Labour, Performance and Outsourcing Processes: Historical-conceptual framework and Strategic-organizational Rationale

Journal title QUADERNI DI ECONOMIA DEL LAVORO
Author/s Azio Barani
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2022/116
Language Italian Pages 18 P. 237-254 File size 103 KB
DOI 10.3280/QUA2022-116010
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This article provides an in-depth analysis of the outsourcing phenomenon, defining it as a strategic organizational technique where internal business functions are contractually assigned to third-party providers. It traces the historical evolution of outsourcing from its origins in Common Law countries to its widespread adoption by Japanese firms after the 1980s crisis, driven by market complexity and technological advancements. The paper examines the strategic and organizational rationale behind outsourcing decisions, distinguishing between core and non-core activities and identifying key dimensions such as strategic criticality, risk exposure, value creation relevance, and resource utilization. It highlights the most frequently outsourced activities, particularly within financial institutions (e.g., IT systems, data management, accounting), and explores the primary motivations, including cost reduction, competitive advantage, access to specialized knowledge, and enhanced focus on core business. Finally, the article classifies different outsourcing modalities (traditional, tactical, solution, strategic) based on managerial complexity and proximity to core business, along with various types such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), out-tasking, offshoring, and ownership, underscoring outsourcing's role as a versatile tool for corporate competitiveness and flexibility in a dynamic market environment.

Keywords: outsourcing; strategic management; core business; Business Process Outsourcing (BPO); Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO); offshoring; financial institutions.

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Azio Barani, Lavoro, prestazioni e processi di esternalizzazione: inquadramento storico-concettuale e ragioni strategicoorganizzative in "QUADERNI DI ECONOMIA DEL LAVORO" 116/2022, pp 237-254, DOI: 10.3280/QUA2022-116010