Social business and society in an integrated and globalized era

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? That famous causality dilemma comes to mind when looking at collaboration and globalization. And especially at how they influence each other.

In this millennium, the use of the term globalization has been increasing rapidly. Some see this uptake as a post cold war phenomenon. It probably partially is. However, digital technologies and new ways of collaboration enabled by new technologies and more collaborative information management approaches certainly contributed to it as well.

Especially the shift towards a real-time knowledge economy and the need for digital transformation in the digital business seems to play a role in this regard. The dissemination of knowledge was defined as one of the four basic aspects of globalization by the IMF in 2000. And of course there is the increasing penetration of the Internet, mobile and social technologies, etc.

Internet penetration across the globe - Jeff Ogden for Wikipedia

The roots of globalization go back way further than the post cold war era, let alone the age of telecommunications. And collaboration has played an increasing role in it, certainly after the colonial era. Social business is very much about collaboration and collaboration is a driver of globalization.

The why of getting the CEO and CxO on board of social media – part 1

Should the CEO (and some other members of the C-suite) use social media? Literally hundreds of surveys, blog posts and opinion pieces have been looking at the question. Most of the times the answer is a “yes” and often a “yes, but”.

That “but” often refers to the way the C-suite can/should be involved. There are many people telling you how to sell social to the CEO (and C-suite) and of course there are plenty of tips for the ‘social CEO’. But first things first. Why would/should a CEO use social media (or not)?

The answer is not that simple as some make it appear. There’s a huge difference depending on the nature of the activities of the business, for instance. And getting on board of social media does not equal using the social platforms we typically think of. Finally, what are the benefits and reasons?