Unilever's sound outsourcing strategy: HRD key issues for companies large or small

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the potential advantages and pitfalls of HRD outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

Examines the strategy adopted in the UK business of Unilever, an international manufacturer of foods, home‐care and personal‐care products, in outsourcing elements of HRD to Accenture.

Findings

Argues that, although much of Unilever's outsourcing strategy seems to be sound, there are still some points for consideration to ensure its success. One relates to how the company assesses the benefits of training. Thought should be given to maximizing the efficacy of the training activities delivered by Accenture staff.

Practical implications

Emphasizes that approaches to outsourcing vary between organizations, largely because their motivations for outsourcing differ.

Originality/value

Reveals in general that better quality, rather than cost savings, is the most frequent benefit cited from outsourcing.

Citation

(2009), "Unilever's sound outsourcing strategy: HRD key issues for companies large or small", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 9-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730910929369