An Empirical Investigation of Outsourcing Decisions in Enterprises Operating in Greece

Abstract

This paper presents some preliminary results, regarding outsourcing decisions, based on a study, which was conducted using a sample of enterprises operating in Greece. Specifically, the motivations, the risks, and the impact, positive or negative, of outsourcing are described and analyzed. 56 companies, which operate in the trading and manufacturing sectors, participated in this research. Results indicate that cost reduction and acquisition of technology/skills are the most important motivations for outsourcing, whereas contracting-out core activities and loss of control are the most serious risks of outsourcing. Generally, the impact of outsourcing is positive, with cost reduction and increase in flexibility the mostly cited benefits.

JEL Classification: L60, L81, M11.

Keywords: Outsourcing, motivations, risks, benefits, strategic, Greece.