Imagine a big basin of water. The water is slopping about. The waves get bigger.
Imagine the same basin but this time a grid of small open boxes is placed in the basin. For the same outside disturbance as before the water within each box slops around a little but there is no overall slopping around.
We assume that "globalisation" must be a good thing because freedom is a good thing and communication is a good thing. But from a system point of view globalisation may be a bad thing. Today's economic disturbances show that trouble in one area can quickly upset other areas in the "slopping around".
The human body is made up of tiny cells each with its own micro-environment. There are certain universal influences delivered by the blood flow: oxygen, hormones, minerals, vitamins etc. There are localised effects delivered via the nerves. But there is no globalisation.
The task for this week is to lay out the benefits and dangers of globalisation. The Six Hats framework could be used. (submissions to edwdebono@msn.com subject: "Globalisation")
The Starr report on the internet, and subsequent revelations, could be used as an example of globalisation - among others.
Edward de Bono
Australia
20th September 1998
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