Introduction

This introduction presents an overview view of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to probe into the interconnected process of culture, globalization of business, trade, investment, and management. It argues that the process of globalization is intensifying the level of interactions and interdependence between states and cultures, in which national boundaries are less important sometimes. The book attempts to prove a message: despite claims that the world between 1820 and 1913 was more borderless than it is today, nevertheless, today's world differs significantly from that of a century ago. In addition, several forces are paving the way for a new global economic environment. One is a clear trend toward regionalization and demographic change. Another is the fast growth in newly industrialized countries (NICs) because of a catch-up effect and resources being transferred to more productive sectors, and the shift of labor-intensive production to low-cost countries.