Offshore Outsourcing: A Delphi Study

Abstract Organizations examine offshoring — the organizational and technological ability to relocate specific tasks to another country and coordinate a geographically dispersed network of activities — as a business strategy toward globalization. The impacts of offshoring are highly controversial. This study used the Delphi technique to identify the positive and negative effects of offshoring on U.S. economy and workforce, and articulate a sustainable strategy to reduce the negative impacts. Managers and executives at several medium and large organizations in the Midwest region of the United States were involved. The four-phase study generated consensus among the respondents. Statistical analysis methods included a hierarchical cluster analysis, mean, median, mode, and percent of agreement calculations. A face-to-face discussion in phase 4 clarified some issues and helped the group as a whole to outline strategies for putting in place the essential elements of a framework to mitigate the negative impacts of offshoring.

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