by Brianna Crandall — March 7, 2016—A compilation of contributions from eminent thinkers in the outsourcing field exploring socially responsible outsourcing was recently published by Palgrave Macmillan UK as part of the Technology, Work and Globalization series.
The book develops the theme of the importance of a sustainable approach to global sourcing, exploring how and why clients and providers have embraced social responsibility.
Socially Responsible Outsourcing: Global Sourcing with Social Impact, co-edited by industry thought-leaders Brian Nicholson, Ron Babin and Mary Lacity, builds on earlier studies by Professor Nicholson and fellow academics that have looked at the extraordinary growth of the outsourcing industry since the first software contracts were outsourced to India in the late 1970s.
A previous book in 2012, Sustainable Outsourcing, identified the importance of a sustainable approach to global sourcing practice, taking into account both the social and environmental dimensions. The latest book further develops this theme, exploring how and why clients and providers have embraced social responsibility.
The development of outsourcing industries is widely perceived as offering a route to socioeconomic development, especially in developing nations. For instance, India’s information technology outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors today contribute 9.5% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employ 3.5 million people.
IAOP endorsement
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) recently announced the endorsement by its chief executive officer (CEO) of the new book.
“Anyone who really cares about the future of the global economy and social responsibility, especially those in a position to influence and set policy, should read this book,” said Debi Hamill, IAOP CEO. “I am thrilled to endorse this book as the editors are experts in their field and the theme supports IAOP’s ongoing commitment to CSR in outsourcing.”
Socially Responsible Outsourcing: Global Sourcing with Social Impact, available for purchase from the publisher, was launched in Europe at a debate in London on February 24 hosted by IAOP. The book was also launched at the Outsourcing World Summit in Orlando in February. This new book complements IAOP’s Outsourcing Professionals’ Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility, published in 2013.
About the authors
Dr. Brian Nicholson is Professor of Information Systems at Alliance MBS at Manchester University; Dr. Ron Babin is the Professor and Director, Corporate and Executive Education and Faculty Association Executive, Ryerson University; and Dr. Mary Lacity is Curators’ Professor of Information Systems, College of Business, University of Missouri-St. Louis.
