Learning Process in Asymmetric IT Offshore Outsourcing Relationship:A Combinative Perspectives of Resource Dependence and Alliance Evolution Theory

摘要

This paper puts forth a conceptual model ofvendor's learning in asymmetric IT offshore outsourcing fromthe combinative perspectives of resource dependence andstrategic alliance evolution theory. Based on a multiple casestudy, we explore the conditions for the vendor's skillacquisition and collaboration knowledge learning as well as theeffects on offshoring relationship evolution. The asymmetricrelationship highlights the instability of offshoring cooperation.As the bargaining power shifts, the vendor's commitment intoa particular offshoring relationship may be affected by theassessment of the client's trustworthiness, fairness andembeddedness bring about by collaboration knowledgelearning.