The past, present and future of social networking and outsourcing: impact on theory and practice

Abstract

Development practice continually evolves. Some of the latest evolutions are emerging as a combination of Social Networking and Outsourcing activity resulting in the emergence of crowdsourcing or Open- Global sourcing. networking activity along with examples of some current activity. The historical perspective helps to provide some interesting insights into how activity may evolve. Some of the changes may be subtle but far reaching. Open-Global sourcing is a Social Innovation that is redefining business practice and stretching existing theories. The paper identifies areas of theory that are being ‘stretched’ and argues that Open-Global sourcing is an area calling for theoretical development