Dell's Theory of Conflict Prevention - Book Report/Review Example

Margarita Pochtovaya Catherine Shelton ENC 1101 March 12, The Dells Theory of Conflict Prevention Motivation has been the of diverse research studies delving into intricacies and factors that influence the evolving process. In human behavior in organizations, for example, the need for increased understanding of motivational factors fall under the jurisdiction of leaders and managers who aim to maintain and develop human resources as a means to facilitate the accomplishment of identified goals. In the essay "The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention” Thomas Friedman presents a variety of theories proposed to attain global stability through using global diplomacy in preventing impending wars across nations. Examination of how the world supply chain gets people of the world engaged with each other into an activity with the projected positive outcome on a global realm can reveal the effectiveness of the proposed theory. Also, delving into an evaluation of religions aspects through identifying how two countries, like India and the USA, for instance, with different religions, but involved into the same business, can contribute to the world’s stability, can support Friedman’s point view. In this regard, Friedman’s Dell Theory can be proven to be a valid theoretical contention that confirms that countries which are participants of a global supply chain would be hesitant to go into war for economic gains. Interdependence of the nations is the key element to the global peace, as “no two countries that are part of a major global supply chain, like Dell’s, will ever fight a war against each other as long as they are both part of the same global supply chain” (Friedman 125). Global organizations, such as McDonald’s or Dell, form stronger alliances through a structured communication process that effectively delivers the customers’ demands. This communication process was already identified by Appiah when he cited Voltaire and averred that there is this expressed understanding “of the obligation to understand those with whom we share the planet, linking that need explicitly with our global economic interdependence" (Appiah 59). Through the global supply chain that contains clear and explicit communication process and patterns from the sources of materials and supplies up to the point where products are delivered to the doorsteps of consumers, more countries benefit economically and therefore, these countries would do everything within their powers to disrupt the continuous global supply chain flow. As evidenced by the concept of cosmopolitanism, explicitly that which was disclosed as “"Cosmopolitans . . . regard all the peoples of the earth as so many branches of a single family, and the universe as a state, of which they, with innumerable other rational beings, are citizens, promoting together under the general laws of nature the perfection of the whole, while each in his own fashion is busy about his own well-being” (Appiah 59) prove that the global supply chain validly and credibly acknowledges the universality of a global organization’s mission and goals. The more people are aware that being part of the global supply chain is beneficial for the local economy and as part of a global process, the more that economic gains are highlighted to outweigh geopolitical pursuits. It is true that the global supply chain is an instrumental technique for global diplomacy “to the extent that countries tied their economies and futures to global integration and trade, [and thereby] it would act as a restraint on going to war with neighbors” (Friedman 125). The vast potentials for economic gains offered by the global supply chain were therefore recognized by global organizations’ international partners to be a strong motivator for global peace. Global diplomacy in Friedman’s article included the crucial role of the global supply chain as the instrument for conflict prevention. Unlike Albright’s focus on religion as the motivating factor to strengthen foreign diplomatic ties, Friedman’s conflict prevention theory focused on realizing through experience that by participating in global supply chains of large organizations, such as Dell and McDonald’s, the economic gains were far more significant than what could potentially be gained through political disputes and engaging into geopolitical wars. However, the same original premise that was disclosed by Albright, that “we share a kinship with one another, however distant it may sometimes seem; we are all created in the image of God. This in turn places upon us a responsibility to our neighbors” (Albright 26). Therefore, religion along with economic factors is an instrumental technique for establishing global diplomatic ties. Again, the impact of religion could be closely examined to determine if participating countries’ religious beliefs within the global supply chain impact the maintenance of global stability and sustenance of smooth business operations. As evidenced by Friedman’s revelation on the countries involved in the simple ordering, design and integration of his ordered notebook, Dell, a U.S. based global organization has contracted suppliers of diverse computer components from countries that have virtually different religions: Philippines, (predominantly Catholic); India (Buddhism and Hinduism); China (multi-religious); Japan (Shinto and Buddhism) and Korea (Buddhism). This proves that despite religious diversity, it is still possible for countries to form an effective alliance with the ultimate objective of economic gains. As aptly corroborated by Albright, “experts in economic