Chapter Two of Society and Technological Change: Winners and Losers: The Differe
ID: 386055 • Letter: C
Question
Chapter Two of Society and Technological Change: Winners and Losers: The Differential Effects of Technological Change.
Once complete, please reflect upon, and craft a response to the following: (this is a two part discussion)
Part One:
Technological advancement has often undermined established business and economic models. Most recently, the rise of internet-based e-commerce businesses has destroyed numerous brick-and-mortar retail firms, and continues to threaten others. Can you think of other business enterprises that the internet may damage or even destroy?
Part Two:
Should anything be done to prevent this from happening? Is the overall positive effect greater than the negative? Should anything be done to support those displaced by technological advancement?
Please allow for sufficient time in reflecting upon these questions. Craft your response and provide narratives to support.
These discussions will begin the process of thinking and reflecting upon technology in both a critical and analytical manner. Begin to look beyond the ideas of good vs evil, right vs wrong, and begin to consider the construct and nature, the system and process, of technology.
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
Part 1 Response: It is true that new technologies create a disruption at the marketplace and destroy the business and economic models like in the case of brick and mortar retailers. Now this danger looms on other types of businesses as well for example in professional consulting where online consulting can replace the need to go to doorstep of consultants like lawyers and so on. Similarly the online ticketing can destroy the travel agents and their business as the companies are now directly selling tickets to the customers online.
Part 2 Response: There is therefore a need for interventions to avoid this but at the same time this is also essential for the development of the society by creation of new and better models of business and economics. Hence the best way to prevent this is to make the businesses responsive and proactive towards such changes. There are many small retailers that have also used internet to expand their business beyond their limited surroundings. Apart from this technologies like internet have also created many new opportunities and business models for the entrepreneurs. Therefore the overall effect of the internet has been largely positive. But at the same time it is important that the entities displaced by such disruptions should be provided help to deal with such changes and take advantage of new technologies rather than becoming a victim of them. Consultancy along with Training and development support can help in achieving this.