So often globalization is portrayed as a dog-eat-dog world, where cut-throat competition and worker exploitation are the norm. We see elements of that dark underbelly around the world. But the Olympics is a timely reminder that competition is also a fundamental engine that pushes all its participants to strive for improvement. And if Olympians can show that sportsmanship in an arena where there is only one gold medal, then surely business can embody a similar ethic in a world where the possibilities are endless.
Eranga Jayawardena/AP
Australian players shake hands with Britain players after defeating them in the men's field hockey bronze medal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. International sports embody the ideals of fair play and sportsmanship that global business can learn from.