For a current project investigating the use of collaboration tools on GSD (global software development) projects, I’ve been assessing the impact of videoconferencing on development team activities. On the plus side is the great potential benefit of visual feedback. On the negative side, I’ve realized, is the great potential to inadvertently offend never-met teammates of a different cultural background with one’s gestures or body language.
To help me better understand these factors, and so I can assess whether they might be useful references for our development teams, I’ve picked up a few books on the topic, including:
- Gestures: The DO’s and TABOOs of Body Language Around the World
- Cross-Cultural Dialogues: 74 Brief Encounters With Cultural Difference
- Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands (updated edition)
- Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures
Also, towards the general topic of GSD and cultural differences, I’m [re-]reading:
- The Psychology of Computer Programming
- Cultural Diversity: Its Social Psychology
Recommendations for other good resources on this topic are welcome! I’ll summarize my opinions of the usefulness of these books for GSD purposes in this blog.
I’ve completed Cross-Cultural Dialogues: 74 Brief Encounters With Cultural Difference – here’s my review. Next up: Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures.