Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Flexibility as firm value driver: Evidence from offshore outsourcing

Choi, Jongmoo J.; Ju, Ming; Kotabe, Masaaki; Trigeorgis, Lenos; Zhang, Xiaotian T.

Authors

Jongmoo J. Choi

Ming Ju

Masaaki Kotabe

Xiaotian T. Zhang



Abstract

This article tests real options theory predictions that uncertainty and flexibility are key value drivers for offshore outsourcing moderated by switching costs. Examining firm-specific and market data for outsourcing cases by U.S. firms, we find that the impact of market and environmental uncertainty and flexibility on outsourcing value is net positive and that it is greater for offshore than for domestic outsourcing. Outsourcing benefits are related to flexibility arising from growth options and moderated by switching costs underlying outsourcing activities, including loss of innovative capability and economic, institutional, and cross-country cultural differences.

Citation

Choi, J. J., Ju, M., Kotabe, M., Trigeorgis, L., & Zhang, X. T. (2018). Flexibility as firm value driver: Evidence from offshore outsourcing. Global Strategy Journal, 8(2), 351-376. https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1181

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 26, 2017
Online Publication Date Sep 5, 2017
Publication Date 2018-05
Deposit Date Feb 14, 2023
Journal Global Strategy Journal
Electronic ISSN 2042-5805
Publisher Wiley
Volume 8
Issue 2
Pages 351-376
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/gsj.1181
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1181063