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READ: Its a Flat World After All

T. Friedman (article located in Moodle)

Describe the events and inventions that converged to create flat world. The events leading to the flattening of the world started in the 1990s. The first was the taking down of the Berlin Wall, signifying the world was one, undivided space. Microsoft Windows 3.0 was launched soon afterwards, available to all. Netscape also went public, bringing individuals an Internet browser to access websites, and was able to provide a means of connection and communication to the masses. Expansion in technology led to outsourcing and offshoring practices as well. Open sourcing was introduced as workers could collaborate online, free or charge, to do work. Bringing in other businesses to take care of certain departments for the client was by insourcing. Supply chains were also given the capability to detail the efficiency down to keeping account of the quota at an international level. Informing was one of the major inventions, which allowed any web user to access data via search engines. Wireless access and voice over Internet protocol provided the means to carry on these innovative business tactics at any time or place (Friedman, 2005). Explain what Friedman means by a flat world . A flat world is referring to the fact that due to technology and other innovations, that there is no such thing as culture shock in the world of business. The field is essentially leveled, as countries that did not have financial ability to enhance their technology, skills, and techniques now do, providing more competition for Americans and other Western superpowers (Friedman, 2005). Describe the unique characteristics of Globalization 3.0. The trait that is unique to Globalization 3.0 is the fact that individuals and small groups are globalizing. The force driving Globalization 1.0 was globalization of countries, and Globalization 2.0 was a force driven by company globalization for markets and labor. With Globalization 3.0, individuals are more empowered and compete to seek new opportunities for themselves. In addition, the individuals driving this force are going to be more diverse group consisting of nonwhite, non-Western people versus the Europeans and Americans driving 1.0 and 2.0 Globalizations (Friedman, 2005). Friedman refers to a quiet crisis that is challenging Americas ability to innovate new products and services. Name and explain the three gaps that contribute to the quiet crisis. One of the gaps is the ambition gap. Americans have gradually become more lazy and unmotivated as compared to our hard working Indian or Chinese counterparts. The numbers gap describes the fact that the United States has low numbers of qualified and necessary scientists or engineers. In previous years, that gap may have been smaller by employing foreign workers, though that source has been limited for supposed security precautions. The education gap

terms our lack of options amongst American workers, for many times companies are able to find more qualified prospects internationally (Friedman, 2005). Do you agree or disagree that Americans have an attitude of entitlement? Explain your point of view. I agree that Americans have an attitude of entitlement. The fact that we have welfare programs such as Medicaid and food stamps is great, but instead of addressing the root of the problem, the government simply provides the aid as long as certain criteria are met, and fuels the cycle of laziness. Many other countries do not have such programs, and as a result, those who want to make it far and break free from their limitations (financial, social, etc.) tend to be more driven. Americans on the other hand do not have limitations, therefore are more spoiled. Resources are given too readily. Outsourcing Explain the term outsourcing. Why do companies outsource, e.g., what are the benefits/advantages gained? Outsourcing is when work in the home country is digitized using technology or other means to be linked, divided, and shifted to various geographical locations. Benefits for outsourcing are that the company can save money by outsourcing to a country where cost of labor or services is cheaper than the cost of doing the same work in the home country. Another advantage may be that workers in other countries may be more efficient and/or talented (Friedman, 2005). Friedman, T.L. (2005, April 3). Its a Flat World, After all. The New York Times Magazine, 33-37.