Introduction 1.doc

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Introduction

The concept of giving or receiving gifts is highly universal. Even though people

hardly think or wonder why gifts are exchanged, gifts by their very nature, one of the most

interestingly common object that we find across different cultures.

Gift in law is a voluntary transfer of property from one person to another, without

any compensation for it, and without any obligation of an agreement or contract. To dig a

bit deeper, we can refer to gifts as something, the possession of which and transferred toanother without the exception or receipt of an equivalent.

The two major actions performed with gifts involve its exchange from one party toanother giving and receiving gifts. These two actions are strongly correlated with the

motivation involved in exchanging gifts is a voluntary transfer of property, it mentally

involves logical, emotional, social, personal, or traditional reasons and values. To betterunderstand the concern of exchanging gifts, we need to understand motivation. !otivtion

is a goal" directed behavior. #ome human activity can be best explained by postulating an

inner directing device. $ device could well be an innate biological mechanism thatdetermines our activity. %hen motivation is taken under consideration, the view mentality,

and bias of individuals comes into focus. The analyses of motivations shows what exists

inside ourselves"our rudeness, honesty, sincerety, integrity, greed, love, affection and so

on.

The motivation for offering gifts might show how generous or considerable person

is, but at the same time it would also be an evidence of a person selfishness or narrowmindness. &t almost covers a person in a good or bad portfolio. &n short, exchanging cover

some sides of the human nature.

Objective and Methodology of Research

This report has been facilitated with a research, which constituted better primary

and secondary data collection. 'or the primary data, questionnaire comprising eightquestions were prepared which dealt with the institution factors that induce people toward

giving and receiving gifts. 'or secondary data, various &nternet web sites were searched.

(ence this reports has not only been wanted to responses of the people being surveyed, buthas extended by discussing the historical impacts and cross"cultural considerations relating

to the concepts of exchanging gifts.

The primary reason for selecting such a topic was to find out what people think

about gifts. )urs is a synthetic society. The lifestyle, living norms, thoughts and feelingsare mostly synthetic or artificial. )ur point or inquiry is that whether the concept of gifts is

a just a social formality, a confused action being performed, )ur point of focus is to derivewhat people think, in today*s world about the plan or expectations of a gift.


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Ancient Gift Giving Thoughts

The concept of exchanging gifts started centuries back. $lthough it is not clearwhen and how specifically started, what we know for certain is that the concept appeared

from the need to give something special to the rich the kings, queens, lords and the barons

.&n that regard we could argue that gifts in ancient times where more like a tax, levy, orboth given periodically to earn satisfaction of the powerful. Gifts were, however, also

exchanged on birthdays, marriage days, ceremonies, anniversaries, and so on. &n fact, the

concept like rich"poor, master"servant developed as early as four thousand years ago,which also initiated the custom that one gives wealth to the wealthy and keeps their flow of

rich, power, and dominance. (ence gifted were offered to the powerful, to the dominant.

The gifts received were used to run empires, states, and maintain the expenses. #ince this

was a collectively mandatory trend, what motivated such gift giving and not very clear .+ut it was undoubtedly a symbol of obedience and gratitude towards the higher authority.

&n course of time, cultural significance and sound and cultural viewpoints towards

exchanging gifts have changed. Today, gift giving has become a part of sound life as well

as an art.

Culture and Gift Giving Thoughts

Gift giving is a prevalent social custom in hina in all works of life. &n family and

in significant relationships, in dealing with political authority, social institutions andbusiness people. +ecause of that, from an ethical perspective, it is very difficult to know

when it is proper too exchange a gift, what sort of gift is appropriate, or what social

obligation gift giving imposes.

Gift giving to another individual is a means of expressing respect and honor. Gifts

express good will and gratitude, and in many ways can be considered a dynamic form of-social contracting-. &n dealing withes a hinese delegation, into leader should review a

better gift that the subordinates. )ne often must proceed by trial and error however,

exchanging equivalent gifts is not a bad rule of thumb a meal for a meal, a pen for a pen,

etc. To avoid bribery, it is important to focus upon whether, through the gift, one is askingone party or other to engage in behavior that is not an integral or legitimate part of the set

of transactions at hand, which is the cause of the meeting in the first place. $ social custom

such as gift giving expresses deeper socially embraced behavioral ideas and norms ofmutuality between people. /roper social knowledge represents the ability to align

behavioral patters with cultural logic.

Occasions for Giving Gifts

These days many events arise during the year which can initiate us to other gifts"

birthdays, ceremonies, anniversaries, mothers- day, fathers- day, friendship-s day,valentine-s day, etc. These trends of exchanging gifts are sometimes a tradition an

expression of feelings and unsaid words. &f we were asked to classify the occasions of gift

giving to the reasons of giving, they would form the following successive.

Ceremonies 0birthdays, marriages, get together, etc12 to wish future happiness and


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prosperity.

CongratulatingTo encourage and appreciate for audacious efforts.

Days0mothers- day, fathers- day, friendship day, valentine-s day, etc 12 to show care and

develop the existing relation.

No specific occasion %hen occasions are the needed to express feelings.

