The growth of white-collar offshoring: Germany and the US from 1980 to 2006

SummaryThis paper investigates the growth of offshoring administrative and technical task by German and US firms. We consider the relevant theories and related factors that influence the decision to initiate and pursue offshoring. We link offshoring implementation decisions by German and US firms with technological and country-specific developments. We analyze external events that have enabled German and US firms to locate business processes offshore and we investigate the importance of both internal and external factors influencing offshoring decisions over time. We discuss differences in institutional configurations and highlight managerial implications for German and US firms.