Globalization

Globalization is defined as the extension of trade, commerce and culture of an economy across different nations. It allows economies to exchange domestic products, services, technologies, ideas and other resources globally.

It facilitates developed nations to make foreign direct investments (FDIs) for utilizing cheaper resources of developing countries. The process increases employment opportunities, productivity, living standards and earnings of emerging economies.

• Globalization is the process of cross-border exchange and free flow of resources between different countries of the world.
• It involves the worldwide integration of technology, ideas, knowledge, capital, human resource and culture.
• Many companies go global or outsource their business operations to reduce their operational cost. Doing this helps in acquiring economical labor and wider resources available in foreign countries.
• Globalization is a crucial concept in economics as it has many pros and cons. It has been criticized for the uneven distribution of wealth and power amongst a few companies, dominating the international market.

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Globalization establishes domestic organizations in foreign countries through the free movement of capital, trade, information, culture, people, etc. Moreover, it is a business expansion phenomenon allowing mobilization of resources amongst nations to ensure their optimum utilization for global growth.

Often domestic markets have limitations like high cost of production, expensive labor, inadequate raw materials, and strict laws. Shifting the business unit to a more economical and resourceful country is often considered more feasible by businesses leading to globalization. When companies step outside of their geographical boundaries, they experience a different culture. International laws usually govern global business units.

The history and origin of globalization can be traced back to the 1st century BC when Chinese luxury products made it to Rome using the Silk Road. Later Asia and Europe started importing and exporting silk and spices. However, it was post World War I that global trade was refrained to safeguard the interest of the local traders. Later, the US, after World War II, promoted international trade for boosting the falling global GDP.

After the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the formal infrastructure for cross border trade activities was developed, facilitating the free flow of trade. As a result, in 1989, the global GDP rose to 14%. Since then, many nations have entered into trade agreements and treaties to promote international trade activities.

• Globalization initiates growth and interconnectivity of various sectors across nations. Its essential features include the cross-border connectivity or integration, free trade environment and interdependency of nations.
• In addition, it facilitates global business expansion, cross-culture diversification, lower tariffs and taxes on international business operations.
• Migration of workforce and international investments create job opportunities, enhanced goods and services as well economic development.
• The vast concept of globalization is often explained by classifying into sections by educational instituties and government bodies such as the IMF. The four more major sections include -
  1. trade
  2. capital movement,
  3. movement of people,
  4. dissemination of knowledge.

Let us look at some real-world examples of globalization in different sectors to understand why it is such an important concept in economics.

Globalization in business

With the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations (UN) allowing international trade reforms and agreements on tariffs, it has become easier for the domestic entities to go global. Additionally, due to the FDIs, many companies can now find a firm footing in the international markets.

For instance, this report indicates that by 2028, the global handbag market is expected to reach $78.46 billion. The industry is dominated by renowned global manufacturers like Calvin Klein Inc. and Louis Vuitton Malletier. In addition, the creation of eco-friendly handbags owing to the environmentally conscious consumers has added to the demand spike.

Globalization in Food

When nations connect, they exchange a lot more than the products and services. Food is perhaps one of the strongest segments to have changed due to the interaction of different cultures. People experienced the flavors, cuisines and traditions of other nations, especially through global food chains like McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme. It also led to the fusion of cuisines.

Moreover, the sharing of farming techniques, fertilizers, biotechnology, and agricultural practices among the nations facilitated them to grow non-indigenous crops. Grocery chains such as Walmart have been offering a variety of international food in different nations.

For example, Andean superfood quinoa’s popularity became so intense in American and European countries that their prices went through the roof. As a result, the local people of Bolivia and Peru, where quinoa was a staple food, could no longer afford it.

Globalization in Culture

International cultural fusion has facilitated nations to share their art, music, values, ideas, beliefs, traditions, customs, food, festivals, and languages. Employees and companies operating outside their home country often get exposed to a new culture. The entertainment industry also plays a crucial role in introducing viewers to foreign cultures.

For instance, yoga is considered an Indian tradition, which was anciently confined within the geographical boundaries of India. Today, it is widely practised worldwide for physical and mental well-being. June 21 is observed as the International Yoga Day across the globe, as declared by the United Nations in 2015. Hundreds of countries plan special events for celebrating the day.

Globalization in Technology

Technology is the carrier of development, and it travels from one country to another to upgrade different sectors of the nations. With the emergence of the internet, globalization has reached a new horizon in the field of technology. Since some countries are ahead in technical know-how, it has helped economies solve some of their woes cheaper. For instance: the emergence of 5G technology has been the talk of the town in many countries due to its innovative applications.

• The process opens up new ways for the domestic businesses to transform into multinational companies. Domestic firms gain exposure to new international markets, hire talented and cheaper human resources, access newer raw material at lower costs.
• Moreover, cross-border business operations often result in cultural integration of two nations, along with their language, art, music, food, values, etc. For developing countries, globalization brings in multiple opportunities for employment and monetary gains, improving living standards.
• With higher investments in developing countries, it leads to infrastructural growth, better products and services that initiates economic growth and greater per capita income.
• It also promotes global economic balance, international trade, social justice and diversification globally, bringing nations closer to each other.

While companies go global, they face numerous hurdles such as language barriers, opposition and competition from the local sellers. In addition, global business expansion requires enormous capital investment coupled with risks like legal compliance or political unrest. On the other hand, it is a pitfall for the local entities that lose their customers to foreign products and services.

Other challenges include the immigration of talented personnel from the domestic region to foreign countries. Also, many successful business organizations migrate to other nations. Sometimes, most of these companies belong to a single industry.

When world economies are interconnected, the economic downfall in one nation may affect the functioning of the other countries. Besides, a handful of leading companies rule the world, resulting in uneven distribution of power and wealth. Moreover, it has often increased labor exploitation in developing nations through poor working conditions, low wages and unethical practices.

This has been a guide to what is Globalization in Economics. Here we discuss the top 4 real-life examples of globalization with a detailed explanation. You can learn more about finance from the following articles –

• Top 7 Functions of Financial Markets
• Trade Deficit Definition
• Formula for Balance of Payments
• Contingent Shares Interpretation