Managing global communication networks: Key challenges for the nineties

摘要

This paper is aimed at helping telecom executives understand and meet the challenges faced by multinational corporations operating in a rapidly changing global environment. Results from a survey of over 100 of the largest US multinational corporations (MNCs) and telephone interviews with over a quarter of these firms are discussed in the first half of the paper. The primary results from this two-step study were: (a) the type and intensity of telecom problems faced by MNCs are affected by both internal and external factors; (b) the deregulation of domestic telecommunication services has been a mixed blessing to US MNCs; and, (c) nations are imposing hidden communication costs on MNCs using a wide variety of legislation. The second half of the paper provides a detailed action plan for telecom managers to deal with these challenges. The primary audience for this paper includes practising telecom managers, information systems executives, strategic planners, network consultants and senior executives in global firms.