Outsourcing Ethics - 604 Words

As companies look for ways to strategically perform better in their respective industries many chose to outsource job functions. Outsourcing allows companies to grow and expand their business around the world. Many have attributed outsourcing to lowering operating costs, a method to increase expertise and gain additional technology, and as a way to improve efficiency and services. These advantages can help a company gain a competitive advantage over industry participants. When a company strategically plans to outsource ethical consideration must be acknowledged; especially when outsourcing is offshore. As a display of corporate citizenship a company must do their part to address ethical concerns related to this practice. Building a long†¦show more content†¦I would show compassion to the employees of outsourced locations by acknowledging their relationship based cultures, those related to their families, ancestors, and communities. This helps build a trusting relationship an d the quality of the service will increase as employees know that you care and don’t just view them as workers. Often time companies find themselves under strict regulations and scrutiny when they have misappropriated those regulations. Some companies have opted to outsource to avoid environmental regulations and fines in many locations. Another basic principle advises companies that plan to outsource to â€Å"seek to do no harm to the ecological systems of the world† regardless of what environmental regulations may not be in place in the location of choice for outsourcing. By making ethical choices as such help to build and protect the company’s image. It shows that they have good character in the decision that they make and how they impact the environment. Companies receive backlash from choosing to outsource job functions when it causes a reduction in their workforce from layoffs. It can be hard to justify layoffs in turn for cheaper labor when you are remo ving individuals from the workforce who have been loyal and dedicated to the company. Addressing potential unethical behaviors related to outsourcing before they are problematic is a way to protect the company and build aShow MoreRelatedEthics of Outsourcing Essay1500 Words   |  6 PagesEthics of Outsourcing What is ethics and how is it related to todays world of business? Merriam-Websters Online Dictionary defines ethics as the discipline dealing with what is good and bad with moral duty and obligation. In todays globalized society, it seems as though monetary profits are valued higher than making ethical decisions. Outsourcing has become an unavoidable result of globalization. From General Motors to IBM, we can experience the effect of outsourcing in many different sectorsRead MoreOutsourcing, The Key to Globalization Essay examples995 Words   |  4 PagesThe concept of outsourcing in the Unied States goes back to 80s. But it was in the 90s that really companies began to use it more and more and they found out that this is something that really works for them. Outsourcing is defined as the practice of subcontracting manufacturing work to outside and especially foreign or nonunion companies. This concept became very widely used in practice today in the United States. Firms such as IBM, Sprint, ATT, Dell Hewlett Packard, and Novell are someRead MoreOutsourcing And Its Advantages For A Company1225 Words   |  5 PagesEXECUTIVE SUMMARY Outsourcing can have more disadvantages for a company if the company does not take major precautions before proceeding. The purpose of this report is to (1) identify major IT outsourcing risks. (2) How to minimize the risk to out rule the disadvantages. There are many steps to successful outsourcing; here are the main ones gathered from the research. †¢ Be discreet when selecting your vendor , analyse there previous work †¢ Consult with an attorney before signing the contract †¢ MakeRead MoreOutsourcing A Business Is A Risky Affair1445 Words   |  6 Pages Outsourcing Rohit Negi Introduction: Companies are increasingly urged to rethink their sourcing strategies, choosing between in/out, Domestic/international sourcing. Several motivations (e.g. cost reduction, flexibility, access to new technologies and skills, focus on core activities) are encouraging them to outsource and/or localize their (ITRead MoreUsability, Interaction, And Visualization1090 Words   |  5 Pageswill also improve through synchronous and asynchronous technologies (El Kadiri et al., 2015, p. 11). Moreover, more learning tools would be personalized, or customized for specific learning needs and environments. Issue of IT Outsourcing Scholars noted that IT outsourcing would continue because of the increasing levels of IT education in developed countries, where labor costs are much lower because of lower costs of living (Mann et al., 2015). IT companies or individuals would vie for lucrativeRead MoreOutsourcing Of The National Labor Committee Thinks Otherwise926 Words   |  4 Pages Although many businesses argue this is beneficial in order for them to turn a higher profit and be successful, the National Labor Committee thinks otherwise. Outsourcing has become one of the leading factors in product recalls, exploitation of workers, and a major contributor to the unemployment statistics in the US. Although outsourcing is a contributor to mass production and a products supply and demand growth, it has also been known for some of the largest product recalls. â€Å"In the largest productRead MoreTransaction Volume ( Per Year ) Price Per Call1636 Words   |  7 PagesPotential Outsourcing Suppliers When choosing suppliers, the selection criteria includes weighted number of criteria like price, experience, financial stability, and references. AllTell could consider to outsourcing its contract to subcontractors who have special experience in customer service. It is important review the experience, qualifications, and stability of each subcontractor to make sure that required service levels will be met. AllTell will use the following criteria to assess outsourcing suppliers:Read MoreAnz Introduction1227 Words   |  5 Pagessecurity risk as a consequence of ANZ Bank recent outsourcing strategy. This report discusses three main issues that ANZ Bank’s management may have to consider if it is to enhance strength and core competency. Customer value proposition Firstly, as ANZ Bank has stressed that ‘becomes a super regional bank’ is a core strategy objective (ANZ 2012), ANZ will have to consider the potential effect for customer value proposition as a result of recent outsourcing strategy. It has been pointed that the problemRead MoreAn American Corporation Outsourcing At The Pennsylvania State University1955 Words   |  8 Pagesat the Pennsylvania State University, has written perhaps the most persuasive piece of literature on the reasons for the lack of progress in workers’ rights for employees of independent contractors hired in the process of an American corporation outsourcing to another nation. Before the Rana Plaza Factory Fire in 2012 and currently still, most of the CSR models focused on voluntary codes of conduct which allowed corporations to adopt for publicity purposes, yet not fulfill the responsibilities of thoseRead MoreOutsourcing : A Competitive Advantage Essay1427 Words   |  6 PagesIn analyzing t he second reason listed for why outsourcing is used; ‘inability to attract the highest caliber of employees to job functions that may be peripheral to the organization’s core discipline’, companies employ a different kind of outsourcing tactic. This reason leads to offshore outsourcing solutions. If a company cannot attract high caliber domestic employees to job functions secondary to their main function then they seek help where labor may be less expensive and more efficient. Offshoring

