Around 74 percent of business executives quizzed by consultancy Capgemini said outsourcing functions such as procurement, IT, finance and HR can help organisations survive in the current economic climate.

According to 70 percent of respondents, outsourcing drives savings that can help a company grow. A further 60 percent believe outsourcing makes companies more flexible.

Capgemini questioned more than 150 senior executives at a range of Fortune 1000 companies about how public perception affects their outsourcing decisions.

It found 79 percent are aware that outsourcing may have a poor public perception, but 72 percent would press ahead with decisions despite this.

David Poole, Vice President and Head, BPO, Capgemini said, “Companies that outsource are better poised for the future, because they are able to reinvest their savings to drive innovation. Over time, the business can build, expand and emerge from the economic slump in a stronger position because, through outsourcing, they have been able to focus on their core business.”

According to Capgemini, outsourcing spend has grown steadily in the past decade. In the U.K., the market is also expected to pick up as firms look at ways to cut costs.