Hemispheric Integration: An Essential Step For Coping With The Economic And Managerial Challenges Of The 21st Century In The Americas

Abstract

This paper examines the series of adjustments that need to take place --at the macro and micro level-- in order for the Western Hemisphere to adapt to today’s dynamics of the global business environment. This discussion is based on the contention that given current trends in the global economy, it is imperative for the countries of the Western Hemisphere to integrate themselves in an economic bloc to exploit economies of scale and be better able to compete with other regions. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the implications that such an economic bloc will have on managers, organizations and their labor force, business alliances, and government/education/ business cooperation efforts.