Resumo:
Outsourcing is a reality in the globalized world. In Brazil, it was recently approved by the National Congress the so-called "law of outsourcing," which in practice defines more flexible rules for organizations to outsource their core activity – something that used to be prohibited. This flexibility can lead organizations to obtain competitive advantage due to the costs associated with the outsourcing tending to be lower. However, there are issues relating to the products quality and services that must be taken when the decision is taken by managers. The outsourcing decision is still less explored in the academic environment. The majority of studies related to decision-making tend to analyze institutional and cognitive issues differently. However, there are few studies correlating the two areas, when taking into consideration the behavioral aspects of the individual and the institutional structure of their organizations. The present research aims to validate a research instrument that aims to measure the institutional and behavioral variables that influence outsourcing decision. A survey was performed through a questionnaire composed of 75 questions capable of measuring five major constructs: locus of control, monitoring practices, bandwagon effect for outsourcing, cost and quality dynamics and perception of cost and quality mandate. The instrument was created by Ph.D. David Caleb Hall from Wright State University in the United States. A sample of 204 respondents was collected. Statistical tests were performed to validate the scale, among them, convergent validity tests such as the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), composite reliability (CR), Cronbach's alpha (CA), average variance extracted (AVE). Also, tests were performed to check the discriminant validity. The general results partially achieved the goal of this work. More than 50% of the questions had to be eliminated, as a result of sampling error, little experience of the participants in the situations described, problems in understanding of the issues, institutional issues, and personality trait of the respondents.