Globalization is a concept that has become associated with the information age. With the advancement of computers, Internet and communication techniques, the world has become an increasingly smaller place in terms of information and communication. E-mail and newsgroups for example has made instant communication possible for people from anywhere on the globe. Information regarding foreign countries, their customs, and policies has also become as easy as typing the appropriate term for such a search. These advances have led to globalization not only in terms of communication, but also in terms of business.

Globalization has been part of the business world for some time before the recent advances in communication technology. Indeed, goods, services, labor, technology and capital have found their way throughout the business world before computers were as advanced as they are today. Communication advances have however made the mobility of the above business elements much easier and much more rapid. While business opportunities have therefore increased, globalization has also led to increased opportunities for exploitation.

Labor forces from poorer countries are for example used in the production of goods that are then exported and sold at high prices. The labor forces are however being paid far less than the minimum wage in more prosperous countries such as the United States. Some have thus blamed globalization for the widening gap between rich and poor throughout the world.

When sufficient laws and enforcement are in place, however, globalization could be a positive rather than a negative force. It is thus perhaps better to look at ways in which this can be accomplished rather than condemning the phenomenon altogether. Globalization will not disappear by being ignored. Instead, problems should be identified and remedied in a responsible manner. When this is done, globalization can benefit rich and poor alike, providing communication, goods and services that would otherwise be unavailable.