Background & Purpose: Extensive research in the field of outsourcing demonstrates its widespread acceptance and prevalence across various industries. A review of the evolutionary trend of outsourcing over the past decade reveals a significant shift in its focus. Initially centered on the procurement of raw materials and technical services, outsourcing has progressively expanded to encompass administrative and consultancy services, with its most recent manifestation involving the training and development of human capital. In light of these developments, this research aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with the outsourcing of training programs for employees at the Tehran National Oil Company.
Methodology: This study was conducted within the interpretivist paradigm, employing a case study strategy. Data collection involved a dual approach: library-based research and field research. The library-based component consisted of reviewing and studying relevant documents and informational resources, including websites, books, and both Persian and English articles. The field research comprised in-depth interviews with employees who had participated in the outsourced training courses. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which led to the identification of 8 main themes and 20 sub-themes.
Findings: The findings of this study highlight several key aspects. In terms of strengths, the research indicates the achievement of a competitive advantage, financial and economic benefits, and an increase in employee satisfaction and morale. These factors are directly linked to improvements in organizational performance and the enhancement of training quality. Conversely, the study identified weaknesses, including disruptions in organizational culture and managerial inefficiencies, which can negatively impact the outsourcing process.
Conclusion: : Given the increasing importance of outsourcing in today’s globalized environment, the results of this research can serve as a valuable guide for managers and decision-makers. By adopting appropriate strategies, organizations can leverage the benefits of outsourcing while effectively managing the existing challenges.