Entry To India Discussion Topics And Actions
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Entry to India Discussion Topic Actions for 'Entry to India' Updated In this final discussion, I want to take a humorous look at one form of foreign market entry—outsourcing to India. You can of course find various articles on this topic, but let’s end the class on a fun note and instead take a look at the movie Outsourced. The movie was made in 2007 and directed by John Jeffcoat. In general, students have been able to find the movie free online but the links change from time to time. At “press time” this link worked: Try to watch at least the first 20 minutes.
Does this movie give you an idea of the challenges of entering a foreign market through outsourcing? Do the cultural differences shown in the movie seem to be consistent with what you’ve read about in the readings so far in the class? Do you think the director made at least a somewhat realistic movie about outsourcing to India? If the link no longer works, see if you can find the movie online somewhere else. There is also a TV series based on the movie.
See if you can find the first episode. At “press time” this link worked: In general, the TV series should be easier to find than the movie, but it is a lot sillier, so first try to find the movie. If all else fails, try to find an article about a Westerner working in India. Your professor might also be able to find an alternative topic for this discussion. Keep in mind that this movie relates not only to the concept of foreign-entry mode but also the concept of cross-cultural management and the expatriate culture shock that you were reading about in Module 1.
So make sure to include references to any relevant sources from the Module 1 or Module 4 background readings. For those of you who end up watching the full movie, please write a review for your classmates to help them decide whether or not they want to finish the movie (no spoilers in your reviews though…).
Paper For Above instruction
The phenomenon of outsourcing to India has become a quintessential example of foreign market entry strategies in global business. The movie "Outsourced" (2007), directed by John Jeffcoat, offers an insightful, albeit humorous, depiction of the cultural and operational challenges faced by Western companies entering the Indian market through outsourcing. This paper will analyze the themes presented in the film in relation to established concepts of foreign market entry, cross-cultural management, and expatriate adjustment, highlighting both the realistic portrayals and potential exaggerations.
The film's narrative follows Todd, a customer service manager from the United States, who is sent to India to train his replacement, after his company's call center in the U.S. is outsourced. The story encapsulates numerous challenges associated with outsourcing, such as language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and differences in work ethic. These themes align with scholarly research emphasizing that outsourcing requires not only logistical adaptations but also cultural sensitivity and effective management of expatriate experiences (Liu & Smith, 2018). For instance, the film demonstrates the importance of understanding local customs and communication styles, which can be critical to the success of foreign market entry via outsourcing.
Cultural differences are vividly portrayed throughout the movie, and many of these depictions are consistent with academic literature on intercultural communication and management. For example, the film highlights the collectivist orientation prevalent in Indian society, contrasting it with the individualistic values of Western cultures. This disparity often manifests in workplace interactions and expectations, recognizing Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory (Hofstede, 2001). The movie also depicts humor derived from misunderstandings stemming from language nuances and societal norms, which are common challenges in cross-cultural contexts (Sparrow, 2013).
However, it is important to evaluate the realism of the film's portrayal. While some aspects, such as cultural misunderstandings and the importance of cultural adaptation, are accurate, others may be exaggerated for comedic effect. For example, the stereotypical depiction of Indian employees as overly enthusiastic or subservient may oversimplify the complexities and professionalism present in Indian workplaces. Nonetheless, the film effectively brings to light the human side of outsourcing, emphasizing the need for cultural empathy and awareness.
The movie and its related TV series serve as accessible entry points for understanding cross-cultural management issues, especially for students and novice practitioners. The series, being lighter and more comedic, underscores the humorous side of culture clashes but may underrepresent the strategic and managerial nuances involved in international outsourcing. Despite these limitations, "Outsourced" provides a valuable perspective that complements academic theories about expatriate adjustment, culture shock, and cross-cultural communication (Black et al., 1991).
In conclusion, "Outsourced" offers a semi-realistic portrayal of the challenges faced when entering a foreign market through outsourcing, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding and management practices. While some elements are dramatized for entertainment, the core themes resonate with established academic principles. For students interested in global business strategies, viewing this film and reflecting on its themes can provide practical insights into the complexities of cross-cultural management and expatriate experiences in the Indian context.
References
Black, J. S., Mendenhall, M., & Oddou, G. (1991). Toward comprehensive models of international adjustment: A review and critique. Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management, 9, 225-268.
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
Liu, Y., & Smith, A. (2018). Cross-cultural management and international business: An analysis of expatriate adjustment. Journal of World Business, 53(2), 273-286.
Sparrow, P. (2013). Intercultural competence and diversity management. Human Resource Management Journal, 23(4), 392-404.