CMS6

The Sixth International Critical Management Conference

July 13-15, 2009

Warwick Business School,

The University of Warwick, UK

STREAM: ICTs and globalization

Call for Papers

Stream convenors:

Dr. Lynette Kvasny, Pennsylvania State University, USA

Dr. Nathalie Mitev, London School of Economics, UK

Dr. Helen Richardson[1], University of Salford, UK

This stream aims to critically question how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are presented and promoted as global capitalism has developed. On the surface increasing adoption of ICTs appears to suggest that anything can be done, anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Such a technological deterministic view is also imbued with rationalist and managerialist assumptions of how work and business processes can be managed in the ‘new’ and ‘global’ economy. Globalization is put forward by governments and the corporate sector as being inevitable, irresistible and all-powerful. Strengthening globalization’s imperative to connect and engage with ICTs is digital divide rhetoric that equates technology with economic prosperity and as such acts as a potent ideological force. ICTs are described as empowering to local populations as a way out of poverty and for individuals to embrace commerce and educational opportunities.

In this stream we call for critical studies (and where possible empirical studies) that question determinism whether of technology or globalization and place studies of ICTs and globalization in context. We invite abstracts that expose the governance, control and political motivation behind technological choice, use and development critically exposing privilege and power.

Suggestions for contributions include:

  • Contradictions and assumptions of ICT-enabled outsourcing and off-shoring of business processes
  • Gender, ICTs and development
  • ICTs and empowerment in context
  • ICTs and the informal economy
  • ICTs for political activism and mobilization
  • Standardization, technology transfer and cultural differences
  • Use of ICT-based financial systems by World Bank, IMF, NGOs for development and global trade
  • ICTs and sustainable development

We welcome submissions by email, initially in the form of an abstract. This should be maximum 1000 words, single spaced, 12 point font, A4 paper size.

Important dates:

  • 1st November 2008 – submit abstract by email to
  • 2nd December 2008 – notification of acceptance
  • 1st May 2009 – Full papers due

1

[1] Lead convenor for administrative purposes