Knowledge@wharton

Gregory Mankiw head of the White House Council of Economic Advisors ignited a firestorm of debate this month when he said outsourcing of U.S. jobs is probably a good thing in the long run. As tends to happen with hot-button issues in presidential election years sensible discussion of this question was soon drowned in an uproar of political posturing. Experts at Wharton and the Boston Consulting Group point out that outsourcing is as old as the corporation. Increasingly sourcing work overseas is no longer a tactical option that can help firms save a few dollars here and there; it is a strategic necessity for any company that cares about its long-term competitiveness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.