Globalization And Implications

Hi. Let’s talk on globalization.

To some people globalization is a jargon . Globalization is interpreted differently to deferent people. Of course this is normal because people ‘sees’ it from the context he or she is in. I looked in Oxford dictionary to get general meaning about global and it means “the whole world”. Well, we all understand, all countries encompass the whole world, then how come globalization is defined as “world without border”? Does border ceased to exist? Do Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the rest have no border? Of course no. We are not talking about geographical border – borders define the sovereignty of a country. You see, the word border symbolize barrier. Think what happen when you across border, who do you, meet? immigrations, custom, police – you have to pass through to all these people; and these I mean as barrier. This may discourage you to go to other country. Beside people, distance can be considered as physical barrier. What happened if these barriers can be removed? Of course mobility of people and goods will be greatly increased. Globalization is about mass flow of people and goods (tangible) and information (intangible) currency (can be physical and cyber).

So, globalization is related to mobility, from perspective of medicine, we talk about the spread of diseases (remember H1N1 spread?). From perspective of International Business, it can be referred products, capitals, services and labor. And we can define globalization as increase mobility of goods, capital, labor and services that transact to various countries.

In the era of globalization we experience change; some may benefit and some in forms of consequences. Agree? Well, it depends on which lens you are looking to. I think it is good to discuss this issue as a starting point. Let’s hear from you now. You are free to leave your opinion.

Regards

Noordin Yahaya

Brunei Darulsalam a country I love to see

Well, I was able to take a snap on Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien, a prominent landmark in Brunei. I have the opportunity to snap this photo on May 09 when I presented paper at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Well, whatdo you think?

Here is another great view - The Empire Hotel, A 5 Star Hotel

Is Culture a Liability?

A study of culture give rise of entity or behaviour a given group. This is in line with the definition which is simplified as set of values, practices, behaviors, attitudes, believes etc. - which is accepted collectively by group of people. This has become identity belong to a group. In return, one has sense of belonging to a given group. Don’t tell me you are not proud belonging to single ethnic group.
With so many groups in existence one can find many cultures in different geographical areas. If one have to cross to another group, one has to adapt or assimilate to the culture of a new group in order to be accepted. Such action is called acculturation.

Imagine there are nearly 200 countries all over the world which mean 200 national cultures. Business can be interpreted as transactions which in reality can be accomplish if customer trust you and they are willing to accept you be part of their family if you practice their culture or, at least respect their culture (but in return they accept you but of course not fully).

To anthropologist the existence of various cultures mean an opportunity to explore and understand the beauties of variety of cultures. Heh! quite interesting, don’t you? But to international business this can be a nightmare. Imagine you are dealing with various nationalities, which mean various cultures. Since culture is such a complex entity due to existence of subcultures within national cultures, further you have to understand there are many countries you have to deal with; don’t you think it is a great risk? Think about how you can adjust to different culture – learning their language, understand their religion, be part of their ritual and many more.

On the other hand, think if you can master various cultures – there are a lot of business opportunity that you can grab. In addition to this, in the era of globalization your firm can easily become internationalize – just create a web page and there you go you are exposing your firm to international market – more market opportunities.

Well, I'll  throw out this issue for you to think about.

Regards

Noordin Yahaya