OBJECTIVES
As a person with knowledge of modernization, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strategy formation regarding the analysis of this topic and at times fails to understand the reasons or logic behind certain strategic implementations imposed on it.
By delving into this project paper, the author intends to have better insights into how modernization is thought up, formulated and then imparted down into postcolonial societies. The author hopes to have an in-depth understanding as to how the impacts of modernization enables countries in Western Europe and North America to compete effectively and profitably in this era of internationalization where competition is extremely intense.
In order to reinforce the learning objectives, two key focal issues were focused upon i.e. innovation and diversity. Innovation was discussed with regard to modernization where it was renowned for its developmental capabilities to constantly innovate. Diversity came under strategic thinking and formation as the author considered the diverse culture, political climate, economic surroundings, social environment, technological settings, government policies and legal systems in order to better understand the issues being discussed.
EXECUTIVE BRIEF
This essay utilized the concept of modernization as the model theory to review its present impacts among postcolonial societies as well as in countries and Europe and North America and how they dealt with critical situations. From the analysis, key trends in modernization among these countries and societies were then identified, how it worked and its effectiveness in dealing with critical situations was ascertained. The paper then moves on to assess modernization with regard to its suitability to critical situations, during which the internal capabilities of modernization in relation to the strategy being followed by most postcolonial societies and Western countries was determined also. An overall analysis of the performance and effectiveness of modernization was also conducted to assess and compare its impacts and capabilities with those postcolonial societies and Western countries. Gaps in the impacts and capabilities of modernization were then identified.
Finally, several choices of strategies to improve the state of modernization among postcolonial societies and Western countries as effective means in critical situations were recommended and evaluated in terms of appropriateness to the issues reviewed, feasibility in carrying out the options and acceptability within the key stakeholders and decision makers. Several key implementation issues related to managing strategic change were also addressed as well.
INTRODUCTION
Modernization can be defined as the process in which a country or community undergoes a positive change towards industrialization and other changes that impose a significant impact on their lives. When implemented accordingly, it leads to the efficient and effective implementation of the policies and tasks leading to the satisfaction of the citizens and the government. Modernization also focuses on the careful management of the processes involved in the improvement of the production and distribution of products and services ( 2004).
More often than not, small and relatively underdeveloped countries don’t really have the capabilities to implement modernization policies. Instead, these countries engage in activities that various schools of economics typically associate with modernization. These activities include the manufacturing of products, product development, production and distribution (1992).
However, modernization deals with all functions done within countries and societies. Activities such as the management of resources, the control of technologies, and evaluations are often related with modernization. A great deal of emphasis lies on the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, modernization includes the analysis and management of internal processes.
MODERNIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Political Trends
The United States of America, composed of 50 states, has experienced electoral and political transitions and crises as a result of continuous modernization efforts. There have been at least four political trends that have emanated from these political events. These are: (a) the cry for democracy and reforms; (b) increased popular and local-level assertiveness; (c) greater public accountability; (d) re-definition of the concepts of power and politics. Also, the forms of political economies have slowly shifted from a bipolar (big government-big business) to a tri-polar structure (authorities – private sector – civil society) (2004).
Economic Trends
Despite the adverse economic trends in the first half of the year, the United States as a whole experienced relatively robust economic growth primarily because of the continuous modernization efforts made by the Bush government. It is estimated that the United States, taken together, posted a better-than-expected GDP growth of 4.5% last year, slightly higher than the 4.1% growth that they achieved in 2002 (1997).
Social/Cultural Trends
With the rise in the middle to upper-middle class households in certain regions within the United States, there exists a strategy mismatch for not considering the potential for modernization efforts.
Technological Trends
It is a common knowledge that modernization in the Untied States is still in a relatively slow process and is still in its early stages of development. However, it has shown signs of rapid growth and it is being theorized that the country will experience a significant improvement in terms of their technologies within the year ( 1996).
