Traditional societies are embedded in time and space; the 'when', 'where', 'what' and 'how' of actions are closely connected and interrelated. Thus, traditional societies can be characterised as follows (Werlen, 1993): •

The local community forms the familiar context of life. Communication is mostly limited to face-to-face situations. Kinship forms an organisational principle of social stabilisation. Assignment of social positions follows heritage, age and/or gender. Little interregional communication exists. The t.echnical standards are relatively low.