In today’s global economy environment, information on demand is the expected norm.

This is a very recent development that has had a profound impact on organization and individuals.

Consider the following questions:

a. In 1800, if a merchant company in Europe sent a turnaround report to its agent in New York, how long would the company expect that it would take—at a minimum—to receive the return report?

b. What about in 1900?

c. In 1950?

d. In 2005—at a maximum?

e. Describe what you believe to be the most significant impact this change in reporting speed has had both on organizations and on individuals.

f. Is this extraordinary change in the speed of reporting—and in expectations—good or bad? For the organization? For an individual employee?