Legal Trends
Intellectual property (IP) and IP Rights (IPR) creation, commercialization, and protection have been a significant source of comparative advantage of enterprises and economies and a major driver of their competitive strategies. Indeed, the United States is fully aware of the pressing need for a long-term policy commitment to collectively transform the region into one which is largely based on knowledge, driven by innovation and sustained by life-long learning (1996).
Overall Impact
The United States has been able to maintain its reputation as one of the world’s leading highly modernized and industrialized country for more than 130 years now. It is able to face the challenges in many of its markets directly. This is made possible by the effective modernization strategies aimed to deliver not only profit growth, but also on building down the foundation of the nation’s industries and business.
The modernization strategies of the US are focused mainly on driving the growth of its industries and improving the country’s financial performance. These campaigns have also helped secure significant acquisitions and partnerships. And more importantly, these campaigns have led to the release of the potentials of the nation’s human resources, thus building a quality performance- based culture ( 1995).
The modernization strategies of the US are practically reinforced by the local citizens themselves. These moves certainly allow the nation to improve even more without the costs of introducing new technologies. These efforts have resulted in increased financial gains for the country and have allowed the establishment of confidence among the American citizens.
MODERNIZATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
Political Trends
The implementation of the Free Trade Area, or FTA, which laid out a comprehensive program of regional tariff reduction, will be continuously implemented in phases through the year 2008 ( 2000). Over the course of the next several years, the programs in tariff reductions were made broader. Efforts to eliminate non-tariff barriers and develop common product certification standards were initiated. In addition, the Philippines also were able to formulate framework agreements for the intra-regional liberalization of trade in services. Industrial complementation schemes meant to encourage intra-regional investment were also approved.
Economic Trends
Many Philippine provinces have also seen the risk-weighted capital adequacy ratios of their banking systems improve due to government-sponsored bank recapitalization programs, continued progress in financial restructuring, and improvements in financial risk management. The capital adequacy ratio of commercial banks in the Philippines is now far higher than the 8% Basle norm. It ranges from about 14% in Manila and Cebu to about 20% in Davao, with commercial banks reporting an average capital adequacy ratio of about 18% (1997).
Social/Cultural Trends
There have also been social and cultural trends that have been evident over the last 12 months in reaction to modernization efforts by their government. These include: (a) the irreversible rise of civil society among Philippine provinces; (b) the rise of civil society blends perfectly with a tri-polar structure of political economy; (c) the increase in the roles of intellectuals; and (d) the beginning of a period of introspection (1961).
Technological Trends
It is being expected that within the next years the tremendous growth and technological advancements will continue in the Philippines. Mobile commerce and multimedia terminals are just some of the technological advancements already being expected (Huntington, 1968). Therefore, the continued growth and development will also make it imperative for localization to occur in most industries in the Philippines in the years to come.
Legal Trends
The Philippines has pledged to work together to help accelerate the pace and scope of IP asset creation, commercialization and protection; to improve the regional framework of policies and institutions relating to IP and IPRs, including the development and harmonization of enabling IPR registration systems; to promote IP cooperation and dialogues within the region as well with the region’s Dialogue Partners and organizations; to strengthen IP-related human and institutional capabilities in the region, including fostering greater public awareness of issues and implications, relating to IP and IPRs. The new action plan on IPRs for 2004-2010 would cover all these aspects (1997).
Overall Impact
Because of modernization, the Philippines and its industries have grown and expanded virtually around the entire globe. This was made possible by their strong efforts to forge modernization treaties with other ASEAN countries 2004). Over the years and decades, the Philippines has slowly but surely established an empire of efficient human resources, with strong segment markets established in Japan and Hong Kong, the Western Hemisphere, the Europe and most recently in China.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The United States and the Philippines have been able to remain two of the world’s prosperous countries for more than a century now primarily because of the execution of their strategies for modernization to perfection. Add to the mix both countries’ dedication to high quality of service and the formula for success is at hand.
However, I am not totally convinced that the modernization strategies that the United States and the Philippines implement currently would be as effective as before. For one, consolidation and globalization are taking place across most nations, and these two countries are not excluded. Therefore, both countries need to implement various strategies to fully adapt to the need to go global.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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