A Typology of Service Offshoring Subsidiary – Combining Building Blocks and Dimensions

Abstract

This chapter combines the propositions that we have derived from the resource-based view and from the MNC network approach to a typology that enables us to differentiate between service offshoring subsidiaries and to make propositions on the coordination mechanisms in place. We show how we can overcome certain shortcomings of typology development by our research design. We then describe four extreme types – the service factory, the internal competence center, the support center, and the specialized contributor – for high and low values of strategic relevance and network embeddedness. Finally, we argue along the lines of proponents of middle-range theories that an extension of our typology is in principle possible but not necessary for our research.