Technology and globalisation

Introduction

The word 'globalisation' is widely used. This chapter will help you understand globalisation and the ways in which our communities are becoming more connected with each other and the world. Globalisation is identified by several things: the role of technology in making our lives more connected (like use of the internet at home and at work), the economic changes in world trade and the global share market, the rise in global awareness of human rights issues (such as in Africa and countries with civil unrest), and the need for global cooperation between countries. Globalisation also involves movement and global flows of people (global workers or labour), information, goods and services (like health). See image 1

No community stays the same

Globalisation implies that communities of people are constantly changing and experiencing change. On a simple level, we can see that defined populations of people (like a rural community or an urban multicultural community) experience change in employment, social life and living conditions. Globalisation affects the way people work, live, and consume, so it is changing the social organisation of our lives and communities. Globalisation has affected work. Many of us now work from home or travel far away from our place of residence for work. We now use the internet and other forms of communication technology for a variety of purposes: shopping, entertainment, share trading and business operation, email communication, and research. Doing these things 'online' is improving our time efficiency and is linking us more and more with the world. It is as if space and time are not limited in the 'shared space' of the 'global community'. This change in our daily lives is often called the 'global village' or the 'information superhighway'.

Globalisation of technology and the media

As stated, the internet is one very important communication and information tool, which is changing our lives and communities (internet use is over 58 per cent). Technology has truly 'gone global'. Most homes and businesses are connected to the internet, and mobile phone use is widespread. Many people and businesses have purchased a range of new technologies for their telecommunications needs. This includes updated computers, laptops and accessories, and digital TV. Globalisation of the media has occurred with these communication and entertainment devices. Satellite technology informs us of major events, and news and entertainment can now reach remote areas through the internet. See image 2

Economic globalisation, MNCs and world trade

The world of business and the economy has become increasingly global. In time, this will make national economies one big 'world economy'. Some suggest that this will end the political control a country has over its own economic affairs. Large businesses called transnational corporations or multinational corporations (TNCs or MNCs for short), are a clear example of business and economic globalisation. MNCs have the ability to run their business in several countries at the same time to maximise profit. MNCs create many capital flows (money), labour flows (workers) and technology flows between countries. Globalisation and technology has allowed MNCs to greatly expand their business operations across the globe, which has given them greater power and influence over national economies. There are 35 MNCs in Sydney alone, involved in communications, information technology (IT), finance, insurance, banking and oil. MNCs have also spread into services such as law, consulting, accounting and advertising. Importantly, rapid growth in global trade is further evidence of economic globalisation. World trade tends to encourage cooperation between trading countries and helps poorer countries develop their economies. It has also boosted cooperation between countries through global organisations, such as the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the United Nations. See image 3

Global awareness of world issues and the role of NGOs

Many NGOs (non-government organisations) have been critical of the increased power of MNCs under globalisation. Many NGOs, such as Greenpeace (an environmental activist organisation) and Amnesty International (a human rights organisation), have used globalisation and the internet to raise our awareness of global issues, like abuse of human rights (preventing cruelty and accepting refugees), the need to create world peace (ending war) and the need to protect our environment (actions to prevent climate change). NGOs themselves have grown in number and importance due to globalisation and more connected communities. NGOs are popular, because they are usually not-for-profit and they use their funds to help communities. They also monitor global power and ensure it is shared evenly; and that business corporations are operating in a socially responsible manner (like minimum standards for workers in the developing countries and the protection of jobs in local communities).

Globalisation and culture

To a degree, our world communities are sharing culture and ideas. In time, this leads to a form of global culture. In one sense, Australia's multiculturalism is an example of how this happens, where cultures live together and become more integrated. Through globalisation, our own communities are sharing culture with the world through communication, the internet and global cooperation. Cultural exchange is improved by globalisation. Globalisation is ensuring that countries work together in cooperation.China granted us 'approved visitor destination status' (along with New Zealand, Singapore, The Philippines, Korea, Thailand and Malaysia), boosting our tourism. The government-controlled Chinese Central Television recently created a business deal with Brisbane-based Bo Long International, to allow advertising of Australian brands in China. Another result was the televising of Australian sports in China. See animation 1