Case Study | Supporting outbound Indian Talent around the world
An Indian tech company was expanding its operations to the US. The company decided to relocate a team of 20 employees from its headquarters in Bangalore, India, to its new office in San Francisco, US.
Challenge
An Indian tech company was expanding its operations to the US. The company decided to relocate a team of 20 employees from its headquarters in Bangalore, India, to its new office in San Francisco, US. The team was diverse, with a mix of software engineers, project managers, and business analysts. The challenge was to ensure a smooth transition for the team members, who were not only moving to a new country but also adapting to a new work culture.
The initial weeks were challenging for the team. They faced difficulties in understanding the American work culture, which was significantly different from what they were used to in India. The team members struggled with direct communication style, strict adherence to deadlines, and the task-oriented approach of their American counterparts. This cultural misalignment led to misunderstandings, decreased productivity, and increased stress among the team members.
Solution
To address these challenges, the client decided to invest in intercultural training for the team. They partnered with NetExpat as experts in intercultural training and coaching. The training program included two 1-hour group live virtual sessions with a specific focus on the US American business culture. The sessions covered topics such as cultural values, relationships development, communication styles, time management, and trust-building. Additionally, the team members were given access to the CultureSnap® self-assessment tool, an eLearning course, and the Global Leaders’ Community. They also received two 30-minute individual coaching sessions.
Outcome
The case of this client highlights the importance of intercultural training in ensuring a smooth transition for teams relocating from India to a new country. It underscores the fact that understanding and adapting to a new work culture is as important as technical skills. The experience of the Indian team offers valuable lessons for other companies planning to relocate their Indian talent abroad. Ultimately, the solution replaced the approach of expecting talent to self-train themselves or, the expectation that local colleagues will aid their cultural adaptation - both of which can be fraught with risk. It emphasizes the need for investing in the right training to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure the success of the team in the new work environment.
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