Title: ICT for disability management in the net economy

Authors: Guido Migliaccio

Addresses: Department of Law, Economics Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Via delle Puglie 82, Benevento 82100, Italy

Abstract: Diversity is a prominent aspect of daily life. The net economy must consider differences to be part of a system's structural elements from which all possible conveniences are drawn. Technologies in support of disabled peoples' activities are very useful; the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has therefore been very helpful, but there are also risks from the 'digital divide'. With ICT, the lives of those living with disabilities can be improved, allowing them better interaction in society by widening their scope of activity. ICT can help people with disabilities access education, training and cultural development. ICT also promotes the employment of those with disabilities. The opportunities arising from disabled employees seem to be often overlooked. They are analysed through the conceptual framework of diversity management and its derivative, disability management. The disability can become an opportunity to innovate structures, processes and products as well as to renew the management style and the business and work atmosphere.

Keywords: digital divide; disability management; diversity management; technological products; diversity; ICT; information and communications technology; information technology; net economy; network economy; new economy; disabled people; disability products.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2016.076452

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2016 Vol.8 No.1, pp.51 - 72

Accepted: 09 Dec 2015
Published online: 09 May 2016 *

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