CHAPTER 6: Complex Learning Partnerships: Creating the Connections in International Alliances

Over the past two decades, the global business environment has been shaped by four broad trends. The first is the formation of global trading blocs (Stang, 1994). International trade agreements have resulted in global trading regions as seen in North America, Europe, and Pacific-Asia. These trading blocks provide member nations with freer trade internally and protection against other trading blocs. In return, they demand a more global perspective than the traditional nationalistic orientation held by governments, business people, and individuals (Dent, 1993). The increased competition created by this freer access has forced companies to think in global terms, even if they continue to do business only in their home country.