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In the current era, which is driven by Technology and Innovation, companies can only thrive if they are quick, flexible, and capable of learning and adapting quickly.

Establishing approaches that offer flexibility and agility to a team or organization is essential for businesses to succeed in the current business climate.

Organizations are now aware of this and have included Agile methodology into their Operations in order to respond swiftly to environments that undergo rapid change.  The following advantages and downsides of adopting Agile approach have been identified by organizations throughout the globe and in various industries:

• Agile approach aids firms in launching products and services swiftly to the market and adapting deftly to Innovations in the technological landscape and consumer and market variations.
• Agile methodologies, which originated in the United States (U.S.), are being utilized by enterprises across the globe.
• Since the technique was founded in the United States, it carries with it U.S. cultural standards, which poses issues when Agile is implemented in cultures that differ from the U.S.
• In U.S. culture, the free expression of views and opinions to authority is an example of the cultural difference. Such a culture is not prevalent in the majority of the world's cultures.
• Cultures tend to have distinct words to express certain behaviors in their populace; this tendency has been dubbed "Cultural Script".

The challenge of culture has been effectively resolved in Agile deployments outside the United States by including cultural sensitivity into practices.

The crucial point in the Agile vs. Culture argument is:  How do the Cultural Scripts prevalent in a specific culture complement or conflict with the Agile principles?

To answer this, 8 Agile-adopting software company employees from China, South Korea, and India were interviewed.

The cultural issues that study participants encountered in Agile projects and the atypical interplay of Agile approach with Cultural Scripts may be categorized into following 3 distinct challenge areas:

1. Maintain Flexibility & Speed.
2. Build an Agile Team.
3. Create Communication Channels.

Let's go a little more into the 3 major obstacles.

 Maintain Flexibility & Speed

Agile emphasizes maintaining flexibility and speed; when converting such scripts to Agile methodology, problems occur when they become overly ambitious.  This may result in humiliating or disastrous circumstances for the affected parties.

Some Cultural Scripts align with this method, but if not given an appropriate framework to function within, they may become excessive.

There are 2 strategies that have been identified through research for avoiding out-of-control situations in teams where members may adopt Cultural Scripts:

1. Streamline Problem Solving.
2. Leverage a Hybrid Model.

 Build an Agile Team

Agile processes are centered on people, and Agile teams are expected to self-organize with individuals from a variety of roles.

Cultural Scripts may also emphasize communication habits that impede the free flow of information among team members.

Empirical research recommends 2 strategies for overcoming communication movement issues:

1. Add Pragmatic Structure.
2. Balance Competencies and Group Cohesion.

 Create Communication Channels

Communication that is fluid and constant is essential and fundamental to Agile processes.  Cultural Scripts have a huge impact on communication.

Different cultural settings may result in interpersonal communication gaps when Agile methodology is used in projects with individuals from outside the United States.

The following 2 strategies facilitate free communication without Cultural Scripts inhibiting the conversation, according to research:

1. Create an atmosphere conducive to open communication.
2. Create New Channels of Communication.

Interested in learning more about the 3 Key Challenges and the Tactics to navigate them?  You can download an editable PowerPoint presentation on Global Agile Implementation and Local Culture Considerations here on the Flevy documents marketplace.

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