Global Thinking in Today’s World
Today’s globalised world is characterised by significant progress and modern conveniences. However, it also comes with unprecedented complexities. The challenges we face today relating to climate change, extreme poverty, global health, social issues, military conflicts, education, and technology, pose a risk to the future of society. This calls for a global way of thinking, one that considers the interconnectedness of the world and diverse perspectives. This article will explore how mitigating risks and developing solutions to address these challenges require multiple disciplines coming together.
Importance of Global Thinking
Demonstrating global thinking entails a borderless mindset that considers the interdependence of different systems. A holistic way of thinking can be applied to anything, as everything is, in some way, connected. For instance, the human body is made up of interconnected systems where, if one system is not working properly, other systems compensate and may also deteriorate. Heart failure may cause lung problems and kidney failure too. In diagnosing a medical condition, it is wise to look at the person as a whole, and not just one system. In the natural world, gases from volcanic eruptions can impact climate change. Sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling, whereas volcanic carbon dioxide can cause global warming. In providing support to communities affected by a recent volcanic eruption, it is helpful to understand other issues that may have occurred, such as landslides and loss of transportation. In the business world, political decisions can have a significant impact on the markets. For instance, Brexit. In examining the repercussions of political decisions on business, it is also useful to understand any socioeconomic impacts. Solving a multifactorial problem thus requires a multifactorial mindset.
Global Thinking in Action
In this section, we will explore real-world examples where global thinking has been successfully applied.
A globalised world opens up the market to greater competition. Solar Brush, a Berlin-based startup, demonstrated innovation with a global perspective by designing lightweight robots to clean solar panels. Their awareness of the need for solar panel maintenance, especially in the Middle East due to contamination from sand and dust, enables the company to support customers in that region.(1,2) Companies need to understand local markets to provide services that cater to specific tastes of the locals. For instance, Nestle instant coffee is sweeter in China than in the West, and Wrigley offers chewing gums in China with locally specific flavours.(1)
As environmental and business issues overlap, companies that provide eco-friendly products can gain more competitive edge. For example, when Kimberly-Clark switched from using fiber from the Canadian boreal forest to using Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) fibers, their reputation among customers improved. Furthermore, it saved the company tens of millions of dollars.(3) Natural disasters and international security affect businesses regardless of location. Some experts say that climate change has contributed to food scarcity and increased food prices which may have in some ways resulted in the Arab Spring.(3) Adopting a global mindset and understanding how one factor influences another offers a win-win situation where businesses can contribute to solving global challenges while ensuring their continued success.
In leadership, embracing global thinking can have profound influence in shaping the world’s future. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It addresses global warming through economic and social transformation based on the best available science. It draws upon diverse disciplines to achieve its goals while providing a framework that utilises finance, technology, and capacity building to support countries in need.(4) Since the establishment of the Paris Agreement, zero-carbon solutions have become increasingly competitive across different sectors and is most noticeable in the power and transport sectors. In 2022, the World Health Organization released an update on the global COVID-19 vaccination strategy.(5) This illustrates the role of global leadership in addressing worldwide health crises. Not only does it address immediate concerns, but also enables countries to be more resilient and prepared against future pandemics.
Risks of Not Adopting a Global Mindset
Events in seemingly remote areas that used to have little impact decades ago now have global repercussions. For example, the unrest in Ukraine or financial troubles in Greece affect everyone, not just local citizens.(1) Without a global mindset, it is easy to ignore these interconnected dynamics which can lead to missed opportunities or increased vulnerability to sudden changes in socioeconomic and political landscapes. For businesses, this could mean overlooking trends and failing to adapt to evolving consumer preferences which can hinder growth. There are also risks at an individual level. Having a limited perspective and ignoring global trends can prevent individuals from accessing career opportunities and advancement. Moreover, failing to adopt a global mindset could also lead to an individual struggling in a multicultural environment. Not being exposed to diverse perspectives can hinder one’s personal growth.
Cultivating Global Dispositions
Education at all levels, from primary to university, plays a crucial role in fostering global thinking. Many schools and universities already integrate a global perspective into their curriculums. This enables students to understand the interconnectedness of various global issues and apply their knowledge across different contexts.
The challenges that we face in today’s interconnected world would require a holistic and global mindset. Embracing global thinking enables us to recognise the interdependence of systems and to find solutions. Education plays a critical role in cultivating this global disposition and preparing the younger generation to become global citizens. In a world where local and global issues overlap, there is a need for individuals who can navigate and contribute across multiple fields – Jacks and Jills of all trades.
References
1. No Ordinary Disruption (2015) by Richard Dobbs, James Manyika and Jonathan Woetzel
3. A Better World, Inc.: How Companies Profit by Solving Global Problems… Where Governments Cannot (2014) by
Alice Korngold
4. United Nations Climate Change https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement
