Wow, the world really is flat....
by Lauren Nemec
Today I finished reading Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat". It's a little funny, considering the date: November 9th, or 11/9. If you've read "The World is Flat", you'll understand the significance of this date. Today marks 18 years since checkpoints were opened along the Berlin Wall, allowing the citizens of East Germany to travel freely into the Western world. Friedman lists this event as one (in fact, as the first) of the 10 forces that has flattened the world. But I digress...
Anyway, for those who don't yet believe that the world is flat, here's an article that might change your mind: "Bangalore butler is latest development in outsourcing".
Global corporations have been looking to India to outsource non-core business operations like software development, human resource management, accounting and customer service. If you've ever had an airline lose your luggage or have needed help with your laptop, it's likely you've spoken with an Indian when calling the company's customer service line.
But now, individuals are starting to look to India for management of their daily tasks. Parents are purchasing tutoring services from India for their school-aged children using VoIP from their computers at home. For busy professionals in big U.S. cities, a personal assistant service in India can schedule appointments, make dinner reservations, provide wake-up calls, book flights, give directions, and even help their clients find love by searching online dating sites for people who match their requirements!
According to the article, this globalization of consumer services will eventually create a market of millions of households in the USA and other countries that will require services "like health and nutrition coaching, personal tax and legal advice, help with hobbies and cooking, learning new languages and skills, and more."
Does that mean when I can't remember an ingredient for my chocolate chip cookies, I can call someone in India and they will be able to help me? Really, the world is flat.
Today I finished reading Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat". It's a little funny, considering the date: November 9th, or 11/9. If you've read "The World is Flat", you'll understand the significance of this date. Today marks 18 years since checkpoints were opened along the Berlin Wall, allowing the citizens of East Germany to travel freely into the Western world. Friedman lists this event as one (in fact, as the first) of the 10 forces that has flattened the world. But I digress...Anyway, for those who don't yet believe that the world is flat, here's an article that might change your mind: "Bangalore butler is latest development in outsourcing".
Global corporations have been looking to India to outsource non-core business operations like software development, human resource management, accounting and customer service. If you've ever had an airline lose your luggage or have needed help with your laptop, it's likely you've spoken with an Indian when calling the company's customer service line.
But now, individuals are starting to look to India for management of their daily tasks. Parents are purchasing tutoring services from India for their school-aged children using VoIP from their computers at home. For busy professionals in big U.S. cities, a personal assistant service in India can schedule appointments, make dinner reservations, provide wake-up calls, book flights, give directions, and even help their clients find love by searching online dating sites for people who match their requirements!
According to the article, this globalization of consumer services will eventually create a market of millions of households in the USA and other countries that will require services "like health and nutrition coaching, personal tax and legal advice, help with hobbies and cooking, learning new languages and skills, and more."
Does that mean when I can't remember an ingredient for my chocolate chip cookies, I can call someone in India and they will be able to help me? Really, the world is flat.
Labels: Globalization, Lauren Nemec
posted by Lauren Nemec at
12:47 PM
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