Abstract
M.Comm.
In today' s business environment change is the only constant. This phrase is common in
discussions among managers but the implications of this phrase are not always well
understood. Change has an effect on individuals and organisations alike and the reality is
that change is not always well understood and in most cases change is not anticipated but
reacted upon.
Change should not be a threat but rather be seen as an opportunity. The ability to
anticipate change and to change every time the market calls on the organisation to change
has far reaching benefits for organisations. This is possible and organisations that have
adopted 3rd wave management principles have as their source of strength change and are
by far more competitive than the 2nd wave organisations that opt for security and stability.
The reality is that not all organisations are successful at changing from 2nd to 3rd wave
management principles even though an inordinate amount of time and effort is spend at
achieving this desired state.
Some organisations have as late been making use of the concept of outsourcing. The
information era is viewed as the breeding ground for outsourcing and it is also seen by
most as the primary driving force behind change in the business environment today.
Organisations that have opted for outsourcing on a strategic level have also realised
significant change after successful completion of the outsourcing initiative and in some
cases it is seen as the catalyst for changing 2nd wave organisations into 3rd wave
organisations.
This thesis will investigate outsourcing and what role it plays in changing 2nd wave
organisations into 3rd wave organisations.