The Slavery Of The Civil War - 1701 Words

In pre-Civil War America, it was a common occurrence to witness Black families torn apart, sold off as property, and treated in hateful, vile manors in the name of a higher God. Many slave owners retained the firm belief that due to slavery being beneficial to them and the lack of clear-cut condemnation in scripture, it was a divine institution beneficial to both the slave and slave owner themselves. As a result, these ideals led to further enslavement and abuse, exploiting Blacks so that the slave owners could capitalize off of their work. Although many pro-slavery advocates assert that their actions are just through biblical claims, Douglass argues that Christianity has been twisted into an excuse by slaveholders to justify the institution of slavery. George Freeman makes a good example for those blinded by looking between the lines in scripture, claiming, Neither do we find anything in the writings of the Apostles condemnatory of slavery†¦ Not a word, disapproving the practice, ever fell from his lips.† Douglass believes that Freeman and many other pro-slavery advocates who support their claims through scripture are misguided cowards hiding behind their perverted view of Christianity. These individuals strike him as similar Covey, a poor farmer from his childhood with a reputation of being a tricky slave-breaker. In Douglass’ narrative, he exclaims, â€Å"Poor man! Such was his disposition, and success at deceiving, I do verily believe that he sometimes deceived himself intoShow MoreRelatedSlavery And The Civil War958 Words   |  4 Pagesblood in slavery so that many parts of America could become prosperous and recognized in the world†, this is quote from Josephine Baker, one of America’s early p rominent black performers. Slavery, which will be discussed in greater detail, affected Africans kidnapped from their homeland and brought to the Americas to be sold and forced to work in horrible, vile, disgusting conditions. Slavery was also a great economic boosts for the United States due to cotton, however, overtime slavery began toRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1706 Words   |  7 Pagesitself. The United States were no longer united, mainly over the issue of slavery. In fact, many historians believe that, â€Å"From the nation’s founding, the issue of slavery threatened to tear the United States apart.† (â€Å"The Civil War† 1). The issue of slavery was always kept at bay through the utilization of various compromises; however a permanent solution was never sought after by the government. The peoples’ perspective of slavery differed by region. In the South, the economy was extremely reliant onRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1641 Words   |  7 PagesThe American civil war was in no doubt the most crucial event in history. No other war compares or even comes close to the casualties suffered. It helped conserve and maintain the Union, drastically changed the relationship between the federal and states government, and led to slavery’s abolition. This war has also stirred up many conflicts until this day about the conflicts and causes. Among the countless and even undiscovered questions comes the most common as being why the Southern states wereRead MoreSlavery and the Civil War1281 Words   |  5 PagesEscaped slaves from the South helped the north to win the Civil War by increasing the number of soldiers fighting in the war for the north and by spying on the south for the north. With the help of escaped slaves fighting the South, the north outnumbered the south in battles, which eventually led to the North’s victory in the Civil War. Escaped slaves form the south also helped the north by spying on the so uth and reporting to Union officials who reported the information to the Union army. TheRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1527 Words   |  7 PagesSlavery is a lawful or monetary framework in which standards of property law are connected to people permitting them to be named property, to be possessed, purchased and sold as needs be, and they can t pull back singularly from the course of action. While a man is a slave, the proprietor is qualified for the efficiency of the slave s work, with no compensation. The rights and security of the slave might be controlled by laws and traditions in a specific time and put, and a man may turn into aRead MoreThe Civil War And The Slavery986 Words   |  4 PagesThe Civil War contributed to the enslaved period being terminated. The union allowed slaves to fight for them and this imposed on the slave masters throughout the south. During this period the slaves were very rebellious and violent towards their masters. They beat them, tortured them , and some even killed some of the slave masters. They all truly deserved it after the treatment that had been rendered towards the African Americans when they first arrived from the West Indies to the United StatesRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1447 Words   |  6 PagesSlavery and The Civil War When most people think of Abraham Lincoln, They remember him as the one President, or the one single entity , who freed the slaves. Most are not aware that before slavery the young nation was going though growing pains there were years of political strife and social upheaval that culminated in to Civil war that actually resulted in the Emancipation of Slaves. Slavery was pivotal to the compromises and conflicts of national politics in the decades leadingRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War1084 Words   |  5 PagesSlavery Slavery was one of the biggest controversies in American history. The beliefs about slavery mostly varied from the North to the South but also varied from state to state and sometimes even among family members. All of these different views caused conflicts to arise in America and slavery soon became a huge contributing factor to the Civil War. The core beliefs of anti-slavery societies differed from those of the slavery societies. Abolitionists believed that slavery was a moral and nationalRead MoreThe Civil War Of Slavery1699 Words   |  7 PagesIn the 1800s the Institution of Slavery became very dominant in the United States, but mainly in the South. Due to the climate and their type of economy, their agriculture productions required a great amount of labor that was performed by the slaves. In the south, â€Å"slavery was key to the way of life†1 the majority of the south relied on the slaves to do all of the hard work for them and maximize the profit of their owners. The northern states however had a different type of economy and did not requireRead MoreSlavery And The Civil War Essay1963 Words   |  8 PagesSociety relates slavery to the civil war and most would argue that slavery ended in 1865. With this standpoint, we often brush off or neglect to further investigate slavery in its most modern forms. Over the course of history, there are hardly any situations where a social problem was solved. Starvation still exists, as does poverty, racism, war, segregation, injustice within government systems, and yes, even slavery. Human trafficking is modern day slavery and it exists everywhere with two different

