With the continuous rise of smart technology, it is only natural for company owners and managers to find ways of incorporating software development into their respective businesses. After all, software engineering is the core foundation of the web and mobile apps that connect and cultivate the modern customer’s loyalty to the brand.
Why outsource your software development projects
Although US businesses have the advantage of operating in the tech capital of the world, the majority of US companies choose to outsource software development to another country. Outsourcing saves time and effort in finding and hiring a professional that can do the job well. It is also likely to be more cost-effective. In 2015, more than 470,000 IT jobs were outsourced from the US to other countries such as Mexico, India, and Ukraine.
Aside from price and quality, one must also consider the cultural compatibility of the outsourcing firm to your business process or model. Business cultural compatibility can help break several barriers (e.g. language) that usually accompany cross-border associations.
Cultural compatibility: Which one matches your business?
If you are thinking of outsourcing software development to either Mexico, India, or Ukraine, here are the things you need to know:
Mexico
1. Their business culture is heavily influenced by the US
A large number of US multi-national companies operating in the country might have something to do with how Mexico structures its business models and processes. Unlike their American counterparts, however, Mexicans tend to favor personal relationships rather than individual skills. This means you need to personally gain their trust first before they will allow you to conduct significant business with them.
2. Their management style is paternalistic
Managers tend to treat subordinates like family. Nevertheless, this does not mean they cannot impose severe punishment towards a wayward employee. They just like to combine an authoritative approach with certain familial warmth. This creates a deep sense of loyalty between the manager and the employees.
3. Business meetings in Mexico present an opportunity to exchange information and free-flow ideas
If you are the type of person to strictly follow the agenda in a business meeting, you might feel frustrated in a meeting with a Mexican business partner. On the bright side, you’ll go home teeming with excellent ideas to keep your business ahead of the curve. The more active and animated a Mexican is in a meeting, the more you are guaranteed that he/she is committed to doing good business with you.
India
4. They are strongly guided by religious and cultural beliefs
As with most countries in Asia, religion and tradition play a big part in doing business in India. For example, you should never use your left hand to shake hands or offer/accept things, as they believe that the left hand is unclean.
5. Their business core value is family-oriented
Indians are strongly family- and community-oriented. One must first establish a personal connection before they will be open to do business with you. Meetings would often begin with personal questions about each other’s families. It is also expected that business partners spend a lot of time interacting through dinners and social clubs to build good relationships with each other.
6. Regular contacts and face-to-face meetings are the keys to a fruitful business relationship in India
Building personal relationships is important when conducting business in India. Unfortunately, you can’t build a good personal relationship purely by phone or email. You need to take frequent trips and meet face-to-face with your Indian counterpart if you want to ensure the success of your business collaboration.
Ukraine
7. Ukrainians have a flexible concept of work hours
In Ukraine, the concept of time is directly linked to the person’s hierarchical status in the office. A manager may arrive five to 20 minutes later than expected. Even with appointments made in advance, it is considered polite to call a day to confirm the actual meeting.
8. Ukraine acknowledges both personal relationships and individual skills when hiring new people
While people with personal connections to managers might have a slight edge during the hiring process, Ukraine’s business culture compels decision-makers to also put the individual’s skills and expertise into consideration. They are known to express their delight and/or disappointment openly, regardless of whether it is a personal or professional relationship.
9. Ukrainians are masters in multi-tasking
If your Ukrainian counterpart starts to take phone calls or read emails in the middle of a conversation or a meeting, don’t be offended. They are not trying to be rude, but they are trying to show how efficient they are in their work by doing multiple things at the same time.
10. Whether it’s Mexico, India, or Ukraine, it is advisable to schedule a meeting coinciding with lunch breaks.
Lunch break is already a lengthy affair, so it is also the best time to discuss business concerns. It does not hurt that there is a warm, hearty meal in front of everyone to improve the mood. Lunch meetings are the best way to establish camaraderie and know your business partner better both professionally and personally.
Looking for a suitable software development company?
Traveling halfway across the globe to outsource your software development project can be a hassle. To avoid this, choose us, our development centers are located in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico.
With us, you don’t have to worry about travel expenses or managing fast-moving projects as you’ll be able to collaborate with Mexico-based team members in real time. This is the true agility of nearshore software development. Contact us now and experience better cultural compatibility and alignment in your business.