Abstract
A survey of 73 US companies with global computer networks was used to examine the problems encountered in establishing such networks as well as the methods found to be successful in overcoming these problems. The respondents expressed concern about the lack of adequate top management support to deal with the problems involved in running a global network. Two management policies were found to contribute to the success of a global network. First, the establishment of corporate standards was seen as helping reduce problems involving hardware and software compatability. Second, help centers were associated with increased perceptions that top management was concerned about the global network's success. Almost 70% of the firms encountered some kind of politically imposed constraint that affected their ability to manage the network and to transfer data across international borders. The most common constraint involved requirements to use foreign telephone networks.