Corporate Responsibility and Governance Work

Question: Discuss about the Corporate Responsibility and Governance Work. Answer: Introduction The 7-Eleven occurrences have gotten the consideration of each Australian due to sweeping impacts and impact on the nation itself. Australia has been for the most part displayed as a country with multi-ethnic populace as its central trademark (Benier Wickes, 2015). On the other hand, allegations have been raised against the franchisee stores of 7-Eleven that they have paid the understudies and other remote nationals lower than the predominant honor rate of about $24 dollar 60 minutes. Affirmations have likewise been made in regards to the quantity of hours that they were made to work which far surpassed the farthest point forced on the specialists, especially those working under visa conditions (Sivaraman Turner, 2016). This incident has been brought to light first by the joint examination of Fairfax Media and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This research has been done on the editorials published in The Australian and The Financial Review. The two newspapers are direct com petitors and they both have covered the incident in two different lights, and provided different conclusions (Briton, 2015). The Australian Rachel Baxendale covered the 7-Eleven fraud for The Australian newspaper in 2015. She is a press gallery journalist from Canberra, works for The Australia and was a part of the Melbourne Bureau. The Australians first publication came out in 1964. From the beginning, they were running at a lost for many decades and struggled for economic feasibility. The Australian is owned by News Corp Australia, who reaches out to the audience by using print, web and mobile modes. They own more than 140 newspapers and 100+ publications. It was established in 1923 by James Davidson. The paper publishes articles focused on aboriginal issues, IT, defense and mining businesses. They cater to general public and pays attention to social, political and economic matters. The paper publishes news, which are influenced mostly by political conditions instead of social ones. They pay attention to the five Ws and H of article writing while publishing their news to maintain the audience attention towards the piece of writing (The Australian, 2016). However, they have been plagued with accusations of being biased against the labor administrations because of their repeated criticizing of the labor governments decision to introduce carbon duties and other mitigation measures. They imposed their viewpoints with specific reporting and opinion piecesthat emphasizes their outlook only. In the context of the 7-Eleven incident the journalist could keep up both the coveted objectivity and points of view. She has done her best to present interchanging views of the scene by approaching with the perspectives of both the informer and the charged and let the perusers for themselves choose who was right and who wasn't right. Rather than forcing her own particular judgment, she had given the episodes a chance to talk for themselves. The columnist has separated herself from the article to such an extent that she could accomplish objectivity in the depiction of the occasions pithily. In doing so she has presented the idea that the head office and the management where unaware of what was going on with the employees at the stores ("The buck stops with us: 7-Eleven", 2015). Newspapers are the representation of the society. It is also the connection between the society and the events occurring in different parts of the world. Therefore, it is imperative that the newspapers maintain proper ethics while publishing their articles and news pieces. In addition, they ought to be free from biases and affiliations of any sort. Improper message conveyed to the masses might result in the wrong idea about the issue, and that can create conflicts (Muller, 2014). The Financial Review Adele Ferguson, a renowned, multi-award winning columnist and journalist for leading newspapers in Australia, has written this report on 7-Eleven wage abuse case. She has a reputation of being a very respectable commentator and investigator. With a journalism career spanning more than 20 years and being the reason behind several scandal exposes in the corporate sector, Ferguson is revered by her contemporaries and loathed by some for being one of the most influential journalists of her times. She kicked off her journalism career with The Advertiser and throughout her career has kept on targeting the skeletons in the closets. She is part of the Melbourne Press Club and has won several awards including the Gold Quill and Gold Kennedy awards. From 2009 she is continuing her association with the Fairfax Media, owner of the Financial Review ("Adele Ferguson Journalist Author", 2016). Fairfax Media publish the Financial Review, six days a week. The newspaper started in 1951 as a weekly and within 12 years became a daily. The newspaper focuses specially on finance, investment and business news. The original owner of Fairfax Media was John Fairfax and his family. The company has been in business for over 180 years and has kept the