What is Globalization?

Globalization can be described as a process by which the people of the world are unified into a single society.
This process is a combination of economic, technological, sociocultural and political forces

Pros and Cons about Globalization

Are there real downsides or is it just a matter of perception and left-party lobbying? Is globalization going to improve a lot of things for a lot of humans or is it quite the opposite? As mostly, it depends on who you ask but one thing remains true ... whoever ask about globalization can just provide a biased statement — his personal point of view on the matter.

Downside of Globalization

Yes because /me got fired (or shall I say replaced) by an Indian guy (CEOs still believe that is the only way to be loved by shareholders). Actually my whole department — a mixture of Europeans and Americans got replaced. A sad story? No! I left NSN (Nokia Siemens Networks) on Tuesday and started at my new job two days later. The new one is way better anyways.

Well, the more I think about it, the more I think those who can adapt to new circumstances quickly are going to be on top whatever wave comes at them at any times anyway — others will struggle no matter what the wave is called.

So far for my individual experience. There is of course the big picture which I have not event started to talk about. Take the continuing rise in air traffic for example and the bad effects on nature that goes with it as one major downside of globalization.

Next thing — prosperity for all ... Haha ... Yeah right. The only thing that I agree with pretty much anyone on — student or CEO — is the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. Middle class is dying. I especially sad about this development since I grew up in a middle class environment. It was a typical Austrian family — we did not need to starve but we could also not afford luxury goods. From my current point of view this was the greatest gift I ever got. It made me strong, single minded and hard working but still provided me with the opportunity that could go to a technical university and finish it successfully. It made me what I am and I am proud of it — especially my parents who always worked hard in order to make sure that me and my brother could get good education. Mom, Dad you guys rock!

Knowledge is power.
      — Sir Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626)

Back to topic. I guess while third or second world countries might benefit from globalization, the so-called first world (western Europe for example) is going to suffer. Whatever, that is the way it is going to be. I never needed much so I am not going to suffer nor curse globalization. I leave it to this for now ... but there are a lot more bad things that come with globalization that is for sure.

Positive Aspects about Globalization

Globalization also has its good effects. For example, folks become much more open minded since teams become more and more multi-national. Also working habits changed a lot during the last decade or so — now teams are spread across the globe and thus need to use appropriate tools to coordinate themselves.

I figured having changed working habits is a benefit (at least to my lifestyle) since I can make use of collaboration tools that I am used to anyways. Using such tools like for example mailing lists, MUC (Multi User Chat) etc. is what I like a lot (this certainly roots into my FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) history. So, the good thing from my point of view is that I do not have to adapt to others life-work style but actually others are forced to change theirs towards what I am used to since years anyways. Very nice! ;-]

That was a very limited description and totally not about indications for anyone other than me i.e. the society in general. Actually I have not thought about that yet. Will do. I promise ...

How to take Advantage of Globalization