I have also seen amazing multi-region teams operating on different timezones. Sometimes they work on entirely different projects and sometimes on same stuff but with 24/7 operations so to speak.
Operating in other regions also gives access to large markets outside the US with entirely different markets and legal structures.
Current laws in the US actually force existing companies to look outside more. For newly starting startups, this transition to international might sooner in their journey. Maybe they'll start hiring in other countries in Series B instead of waiting for a series C.
My team is split between the US and India. The time zone difference makes things harder, but we work well together. The cultural issues are greatly lessened by the fact that a number of people on the US side of the divide are from India, and I (US-born white guy) have made five trips to India to get to know people there. We're able to hand off issues to each other and address customer issues quickly because someone is available around the clock. I've had to push back and limit meetings to keep from working all the time, but it's easy to get sucked into over-long hours.
In my experience, cultural differences can be way worse than the timezone differences.
There are true, critical cultural differences between the US and say the middle east, or asia. In some cultures it is really bad to ask questions when something is unclear, it is really bad to take any sort of initiatives, it is really bad to push back on unreasonable requirements.
To me this is the true reason massive out-sourcing failed a few decades ago. It just requires a lot of work to adjust for these differences.
Truth, having worked with a team of 15 engineers in Bangalore - there is a huge cultural difference. Yes, I understand some people might be offended by this but I am speaking unadulterated truth with absolutely no offense meant in terms of race/country/origin. The culture is totally different and IMO not conducive to innovation, critical thinking and constructive feedback - it is the opposite.
Still, some people will be offended by this. Are there exceptions? Absolutely. Is this a common pattern and generalization? Yes.
How much of this is getting what you paid for? how much of this is inability to build and grow professional relationships, willingness to learn cultural awareness? I've worked as an engineer on both sides you mention.
You get what you pay for, there are companies that charge you more and some that charge you less. There are companies that hire good talent, pay them well, have experienced engineers who have worked with range of people/projects and consequently are generally well travelled and culturally aware. And, there are companies that just hire inexperienced engineers etc. Irrespective of which country, if you want a good team of engineers, you got to be willing to pay more.
And, while working with people from a different country/geography, instead of just expecting the people you work with to be culturally aware, you got to be willing to learn and get culturally aware too. Did you put in any effort? For instance, if you go in with I won't even care about trying to pronounce your name right or a bias that "your culture is just not good for innovation/critical thinking etc" attitude, you wont get anywhere.
So basically you agree. Cultural differences are challenges that cost time, money and effort to overcome. Sometimes it's not worth it.
I will also add that it's kind of sad that you imply that people who just live according to their culture are "less good", or "cheaper", or "less experienced". Price and cost have nothing to do with it. It is normal for people to live and behave the way they've been taught.
> It's kind of sad that you imply that people who just live according to their culture are "less good", or "cheaper", or "less experienced".
Not sure how you got this from what I wrote.
I was responding directly to -
"..The culture is totally different and IMO not conducive to innovation, critical thinking and constructive feedback - it is the opposite..."
I was trying to say don't look down condescendingly on other cultures and expect to develop a great working relationship. Experience with different teams and people gives you cultural awareness, where you learn how to motivate, communicate with different people effectively.
Anyway, all I can say is I have worked with multiple teams from different countries and cultures, and haven't had the challenging experience you mention. So, when you use your personal experience to make a generalized claim, I feel its inaccurate.
So, felt compelled to leave a comment. I am not looking to change your opinion though.
I am tolerant of all cultures, religions, etc., but I do not find the belief in a caste system, or any form of discrimination against women to be compatible with modern western work culture and equal employment laws.
