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Issue No 150 July 2005

Book Review

The next global stage: challenges and opportunities in our borderless world by Kenichi Ohmae

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The minutiae of life can sometimes be overwhelming. Step back and realign your perspective — take a look at Kenichi Ohmae's latest take on the global economy. This is the man who brought us The borderless world and coined the word 'globalisation'. In this new work Ohmae looks at the reality of globalisation and how it impacts on the way we live, the way we must learn to do business and on how government will work.

Ohmae addresses the subject in three parts detailing the background, what makes a player in the global economy and what could happen next. This is a book of tools for companies to use to make things happen for them.

The economy is a factor that affects all of us in different ways everyday. Our businesses and our local economy are very much affected by what is happening internationally. The question should not be "can I find the time to read up on economics?", but rather "can I afford not to know about the global economy?".

Here is a book about the 'big picture', life beyond our borders. This is not an easy read, but neither is it as dense or as difficult as you might fear. New Zealand is a small player in the global economy and is only mentioned very briefly. The author has some interesting things to say about our national attitude to economic development however and there is a challenge to those who want play a part in the post-globalisation world. Do you agree? Read it and see.

Kate Ogden
Business and Computing Centre