How To Build A Global Software Development Outsourcing Team That Work
Software outsourcing surely requires a lot of effort, teamwork, and communication. As if working in one location isn’t challenging enough, how is it possible to manage an offshore software development team?
If we compare putting all of the IT engineers together in one place, encourage them with the same objective, keeping track of the working progress, and having your team offshore, with the language barrier and cultural gaps, the former one seems more rational.
But if you consider the advantages of quickly having access to a large pool of developers, new technologies, and cost reduction in various countries as important factors, plus, you can get access to the global pool of talent while expanding your network, then how can you create a software development team that actually works? 
Working on a globally dispersed project can leave space for jealousy as the more expensive one might be requested to train their much cheaper peers, not to mention the lack of team engagement and interaction, unclear milestones, and undefined metrics as the concept of success varies depending on countries.
But before you’re being scared away, and go back to your other option: it’s better to leave things to our in-house team or onshore development company. Why don’t you have a look at how to build a strong global software development team that not only possesses extensive knowledge but also can help you in reducing costs, after all, this is the main reason for business owners to make an outsourcing decision.
Here is how you can construct and streamline your international team.
Set out your basic expectations when hiring
When you choose to outsource, we assume you are ready to be exposed to a new culture and are willing to adopt the professional practices of a culture that maybe 10,000 miles away from you. Setting out your expectations, what are your working styles?
Are you someone who is flexible, creative, and open to new suggestions or someone who prefers strictly following the procedure? What skills do you consider as the most important?
A piece of working knowledge about gender roles, work norms, or attitudes toward leadership skills are also essential. Do you want to work with young vibrant 20-somethings staff or a group of seniors with extensive experience and knowledge?
Start by looking at your core work values. It is best to know what you’re looking for rather than wandering around.
Strong Regional Leaders
A strong, ethical regional leader, whom you trust is the imperative factor ensuring the success of the project. Regional leaders will absorb and mold company values while you’re absent. Think of them as your cultural touchstones.
Explicitly define the scope of roles and responsibilities to make sure you can hire a strong and skilled workforce later, regional leaders will provide you with an understanding of the local talent pool and benchmark.
Global Employee Experience
Give both your onshore and offshore team a global experience by being reachable, building a foundation of empowerment with your remote team, keeping everyone updated, constantly holding meetings via virtual platforms.
Promoting your company’s professional values as well as absorbing theirs in order to fill the cultural gap.
Be aware of national holidays
This is so obvious, countries and people honor holidays in different ways and days, keep in mind that this can be the element affecting your project progress in general.
For example, you’re hiring an IT offshoring team in Vietnam in the period of time from August to October, are you aware of the information that Vietnamese people will take 2 days off because of their National Day at the beginning of September?
Share common platforms with all members
Before signing any contract, make sure all stakeholders are aware of the communication channels or discussing and agreeing on one collaborative project software that any individuals on the team can access in their own time. Because the team is distanced from each other geographically, cloud-based software is dogmatic.
Don’t generalize or stereotype or make any assumptions
We all have some cultural bias, but don’t let them get in the way. Just because country X is the biggest IT outsourcing destination, doesn’t mean that there are less talented people in country V, T or M. And just because new IT offshoring destinations pop up everywhere that you should abandon the “old-timer” in the IT outsourcing industry.
Don’t be aloof, be inclusive, and seek advice from maybe a friend or colleague who’s accustomed to the local customs when there are some cultural-specific issues come about.
Conclusion
If you lack the resources for completing a better job, an outsourcing team can be a good way to gain an advantage in materials or expertise. In addition, outsourcing can also bring multiple advantages like risks are equally shared with a partner company, more time to focus on crucial tasks, avoid overhead costs, and acquire a good partnership with a reasonable price of labor and materials.
If you have decided to outsource due to the benefits above then we hope this article can provide you with a fundamental understanding of how to construct an international team that actually effectively works.
At TP&P Technology, we offer excellent IT services helping you in implementing your IT project as well as consulting. Talk to one of our experts today to learn more about our company’s work!
