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Article
Offshore Outsourcing as a Source of International Competitiveness for SMEs
Journal of International Business Studies (2009)
  • Dante Di Gregorio, University of New Mexico
  • Martina Musteen, College of Business Administration
  • Douglas E Thomas, University of New Mexico
Abstract
Scholars typically view offshore outsourcing as a means of reducing the cost of manufacturing activities for large corporations, yet offshore outsourcing may entail administrative and technical services, and may include activities outsourced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Drawing on research in international entrepreneurship and services, we hypothesize and find evidence that offshore outsourcing of administrative and technical services by SMEs is associated with greater extent and scope of internationalization of sales. Offshore outsourcing enhances international competitiveness by enabling SMEs to reduce costs, expand relational ties, serve customers more effectively, free up scarce resources, and leverage capabilities of foreign partners.
Keywords
  • offshoring,
  • international outsourcing,
  • small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),
  • international entrepreneurship,
  • administrative and technical services
Publication Date
August, 2009
DOI
10.1057/jibs.2008.90
Citation Information
Di Gregorio, D., Musteen, M., & Thomas, D. E. (2009). Offshore outsourcing as a source of international competitiveness for SMEs. Journal of International Business Studies, 40(6), 969-988.