The impact of outsourcing strategies on companies' intellectual capital

The aim of the paper is to analyse the effect of outsourcing on the intellectual capital of firms in the current turbulent environment. In particular, the paper will analyse the difference between cost-driven and strategic-driven outsourcing and their impact on human and organisational/relational capital. In addition, the paper will stress the differences in outsourcing of manufacturing and service firms. We propose an approach of literature review in order to develop a model of outsourcing for enhanced intellectual capital utilisation and competitiveness. This methodology puts in evidence that there are very few studies/analysis that stress the link between strategic outsourcing and its potential to increase in particular relational capital due to cooperation of two or more firms. The outcomes of the application will result in a theoretical model that can assist researchers, managers and consultants to better understand the link between outsourcing and intellectual capital and competitive advantage. Knowledge Management Research & Practice (2011) 9, 286-292. doi:10.1057/kmrp.2011.33