the entire movie. While some may say that this is not a great example because its not necessarily negative: its still a stereotype. It remotes the stereotype that all Asians are simply naturally talented in the martial arts. In addition to that, there are several lines in the script that are blatantly racist. One example would be when an F-BI agent tells James Carter that he doesnt need any help trot the LAP or some Chunk-King cop. . Another line would be when James Carter confronts Sang and tells him Ive been looking for your sweet and sour chicken ass. These lines in the script dont need much explanation to show how blatantly racist they are, Native Americans are no exception when it comes to the stereotyping and racial riffling American film conducts. In the 2002 film Windbreakers, directed by John Woo, it is emphasized over and over again that Native Americans are very different from white people The movie is about Navajo code talkers in the Marine Corps during World War II. When the two Native American men first arrive at the Marine Corps base, a white Marine, Anderson, tells another Marine, Joe Enders, They look pretty normal. Joe Enders responds l wouldnt get too comfortable. This shows that there are clearly some trust issues between the two races. In addition, when Chick, another Marine, is alone with one of the Native American code talkers, Haze, he tells him See I know you people. Know what kind of slanted eye savage you are boy. This shows the aggressive racism that is felt by Chick and some Of the Other White marines. Lastly, we have gays and lesbians. They are indeed victims to stereotyping in American film. A great example would be the 2008 film, Milk, directed by Gus Van Santa The film is about the life of gay rights activist Harvey Milk. .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .postImageUrl , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:hover , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:visited , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:active { border:0!important; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:active , .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087 .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue31ca0df8c47a2936e2558ff09829087:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Nutrition and Food in Popular Culture Health Nutri EssayThroughout the film, there are some instances that generalize the ways gays behave. For example, Scott Smith, Milks gay partner, calls Milk several times a day during Milks campaign for gay rights. He constantly complains that Milk doesnt spend enough time with him, and that he feels lonely. This stereotypes gays as feminine and woman like. While it may be true in many instances, not all gay men are super feminine like Scott Smith is portrayed, In addition to that, Harvey purposely acts extra giddy and perky in some scenes. Harvey himself purposely pushes the stereotype that gay men act like girls. Another film that features gays ND lesbians is the 2003 film, Monster, directed by Patty Jenkins. This film doesnt offer an abundance of examples exclusively regarding gays and lesbians, but there is one particular scene of interest. In the movie, the two main characters are lesbians. They are shown making outside a skating rink in one scene of the movie. As people pass by, they are disgusted and give them weird and skeptical looks. This may not promote a Stereotype, but it does show us that it is not normal for women to be kissing each other. American film has had great advancements over the past one hundred years. It has entertained the masses and brought the public great joy. However, the public is also quick to believe What they see in the films they watch. Even though some may not realize it, American film promotes countless stereotypes and biased views on different groups of people in the sliest of ways. American film has been successful in stereotyping and profiling different groups of people time and time again. Women, African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and gays and lesbians have all been affected by American films biased view on things.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Merit pay free essay sample

Running Head: Merit Pay for Performance How Does Merit Pay Affect Performance? Running Head: Merit based Pay Merit Pay is a compensation strategy that is used to motivate employees with pay increases based on positive performance. This increase revolves around the company obtaining the bottom line that was set forth by the board members and stockholders. The increase in pay also can be based on seniority and other equitable criteria. The merit pay system is prevalent in the education area. Teachers receive pay for performance based on yearly test scores. The down side to this idea is that teachers tend to educate towards the test as opposed to the kids learning the information. In using a merit system for most businesses, you have to factor in is this meaningful to employees. This means that businesses should be providing merit pay that has fair incentives with competitive pay. Merit Pay has been tested as a very effective way for employees to produce results. We will write a custom essay sample on Merit pay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There are also many pros and cons for having a merit pay system. Some of the pros of the merit system are that it promotes healthy competition between mployees and motivation to produce results. The high performers usually know their worth and skillset and enjoy the challenge of meeting measurable goals that are linked to monetary rewards. Employees like to receive kudos for a Job well done by coworkers and upper management. This comes from a behavioral psychology that where there is good behavior or performance it can be reinforced with a reward. This association created relates behavior to a positive feeling. Merit Pay is believed to have many pros and cons when it comes to the workplace. The long term effects of merit are still being analyzed for effectiveness. A study done by Cornell University states, Extant compensation literature has indicated that pay- for- performance can influence employee performance. There is little research; however, that differentiates the effects of certain forms of pay-for-performance plans on future performance. The logic of pay for performance seems to motivate people that are already considered top performers. There are many organizations that fail Some of the pros are definitely better performance producing results. This also feeds a healthy competition between employees. This motivates them to focus and deliver great results. It allows employees to buy in and effectively communicate their needs for the betterment of the organization, when there is one common goal. This also provides the employees with a permanent increase in pay annually. This usually helps the organizations as well. The cons of the merit system usually affect the morality of the employees. Some employees may feel that no matter how hard they try they can never meet the standard. This will cause them to feel unmotivated. This also causes employees to focus more on their personal goals rather than team goals. The difficulty comes into to play when distributing the 2-3% merit increase adequately. As the organization you want to ensure that the performance appraisals are fair and equitable without inconsistencies. The future of the merit system is really begins to question is there really any merit to the system. The merit system has taken the entitlement mentality out of yearly raise in base pay. The merit system rewards for being competent and capable to do your Job abilities. The downsize to the merit system is those employees that Just dont have the capacity to fulfill the duties required or the employees who attempt to bypass the necessary steps to compete fairly. It seems to me that the slim percentage of increase thats set forth to divide among employees dont really produce a healthy and morally fit environment for the employees. The merit system seems to motivate employees to produce but it also seems to destroy what team morality there may be.