Title:
Can E-Commerce Measure
Globalization?
Abstract: Globalisation
has recently become one of the terms most frequently used in politics,
sociology,
culture, and especially in economy. In international discourses both
official
and non-official in the context of the ‘interdependence’ of economies
and
nations. The word ‘globalisation’ has evolved over time, but it has
assumed
more prominence since the end of the cold war and rapid liberation of
emerging
economies. Globalisation itself is not a new phenomenon, as numerous
processes
of aspiration towards the cooperation and rapprochement of countries
and
continents have been recorded in history. The technological basis of
the
modern globalisation includes the latest accomplishments of the third
technological
revolution: telecommunication systems, the scientific revolution, new
forms
of transport, the Internet and E-Commerce, because all of these
technical-technological
factors have facilitated unhindered communication of knowledge, people,
information
and capital among the countries worldwide. The question to be asked is
how
can a country measure its involvement in globalisation. One way is by
using
E-Commerce drivers and barriers.
There are many issues that could count as drivers and barriers to
E-Commerce,
Globalisation and economic development at the same time. These issues
are
cost, payment systems, legislation and regulation, infrastructure,
culture
and religion, government, employment, competition, traditional
business,
economic activities, knowledge of E-Commerce, time and Information. By
examining
the E-Commerce drivers and barriers of a country which will depend upon
the
level of technological involvement with E-Commerce and its effect on a
particular
economy could result in Globalisation readiness in the country. Once
these
issues play a greater driver roles then barrier role, then one could
state
that a country is less-technologically advanced or a technologically
advanced.
The reason for the classification is that if a country is managing to
adopt
E-Commerce and affecting economic activities which will result in
Globalisation
adoption, the government will have dealt with all infrastructure
issues,
payments system issues, regulation, etc. e.g. if a country has adopted
E-Commerce
and managed to reduce costs more then the cost of establishing
E-Commerce
then the economy would be more developed than previously. For digital
classification
the level of engagement could be measured by the level of Internet
involvement
in the economy could measure the level of engagement. This measurement
could
be used to indicate the extent of globalisation in a country’s economy.
Globalisation
is a result of removing barriers and restrictions to international
trade
and adopting free economic policy, which are the same drivers for
E-Commerce.
Author: Abdalla Hamed,
Pat Cleary, Hilary Berger and David Ball