Inman

Outsourcing debate stirs patriotism

Americans don’t hold back their passions when the hot topic of outsourcing comes up. This is true even in real estate, which hasn’t experienced as much outsourcing as other industries.

As more mortgage lenders look to call centers in India as a way to cut costs and improve loan process efficiencies, the idea of losing U.S. jobs and putting people’s personal data at risk strikes an angry nerve with some Inman News readers.

Take an Inman Pulse survey on outsourcing.

“Outsourcing is unpatriotic,” one reader commented. “Our economy is currently stalled, and expected new jobs have not materialized. The long-term effect of current outsourcing trends won’t be felt in the wallets of Americans for 2-6 years, if previous history prevails.”

Another reader commented, “I feel outsourcing to other countries is horrible. As more and more American jobs are lost to other countries, it puts more American workers out of work. Financially, our country is losing an extraordinary amount of tax money.”

Many people feel the security of their personal data is at risk. Companies that are outsourcing claim to take every precaution necessary to protect this data, but some people have pointed out that nearly every technology network and encryption system that exists has been hacked into by someone.

One reader took issue with the idea that using Indian-based call centers increases efficiency by enabling U.S. companies to take advantage of a 24-hour workday.

“Americans have worked two and three shifts in other industries for generations,” the reader wrote in an e-mail.

While the majority of feedback to outsourcing saw the practice as having a negative impact on the U.S. economy, labor markets and consumers, some readers had an “it’s all part of the game” reaction.

“Outsourcing is just part of business,” one reader commented. “Business owners have a right to the best deal just as consumers do.”

Send tips or feedback to Jessica@inman.com; (510) 658-9252, ext.133.

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