Thinking global

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Globalization was born when James Watt became interested in the technology of steam engines. Machinery inventions standardized processes all along the industries of the world. These industries made products for consumers and learning mechanisms affected in the same way an American than a Swedish, an Indian than a Brazilian. People got closer in culture and habits; customers became cheaper for production and delivery.

Globalization helps developed countries to growth even faster but differences between perception of poor and rich increase too. Production gets delocalized and climbs thanks to economies of scale.

In my opinion, information technologies are taking part of this globalization process. There are even changing it into a new global era. Access to information is getting so easy for population that not only products and services are spreading but also knowledge.

One the consequences I can recognize is a good new for these statements that support the idea we are unifying cultures and forgetting traditional values and even our own personalities. This good new already has a name: glocalization. After a significant time of high levels of consumption, demand curve is going further down from supply global markets in terms of knowledge. This shared knowledge is fragmenting the information into many smaller needs that increase our consumption: we are more open to new experiences. Easier geographical mobility (better infrastructures and low prices), environment awareness and the current economical crisis are helping products and services going local, going back to roots. Countries find in tourism and travelling a good opportunity to show their culture–say their brand– and local firms and businesses are taking advantage in this new market.

From organizational design point of view, the workplace is changing as well as the working method itself. Analysis and control are losing their effects because of fast changes happened in the economy. It is also easier to get knowledge.  Flexibility and soft skills are now more important for management.

Is a globalized world killing cultures? Many people would answer “yes” but as I exposed, there are several advantages, and better-said economic advantages, which we could no avoid. We should no avoid.

Globalization is going local.