GLOBALIZATION

Globalization

Globalization

Article 1: Meeting the Challenges of Globalization by Senator Byron Dorgan

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world. In stark contrast with prior times, when countries frequently found themselves in competition with one another (and often at war), globalization reflects their coming together to pursue common goals. This phenomenon is manifest most prominently, though not exclusively, through business. At the same time, however, the development of a world economy and global workplace has been accompanied by a general shift in thinking about social, economic, cultural, and political issues as well (Gregory Mahlon Scott, 2004).

The author's perspective appears that global awareness lies among the current challenges in this era of globalization. Although technology and the Internet have enhanced communication and technology, some people suggest that there is now so much information that it is difficult to filter out extraneous and/or erroneous information in order to identify that which is pertinent.

Global awareness is of particular importance because of the increasing role that companies are playing in global politics through their role in multinational supply chains. Thomas Friedman, author of The Lexus and the Olive Tree and The World Is Flat, argues that the current era of globalization is characterized most significantly by the “flattening” of the world. Countries are no longer defined by their core competencies so much as they have been integrated into worldwide corporate supply chains—of parts, products, processes, services, systems, or labor—where national origin is no longer relevant.

Reflective of the world's recognition of countries'growing interconnectedness and interdependence, numerous agreements and organizations have emerged and continue to influence multinational political, economic, cultural, and social interaction in varying degrees (Gregory Mahlon Scott, 2004).

Governmental Organizations

The first and foremost of these organizations is the United Nations (UN). Established in 1945, the UN is an international organization comprising 200 member states that endeavors to promote cooperation with regard to international law, international security, economic development, social progress, and human rights. Although the effectiveness of the UN is frequently challenged, it remains in existence more than 60 years after its founding (Hartman, 2003).

The Global Compact is one of the UN's more recent initiatives. Officially launched in 2000, the Compact brings companies together with UN agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society in a voluntary effort to promote sustainable and socially responsible business. The Global Compact boasts more than 3,000 member companies from around the world ...