An investigation into on-sourcing of advertising creativity in an emerging economy: the case of the United Arab Emirates

In a globally competitive market many organisations increasingly have challenges sourcing, developing and maintaining the skills they need to compete effectively. This study examines the less researched aspect of outsourcing from an emerging economy to a developed country. We examine why and how firms outsource advertising creativity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Based on the resource base view (RBV), using in-depth interviews with ‘elite’ senior advertising executives, we examine the reasons for outsourcing and the strategies used to access creative skills. The findings contribute both to theory and practice by providing new insights into why and how firms outsource to achieve competitive advantage in an emerging economy.