Outsourcing and information systems managers: an empirical study

Purpose – Information systems (IS) outsourcing has grown dramatically in recent years, however few studies have dealt with the influence of outsourcing on the role of IS managers. In attempting to fill the gap, this study presents and analyzes the results of a survey among large Spanish firms. Also the paper analyzes these results along time. So, the main aim of the paper is to focus on the implications of outsourcing over IS managers and the evolution of these implications in recent years. Moreover, the paper presents a typology of firms according to how outsourcing has influence IS managers. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was administered to the IS managers of the largest Spanish firms, so outsourcing influence is analysed from the point of view of the own managers affected by outsourcing. Findings – The paper concludes that outsourcing has benefited IS managers in the largest Spanish firms, enhancing their jobs and working as a valuable alternative to internal IS activity. Originality/value – An important contribution made by this paper is the presentation of a typology of enterprises according to how outsourcing has influenced the professional activities of IS managers.