According to Wikipedia, “glocalisation” refers to the connection and coexistence of the multidimensional process of globalisation and its local or regional effects and contexts.
The term globalisation refers to the process of increasing worldwide interconnections in many areas (economy, politics, culture, environment, communication), between individuals, societies, institutions and states.
So one might assume that the merging of global and local combines the best of two worlds. But it is not that simple.
Globality
If we describe globality as open-mindedness, tolerance and inclusion, it has and will bring much positive to the world. If we associate it with being able to reach and use anything and anyone anywhere in the world at any time, on the other hand, some of this contradicts the aspirations of climate policy.
Locality
If we describe locality as community, togetherness, being there for one another, it means a positive force. If we associate it with acting and thinking almost incestuously only in a small limited space, this leads to exclusion, hostility and conflict.
Best of both worlds
So what might sustainable, meaningful and rewarding glocalisation look like? What elements add up to the best of both worlds?
Global thinking is positive and fruitful when it comes to discovering new trends, exploring innovation and creativity, and finding new collaborators. The enrichment through new perspectives, horizons of experience and approaches to solutions can be immense.
Local thinking, on the other hand, makes sense when we think about supply chains, networks, mutual support and the like. This is where new partnerships are forged and community is strengthened. Local thinking should also guide us in development aid projects. The much-used motto: Help for self-help! has never been more appropriate than today. The differences between countries and worlds are growing, unfortunately also due to the pandemic, so that measures are less and less transferable from one world to another.
Relevance for companies
What does this mean for companies? One approach could be to use the achievements that open up the world for us to be more successful in our own environment. If I search the world for ideas, partners, employees, I will approach new projects with an open mind and curiosity. With regard to all the elements that are also available regionally / locally, it is then better to search in one’s own environment. I think there are some who currently wish we had more local semiconductor production, just as we wished for hygiene products from local production some time ago.
Maybe during the Christmas season we can think about what we want to do and change where and how. Maybe we can send a sign of our appreciation from their place to our overseas business partners for producing products important to our business? Online trade makes this possible. In the same way, we can give our partners in the next town something from the region. You can find all the information about this online, too.
If you would like more ideas on global and local business processes: Just give us a call!
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