masses informed and connected. They have a portfolio of websites, applications and online news sites. They have arrayed into metropolitan, regional, agricultural news publishing ("Financial Review - Business, Finance and Investment News | afr.com", 2016). The newspaper is known for its transparent presentation of facts, and also for being unbiased towards incidents of any kind. It employs journalists who are famous for being straight forward, inquisitive and investigative. They follow the latest trends and never back away from taking risks regarding publishing controversial topics. They focus on research and innovation, and aim to publish articles that would cater to readers from different domain. The main domain they focus on is financial and economic issues. The article on 7-Eleven written by Adele Ferguson focuses specifically on the details and facts of the scam and traces the developments of the incidents only. She has interacted with the victims and had extracted information directly from the horses mouth. She has focused majorly on the vital points and has described the key elements and how they have worked together to end up in the most horrible fraud of the decade. Her article substantiates its claims with accurate facts and figures. She has drawn justified conclusions and has made clear justifications regarding the incidents ill effects. Her article says that the 7-Eleven franchise owners and people at the head office had an idea about what was going on at the stores ("7-Eleven: Wage abuse claims puts scrutiny on Fair Work response", 2015). Daily papers are the representation of the general public. It is additionally the association between the general public and the occasions happening in various parts of the world. Hence, it is basic that the daily papers keep up appropriate morals while distributed their articles and news pieces. Likewise, they should be free from inclinations and affiliations of any kind. Shameful message passed on to the masses may bring about the wrong thought regarding the issue, and that can make clashes (Christians et al., 2015). Conclusion The daily papers assume an extremely fundamental part in today's general public since its obligation is to give the events that straightforwardly or in a roundabout way impacts the life of each individual abiding in the general public. As noted before, they mirror the occurrences that happen in the general public as steadfastly as could be allowed. The assessments communicated by the daily papers can influence the sentiments of its perusers and thus compelling alert ought to be practiced while managing such enormous obligation. On account of The Australian, the correspondent has possessed the capacity to accomplish proficient objectivity by exhibiting the points of view of both the informer and the blamed leaving the judgment in the hands of the general population. Then again, the AFR has displayed the occasions precisely by taking the assistance of important figures and information that substantiate the cases made by both the gatherings. The correspondent has made advocated inferenc es in the interest of general society and has clarified the unfairness that the workers at last endured. Keeping in mind the two editorials, it can be understood the article published in The Australian is influenced by the political environment and are biased towards their affiliated political party. On the other hand, The Financial Review has approached in an unbiased manner and has presented with a more to-the-point article, providing with accurate facts about the event. Therefore, it is evident from my understanding the article published in The Financial Review is reliable and free from political influence. References 7-Eleven: Wage abuse claims puts scrutiny on Fair Work response. (2015). Financial Review. Retrieved 28 September 2016, from https://www.afr.com/business/retail/fmcg/7eleven-wage-abuse-claims-puts-scrutiny-on-fair-work-response-20150830-gjavxh Adele Ferguson Journalist Author. (2016). Adeleferguson.com. Retrieved 28 September 2016, from https://www.adeleferguson.com/ Benier, K., Wickes, R. (2015). The effect of ethnic diversity on collective efficacy in Australia.Journal of Sociology, 1440783315599595. Briton, B. (2015). 7-Eleven scandal: The tip of a low-wage iceberg.Guardian (Sydney), (1705), 1. Christians, C. G., Fackler, M., Richardson, K., Kreshel, P., Woods, R. H. (2015).Media ethics: Cases and moral reasoning. Routledge. Financial Review - Business, Finance and Investment News | afr.com. (2016). Afr.com. Retrieved 28 September 2016, from https://www.afr.com/ Muller, D. (2014).Journalism Ethics for the Digital Age. Scribe Publications. Sivaraman, G., Turner, P. (2016). The 7-Eleven wages scandal: The need for law reform.Precedent (Sydney, NSW), (135), 53. The Australian. (2016). The Australian. Retrieved 28 September 2016, from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ The buck stops with us: 7-Eleven. (2015). The Australian. Retrieved 28 September 2016, from https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/the-buck-stops-with-us-says-7eleven-chairman-russ-withers/news-story/c446f2f834f4b72748c630a0944ec6b4

