GCC Glossary

Your one-stop glossary for Global Capability Centers: from operating models and talent to digital innovation and compliance. Search or browse categories to learn more.

Core GCC Concepts

Global Capability Center (GCC)

An offshore or nearshore hub delivering services for a parent company.

Global In-House Center (GIC)

Earlier term used before GCC became mainstream.

Captive Center

A GCC fully owned and operated by the enterprise.

Shared Service Center

A centralized unit providing common services.

Center of Excellence (CoE)

A specialized GCC function for innovation or expertise.

Operating & Organizational Models

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Model

A provider builds and operates a GCC before transferring ownership.

Hub-and-Spoke Model

A GCC structure with a central hub and satellite centers.

Hybrid GCC Model

A mix of captive and vendor-managed functions.

Decentralized Model

Dispersed GCCs across multiple locations.

Maturity Model

Framework to measure a GCC’s growth stages.

Strategy & Business Alignment

Cost Arbitrage

Leveraging lower-cost locations for GCC operations.

Value Creation

Strategic contributions beyond cost savings.

Innovation Mandate

GCCs driving transformation and digital innovation.

Operational Efficiency

Optimizing processes to reduce costs and improve output.

Location Strategy

Choosing the right city/country for GCC setup.

Talent & Workforce

Talent Pool

Skilled professionals available in GCC markets.

Talent Acquisition

Strategies for hiring and scaling GCC workforce.

Employer Branding

How GCCs attract and retain talent.

Learning & Development (L&D)

Upskilling and reskilling employees in GCCs.

Attrition Rate

Percentage of employees leaving the GCC.

Technology & Digital

AI in GCC

Use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance GCC operations.

Automation

Streamlining tasks in GCCs with RPA and digital tools.

Cloud Center of Excellence

GCC team managing cloud adoption.

DevOps

Integration of development and operations.

Digital Transformation

Embedding digital-first strategies into GCCs.

Governance & Compliance

Governance Framework

Structures for managing GCC operations.

Compliance Management

Ensuring adherence to laws and regulations.

Risk Management

Identifying and mitigating operational risks.

Regulatory Adherence

Following industry and local compliance rules.

Privacy & Ethics

Responsible handling of sensitive data in GCCs.

Metrics & Performance

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Measures used to evaluate GCC success.

Balanced Scorecard

Framework for tracking GCC performance.

Productivity Metrics

Tracking workforce efficiency.

ROI & Value Metrics

Calculating return on GCC investments.

Metrics Dashboard

Visualization tools for GCC performance data.

Delivery & Services

Service Delivery Models

Structures for GCC-provided services.

Business Process Services

Operations supported by GCCs.

IT Services

Technology-focused services delivered by GCCs.

Customer Experience Services

Enhancing CX from GCC operations.

R&D Services

Research and innovation functions inside GCCs.

Ecosystem & Engagement

Parent Organization Alignment

Ensuring GCC goals match HQ priorities.

Stakeholder Management

Building trust with leaders and teams.

Ecosystem Integration

Connecting with startups and partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Bringing multiple business functions together.

Global Business Services (GBS)

Shared services and GCCs combined.

Future & Trends

Sustainability in GCC

Embedding ESG principles in operations.

Future-Ready Capability

Preparing GCCs for disruptions and change.

Ethical AI in GCC

Responsible AI adoption for long-term trust.

Smart GCC

Digitally intelligent and automated GCCs.

GCC 2.0

The next evolution of GCCs into strategic hubs.