IT managers often decide to use overseas workers to accomplish a specific task or run a specific area of IT (for example, a help desk or network administration). They may even engage a strategic consultant overseas. Companies have many reasons for doing this, including a need for a different perspective or to obtain a unique skill set, or it may be a cost-saving measure. If you are managing an IT team and plan to offshore some work, to what degree do you believe sharing plans with the U.S.-based team is important? Can oversharing or undersharing cause issues? What are some of the criteria you may examine to make that determination?
IT managers often decide to use overseas workers to accomplish a specific task or run a specific area of IT
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- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: By sharing plans, the U.S. team can collaborate with the offshore team, share expertise, and ensure a consistent approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Risk Mitigation: Open communication can help identify potential risks and challenges early on, allowing for proactive measures to be taken.
- Employee Morale: Transparency and clear communication can help maintain morale among the U.S.-based team, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.
The Risks of Over- and Undersharing
- Oversharing: Over-sharing sensitive information, such as proprietary strategies or confidential client data, can pose security risks. It can also lead to unnecessary anxiety and demotivation among the U.S. team.
- Undersharing: Insufficient communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and decreased productivity. It can also erode trust and hinder collaboration.
Criteria for Determining the Level of Sharing:
To strike the right balance, consider the following criteria:
- Sensitivity of Information:
- Highly Sensitive: Limit sharing to essential information on a need-to-know basis.
- Less Sensitive: Share more details, but with appropriate confidentiality measures.
- Impact on the U.S. Team:
- Significant Impact: Share detailed plans to ensure a smooth transition and maintain morale.
- Minimal Impact: Provide high-level updates to keep the team informed.
- Complexity of the Project:
- Complex Projects: Share detailed plans and encourage collaboration to ensure alignment.
- Simple Tasks: Provide high-level overviews and focus on key deliverables.
- Cultural Differences:
- Cultural Nuances: Be mindful of cultural differences and tailor communication accordingly.
- Clear Expectations: Set clear expectations and provide regular updates to avoid misunderstandings.
By carefully considering these factors, IT managers can effectively balance the need for transparency and the need to protect sensitive information. Open and honest communication, coupled with clear expectations and regular updates, can help ensure a successful offshoring initiative.
Sample Answer
Sharing Plans with the US-Based Team: A Balancing Act
The Importance of Sharing Plans
When offshoring IT work, sharing plans with the U.S.-based team is crucial for several reasons:
- Smooth Transition: Sharing plans helps the U.S. team understand the rationale for offshoring, the specific tasks being transferred, and the timeline for the transition. This can alleviate concerns and facilitate a smooth handover.