The Politics of Outsourcing

[Steave]

You can’t talk Outsourcing in North American without a bit of controversy. Anywhere from hurting the economy, to people losing jobs. In the 5 years or so dealing with remote staff and offshore operation, I can never pass a networking event without a bit of a political discussion. The simple mention of me being an outsourcing consultant turns on the heat. More then once I have been approached by a few frustrated people telling me that they lost their jobs and they think that I’m very selfish for continuing to do what I’m doing. To my surprise I even got two hate calls. So I guess the question, why does a person such as myself, who believes in charity and social capitalism, get so involved in outsourcing? Simple because I’m proud of what I’m doing, and I feel that besides having a great business it I also contributes greatly to society.

Offshore employment most certainly does not hurt global society considering that for every job that I lose here, I provide 2 jobs in poorer yet democratic countries, which by itself is something to be proud of.

Keeping a closed border and focusing on local economy is like continuously stretching an elastic band, you always find a way to prevent it from tearing but the longer you prevent it the more painful it will be when it actually snaps. The snap affect in real world terms means that eventually poor countries will figure out how to get your jobs which obviously has been happening on a small scale but is being brought to equilibrium very quickly. Unfortunately if we try to keep a closed border it will simply lead to instability and loss of jobs. It would also lead to more frustration in poorer countries which sometimes leads to war or even terrorism.



So if you are outsourcing and someone like “my friend” Lou Dobbs is trying makes you feel bad about it, you tell them “I’m so proud of what I’m doing” I’m giving a job and contributing to world equilibrium which in the long run will make a happier more productive American, Western and global society.


Speaking of which I challenge Lou Dobbs to a debate, he has no chance.

[Eagle]

"World Equilibrium" will not work. It would be like a stagnant pond.

Offshore employment most certainly does not hurt global society considering that for every job that I lose here, I provide 2 jobs in poorer yet democratic countries

Why discriminate? If you're going to help poor people, why not help poor people in non-democratic countries too? Aren't they just as deserving?

[CanzDesign]

In some ways i agree, that outsourcing has it's place, it can help small start up company's get online or whatever, it's the communication that get's to me, all is well until theres been a problem, and then suddenly communication stops, or is so confused it drives ne nuts, I have worked with outsources, and would again, IF I could find one that would keep up the good work.

I mean as far as I'm concerned I pay, and pay ontime, the least I deserve it to be told whats happening, I have clients I have to answer too as well.

Then thats not an issue thats just with outsourcing, I found a US coder, howwas very talented, and charged a very reasonable price, we often gave him bonuses for work well done, and done quickly. But he seems to have faded away as well. Perhaps it;s us and we are too demanding expecting an email each day, saying work is progressing nicely, or having a few probems or whatever.

Oh, give me a reliable php coder, and I'll worship you forever. lol

[Eagle]

Originally Posted by CanzDesign

...I found a US coder, howwas very talented, and charged a very reasonable price... But he seems to have faded away as well.

Probably went out of business due to... outsourcing.

[CanzDesign]

Actually quite the opersite, got a full time job...partly becuase of a glowing recommendation I gave him...... but I take your point.

What really annoys me, is businesses that could well afford to paythe going rate using outsourcing, I mean for start-up businesses, I have to admit I can see it, but for big company's..... they get what they deserve.

[CanzDesign]

And Eagle.
You are quite correct, paying someone that lives in a third word country where everything is cheaper anyway, and whats more they were oftend trained by microsoft I heard, so they could have cheap labour for a year or too isn't right.

I do SEO, and compeating with someone that works for $1 an hour isn't that great, but I know I'm good so it sorta makes up for it. lol

[Emily0415]

Everything has its two sides, outsourcing can or can not make money depends on your communication which I agree with Canzdesign, well-communicate can bring two sides easy working, clearer your point to each side, make your work easier and bring you more cases and cooperate next time.