Strategies and Standards for Cultural Interoperability in Global Business Systems

Global integration and greater economic interaction implies a need for interoperability and compatibility which can be achieved through appropriate standards for technology and procedures. Such standards are the product of market processes which are historically and culturally specific but which now impact on a much broader range of actors. Understanding the dynamics of these processes is necessary for effective interoperability between user organisations and between technical developers if they are to achieve effectively their global aims. In particular the relationship between official and emergent standards must be recognized. To gain the potential benefits of emerging technologies, the conflict between the needs of developers and users must be dealt with and the technical focus of office automation must be broadened to encompass cultural concerns at both organisational and social levels.