The aim of this book is to investigate the discursive power of two
original, theoretical lenses when applied to real outsourcing
arrangements and phenomena. The Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) and
Foucauldian perspectives are brought to bear on five outsourcing
relationships in order to test the application of these discourses to
rich qualitative data over the outsourcing contractual life-cycle. This
will be the first study illustrating the relevance of Foucauldian
concepts of governmentality, discourse and power relations to the study
of outsourcing arrangements, and will also incorporate the perspectives
of both client and supplier organizations. Using discourse analysis, the
objective is to critically deconstruct and provide fresh insight into
the normative 'outsourcing' discourse that has grown up around global
sourcing practices over the last 30 years.