The Changing World of Technology

From APEC HRDWG Wiki

Technology is causing rapid change in the world of business. Technological innovations have expanded markets to reach new clients and create new competition, have raised productivity levels, and have made data collection more efficient and data interpretation more meaningful. Perhaps most importantly, Internet-based technologies are transforming the ways that multinational businesspeople work together around the world – the ways they give and receive information and training, solve problems, and carry out projects. Social media allow this work to take place across international boundaries, time zones, and vast cultural differences^[1].

The Functions of Technology in Business

Reinmann (2006)^[2] identifies five key functions of the new information and communication technologies (ICTs):

1. ICTs help people receive and distribute information, even though they may be separated by time and space. This is the distribution function of technology. For example, a company that posts products for download or product information online is using the distribution function.
2. Through audio and video, illustrations, animation, and systems of symbols, multimedia tools also carry out a representation function. For example, employees who are in different countries can receive the same computer-based training that incorporates audio and video.
3. Simulation and planning games, and virtual worlds like Second Life, illustrate ICTs’ exploration function. For example, there are simulation games that help managers practice making decisions and then seeing what effect they may have on the company. This is a way to explore risky moves in a safe environment.
4. Through video conferences, chat rooms, email, and other applications, new technologies have an important communication function. Employees do not need to be in the same room, or even the same hemisphere, to share information.
5. In the same way that they promote communication, ICTs also promote collaboration. People are able to work together, supported by computers and social media, no matter where they may physically be located. For example, workers who live in different time zones can use these technologies to work together at the same time (synchronous interaction) or during the different times that are convenient for them (asynchronous interaction).

Tips for Youth

• Young people who aspire to work in multinational companies must be knowledgeable about technology. At a minimum, they should be able to use computers, a variety of common software programs, and social media applications.
• Technology changes quickly. Those who are technologically knowledgeable today may be left behind tomorrow if they do not stay current. Young people must be continually willing to learn and be flexible enough to adapt to new technologies.
• Young job applicants should be aware that technology is a tool to be used in multinational business, not an end in itself. Though important, the ability to use technology well is not a substitute for highly developed cross-cultural and communication skills.
• Young people are leaders in the use of social media. Through their use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Second Life, and other social media applications, they can lead the way to improving communication, collaboration, and information sharing in the multinational business world^[3].

Resources

 References

1. ↑ Bingham, T., & Connor, M. (2010). The new social learning. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers and ASTD Press. http://www.bkconnection.com/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9781605097022
2. ↑ Reinmann, G. (2006). Understanding e-learning: An opportunity for Europe? European Journal of Vocational Training, 38(2).
3. ↑ Buckler, G. (2007). Business follows youth to new online world. CBC.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tech/social-networking.html

Return to Skills for Success in Multinational Business

Related Teaching Tips:

• ePortfolios: Alternative Assessment
• International Time Zones and Attitudes Towards Time

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