Synching or Sinking: Trajectories and Strategies in Global Software Outsourcing Relationships

To increase the value and reduce the costs and risks of global software outsourcing, clients and developers are 'synching': building congruence along six identified 'COCPIT' dimensions. Case studies from a longitudinal research project identify practical synching strategies used by North American and European clients in their dealings with Indian sub-contractors. However, the cases also identify the limits to synching across physical and cultural distance. These limits – and the shocks to synching that occur over time – must be recognised and addressed if global software outsourcing is to succeed.