Global measures of development and the information society

Purpose - To examine the effects of telecommunications on national development, broadly measured in the areas of economic, social, and political change, and cultural development. Design/methodology/approach - The results of a structural equation model are reported, designed to examine the bi-directional relationship between telecommunications infrastructure and national development for countries worldwide. The economic, social, and political development, and cultural changes that result from telecommunications infrastructure are investigated. Findings - Telecommunications infrastructure effects extend beyond economic impacts to include social, political, and cultural change. Research limitations/implications - Criteria used to measure development and change, particularly those that examine the effects of telecommunications on culture, are inadequate and do not adequately measure the effects of telecommunications on national development. Practical implications - Alternative methods of assessment or measure are needed to examine more critically the effects of telecommunications within the context of national development. Originality/value - This paper argues for the necessity of deeper investigation into the influence of technology on society, particularly in the area of cultural change.