The World Has Changed

Has your perspective changed with it?

Globalization, by definition, is the expansion and intensification of the flow of goods, people,  ideas and cultures across national boundaries.  It is threatening to some, perceived by many as an opportunity, and to others it is just a fact.  No matter what your opinion, most would agree that, in its current state, globalization has changed the world dramatically - maybe more than at any time since the Industrial Revolution.

A new era of global supply chains is revolutionizing the service and IT industries and continues to drive the location of manufacturing jobs. This revolution has been supercharged by the convergence of technology, political and economic reforms in formerly socialist countries.  Consequently, a massive new wave of bright, talented and ambitious workers has entered a playing field that finally has been leveled (flattened) for them.  Thomas Friedman’s bestseller, The World is Flat, is one of many new books that have brought these changes into the public consciousness.

Emerging nations, like India and China, have opened up to world markets, at least partially, and taken the world by a storm. Most multinational corporations now feel the need to have a “Chindia” strategy in order to compete. These two giants have positioned themselves to become two of the largest economies in the world, with the political clout that goes with it.

Other emerging nations are gaining economic status, as they are able to plug in more easily to this new paradigm. 

However, not all share in the success of globalization.  Understanding the nature of

this latest trend, and its sustainability, is important  to making strategic decisions about investments of time and capitalin these nations.  Furthermore, knowledge of the backgrounds and culture of people of different nations is essential to collaborating or competing effectively.

Whether viewing these changes as a race, an opportunity, or just a fact, navigating this new world requires context.  Knowledge is power, especially in today’s information world.  Those with a global perspective will be able to think differently about problems or opportunities that come about when working across cultures and political boundaries.