Consciousness and Unconsciousness in Outsourcing: A Conceptual Integrated Model

Abstract: This paper aims to highlight the role of unconsciuos factors in outsourcing choices, with particular reference to the strategic outsourcing, in which some cultural dimensions play a significant role, conditioning the decision-making process even unconsciously. In fact, even though managers always claim to be able to manage outsourcing relationships based on rational and conscious factors, they are inevitably affect by their personal and organizational culture, and in particular by some irrational or unconscious factors which affect their evaluations and decisions. That is, the aim of this paper is to identify these factors and to provide a conceptual framework to highlight these factors’ interdependence outsourcing choices. Methodologically, this paper is conceptual in nature, based on reviewing existing research, and strives to contribute to existent literature putting together the theoretical concerns about both organizational culture and strategic outsourcing. The findings of this study showed that, along with the rational factors involved in making outsourcing choices, there are some cultural factors affecting attitudes and evaluations towards outsourcing unconsciously; this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge and provides a conceptual integrated model underlining how consciuos and unconscious factors interact in outsourcing choices.

Key words: outsourcing; organizational culture; path dependency; uncertainty avoidance; trust

JEL codes: M10, M19