If you haven’t seen the new sitcom, “Outsourced,” I’m sure you’ve heard plenty about it, and probably already formed an opinion.
The fact that some people can laugh at what others deem offensive demonstrates free speech in our society. One of the creators of “Saturday Night Live” once said the show finds humor around potentially offensive topics because you can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Exporting jobs to India and China may be our 'economic' elephant and unemployment is certainly no laughing matter.
But let’s be clear, our global economy depends on companies outsourcing services: It’s been estimated that more than 70% of the North American workforce serves companies that perform some form of outsourced services. And the training industry is no different. As much as 58% of the dollars companies spend for training goes to outsourced vendors. So where are the jobs in training? Many with outsourced training suppliers.
Let’s understand what outsourcing really is: A business strategy where one company (or individual) performs a service for another company (or individual) that chooses not to do it themselves. For example, using an accountant to do your taxes is outsourcing. Going to the doctor is contracting with a subject matter expert. Eaten at a restaurant lately? I love letting a skilled chef cook my meal. And I value having another person who is better at doing what I am less efficient or effective at do it for me. Especially if it financially makes sense.
From where I sit, politicians and the media have completely distorted the truth about a strategy that is inherent in our society. Its offshoring, not outsourcing, that really rankles: Having someone from another country do work that could be done at home (and even that often makes strategic sense). It seems it has become politically correct to bash an industry we depend on, and do it without calling it by what it is.
So let's get it right. If the media and politicians want to bash offshoring, then at least
understand it enough to call it by its correct name. And let's stop bashing an industry
we depend on. The least we can do is learn enough about the economic realities of
an industry that provides many of our jobs. And if at the same time - if you can chuckle at an elephant in the room, why not?
As always, I welcome your opinion. Please feel free to comment or send me a note at dharward@trainingindustry.com.
Adapted from original story in TrainingIndustry Quarterly - Fall Edition 2010
