In the first two articles in the GCC series, I discussed the ‘why’ organizations should establish a GCC in India and ‘what’ are the key considerations before launching it. In this final piece, I share practical guidelines on ‘how’ to successfully implement a GCC in India.
Like any project execution, these initiatives require a strong, committed focus on people, processes, technology, and partnerships.
The real finesse comes in ensuring the GCC’s strategic and cultural alignment with the parent organization in each of these areas.
- The selection of the right talent that aligns with the master strategy goals of cost savings, innovation, or scaling operations to the GCC is key to success. It starts with bringing onboard a skilled leader who will be the translator of the expectations and concerns of both sides. Retention, engagement, and growth of this talent with continual employee training and development is necessary to ensure that GCC employees stay aligned with mothership strategies and environment.
- GCCs require clear and well-defined processes that comply with local regulations and are tailored to their Indian employees, their needs, and their aspirations. Work-specific musts are process maps and standards, expected speed and agility, “US time zone” working hours, cafeterias, and transportation arrangements, among others. HR processes should detail organization, reporting, and evaluation hierarchy with cultural sensitivity and objectivity. Administrative policies and support for expat employees on legal matters, housing, visas, and more will ensure that they can hit the road running.
- Forethought is needed to design and adapt the technology for current and future states. Many enterprise-wide systems don’t scale down well for smaller organizations, and hence ‘lite’ systems and right-sized technology for GCC operations are crucial for success. These systems should also take into account legal, governance, compliance, and taxation requirements, both in the US and India.
- GCC initiatives must ensure alignment with global partners at local levels with clarity of goal, regular cadence for reviews, and sharing progress and road maps.
With this strong foundation of people, processes, and technology, organizations have a unique opportunity for growth and success by leading by global expectations and local GCC examples.
Whether your GCC has 20 or 2000 employees, we can help!
We have actual, in-country experience establishing and managing 22 GCCs in different cities in India, North America, Far East and Europe, covering 25,000 employees.
We start with a well-articulated strategy which clearly spells out the endgame, execute multi-disciplinary operations with facilities, people and processes, and partner with on the ground management and services.
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