As the economy changes, corporate leaders must find smart ways to drive profitability and growth. Today, many firms are outsourcing manpower acquisition and other HR functions to third party providers who often execute remotely.
More and more frequently, we hear of these cost-cutting measures — offshore “recruiting specialists” taking on the critical functions of sourcing and screening candidates. How can we measure diligence and competence from half way around the world? Is it possible for a third-world workforce to be familiar with our HR practices and our business culture? Can these faraway staffers understand the job specifications of positions that need to be filled? Can they produce during our work day hours from another continent? Can they communicate effectively with clients and candidates?
Perhaps the bigger, more philisophical question surrounding this topic: Are we becoming a society of low overhead and even lower expectations? To all the corporate decision-makers out there, a word of warning: You get what you pay for. Just look at what happened to the quality of household goods when MADE IN CHINA started proliferating our supply channel.
Thankfully, there are many progressive firms that are NOT following this trend…who believe outsourcing these critical staffing functions is restrictive and counterproductive. They prefer to bring best HR practices and talent management experts on-site, either permanently or on a consultative basis, recognizing that good sourcing can not be reduced to a business model. After all, some of the most successful organizations have acknowledged that disciplined hiring practices are key to accessing top talent, which directly and positively impacts the bottom line.
Still, it is clear that outsourcing is an undeniable part of the new global economy. Now more than ever, HR pros need to evolve their own processes and strategies to stay ahead of this cost-cutting trend. What do you think? Will HR be able to adapt and reinvent itself in 21st century corporate America? Or will it one day cease to exist?
Your comments and participation in the discussion are welcome.