The Outsourcing Function for Human Resource Projects: A Path-Goal Theory Approach
Aaron J. Gordon
Dr. Aaron J. Gordon, Assistant Professor, Department of Business & Economics, Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada.
Manuscript received on March 16, 2016. | Revised Manuscript received on April 01, 2016. | Manuscript published on April 15, 2016. | PP: 6-10 | Volume-2 Issue-4, April 2016. | Retrieval Number: D0109042416
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© The Authors. Published By: Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Existing research has focused on the utilization of outsourcing as a function for human resources. However, applying project management principles to human resource outsourcing has not been studied. This report examines the application of project management principles when outsourcing specific functions of human resources, specifically through a path-goal theory of leadership. This theoretical discussion examines the strengths and weaknesses associated with outsourcing human resource functions. Next we discuss the relevance of project management principles to the function of outsourcing. By doing so, we conclude that the path-goal theory of leadership is an appropriate approach for human resource project managers when aligning tasks to staff competencies. In particular, the leadership styles of supportive and participative were most relevant approaches to such decision-making practices. It was found that outsourcing relational components of organizational tasks were not recommended due to the negative impact on organizational culture.
Keywords: Human resource management, Outsourcing, Path-goal theory, Project management.