The impact of language and communication of meaning on ICT Development Projects

Abstract

This study focusses on language and the communication of meaning within the ICT systems development project management environment. Neglecting to identify the importance of language within the multi-national and multi-cultural ICT project is a major risk to the success of the project. The diversity of the cultures and languages of the project’s human resources and the existence of language barriers are identified and proven as being risk factors that need to be managed as part of the project management plan. The author compiled a framework that incorporates guidelines and critical success factors for an ICT project to assist in identifying and managing specific problems and risks related to language and the communication of meaning within the project. This framework emphasizes the importance of communication that transfers meaning and not only information.