IAOP Surveying Companies on Corporate Social Responsibility in Outsourcing
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., July 16, 2009 – A new global survey being conducted by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®) will gauge the growing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in outsourcing.
IAOP is surveying outsourcing providers, customers and advisors on their actions and views on CSR, as well as sustainability and environmental responsibility. The survey will be conducted through July and results will be released this fall.
The survey is open to the association’s 100,000 membership and affiliates as well as all outsourcing professionals interested in participating. It is available at the IAOP Web site by clicking here.
Survey questions cover such topics as perceptions about the impact of outsourcing on the environment, climate and society; reporting on CSR practices; business strategy; budgets for CSR activities; standards and codes of conduct; and the importance of CSR issues and policies.
IAOP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) subcommittee of the Advocacy and Outreach Committee is sponsoring the survey. Members of this subcommittee include industry leaders in CSR, as well as academic researchers with the Ted Rogers School of IT Management at Ryerson University and the IT Services Qualification Center (ITSqc) at Carnegie Mellon University.
A recent study by Professor Bill Hefley of the ITSqc showed that companies who ranked as the world’s leading outsourcing providers in IAOP’s 2009 Global Outsourcing 100™ had significantly greater CSR activities than other outsourcing firms.
“Outsourcing can be used as a powerful tool for advancing critical social, economic and environmental issues on a global basis,” said IAOP Chairman Michael Corbett. “Many companies involved in outsourcing today are adhering to the highest ethical standards, contributing to their communities, bettering the environment, and expanding career opportunities and training for their employees.”
“This survey will provide us with valuable information about the extent and impact of corporate social responsibility in outsourcing, key CSR activities that outsourcing buyers and providers are engaging in, and where the industry is headed in this important area,” he added.
IAOP Advancing CSR
IAOP identified CSR as the top outsourcing trend in 2008 and is advancing it in practice by demonstrating how companies and professionals can embrace outsourcing in a socially responsible way, creating a positive outcome for all involved.
The CSR subcommittee was formed to identify and promote discussion of socially responsible policies and practices. “Socially Responsible Outsourcing: Doing Well by Doing Good” also will be one of six educational tracks at the 2010 Outsourcing World Summit®, Feb. 15-17, in Orlando, Florida, and was featured at this year’s event.
In addition, IAOP honors individuals positively contributing to both business and society through its Outsourcing Hall of Fame.
About IAOP
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) is the global, standard-setting organization and advocate for the outsourcing profession. With more than 100,000 members and affiliates worldwide, IAOP helps companies increase their outsourcing success rate, improve their outsourcing ROI, and expand the opportunities for outsourcing across their businesses. To learn more, visit www.outsourcingprofessional.org.
Media Contact:
Kimberly L. Maneeley
+1.845.452.0600 ext.104
kim.maneeley@outsourcingprofessional.org