The dark side of global sourcing: a systematic literature review and research agenda
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
ISSN: 0960-0035
Article publication date: 13 February 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature concerning the negative aspects of global sourcing (GS). It complements prior research on the positive aspects of GS, advances theoretical understanding of the phenomenon, and suggests an agenda for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The sourcing, international business and supply chain management literature is systematically reviewed and findings from 83 previous studies are investigated.
Findings
Research on the downsides of GS has intensified over the last decade, but the related knowledge has been very fragmented and oftentimes latent. This literature review extracts knowledge around 28 antecedents to GS downsides from the literature and illustrates their potential harmful effects along operational and financial performance dimensions. Findings suggest that future research should focus more on the effects of decision-making biases and the effects of firm-internal barriers. The dynamic and hidden costs of GS should also be scrutinized in more depth.
Originality/value
This study is the first systematic literature review of the downsides of GS. It facilitates a more balanced and nuanced picture of GS to help managers make better-informed GS decisions. The review also offers a holistic research framework that opens up avenues for much-needed research into the “dark side” of GS.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Kai Förstl and the three anonymous reviewers at IJPDLM for insightful and constructive suggestions for improving this paper.
Citation
Stanczyk, A., Cataldo, Z., Blome, C. and Busse, C. (2017), "The dark side of global sourcing: a systematic literature review and research agenda", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 41-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-10-2015-0252
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited