Socially responsible outsourcing is a movement to democratize access to jobs in the business process outsourcing

Outsourcing

Outsourcing is the process of contracting a business function to someone else.-Overview:The term outsourcing is used inconsistently but usually involves the contracting out of a business function - commonly one previously performed in-house - to an external provider...

 and technology-enabled services sector spearheaded by NGOs, small outsourcing firms in poor countries (analogous to "producers" in the fair trade

Fair trade

Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as higher social and environmental standards...

 system), responsible business associations, and other concerned stakeholders.

Currently, several different definitions of "socially responsible outsourcing" exist.

1. Social outsourcing, promoted by the academic Richard Heeks

Richard Heeks

Richard Heeks is Professor of Development Informatics in the Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, UK. He is Director of the University's Centre for Development Informatics.-Background:...

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2. The guiding principles approach, developed by Leila Chirayath Janah

Leila Chirayath Janah

Leila Chirayath Janah is the Founder and CEO of Samasource, a social enterprise that gives digital work to impoverished people around the world.-Background:...

 and Joy Sun of the NGO Samasource

Samasource

Samasource is a nonprofit organization that brings dignified, computer-based work opportunities to people living in poverty around the world. The organization's mission is based on the belief that poverty can be alleviated by tapping into the brainpower of the poor and empowering them as producers...

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