Globalization: Stages, Implications, and Agents of Change
GLOBALIZATION, STAGES AND IMPLICATIONS
In recent years, the concept of globalization has become increasingly prevalent in political and business discussions. Globalization signifies that we are progressively living in an interconnected world, where individuals, groups, and nations are becoming more interdependent. Although economic forces are a fundamental aspect of globalization, they are not the sole drivers. Globalization arises from the convergence of political, social, cultural, and economic factors, primarily propelled by advancements in information and communication technologies.
Factors Contributing to Globalization
We need to highlight the advancements in information technology and communication, as well as economic and political factors.
Progress in Information Technology and Communications
Significant technological advancements have occurred, particularly in the telecommunications infrastructure worldwide. Currently, homes and offices have multiple connections to the outside world: telephone, fax, digital or cable television, electronic mail, and the Internet. The Internet has emerged as the fastest-growing communication tool in history.
The Flow of Information
The expansion of information technology has facilitated the flow of information about people and events in distant locations. This global perspective has two important dimensions. First, as members of a global community, people increasingly recognize that social responsibility extends beyond national borders. Second, individuals, in shaping their own identities, increasingly look to sources beyond the nation-state. For instance, people in Scotland and the Basque Country may identify as Scottish or Basque, respectively, or simply as Europeans, rather than British or Spanish. The nation-state as a source of identity is diminishing in many areas.
Economics
The foundation of the global economy is dominated by weightless and intangible activities. The weightless economy revolves around products based on information, such as software, media, and online services. Many economies operate through networks that transcend national boundaries, leading to concepts like the post-industrial society, information society, and knowledge economy.
Multinational Corporations
Among the many factors driving economic globalization, the role of multinational corporations is particularly significant. These companies provide goods or services sold in multiple countries. They are market-oriented and focused on comprehensive earnings. Global chains often refer to the increasingly globalized manufacturing process, which involves global networks of labor and production processes that result in a finished product.
The electronic economy is another factor underpinning economic globalization. Banks, corporations, and investors can transfer funds across the globe with a simple click. However, this also carries significant risks, as a financial collapse in one part of the world can have far-reaching consequences for distant economies.
Political Changes
The third driving force of contemporary globalization is related to political change. This change involves different aspects: First, the collapse of Soviet Communism: the former Soviet bloc countries are approaching political and economic systems of Western stamp. This development marked the end of the system that existed during the Cold War, in which First World countries were removed from the Second World. A second important factor is the growth of forms of international and regional government. The UN and the EU are prominent examples. Finally, globalization is being driven by intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international-type. An intergovernmental organization is an entity established by the participating governments and gives responsibility to regulate or supervise a particular area of activity is international in scope. International NGOs are not linked to governments but are independent organizations working with government agencies in policy making and dealing with international problems.INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL AGENTS CHANGE: A change agent is a controller that provides a different perspective on a situation and challenges the status quo. We can distinguish three types of agents: “Agents of foreign exchange: they are temporary employees of the organization ( lasts until the process). At the end of change, change agent returns to the home office. It is a private consultant who has training and experience in the behavioral sciences. It is contacted by the organization. – Agents of internal change: is an individual who works for an organization who knows something about your problem. It is a newly appointed executive administrator or by an organization.- Agents of internal-external change: combination of both agents. Includes designate an individual or small groups within the organization to serve with the external agent