Client Strategies in Vendor Transition: A Threat Balancing Perspective
Abstract
Many outsourcing contracts are expiring, and vendor transition is an increasing concern. This paper attempts to develop guidelines for vendor transition by applying balance of threat theory, which suggests a client organization should pursue either a "soft" or "hard" balancing strategy, depending on the outgoing vendor's capability and aggressive intent to disrupt client operations. Balance of threat theory is explored across two contrasting case sites. In addition to demonstrating the relevance of balance of threat theory, the cases identify specific tactics associated with hard and soft balancing, as well as key areas of conflict in vendor transition.
Recommended Citation
Chua, C. E., Lim, W., Soh, C., & Sia, S. K. (2012). Client Strategies in Vendor Transition: A Threat Balancing Perspective. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 21(1), pp. 72-83. Elsevier B.V..
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsis.2011.12.001
Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Keywords and Phrases
Balance of threat; Outsourcing; Vendor transition
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0963-8687
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2012 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2012
