Applying information technology in global supply chains: cultural and ethical challenges

Robert N. Mefford

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2006, vol. 2, issue 3, 170-188

Abstract: Cultural and ethical issues that arise in applying new information technology to link global supply chains are discussed. The internet, private exchanges, global satellite linkages, RFID and other forms of new technology hold great promise in terms of allowing global supply chains to operate more efficiently and provide faster response to demand. However, these new technologies also present some cultural and ethical challenges to firms operating in the global environment. There may be varying views among countries on goals, decision-making approaches, information sharing and trust and many other cultural differences. Managers in different countries also may have varying perspectives of what constitutes ethical business conduct which may impact use of market power, pricing, confidentiality, environmental protection, working conditions and other areas. These cultural and ethical differences complicate the application of new information technologies and must be dealt with by firms developing global supply chains to maximise the benefits of IT. This paper will explore such issues and suggest ways through which managers can deal with them.

Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; information technology; cultural issues; ethical issues; global production; global supply chains; culture; ethics; lean production; electronic data interchange; EDI; electronic funds transfer; bar coding; radio frequency identification; RFID. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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