This might not be an immediate challenge but becomes important as the India Center grows. While this could be a huge topic in itself, the following are two major ones that will impact the quality of communication between India and other sites.
· have High Context (indirect, rely more non-verbal communication, relationship-oriented),
· exhibit High power-distance (automatically respect and value elders and higher-ranked people, hierarchy conscious)
Both these means dropping hints, having difficulty to say NO to seniors, long conversations and/or email before coming to the point etc., Further people do not easily speak up, but tend to sulk later. Most people are uncomfortable talking about their contributions and even have difficulty accepting sincere compliments (though they’d be yearning for recognition!). Even seasoned experts tend to keep quiet unless specifically asked to weigh-in. Many people take a lot of time to open up and express their true feelings/opinions.
Couple of best practices are:
- Arrange a formal “cultural sensitivity” training for people on both sides
- Make expectations and assumptions clear
- Go first, Go positive, Assume noble intent on everyone’s part and give more benefit of doubt
- Periodically review the need, cadence and duration of every meeting across the globe (people may resent too many evening calls but may not tell due to cultural norms discussed above!)
Good to know:
- The DEIB issues in India has a different flavour than what is seen in the western world. Assuming it is the same and expecting people to participate in similar ways (on initiatives) usually would make people annoyed.
- Most people in India accept working outside the standard office hours to interact with their counter parts on the other side of the globe. However, we need to strike a right balance (of having people involved and #meetings outside standard hours)
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