Volume 2:Summer 2005 Issue-::Reciprocal Determinism::

[swoosh]
third paperball shot at the basket. it got in this time. cool.

Tucking a wisp of hair behind the ear, sipping on cold Tazo Chai. Despite an impervious facade, the fervent rustling of paper and furrowed brow were tell-tale signs of writer's block... .

Glad it's over.

reciprocal determinism

Interest in Psychology had me reading about this profound concept a few weeks ago.

"Albert Bandura suggests that a person's behavior can be conditioned through the operant conditioning (use of consequences like reward and punishment); he also believes that a person's behavior can impact the environment. So it is not just that you are influenced by your environment, but that you also influence the environment around you--each impacts the other."

Thought that concept was quite the befitting shape for the Summer 2005 Edition of The NetWork, righteously titled "The Green Wave". Revenue? Well, yes, it will significantly increase your bottom line. However, that's not the focus. Instead, as staff writer Kevin Ferrell shares, this Green symbolizes Sustainability- a buzzword of the present- which encompasses social, ecological, as well as economical foci.

This trend was planted after the fall of Enron (as detailed in the Business section), and other scandals a few years ago. It has now blossomed into a full blown movement... that reaps great rewards. For a good summer read, consider the current best-seller, The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid by C.K. Prahalad. Highly recommended.

Reciprocal determinism was exemplified this past spring, as my Board and I reviewed the essays of the first generation of Fellows that will be representing MBADiversity in school, in their career, and in their communities. Their accomplishments and future goals show their promise, and we're glad to support them.

Check out TriplePundit.com for more about the Sustainability movement.

much ado about China

The rapid economic growth of China (up 53% between 2000 and 2004), has prompted Chinese President Hu Jintao to deepen ties with Southeast Asia. Mr. Hu met in Jakarta, Indonesia with Asian and African leaders, inviting freer trade among the countries of these continents.

His most diplomatic appointment was on April 23, 2005 with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, when he extended the olive branch between the two Asian giants. Suggested reading: Harvard Business Review on Doing Business in China.

Staff writer Jonathan Gregg is making that trek to China this summer. His perspective on the initial preparation sets the tone for an anticipated arrival back to the States. You'll get to see pictures and a report-out of his excursion. Stay tuned.

We expanded on the Asian influence of this edition in the Graffiti section, to discuss the Asian American culture divide in "FOBs vs. Twinkies". As 18-year-old Grace passionately trumpets the horn, she solves the problem by encouraging Asian Americans to embrace both cultures instead of choosing. You tell 'em, Grace.

scratching off line 1 from the "To-Do" List

1. Get into Graduate School

[Big, kool-aid smile while reviewing a one-way ticket to Los Angeles on the computer.]

We have future plans to expand our non-profit (TMR Group, Inc.) to implement/manage even more socially-impactful projects beyond MBADiversity, including economic development in Africa and Asia. I was recently accepted into the MPA (Masters in Public Administration) program from University of Southern California's School of Policy, Planning, and Development. This is the correct path for me at the moment, my friends. Until now, I was parched and fatigued, too busy hacking through an ominous jungle to see the sunny, paved trail with the sign that read:
"This Way", pointing to Mission Street.

Definitely looking forward to being part of the formidable Trojan family. The final plan is to have dual Masters degrees... an MBA will be earned after my MPA. Higher education can only be a good thing.

Thank you for going through the journey with us.

...and if you haven't already, may you find your path as well.

Be blessed,
K.D.

As our first financial sponsor, we are very grateful to The Graduate Management Admission Council(R) for believing and investing in MBADiversity.

Alright, folks...The NetWork publication will be taking a hiatus after the summer of '05 as most of the Staff will be tackling the books at their respective schools. In the meantime, read our Archives, Weblogs, and RSS Feeds (below the Editor's Desk) for content.

Comments