development or building democracy [are in fact] both insurance policies against war” (28). Thus, by being involved in the same business and aiming to achieve the same organizational mission, vision and goals, members of the global supply chain conform to Friedman’s Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention. It can be surmised that the strongest motivational factor for conflict prevention is the generation of economic gains and acknowledging the need to respecting religious diversity. Consistent with Friedman’s Dell Theory, the realization that the conflict prevention theory is valid was stressed by Michael Dell’s acknowledgement that “any sort of war or prolonged political upheaval in East Asia or China "would have a massive chilling effect on the investment there and on all the progress that has been made there" (Friedman 126), or in any other participating country, for that matter. The thought of losing millions of dollars in economic revenues for a significantly long period of time is enough to deter these countries from even thinking of inviting the possibility of war. The conflict prevention, disputes that there cannot emerge a war between two nations which are in a similar worldwide chain of supply. This is one of the hardest troubles to figure out. This is because they are a part of the chain of supply. Financially viable globalization is the key factor that leads to war in the countries in the worldwide chain of supply. There are very high risks and results to come in these nations. They will have their businesses put somewhere else; the dollars in which they had invested could on the other hand be withdrawn. These companies are in risk to be identified as unstable. In Friedman’s Dell theory, “the countries that are not in the global chain of supply are Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and South Lebanon.” The usage of internet, media and globalization itself by the prominent known terror group Al-Quaeda is one of the things that may lead to conflicts. Al-Quaeda uses globalization to prop up itself. The identity of Jihadists has eventually been globalized. It has led to people feeling that the Muslim religion is not doing any good to others like the Christians, Chinese, Jews and Hindus. Friedman tries to compare between chain of supply of goods manufactured by the Americans, Europeans and the chain of supply of the suicide terrorists that Al-Quaeda organizes. This is by the group sending a bomber to execute a mission in a particular location, while another one is been recruited. The supposition of Friedman’s Dell theory of conflict prevention shows that globalization cannot be reversed and it is a positive development. This means that the usage of the internet by the Al-Queda group cannot come to a halt. “Different forces have led to the flattening of the world. These are the fall of Berlin wall, the steroids, workflow software, and outsourcing, uploading, in sourcing, off shoring, informing and when Netscape became a public thing” (Friedman 130). Here are the descriptions that prove how these forces have led to flattening the world and converged in creating a flatter field for global playing. The first description shows how the different forces came together in a way that a web platform was created globally. This led to multiple cooperation ways. The second description is the emergence of practices and skills needed in a business and the last description is the introduction of many people in the global supply chain. This is likely to bring eruption of confusions and commotion among people. Currently, there are many issues that trouble various cultures in practicing unite. It is not possible for people who turn against each other to practice citizenship in the world. Many people can live together without agreeing or knowing the reasons of practicing togetherness. One of the difficult issues to know is where one needs to begin. In conclusion, the essay successfully proved that Friedman’s Dell Theory confirms that countries that are participants of a global supply chain would be hesitant to go into war for economic gains. Through citing relevant assertions on the effective communication system used by global organizations within the global chain and consistent with the concepts of Appiah’s cosmopolitanism, it was validated that by contributing positively towards economic uplift and development, governments have realized that focusing on these supply chain activities would be beneficial towards global stability and world peace. Likewise, knowledge and respect for religious diversity contributes to conflict prevention as corroborated by Albright. In the end, Dell’s Theory of Conflict Prevention confirmed that global supply chains have succeeded in sustaining continued economic progress and the maintenance of global stability, free from war and discord. Countries that are currently developing should improve their infrastructures and education systems, create environments that are friendly to the existing environment and be committed to markets that are competitive and open. Works Cited Albright, Madeleine. “Faith and Diplomacy.” Emerging: Contemporary Readings for Writers. Ed. Barclay Barrios. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 23-33. Print. Appiah, Kwame Anthony. “Making Conversation and The Primacy of Practice ” Emerging: Contemporary Readings for Writers. Ed. Barclay Barrios. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 57-72. Print. Friedman, Thomas. “The Dell’s Theory of Conflict Prevention”. Emerging: Contemporary Readings for Writers. Ed. Barclay Barrios. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 121-138. Print. Read More