Globalization and it
agenda for research
pp. 195-210
in: Richard Baskerville, Jan Stage, Janice DeGross (eds), Organizational and social perspectives on information technology, Berlin, Springer, 2000Abstract
A precise definition of globalization is elusive, but it is widely accepted that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected in terms of its economic, political, and cultural life, and that IT is deeply implicated in the change processes that are taking place. However, these processes are not uniform in their effects. Individuals, groups, organizations, and societies remain distinct and differentiated, and the challenge is to design information systems that enable increased connectivity but also support this inherent diversity. This paper considers the actual and potential contribution of IS research to this challenge, using five levels of analysis ranging from the individual to the societal. Conclusions are drawn on the need for in-depth studies, a broad and evolving research agenda, and an anti-ethnocentric approach.