Walter Kish

I work for a large multinational electronics manufacturing company that has a presence in over twenty countries spanning four continents. We employ some forty thousand employees representing most of the worlds main ethnic and linguistic groups. Working toward well-defined goals and targets, and bound together by a common corporate culture and set of values, the company, aside from being uncommonly successful, demonstrates how international business can be a positive force for achieving economic progress as well as international co-operation and harmony.

Globalization has unfortunately received some critical bad press in recent decades, much of it undeserved. While it is true that one does not have to dig too deep to discover examples of large “western” companies exploiting workers in emerging and third world economies, one should refrain from assuming that they are representative of international business in general. Many companies, such as the one I work for, have made a significant contribution in improving not only the economic but the political and social climate wherever they do business.

First, there is the obvious direct economic benefit of providing jobs. This creates income, increases local cash flow and provides tax revenue which is used to improve the physical and societal infrastructure for the broader community. In doing so, there is also a significant positive impact to overall political and social stability. An employed, educated population that is confident and secure in its future, is not likely to create social or political unrest. They are also less likely to be manipulated by unscrupulous politicians into undertaking political adventures or conflicts either with their neighbours or with minorities in their midst. Revolution, war and terrorism thrive mostly where there is poverty and lack of hope in the future.

Aside from the direct, short term economic benefits, there is also an equally important longer term beneficial influence. In engaging in international trade and commerce, people on both sides of the business exchange become more knowledgeable, understanding and comfortable with each other. Prejudices, misunderstandings and mistrust are gradually eliminated as we come to understand the many things that are common to our cultures, beliefs and values, and begin to appreciate the creativity that springs from variety and diversity. We learn to co-operate and work together toward common goals that results in prosperity for all. In just the one department that I work in, Serbs work with Croatians, Indians with Pakistanis, blacks with whites, Orientals with Caucasians, and Muslims with Christians and Jews. Oh yes – I should also mention that there are more than a few Ukrainians who seem to have no trouble working harmoniously with Poles and Russians.

As the United Nations and the world’s political leaders struggle to find the political mechanisms that will bring peace to a troubled world, I am tempted to think that what will eventually prove more effective than any political discussions and efforts, will be the long term effects of international business and commerce.

When you have to work on a daily basis with people from all over the world from different cultural, religious and political environments, your fears and misconceptions eventually fade away and are replaced by understanding, respect, trust and co-operation. This inevitably ensures peace, harmony and economic well-being.

There is a lesson in this for emerging, economically disadvantaged countries such as Ukraine with long-standing historical conflicts and grievances. One of the most effective ways to build a peaceful and prosperous future is to encourage as much trade and international business development as possible. In developing the capability to play in the international business arena, the destructive effects of historical baggage can be minimized and the focus of the nation’s energies can be dedicated to where it more properly belongs, namely the future.