Is lack of proper communication cause for outsourcing fiascos

1. Islackofpropercommunicationcausefor outsourcingfiascos? One major point to keep in mind, while outsourcing any of your serviceis to keep the communication with your service provider open and transparent, so that there is no confusion ensuing at the end. Lack of communication or even proper communication can be cause for issues cropping up later in the services outsourced. Businesses should be clear with their requirements and specifications, at the beginning itself. It is seen that a major concern for outsourcing the service is normally the poor or lack of communication with the service provider or cross cultural issues, to some extent. The lack of legibility in understanding or failure to communicate properly normally arises when the business and provider speak different languages. This is where the PDI or Power Distance Index has a say. PDI is, introduced by Gerard (Geert) Hendrik Hofstede, an influential Dutch sociologist.

2. The logic on which PDI is based is very easy to understand, estimating the seeming distance between the boss and employee as in how they engage with each other, in accordance with difference in culture, bias, heritage or hierarchy. If there is vast difference in the PDI scale then obviously, it could be cause for failed communication while outsourcing. It is best to build a relationshipwith the partner, prior to outsourcing and also to keep all communication transparent between both for bestresults. • How can you overcome communication failure while outsourcing? • Keeping the line of communication open, transparent and legible with the outsourcing partner can be quite challenging and if there is anything lacking, it could cause further problems with the service delivered. This damage, resulting from PDI difference can be minimized at various levels, as is givenbelow: • Train or educate the staff, especially those that have low- PDI levels: If the staffs with low level of PDI are effectively trained, then it opens up clear communication, thus making customers aware of certain meanings or phrases, which could easily be misinterpreted. • Make use of communication channels that hinder any miscommunication caused by PDI: It would have been better, have there been instruction manuals to enhance comprehension, as obviously people tend to hear things in a different way and also note taking skills may vary from person toperson. • Modify SDLC in order to overcome PDI difference: There was need for multilayer communication, where people could easily comprehend each other’s disciplines and domains. There were also instances where the outsourcing partner co-located to the customer location, if possible to ensure that a project is completedproperly. • While outsourcing to India, language may not be much of a barrier, as there are well educated staff with most outsourcing companieswho not only have the skills to handle the projects successfully, but also the required english education to keep the communication legible and clear with the customer. Effective cross-cultural training will further help to do away with any of the regular communication problems or failures that may crop up due to PDI difference • For more clarifications send mail inquiry tosales@outsourcedataworks.com