Relational Alignment in Offshore IS Outsourcing

Authors

Biswadip Ghosh, College of DenverFollow
Judy E. Scott, University of ColoradoFollow

Abstract

Knowledge gaps exist between client and vendor teams working in environments distributed across time zones and countries. Theses gaps hinder the creation of relational alignment—one of the three dimensions of IS/business alignment—and have been associated with poorer offshore outsourcing outcomes. In this article, we identify six organizational practices that facilitate knowledge sharing by building social capital. In the client organization that we studied, improved knowledge sharing helped close the knowledge gaps that had hindered relationship alignment and led to measurable improved outcomes for its outsourced IS development projects.

Recommended Citation

Ghosh, Biswadip and Scott, Judy E. (2009) "Relational Alignment in Offshore IS Outsourcing," MIS Quarterly Executive: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/misqe/vol8/iss1/4