ASSIGNMENT: The World Is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman Discuss the book in general and what he means by a "flat world" and what conditions make it flat. Focus on at least one specific topic such as 10 flatteners or the 7 rules for companies
The book by Thomas Friedman, "The World is Flat", discusses the enormous changes regarding technology and communications which have altered the lives of people all over the globe (1). A large aspect in regards to the "flat world" is that we are competing with foreigners all over the world for jobs, status, and power.
Friedman states that the world is flat because he sees it as a "level playing field" with converging opportunities (4). He discusses events such as the creation of global supply chains, the Soviet bloc, and the capitalist restructuring of China which have broken down the "vertical walls" and created a single global marketplace (4). He also focuses heavily on the increasing use of technology and its ability to connect entrepreneurs all over the world. Friedman feels that the world is flattened due to the new globalized economics which have connected collaborating and competing individuals that are seeking opportunities.
Friedman discusses the oneness of the world, by writing about the flattening of our world due to several key event and forces. Friedman is overall a "technological determinist", because he focuses on the idea that technology determines what is possible for us (3). He states that our flat world has given us the exposure to several possibilities. The coming of supply-chaining as well as outsourcing are factors which contribute to the oneness of our world (3).
The 10 Flatteners
The core ...