Collaborative Reflection on Intercultural Virtual Teamwork

As a Data Engineer working in an increasingly globalized environment, the shift towards virtual teamwork has been significant, especially in the post-COVID era. The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual teams. My team members consisted of various cultural backgrounds ranging from Indonesia, Australia and Singapore. Due to remote nature of our work, there were issues relating to communication and working culture barriers.

For instance, the Australian team members favored detailed, frequent communications, whereas the Indonesian team members demanded extensive documentation and precision, reflecting their cultural predispositions toward meticulousness (Gilson et al., 2015). Adjusting to time zone differences was a prime challenge, potentially delaying real-time communications and decision-making. We instituted overlapping working hours and regular check-ins to ensure synchronization across all team members.

Working with teammates from Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia turned every meeting into a mini-cultural festival, challenging and enriching me in ways I hadn't anticipated. The real surprise, though, was falling in love with Bahasa. It started with a simple "Selamat pagi" (good morning) from an Indonesian colleague. Curiosity turned into enthusiasm, and before I knew it, I was exchanging phrases, laughing at my mistakes, and soaking up every new word like a sponge. This wasn't just about learning a language; it was about connecting with my team on a whole new level.

Meyer (2014) talks about the power of cultural empathy in her work and learning Bahasa became my way of showing respect and appreciation for my Indonesian colleagues' culture, strengthening our bond and smoothing over any professional and cultural bumps we encountered along the way. This unexpected journey into language learning taught me more than just words; it taught me about the resilience of human connections across digital divides.

As I move beyond the internship, I take with me not just an appreciation for the data engineering skills I've honed but also a profound respect for the cultural diversity that shaped our team. Bahasa is now a part of my daily vocabulary, a constant reminder of the friendships forged over code and culture. It's a skill I cherish and plan to continue nurturing, a bridge to new connections and a doorway to understanding the rich tapestry of human experiences.

References

Gilson, L. L., Maynard, M. T., Jones Young, N. C., Vartiainen, M., & Hakonen, M. (2015). "Virtual Teams Research: 10 Years, 10 Themes, and 10 Opportunities." Journal of Management, 41(5), 1313-1337.

Meyer, E. (2014). The culture map: Breaking through the invisible boundaries of global business. PublicAffairs.