Synopsis
"Outsourcing to India: The Offshore Advantage" by Mark Kobayashi-Hillary is a comprehensive guide aimed at corporate managers and business leaders considering or already engaged in offshore outsourcing to India, the global leader in IT-enabled services. The book, particularly in its revised second edition published in 2005, seeks to demystify the process of outsourcing by providing an in-depth exploration of India as a destination, the dynamics of its outsourcing industry, and the practical steps required to establish successful partnerships with Indian service providers. Kobayashi-Hillary, an outsourcing consultant with extensive experience in the field, draws on his personal insights and years of research to create a resource that bridges the gap between Western business expectations and the realities of working in India, a country that many managers find culturally and operationally unfamiliar on their first encounter.
The narrative begins by introducing India itself, offering readers a foundational understanding of its history, culture, politics, and everyday life. This context is crucial, as the author argues that successful outsourcing requires more than just economic calculations—it demands an appreciation of the cultural nuances that can make or break business relationships. From there, the book transitions into a detailed examination of India’s outsourcing industry, spotlighting the major players, key locations such as Bangalore and Mumbai, and the economic drivers that have positioned India as a powerhouse in offshore IT and business process outsourcing. Kobayashi-Hillary highlights the compelling economic case for outsourcing to India, including cost reduction and access to a growing pool of skilled IT workers, while also acknowledging the emotional and ethical debates surrounding the practice, particularly in Western countries where job displacement is a concern.
A significant portion of the book serves as a practical handbook, guiding readers through the entire outsourcing process. Kobayashi-Hillary outlines a step-by-step approach, starting with defining outsourcing objectives and selecting the right Indian vendor, to negotiating contracts, managing quality through service level agreements, and handling the migration of processes and knowledge transfer. He emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and communication, offering strategies to avoid clashes and smooth the often-traumatic transition period for organizations shifting operations overseas. The second edition enhances this guidance with updated industry developments, restructured chapters for clarity, and two entirely new sections that address the risks of outsourcing to India—such as data security and geopolitical instability—and the future prospects for the industry as it continues to evolve.
While the book is praised for its thoroughness and pragmatic advice, it occasionally shifts focus in a way that can feel disorienting, blending travel-guide-style insights about India with technical outsourcing primers and market analyses. The narrative flow may come across as mechanical at times, but this does not detract from its utility. Endorsements from industry figures like Kiran Karnik of NASSCOM and Nigel Roxburgh of the European Outsourcing Association underscore its credibility, praising its balanced perspective and actionable insights. Ultimately, "Outsourcing to India: The Offshore Advantage" stands as an essential read for any business leader looking to navigate the complexities of offshore outsourcing, offering both a compelling case for India’s role in the global economy and a roadmap for leveraging its advantages effectively.