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Shared service center research: A review of the past, present, and future

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  • Richter, Philipp Clemens
  • Brühl, Rolf

Abstract

More than 75% of Fortune 500 companies have established models of shared services with the aim of gaining superior performance by cost savings and service enhancements. Despite scholars' complaints about scant shared service center (SSC) research, this study shows that the actual shortcoming in this stream concerns a high fragmentation of the academic literature (e.g., we found 137 works in the initial search and 83 works in a refined screen). In this first comprehensive literature review, we synthesize peer-reviewed articles and classify them into 4 perspectives according to their research questions (i.e., determinant, process, control, and outcome). We identify 17 major research areas across these perspectives. Additionally, we provide information on methodologies and theories. On the basis of the literature synthesis, we discuss opportunities and gaps and propose an agenda for future research. Specifically, we suggest 3 potential research directions (i.e., direct relationships, mediating, and outcome effects) regarding SSCs during their operational maturity phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Richter, Philipp Clemens & Brühl, Rolf, 2017. "Shared service center research: A review of the past, present, and future," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 26-38.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eurman:v:35:y:2017:i:1:p:26-38
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2016.08.004
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    1. Richter, Philipp Clemens & Brühl, Rolf, 2020. "Ahead of the game: Antecedents for the success of shared service centers," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 477-488.
    2. Lambert, Stephanie A. & Herbert, Ian P. & Rothwell, Andrew T., 2020. "Rethinking the Career Anchors Inventory framework with insights from a finance transformation field study," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 52(2).

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