https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_OMGThe main goal of the course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the pervasive role of globalization and the ways in which different aspects of globalization influence daily life in and around organizations. At the end of this course, students will be able to:Understand empirically and theoretically the pervasive effects of globalization on individuals, organizations and the institutional environment.Critically assess the interrelatedness of different dimensions of globalization across different localities, societal sectors and socio-economic classes.Comprehend and analyse academic literature pertaining to the themes discussed in the weekly sessions.Reflect on the topics of the course in writing and by way of actively participating in discussions during the sessions. Formulate an original argument corresponding to the academic level on a subject of choosing related to the course content.In this course we examine a defining phenomenon of our times: globalization. The concept crisscrosses the boundaries of academic disciplines and spurs debates about national sovereignty, capitalism, development, and the world system. The concept of globalization will be highlighted from different perspectives, such as socio-economic, political, cultural, environmental and organizational. The influence and effects of globalization are dynamic. Environmental issues, new technologies, and changes in economic power and international relations are constantly changing and affecting organizations, political systems, and people in many different ways. Students will be encouraged to form and voice their own views. The course examines questions such as: Who wins and who loses from globalization of culture, technology, trade and finance? Who sets the rules under which the game of international capitalism is played? What are the forces of globalization that shape the labour market, migration, the environment, inequality, and socio-economic and political systems? How powerful is local resistance to globalization? Are we witnessing the end of globalization? These themes are explored with reference to cultural-social theories and illustrated through cases and actual events.Interactive sessions integrating lecturing and group discussion.The course will be assessed through a written exam and a final paper-writing assignment.TBDStudents choose either this course or the other elective course 'Culture and Identity in Organizations'.No deviations from the regular course registration procedure.The COM courses of period 1.All relevant course information, documents and assignments will be available on Canvas. Please follow announcements and updates regularly for the most recent information on the course.