How to communicate effectively with offshore Vietnamese developers

Successful communication is critical for offshore projects. One has to overcome cultural barriers and the gap becomes significant when it comes to the West–East relationship, especially when international companies outsource their software development to Vietnam.

So, what should international partners keep in mind when communicating with Vietnamese software developers?

Vietnamese developers are shy but still carry an open heart when it comes to communicating. They will feel a little shy when it comes to unfamiliar environments and first-time settings. However, once they get past this first-time encounter, they will become very enthusiastic and will warm up to conversations, which in turn strengthens the relationship.

You won’t find this behaviour in experienced engineers from top Vietnam software outsourcing providers though, as they are used to working with new colleagues and partners from all over the world. Sometimes a fresh engineer will need your kind understanding to overcome this, as it is their first time. Your warm hearted gestures would make a difference.

How do you approach a Vietnamese developer for the first time?

1. Handshakes are used when you first meet and before you part ways.
2. Handshakes only takes place between members of the same sex. Always wait for a woman to extend her hand. If she does not, just bow your head slightly to acknowledge.
3. Some Vietnamese people use a two-handed shake, with the left hand on top of the right.
4. Business cards are exchanged during the initial meeting and should be presented with both hands. When you are receiving business cards, do ensure that you show proper respect and do not simply glance and put them on the table.

Mutual respect is essential when communicating with Vietnamese people. They will feel thankful for every small gesture of help or guidance. If you guide an engineer step-by-step, he or she will treat you with respect and gratitude. This is a charming beauty of Vietnamese culture that you will find in almost every Vietnam outsourcing company.

In order to succeed in managing offshore software projects in Vietnam, you must invest also time in building a good relationship based on both personal and business fronts. Any initial meeting should be solely used as a “warm-up”. After that, Vietnamese people will be one of the most warm-hearted and enthusiastic people in the world.

For mutual affection and a harmonious working relationship, Vietnamese people tend to avoid conflicts and are not likely to raise their voice directly or straightforwardly. It takes time for them to find the most peaceful manner to express their ideas, and that’s why sometimes you will find it difficult to discuss working decisions with them.

Our advice for you in this case is to find a top Vietnam software outsourcing companies that has many success stories with considerable amount of foreign clients, as they will practice transparency and more straightforward communication as part of their corporate culture.