The Inquisitorial System of Criminal Justice free essay sample

This paper details the debate over the proposal to introduce the inquisitorial system of justice used in the European Union to Britain. This paper is an in-depth examination of the key arguments in the debate currently going on in Britain over whether or not to replace its adversarial system of justice and replace it with the inquisitorial system of justice now used in the European Union. The paper begins by defining both the adversarial and inquisitorial systems of justice. It then presents arguments in support of the Inquisitorial Model including that the system promotes equality; decreases miscarriages of justice; seeks to find the truth; argues that the judges in the adversarial system are poorly trained while its judges are chosen on merit. The author then presents their arguments against the use of the Inquisitorial Model and makes the following points about the inquisitorial system including that it ignores human dignity; that it will cause false imprisonment; argues that the European Union will be allowed to prosecute British Citizens and will therefore render British Law powerless; argues that it will l ead to the destruction of the Magna Carta and finally, argues that the system can be costly. We will write a custom essay sample on The Inquisitorial System of Criminal Justice or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The author then presents a final evaluation of the materials presented and details their own conclusions as to which system is better suited for use in Britain. Opponents of implementing the inquisitorial system argue the efficacy of the adversarial system. These opponents note that there are clear advantages to the current British system which include. The right of Habeas Corpus (that the accused must be taken to a public court within a very short period of time, usually 24 hours, and the accusers must produce their evidence then and there. The right to Trial by Jury at which jurors can in fact even disregard the law if they think it would give an unjust conviction. The jurors are thus sovereign. If found innocent, the accused cannot be tried again on the same charge. (Corpus Juris and the Effect on British Common Law Rights)

