Corporate Social Responsibility In Global It Outsourcing: A Case Study Of Inter-Firm Collaboration

This paper examines the intersection of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and global information technology outsourcing (GITO). The growing business participation in global CSR standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative, ISO 26000 and the UN Global Compact, demonstrates that CSR issues are important to buyers and providers of outsourcing services. The case study examines the outsourcing relationship between Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) and outsource provider Steria. Specifically we report on how aligned CSR priorities of the buyer and provider may identify opportunities for CSR collaboration. Based on Lewicki and Bunker’s (1990) work on trust, the paper argues that collaboration benefits for both the buyer and provider may be realised in the areas of: 1) workforce efficiencies, 2) increased communication, and a 3) higher level of commitment to work through challenges in the outsourcing relationship.