Planning the Gift

%hatever the occasion might be, the giver usually takes much effort is planning and

designing the gifts. ultural pressures, attempts to meet expectations, or perhaps simply adesire to be loved by others can be powerful motivations to spend beyond our means.

(owever, before we go to the shop to select a gift, we should consider the bellowing2

0i1 Take control of your spending2 %e must keep in mind our budget, as well as the

expectations of these to whom we offer our gifts. The occasion also plays a significant rolein deciding whether our gifts would be too expensive or not. God does love a cheerful

giver, but we must give, as we love made up our minds not under compulsion.

0ii1 se the plan your gift giving guide2 %e must not look at catalogues or go window"

shopping for gift ideas. &nstead, we can begin by thinking about the person to whom wewant to give. %e must think about the message we would like for our gift to communicate.

The best gifts are the ones that share our time and talents the ones that truly expresses the

love and commitment we have made to the family, friends, and our community.

0iii1 Consider the values gift bring2 the gift we share say something about the values we

hold dear. %e must consider what we are trying to say to the ones we offer our gifts. The

best method is to use our value judgments by positioning ourselves in place of the ones weare giving our gift. )bviously, one cannot always give the same sort of gifts to their

parents as they may give to their spouses.

0iv1 !o not let your hearts be troubled2 %e can make a list of the things about gift giving

that we find frustrating or troubling. %e can give our own conscience time to be heard. %e

can consider ways we can bring comfort to ourselves.

0v1 "hare #ith others2 %e can discuss our feelings with household members and friends.

%e can look for other people in our community who wants to rectify their gift giving

habits.

Analysis of the Research $uestionnaire

'ollowing is the analysis of the set of questions that the respondents were requested

to answer in the questionnaire. 'or this section, the reader can follow the Appendix, where

the responses to the research questions have been represented with visual aids.


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Ques # 1 %hy do you give gifts3

$ccording to the research responses, more than half of the respondents 045 out of 661replied that they offer gifts because they want to express something through it. The biggest

minor group says they follow it is a custom 047 respondents1, may be they do not give giftswillingly from their hearts, or they are bounded by the custom. The other minor groups

respond that gift is expectation of something in return o r an investment, or it is a matter to

be in the flow. )nly 478 never think why they do so, this is either they are very much

assorted with the culture or they do it whimsically following others. 0/lease follow theAppendix Table &, fig. no.41

Ques # 2)n what occasions do you give gifts3

!ost of the respondents replied that the occasion on which they give gifts is not

fixed. &t could be anytime, any day, anywhere. The other occasions of ceremoniescongratulations, and days 0fathers* day, mothers* day, friendship day, valentine*s day etc1

have 9:8, 9:8, 4;8 respectively. #o gifts are given merrily whenever people fell like.

0/lease follow the Appendix Table &&, fig. no. 91

Ques # 3 %hat sort of gift do you enjoy giving most3

< 4 %hy do you give gifts3

Everyone else is giving, to be in flow 9 =8

&t is a custom, & follow it 47 678

&n expectation of something in return 4 68

& want to express something 45 :98

& never think why & >. 6 478


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&f someone gets a very expensive gift it is sure to think or twist it a little. +ut now

only half of them, 4: out of 67 said they care the giving, gift is not important. = thinkcritically and have practical bias. $nother = think it more business way, they start planning

to give something in return. $nd only 6 develop the relation, they are price oriented.

0/lease follow the Appendix Table B, fig. no. :1

Ques # ?o you accept gifts from strangers3

/eople who take things from strangers are benefit oriented. autious and alert

people, = out of 67 do not like strangers offering gifts. (owever, 4: people say it depends

on situation. This includes trials and free packs, from companies. #o, we can interpret thatpeople do not take gifts from known people bearing some motivation. Taking a gift can be

the honor reply that the giver gives us. +ut people do take from unknowns. &t is not

terrifyingF 0/lease follow the Appendix Table B&, fig. no.=1

Ques # ! %hat are the most pleasant gifts3


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TrueF /eople have expectations for gifts, but it is not easy to admit it. (ence 49 people

responded that they do get hurt sometimes. ; people said often, where 4 person saidalways, which is rather genuineness. This kind of confession is appreciating.46 people said

they never bother about it. 0/lease follow the Appendix Table B&&&, fig. no. I1

Reco''endations for "uccessful Gift Giving

$fter analying the feedbacks from the questionnaire, we recommend that a gift

giver should consider the following2

4. Give gifts of the receiver*s choice.9. Try to know the receiver*s expectations and comply to it.

6. ?o not always focus on obligations, but express the thoughts and feelings that

come into mind giving a gift.;. $ccept cheerfully what ever you get, the giving is the most important, what

material is given is earthly, and we must think beyond that.

:. ?o not offer gifts when you do not feel like it is a burden in the heart.=. $ smile is the best wrapping for a gift. #o smile when you give or receive a gift.

That makes it worth.

Conclusion

Gifts are always special to us. They bring fun, happiness, and enjoyment in our

lives. (owever, sometimes gift may also appear to us as a burden. #ometimes, gift giving

is made without any prior plans. ?ifferent people have different views and motivationabout exchanging gifts. $ll these possibilities have been approached in the researched.

+ased on the research some recommendations have also been made.


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Introduction 1.doc