The Globalization of Markets
In this essay, the author, Theodore Leavitt argues that globalization will allow businesses to make high quality, low cost goods. But that claim is challeged by a business practice that had been in place for over 50 years before 1983 when “Globalization of Markets” was written: planned obsolesence.
Go to this Wikipedia page to read about planned obsolescence (you can stop at the “law and regulations” section–you don’t need to read that if you don’t want).
1. Discuss how to apply the idea of planned obsolescence to the idea of globalization as Leavitt describes it in “The Globalization of Markets”.
2. How do you think planned obsolescence effects globalization?
3. Do you believe Leavitt’s argument about globalization after you read about planned obsolescence? Why or why not?
Make sure to use quotes from both the essay and Wikipedia page to make your argument.