Navigating Cultural Differences

In every cross-cultural collaboration there is scope and potential for misunderstanding. Some surveys go as far as to show that cultural differ-ences are the biggest challenge in offshoring. While I would not fully agree with this point of view — since many other aspects highlighted earlier in this book have an important effect on the functioning of an offshore relationship as well — culture is certainly the most underes-timated, neglected and often wrongly interpreted hurdle. The super-ficially similar aspects of culture (like English as a common business language, Western office dress or world-class business parks in India) may lull you into complacency, making you believe that you can easily navigate other differences. However, attitudes, work ethos and values of Indians are at first glance invisible to you, just as your attitudes, work ethos and values are initially hidden from your Indian colleagues. My simple advice is to not underestimate the differentness; it not only impacts the working and collaboration style, but brings with it serious business implications. When dealing with India, you need to expect similarities and differences, but you need to accept and respect the country’s diversity.