The choice of offshoring operation mode: a behavioural perspective

Since offshoring has recently become an integral part of corporate strategies, choosing the specific offshoring operation mode is a crucial aspect for CEOs. Using a sample of 466 offshoring operations, this study analyses offshoring mode decisions from the rationale of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Drawing on this perspective, our results indicate that this decision seems to be clearly influenced by the manager's intentions and partially determined by some competences originated in the resources and experience of the firm. Additionally, and contrary to the common view in the field, our findings suggest that instead of being a possible intermediate option between the “make or buy” decision, concurrent offshoring can in fact constitute a final state in the evolution of MNE strategies.