Module 7: Ch. 10-13

            Globalization is having different effects on different countries. The countries quickest to act on a level playing field are reaping the greatest benefits while countries that used to have more economic are fading into less significant contributors. Each country has different advantages over the others like location and resources but even one that lacks in some areas can still thrive in others. There is no secret recipe for success, but there are consistencies in the most productive countries that are a good direction to start with. The best strategy sets priority on infrastructure, education, and government.

            First of all, in order to compete in a flat world you have to be flat yourself. Some countries are upgrading their technologies and the way to connect within the country and outside it better than others. Those with the most internet availability and the ability to use it will have an advantage over those that do not. Next, since jobs are being handed out to the lowest bidder, it is better to have more education. Cheap manufacturing jobs and those that require labor but not a lot of brains are going to those with the cheapest prices. The jobs where the money is at are for collaboration and innovation that require more education. The countries with the best education system in place and taking advantage of education available around the world will have an advantage over others. Finally, companies need support getting the resources they need to run a successful business while consumers need help to ensure good prices and business practices. An assertive but not overbearing government will set some countries above the rest. Some governments are only interested in their personal gains while others understand that the right amount of regulation will encourage a strong economy in the country and out.

Globalization 1.0 and 2.0 were top-down systems. The elites in charge chose what everybody got and that was final. Globalization 3.0 gives more power to the individual and the tools to talk back. Consumers are the ones making decisions now. They are the “self-directed consumers.” Rather than walking into a store and taking the only option off the shelf available, now the customer can get exactly what they want from anywhere they want. The flatteners make it easier and cheaper to customize what you buy. The customer can search for other stores nearby that might have a better option, or they can find someone in another country that offers what they want even at a cheaper price. The way they really have power to affect the business they want to deal with is by giving feedback and opinions. The internet has made companies more transparent and easy to track and learn about. It has also made them more accessible and easier to submit feedback or praise which the company may not have though of themselves and incorporate a change into its model.

Other countries will feel the pressure of American culture on them as globalization grows. Globalization is not happening just because of America but Americans are spreading it the fastest. Because we have the freedom to think of new ideas and push our imaginations to the limit, usually it is an outward push of American culture that begins here because we are at the forefront of the global economy. America stands out as the first one to take advantage of it so for a while other countries will adopt more American traits. But, as more people in different cultures get connected and flatten with the rest of the world, it will be easier for them to preserve and spread their culture as well. American culture will be popping up in other countries and more of their culture will be present in America. It will become more balanced out with time.