The Global Phoenix - Issue 3 August 2017 | Page 24

3. The Communication Challenge
There is nothing like DIRECT, face to face
communication with the supplier of raw
data but, working globally, this is not always
possible, and at some point the information
must be transferred from the local source
up the supply chain for processing:
Telephone Communication - This is
not always as straightforward as one
may imagine; poor coverage, power
outages and difficulty to decipher
what is said due to local accents, being
further distorted by bad lines are some
of the challenges.
Written Communication - This may
seem the best way forward, but it also
presents challenges. In many hardship
destinations email is not widely
used and inboxes rarely checked.
Communication styles can lead to
misunderstandings as the reader
supplies emphasis not necessarily
intended by the author and local
suppliers may speak English well
enough but not necessarily write it.
Presentation - The Data Collector must
be sure to ask the right questions in the
correct manner to obtain raw data that is
truly a reflection of local expat reality. To
go in stating they are collecting pricing
information as the representative of a
multinational client would be the same
as going to a local craft market when on
vacation, announcing one’s salary and then
asking what the local tradesman wants
to charge for his pottery! An approach
tantamount to financial suicide and a gross
underestimation of the local tradesman’s
keen business sense and opportunism,
which is, after all, intrinsic to human nature.
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4. The Connectivity Challenge
Poor infrastructure and limited amenities
often mean coverage is patchy or
nonexistent. In many countries, be prepared
for total loss of contact and connectivity for
days when the power is out.
5. The Language Challenge
Language Barrier - Africa does not speak
‘African’ and like all other continents, Africa
does not have just one language! There are
33 official languages in Africa, and hundreds
of local tribal languages. The main language
of the destination being researched may well
not be English. South Africa has 11 official
languages and Nigeria 5. Overall however,
the main business languages are English,
French, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch.
Accent Issues - Even when the international
language, English, is being spoken, accents
vary enormously and can be difficult to
understand - both ways. Imagine an Indian
communicating with an African; both might
be speaking English, but very differently!