ABSTRACT

Although a substantial amount of outsourcing research has been carried out at the senior management level, particularly concerning the cost-benefits of outsourcing and vendor selection, little is known about the impact of the outsourcing process upon the staff concerned. Literature sometimes briefly suggests that the transition (logistical and contractual aspects of transferring the staff from one employer to another) should be managed carefully because of the potential impact on human and performance aspects. However, very little is known about how the process is experienced by the staff, the role of HR, and whether some interventions may be more helpful than others in facilitating a more positive experience.