Individuals, families, and business enterprises are exposed to global influences today, given all the advances in technology, particularly in telecommunications and finance. We are in a global village, and it is relatively easy to be in touch way beyond traditional borders of town, province, region, and nation.

The first thing any center for governance and leadership has to emphasize is that the seemingly inexorable trend towards global connections is natural. It is imprinted in the human DNA because every human person is a man or woman of communion, communication, and relationships. Moreover, all relationships between persons are subject to the moral order, which precedes individuals, families, business enterprises, local and national governments, and the world community: All these must submit to the tenets of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom within the moral order.

It follows that for any individual, family, or business enterprise, it is proper to be open and have a global outlook. Rather than resist the encroachment of global trends and influences on one’s autonomy, we should welcome them and use them positively for our own development. For business enterprises, in particular, globalization can be a boon – instead of a bane – if they seize the opportunities that such open contact throws towards them. The access globalization widens and facilitates for new ideas, new technology, new capital, and new possibilities for business partnerships can turn out to be positive, on a net basis, if business enterprises are smart enough to dynamically improve their competitive position and strengthen their strategic advantage. Indeed, globalization can be a spur for creativity, innovation, improved competitiveness, and continuing re-invention to suit the rapidly changing circumstances.

Business enterprises should also be wary of the ugly face of globalization.

This shows up when the many participants in global business networks fail to submit to the ethical and socially responsible demands of the moral order. When these demands are disregarded and thrown overboard, we soon find that basic rights get trampled upon. Even the rights to food, safe drinking water, adequate housing and effective security, self-determination and religious freedom are for practical purposes thrown to the wayside and ignored. When this happens, justifiably voices are raised to the highest heavens pleading for relief, urgent action, and even restitution.

Why so? The answer lies in what business enterprises and globalization are for. A center for governance and leadership should always put up front and center the idea that they are instruments and opportunities to promote and facilitate full and integral development of the entire human family.

This means that every one, every man, woman and child should have a place at the table where their needs for personal development are adequately served. Thus, business enterprises, tapping into the vast reservoir of globalization, should not rest until they are able to take full advantage of the resources put under their command for the benefit of all, i.e., all members of the human family.

This calls for an open, global outlook on the part of every business enterprise.