The Power of Fuel Cells essays

The Power of Fuel Cells essays As the scientific world progresses and the over-consumption of fossil fuels continues, scientists, environmentalists, and businessmen alike seek alternate forms of energy production and usage. One such alternative is viable through fuel cells. Fuel cells can power cars, trucks, and buses without emitting harmful tailpipe emissions. Such vehicles will be cleaner and more energy efficient than those powered by an internal combustion engine. Fuel cells also may provide energy to factories and homes without creating smokestack pollution. They offer significant improvements in energy efficiency as they remove the intermediate step of combustion and mechanical devices such as turbines and pistons. Unlike conventional systems, their high efficiency is not compromised by small sizes. Fuel cell cogeneration plants have demonstrated unprecedented reliability and durability that is significantly better than conventional competitive equipment. The absence of combustion and moving parts means tha t fuel cells can run continuously for long periods of time before servicing and that they are far less prone to breakdown or forced outages. A number of fuel cell systems operating in "real world" commercial conditions have run continuously at full power for more than a year and over thirty have exceeded six months. One of the most exceptional qualities about fuel cells is that they promote energy security as they can use hydrogen derived from a variety of sources, including methane, propane, coal, and renewables such as biomass or, through electrolysis, wind and solar energy. In fact, hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, most commonly found on earth as H2Owater. Hydrogen is also the fuel of choice for energy-efficient fuel cells. Furthermore, hydrogen boasts many important advantages over other fuels: it is non-toxic, renewable, clean to use, and packs much more energy per pound. In a fuel cell, hydrogen gas from the fu...

AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT - Term Paper Example This rise in air traffic negatively affects the normal operations of the air traffic organizations. For instance, the air traffic congestion can significantly threaten the aircrafts safety which is the ultimate aim of the civil aviation authorities and airlines around the world. The safety of the aircraft is the primary concern for any airline and the civil aviation authority as it contains hundreds of passengers at a time. Upon accident, the aircraft will be destroyed however, with it hundreds of lives will also be lost. This aspect makes the air traffic flow a top priority and concern for the civil aviation authorities around the world. Though there are various independent factors that affect an aircraft resulting into the loss of lives. Prominent ones are: natural disasters or causes, technological fault developed in the aircraft, human error by pilot or the air traffic controller, human error by the engineering maintenance staff before giving the clearance for take-off, communication and related barriers that limit the understanding and comprehension of pilots and air traffic control officers, etc. Barnier and Brisset (2002) undertook a research to devise a strategy to increase the capacity of airspace apart from reducing the challenges that the Air Traffic Controllers have to face while handling unlimited number of flights landing and taking-off every minute. Furthermore, Barnier and Brisset (2002) focused on the dire need of the airlines to cut down their operational costs by receiving faster clearances to land or take-off which consumes their most of the flights time. They focused on the Air Traffic Flow Management (AFTM) technique to resolve this problem that the European Air Traffic Flow Management has to encounter every day. Since 1960, more than hundred aircrafts have met a fatal accident in the United States alone. There are various factors that were involved in these accidents. However, air traffic controllers play the most significant

Passing by Nella Larsen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Passing by Nella Larsen - Essay Example The selection and the portrayal of the thematic issues in the novel just as is the case with many other types of literature relies on the selection of the literary elements as the below analysis of Passing portrays. Key among the literary elements is the use of first person narration in the novel. A voice is always essential in a novel since the author adopts a particular voice in conveying his or her message through the plot. In the Passing, the author adopts the first person narration technique. The author narrates the story through the experiences of the lead character, Irene Redfield. Living in the Harlem area of New York, Irene Redfield is a mixed race woman who strives to integrate in the racial discriminate American society at the time. The story in the novel thus recounts he life and experiences of Irene Redfield and her numerous white and African American friends as they face numerous challenges. The action in the novel opens up with Irene receiving a letter from her long lost friend, Clare Kendry. The letter reminds her of their times together and the experiences they had in the city. The author of the novel therefore stylistically transfers her audience back into the history of the characters through a literary device known as flash back. Irene remembers her relationship with Clare the two women are both of mixed ancestry. They therefore underwent similar treatments by the society. Their passionate friendship broke soon after Clare’s father died since she went to live with her aunt in a different state. The separation implied that the two would grow up differently (Wall 101). As such, they became two different women a feature in the novel that validates the tension that Irene experiences once she receives the letter. The flashback is a strategic literary device that the author employs deliberately with the view of providing an adequate platform for comparison. Just as the name suggests and the plot of the novel portrays,