The Importance of Intercultural Communication in Outsourcing

What is intercultural communication?

Intercultural communication (ICC) is the effective sharing of information between cultural and social groups, taking into account the different ethnic, social, religious, educational, and socio-economic background of the individuals in such groups. It is sometimes also known as cross-cultural communication or global communication. Since offices today are filled with a diverse range of people, from all backgrounds and walks of life, this form of communication is of vital importance and is necessary for the smooth running of any modern business.

Conversing across cultural divides

Our culture can strongly affect the way we conduct our business without us even being aware of it, and that’s why intercultural communication needs to be understood, absorbed, and utilised. If your business involves offshoring – the movement of a business process to a distant country – or nearshoring – the outsourcing of a process to a neighbouring country or country within your region – then ICC is a primary necessity, as it can lessen potential misunderstandings, reduce the risk of perceived insensitivity and minimise cause for offence. Poor communication can affect a business’s economic success; it has been linked to everything from productivity to turnover, and therefore there is a monetary cost involved for not taking ICC onboard.

Of course, a country that is far away can possess a very distinct and different culture from one’s own, with some obvious cultural differences. However, others will not be, and this is why ICC is essential. For a neighbouring or nearby country, although there will be fewer cultural differences, we can fall into the trap of making assumptions based on similarities and skimming over differences, and so intercultural communication can assist with these also.

Communication and partnership

As a nearshoring company, intercultural communication plays a pivotal role in our day to day, and we use it to great effect. We place the importance of ‘real partnerships’ slightly ahead of ‘software development’ in our marketing: rather than getting a ‘vendor’, we say you get a ‘partner’, and it’s this attitude that forms our communication and business practice. The emphasis on ‘soft skills’ such as effective communication, in conjunction with technical know-how, has created many successful two-way partnerships between local teams and teams abroad, ultimately aiding in the growth of our business and our reputation.

Communication is key

We pride ourselves in assembling bespoke teams who are geared towards our partners’ needs. Nearshoring is an ideal way for businesses to employ highly qualified workers who already possess the specialist skills and knowledge that their business needs.

However, to work together successfully beyond borders, communication is key. That’s why intercultural communication is so important, and why the need for a well-established communication system takes precedence today. Whether teams are local or on a nearby shore, they must work together to reach shared business goals. Intercultural communication allows diverse people to come together as a single group and to successfully achieve these aims.