Nike And Globalization: The Noble Feat of Nike Project - Term Paper Example

Nike and globalization Introduction The concept of globalization has had both constructive and positive effects. Nike is a good example of the positive effects of globalization. More so in the third world countries, the positive effects of Nike are unimaginable. With the initiation of projects such as The Noble Feat of Nike, the Nike Company has provided good chance for development especially for persons that needed a source of income. This essay will evaluate Nike’s project in an attempt to validate the positive effects Nike has had on globalization despite critics holding the opinion that Nike ventured into the Vietnam market simply for an economic gain. The essay will also attempt to disqualify the notion of Nike taking advantage of the helpless nature of Vietnamese locals at the time. With the opening created by globalization advancements, Nike managed to create employment opportunities for distressed persons especially in the third world countries, a good example Vietnam. The Noble Feat of Nike is credited for the creation of numerous forms of employment opportunities for the Vietnam locals (Norberg 187-191). As seen in the research conducted by Norberg, Nike set its roots in Vietnam in the quest to promote its business (187-191). Through its business of manufacturing shoes in Vietnam, the company was able to enjoy the benefit of paying lower wages to employees since the labor was readily available. In as much critics would argue that Nike was escaping paying high wages to employees, one would argue that Nike ventured into a novel market and provided a chance for the needy persons to get decent employment. It is also evident that prior to venturing in Vietnam, the populace did not have an alternative source of income. Through the project, a lot of locals appreciate the fact that they were presented with a chance to work and even earn good money than in other jobs (Norberg 187-191). Thanks to globalization Nike had the opportunity to set its base and offer employment to the citizens of Vietnam. Through the company’s efforts, the citizens of Vietnam were able to access basic amenities such as air conditioning, insurance covers, education, and meal plan opportunities (Norberg 187-191). In return, Norberg indicates that the employees would work in the factory. A closer analysis of this fact explains how Nike brought some form of development in the area thanks to the openings provided for by globalization efforts (187-191). It is evident from the work that a great percentage of the workers were happy with the initiatives brought about by Nike since they were presented with an opportunity to earn more wages that they used to while working in other activities (Norberg 187-191). Based on the backward advancement of the third world countries, I am of the opinion that the Nike Company brought more benefits than harm to the locals of Vietnam. Through globalization, Nike was able to venture into the Eastern countries and provide development aspects such as generating income that would then be shifted to education and support of family life. As seen in the research conducted by Norberg, the Vietnamese people found a source of income that enabled them lead a decent life (187-191). From the earnings, it became possible for children to access a form of education and other forms of support. Education is key to the development of any society and for the case of the Vietnamese, this education is a product of globalization in the form of provision of income by Nike. However, it is of great essence to highlight that critics and globalists are of the opinion that Nike played a trick on the Vietnamese people by taking advantage of their situation-poverty related issues- to base their company in their locality (Norberg 187-191). It is these issues that have led to numerous protests to make sure that Nike pays better wages to its employees. However, I disagree with the critics as Nike provided an opportunity that was not in existence before. The little effort it has put has brought about more plusses than disadvantages. Were it not for Nike venturing into Vietnam, the illiteracy levels would still be high, poverty related issues and even low living standards. Thanks to globalization, Nike was able to improve the lives of many people in a huge way. Lastly, Nike has created a more enlightened people in Vietnam than there was before through training offered during the manufacturing process (Norberg 187-191). It is in line with this thought that I am of the opinion that the critics of the company have unnecessary grievances. Nike can be said to be a company that accidentally landed on a good deal, but the good deal turned out to be more beneficial to the locals. The only difference and unique case is that Nike based its roots in Vietnam where the locals were still in the latent stage and had no hope of developing. It is not surprising that other multinational corporations operate even in the middle class countries but still accrue double profits just like in the case of Nike. I disagree with the fact that Nike completely took advantage of the situation of the Vietnamese people. Had they been of the need to completely exploit the Vietnamese, no developments would be seen, let alone the provision of basic needs. The brighter side of the global project of Nike is clearly manifested in the lives of the Vietnamese people though critics still believe in the concept of exploitation. Conclusion Conclusively, globalization has made the world smaller and opened chances for possible advancements to take place. From the paper, it is clear how globalization paved way for Nike venturing into the Vietnamese market. It is this initiative that saw profitable effects on the society such as provision of employment opportunities to the locals. The locals in turn embarked on educating their children. This is a clear example of an improvement of the lives of the locals. Thanks to the efforts of globalization, the locals of Vietnam also accessed insurance services, had proper social amenities, such as improved air conditioning, water and even proper meals. However, the company faced lots of critics especially from globalists that argued the company was manipulating the locals for a double profit. With this in mind, it is warranted to argue that The Noble Feat of Nike project initiated by Nike provided the best opportunity for the development of the Vietnamese people in numerous ways. Work Cited Norberg, Johan. “The Noble Feat of Nike.” In The New World Reader: Thinking and Writing about the Global Community. Ed. Muller, Gilbert. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 2014. 187-191. Print. Read More