Reflections #4: Value on a Spectrum – From Local Heroes to Global Giants

When it comes to the perception of value in the workplace, size and location matter. Working in a big company in a first world country versus a small company in a third world country can drastically alter how employees view their contributions. In this reflection, we’ll examine how the perception of value differs between these two settings, with a focus on the effort employees put in.

While big companies may have a wider reach and impact on more people, small companies may offer more direct and tangible results. Additionally, cultural and socioeconomic factors can also play a role in how employees view the value of their work. Understanding these differences can provide insight into the varying perspectives employees hold in different work environments.

The perception of value can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the company. In this article, we will explore how the perception of value differs between working in a big company in a first world country and a small company in a third world country, with a particular focus on employee effort.

In a big company in a first world country, employees may feel that their individual contributions are less important due to the large size of the organization. The impact of one person’s work may be harder to measure in the context of a company that employs thousands of people. However, the direct impact of the company’s products or services on large clients may be more visible. For example, a software engineer working for a big tech company may not be able to see the impact of their code on the company’s bottom line, but they may see the impact of the software on millions of users.

On the other hand, in a small company in a third world country, the impact of one individual’s work may be more visible and tangible. However, achieving a small impact may require more effort due to limited resources and a smaller client base. Employees in a small company may feel that their efforts are more directly tied to the success of the business, but they may also need to put in more effort to see results.

Moreover, cultural and socioeconomic factors can also influence the perception of value. In a first world country with a strong middle class, people may have more disposable income and be willing to spend more on high-quality products or services. This can make the impact of a big company more visible in terms of revenue and profits. In contrast, in a third world country with lower average incomes, a small company that provides essential products or services may be more valued for its direct impact on people’s lives.

It’s important to remember that, whether you’re working in a big company in a first world country or a small company in a third world country, remember that your contributions matter.