Maturity in IT outsourcing relationships: an exploratory study of client companies

Abstract

Purpose

This research is concerned with the validation of a maturity model for information technology outsourcing relationships. The paper aims to focus on this research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is validating the cost, resource and partnership stages, respectively, as maturity stages in outsourcing relationships developed and proposed by Gottschalk and Solli‐Sæther.

Findings

First, stages of growth and benchmark variables were validated. Then, the evolving path of growth was examined. Limited support for the stage of growth model was found.

Practical implications

This paper suggests a broad range of organizational activities and structures to guide development from one stage of maturity to the next. To stimulate growth developments, individuals and organizations have to understand and experience transitional events in relationship maturity.

Originality/value

Validation procedure linking stages to benchmark variables is presented. Future empirical research should rephrase some of the authors benchmark variables as well as measurement issues concerned with stages of growth.

Citation

Solli‐Sæther, H. and Gottschalk, P. (2008), "Maturity in IT outsourcing relationships: an exploratory study of client companies", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 108 No. 5, pp. 635-649. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635570810876769