The Impact and Opportunities of Technology on Australian Socio-Economic Issues - Research Paper Example

The Impact and Opportunities of Technology on Australian Socio-Economic Issues Introduction 1.1. Aim This brief report incorporates some communication guidelines for a company operating from Brisbane, Australia and exporting confectionary and dairy products to the Middle East. As in any business, the objective is to increase sales turnover in maximizing trading with this unique region of the world. Of special interest are the available communication channels that the company can exploit the cross cultural business ethics necessary in amplifying the region’s business transactions. Such communication channels and procedures must respect the religious, cultural and dietary practices of the region which are very different from those of Australia (Payne 2010). 1.2. Scope Business communication has come from a long way, since Graham Bell came up with a telecommunication staple. Today, business communication mainly involves internet and fax communication. The most economical, speedy and convenient means of communicating across nations in today’s world is however through online channels. This report will exclusively consider the communication channels afforded by the internet and which the company can fully exploit affordably, and successfully to attain the aforementioned business aim. 1.3. Background to Study Some schools of thought purport that culture is an inconsequential factor in cross cultural business dealing. This school of thought originates from the initial days of multinationals which enforced a similar management and marketing program in all the nations they operated in, as prescribed by the headquarters. Few of these multinationals are still in existence today and those that are, have adopted modern principles of management that allows their branch networks across the globe to adapt and assimilate to the local cultures and social environments (Payne 2010). Being financially viable does not mean that a business plan is universally applicable (Schuler 2003). Business communication that respects the cultural heritage, values and practices of the local people, easily endears the company to that environment since the locals can easily identify themselves with it and its products (Schuler 2003). Besides gaining acceptance, it is also important to appreciate local cultures and ways of life in international business since it helps identify opportunities and risks (Schuler 2003). The company under scrutiny here deals with dairy products and confectionaries. Confectionaries will find a readily available market in Middle East nations whose staple foods are mostly confectionaries. Their religion to permits and actually encourages taking dairy products in proper diets (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). What the diets cannot contain however is anything related to swine (pigs) either as direct products or derivatives such as cheese. Blood, dead animal’s products, fermented dairy products and similar foods are also not permitted not just by their religion but also by their culture which is largely prescribed by the religion (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). With such an understanding of the importance of considering social environment of an international business in all its areas of operations, the report seeks to identify the appropriate marketing communication channels that can be adopted by the exporting company to amplify its performance in the Middle East. 2. Procedure 2.1. Data Collection Method The primary data used to arrive at the findings elaborated by this report have been accumulated through the document analysis method of data collection. Relevant materials have been researched from online portals and peer review journals and summarized on the criteria elaborated in the data analysis section of the report. Case studies of three Australian companies with international marker reach have also been considered to exemplify on how the communication guidelines summarized herein can be applied in a dairy product and confectionary export business operating from Brisbane and exporting to Middle East nations. 2.2. Literature Review Business ethics has become a priority area of concern among international business enterprises today, especially in marketing communication (Schuler 2003). Modern international business demands that operations and especially marketing communication be conducted in a manner that respects and assimilates to local cultural values such as religion (Schuler 2003). Not only does that company stand to benefit if it does so, but it is also a modern standard of business ethics in international trading (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). A good example is the world famous Bobbie Doll manufactured in America as the number one playing doll in the world (Moon and Woolliams 2000, pp. 105-115). The Doll is packaged in western values or dressing (miniskirts, short dresses, trousers etc). The doll’s marketing profile includes a boyfriend (Ken) and a western girlie lifestyle (Moon and Woolliams 2000, pp. 105-115). When the doll was introduced in Europe, Canada and Australia, it outperformed any other doll ever created in the history of toys. Yet when the same entered the Asian market, it was banned from Syria, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan, on religious grounds (Moon and Woolliams 2000, pp. 105-115). The doll was marketed and profiled in a way that was not consistent, actually opposing the values of the Quran and Eastern belief systems, cultures and norms. It failed miserably. When the same doll was profiled as a Muslim version (Fura Doll with Muslim clothing, a playing mat and no boyfriends), it became the single most successful toy