Question

An international company is facing the challenge of its software development team working on a specific application spread across the globe in 16 countries in 12 different time zones. Flying them to the same location once a week or even once a month for coordination purposes would be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, the issues that arise tend to be urgent and in need of almost immediate resolution in communication with team members in other countries.

Which communication style is necessary to resolve the issues in the given scenario?
a. Multichronous.
b. Synchronous.
c. Dyschronous.
d. Asynchronous.

Answer 1

The scenario requires a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication styles to address urgent issues in real time, while accommodating the global spread and different time zones of the team members.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given scenario, the type of communication that is necessary to resolve urgent issues is synchronous communication. This style allows for immediate interaction between team members, enabling the resolution of problems in real-time. However, considering the different time zones and the global spread of the team, this can be challenging. This makes it essential to also rely on asynchronous communication, such as emails or message boards, for non-urgent matters that can be addressed according to each team member's schedule. A balance of both synchronous and asynchronous methods will ensure that urgent issues are managed effectively while still respecting the various time zones and schedules of the international team.

Effective global communication often leverages technology, such as secure platforms for sharing information and video conferencing tools, ensuring that everyone is on the same page despite physical distances and cultural differences. Clear expectations for communication, such as response times and preferred channels for different types of issues, are also essential. Overall, a combination of immediate, real-time communication and flexible, asynchronous methods would be the most effective strategy for the company's software development team.