to ever grace the Middle East (Moon and Woolliams 2000, pp. 105-115). The idea here is to establish what works with the cultural values of a particular market and to use the communication strategies and channels that help assimilate those values during the marketing process (Schuler 2003). The TV for instance is a poor advertising medium in the Middle East, for reasons best known to their culture such as strict control of the moral value of broadcasted content and also controls the reach of western sourced ‘propaganda’ (Katharina, Gegez and Arzova 2007, pp. 101-118). Yet in all the six continents, Asia is today ranked as the leading continent in adopting technology such as internet communication, regardless of the fact that the same technology has been in existence in western societies for some time (Katharina, Gegez and Arzova 2007, pp. 101-118). But the rate of connection and atomization is 11% higher there than even in the US where the technology is bought and or borrowed from (Katharina, Gegez and Arzova 2007, pp. 101-118). 3. Analysis of Data The important criteria that can help elaborate on the viable communication strategies the company can employ in maximizing the sales potential in Middle East incorporates three important considerations. First are the available communication channels to any business entity with international market reach (Kwintessential). Secondly is to identify the cultural, religious and dietary factors unique to the Middle East region and which the Brisbane-based company must consider in handpicking their communication strategies (Kwintessential). Thirdly, among these viable communication strategies the best three methods can then be picked based on how successful and practical they are. These three stages of determining the best communication strategies and channels is the ideal criterion that any company must in most cases employ, to determine which communication channels and strategies are most ideal to their situation (Kwintessential). International businesses have for long relied on TV advertising, press ad publications, telephone and fax contacts, slow mails and personal promotions. From the foregoing literature review, it is easy to classify internet communication as among the best modern methods of international business communication that the Brisbane Company can adopt. Such channels as E-mail, blogs, social media marketing, online advertising, online newsletter subscriptions (RSS feeds), online chat rooms, real time messaging (chats), ecommerce etc are the best available channels. In marketing the dairy products and confectionaries, the marketing communication must be seen to respect local culture, the Islam religion and the social values that are unique to the Middle East (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). The internet marketing strategies adopted should ideally be crafted from the view points of a typical Middle East consumer, such as specifying the source of the products not to be ‘Haram’ (disallowed by Islam) (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). A statement like “We do not sell pig products, foods with blood etc” will be a suitable welcome for a Middle East targeted marketing portal (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). 4. Conclusion The Middle East is a unique market (Katharina, Gegez and Arzova 2007, pp. 101-118) that has great potential for confectionary products (their staple foods despite minimal local production of wheat and similar farm products) and dairy products. The important thing is however to respect the local culture, religion and values in all forms of communication with the business contacts established there by an international company operating from Brisbane (Izraeli 1997, pp. 1555-1560). Such may include use of etiquette, avoiding the foods disallowed by the local religion and appreciating their viewpoints (Payne 2010). To do this, the communication channels available to the Brisbane-based company are many, the best being modern internet-based channels like E-mails, instant messaging, blogs and social media marketing. The internet is cheaper, easy and more effective as a marketing forum than any other traditional medium. 5. Recommendations It is thus recommended that the Brisbane-based company spends time, resources and effort to ensure that the staff involved in the international marketing arena are conversant with the Middle East culture, religion and social values (Kwintessential).Spending some time in the area would do a lot to help the staff appreciate the local environment (Katharina, Gegez and Arzova 2007, pp. 101-118). It is also recommended that the company invests in technology and expertise to initiate modern technology in its marketing communication. The internet should be used to communicate with the contacts based in the Middle East. 6. References Izraeli, D 1997, Business Ethics in the Middle East, Journal of Business Ethics, Vol. 16 (14), pp. 1555-1560. Katharina, S, Gegez, A and Arzova, S 2007, Why Is It (Un-) ethical? Comparing Potential European Partners: A Western Christian and An Eastern Islamic Country - On Arguments Used in Explaining Ethical Judgments, Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 74 (2), pp. 101-118. Moon, C and Woolliams, P 2000, Managing Cross Cultural Business Ethics, Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 27 (1-2), pp. 105-115. Payne, N 2010, "Cross Cultural Negotiation," HODU, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, from . Schuler, J 2003, “Tips for Successful Cross Cultural Communication”, Cross Cultural Communication, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From “Hurdles to Cross Cultural Business Communication” Kwintessential, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From Roebourne, J 1901, 2002, The Customs And Traditions Of The Aboriginal Natives Of North Western Australia, Sacred Texts Australia, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, from < http://www.sacred-texts.com/aus/cat/cat.htm >. Introduction 1.1. Aim In the belief that digital communication portends great benefits for individuals and businesses today, especially when it comes to speed, accuracy and convenience of communication, this paper seeks to establish whether there are any negative repercussions of the technology in the cross-cultural arena. To achieve this aim, the paper investigates how digital communication has affected cross-cultural issues such as business ethics, religion and cultural practices in China and Australia comparatively. 1.2. Scope There are so many areas in which the internet has had impact in the society ranging from political, social to economic. The paper concentrates in investigating any negative socio-cultural aspects of digital communication as regards religion, business ethics and hierarchy in the society, using Australia and China as comparative case studies. 1.3. Background to Study The unique thing about culture is that it’s unique and only understood or believed in by those who practice it. Without being exposed to another culture, one’s culture remains the most valuable and in most times error free (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). But once and individual is exposed to another culture, his or her perceptions begin to change. A good instance is the African culture. The position of women in the society was greatly disrespected, dehumanized and subjective in most African cultures prior to ongoing civilization. Yet in those cultures, the women were happy and satisfied with the status quo. Exposure to the western culture during and after colonization has however made the African woman more liberal and adamant in seeking for equality and fair treatment in the society. To most scholars the criticism that arise when one is exposed to other progressive cultures is usually destructive to the society (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). This school of thought holds that once external influences loosen the bond that holds a society together, that society is on the threshold of collapse. This is the theorem that has been used by most proponents of conservative cultural practices to oppose globalization on the basis of preventing disintegrating unique cultures in most societies (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). The argument here is that a cultural heritage is developed in thousands of years and handed down generations. It stands unique and should be left unaffected by external influences, since it is cultural uniqueness and diversity that makes the world as good as it is today (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). Another school of thought regards the ongoing globalist ion as the best way to attain social integration, peace and development since the best of each culture is incorporated in what will soon become a global culture (PALS). To this school of thought, digital communication age only makes the society better, more progressive and even more civilized (PALS). 2. Procedure 2.1. Data Collection Method The primary data used to arrive at the findings elaborated by this report have been accumulated through the document analysis method of data collection. Relevant materials have been researched from online portals and peer review journals and summarized on the criteria elaborated in the data analysis section of the report. A detailed examination and sampling of available materials on the effect of digital communication on aboriginal culture in both Australia and China has been done to establish whether the literature is correct in its presentation of the phenomena. 2.2. Literature Review Three things happen when two cultures interact. The dominant culture swallows up the weaker culture and gains greater esteem. The values and codes of the weaker culture are disregarded with time and those of the stronger culture are adopted. All novel things and the most important things in life are pursued and gauged on the standards of the dominant culture such that the weaker culture completely disintegrates. That is what has happened to the regional cultures in both Australia (in case of aboriginals) and to China (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). The digital communication hardware and software are prepackaged to facilitate the culture from which they were made. When the same technology is imported to Australia and China, it comes with a lifestyle that is perceived as superior to the local culture and the youth especially, esteem the new introductions to the extent of totally abdicating form their culture (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). Modern digital communication today carries with it not just the force of the western nations but of the entire world in nations which have been worn over to the information age. This makes it very dominant and thus able to swallow up any traditional, isolated and weak cultures and cultural practices. People now share a singular culture to a large extent, at least in the urban Australian and Chinese landscapes. Lost is the importance of strong religious inclinations, social institutions (i.e. family in China’s Confucian code), business ethics, social morals and such factors hitherto esteemed as the central areas of defining human character (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). Consequently, people become more accommodating of other religions, other ways of life, other dressing styles, other eating habits etc. Another significant consequence of digital communication is opening up local cultures for studies by foreign scholars who have no understanding or appreciation of the local value systems (Government of Australia Culture Portal). These same materials are published online, despite being of little credibility. In due process, the local cultures are misinterpreted and misrepresented (Government of Australia Culture Portal). A typical case is texts available online on Australian Aboriginal religion. What is available in public domain originated from a 19th and 20th Centuries proliferation of publishing (Government of Australia Culture Portal). Most of the books published and which have now been digitized and used as references for new books were written by settlers to the continent only because they were more literate and resourceful in academics despite having no clue to what really the culture incorporated. Consequently, the books are based on myths, untruths, vague concepts and exaggerations (Government of Australia Culture Portal). 3. Analysis of Data To say that cultural integration is desirable and beneficial is ignorance of the richness in diversity. In the actual occurrences, when a dominant culture comes into contact with a weaker culture such as the traditional Chinese values in the face of globalization, the weaker culture with all its good and bad attributes usually fades out (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). So instead of attaining a mutually improved hybrid culture, only one culture with all its ills, ends up dominating the others. The global culture is seen by the opposing school of thought as a westernization of the world, where the western culture replaces every other cultural practice and value in the world (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). To this school of thought, the ongoing globalization powered and engineered by digital communication has shattered the unique cultures of the world and is increasingly enforcing an adoption of a singular global culture (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). Australia has been used to exemplify a society lacking in its unique national identity, mainly because her people are so diverse in culture that while mixed together in one society, they accommodate and assimilate each other in ways that do not favor one dominant culture. The Western Australia's Indigenous people come the closest to having an Australian brand culture only that their modern Anglicized lifestyles, urbanization and increased interaction with the outside world has slowly made the cultural bonding less constricting and thus less distinct (Jaggard 2007, pp. 17 – 21). The same case has been expressed about the United States in being too culturally diverse to have one cultural identity. China is a classic example of a land that is assimilating to the globalization effects faster than any other nation on planet earth (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). Having lived for thousands of years under the Gianxi code, Confucianism, Taoism and similar traditional values and cultural codes of conduct, assimilation with western originated digital communication has made the traditional moral codes to defragment and adopt contemporary lifestyles typical of the western nations (Ip 1996, pp. 39–58). Consequently, incidences of corruption, dishonesty, unethical business practices are today rampant in a land where social cohesion and morality would never have permitted or condoned such vice (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). 4. Conclusion The greatest repercussion of the modern digital communication is orchestrating a global village that shares all values and practices, all beliefs and cultural practices (Ang 2000, pp. 44 – 51). Digital communication is opening up weak local cultures to be influenced and ultimately dominated by other more influential cultures thus trading local values with all their good values and practices to a singular culture that is itself subject to abuse, vice and social disharmony. The same has been registered in China, with Australia being seen to have lost any distinct culture with which the continent can be identified with distinctly (Jaggard 2007, pp. 17 – 21). In summary therefore, digital communication is greatly threatening the survival of local cultures, local religions and religious practices, local social systems and local values. 5. Recommendations The beauty of the world is in its diversity (PALS). Societies should ensure that they do not loose or of their valuable practice, beliefs and systems as encoded in their culture, while embracing digital communication technology. Teaching or traditions and local languages in schools should be used to ensure that the youths are in touch with their local value systems, practices and belief codes. 6. References Ang, I 2000, Alter/Asians: Asian-Australian identities in art, media, and popular: Research Centre in Intercommunal Studies, Sidney: Pluto Press Australia, pp. 44 – 51. Jaggard, E 2007, “Bodysurfers and Australian beach culture”, Journal of Australian Studies, Vol. 12 (2), pp. 17 – 21. Government of Australia Culture Portal, 2008, “Australian Indigenous Cultural Heritage” Homepage, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From Ip, P 1996, ‘Confucian Familial Collectivism and the Underdevelopment of the Civic Person’, in L. N. K. Lo and S. W. Man (eds.), Research and Endeavors in Moral and Civic Education (The Chinese University Press, Hong Kong), pp. 39–58. PALS, “Heritage and Culture”, Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From < http://pals.dia.wa.gov.au/heritageCulture.aspx> Twist, K 2000, "Four Directions to Making the Internet Indian." The Digital Beat e-journal, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From < http://www.benton.org/News/Extra/dd050200.html> Internet Sacred Text Archive - Australia, Homepage, Retrieved on 30th April, 2010, From Read More