Background and Objective: Outsourcing is recognized as one of the key managerial strategies for enhancing organizational productivity, reducing costs, and enabling organizations to focus on their core competencies. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify the barriers to outsourcing policy implementation and propose appropriate strategies for its effective implementation in petrochemical companies located in western Iran.
Methods: This exploratory qualitative study employed thematic analysis as its research methodology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 11 senior experts from petrochemical companies and university faculty members. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling combined with purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved and no new concepts emerged from the collected data.
Results: The analysis of the interview data through open, axial, and selective coding identified and confirmed the major barriers to outsourcing policy implementation, including organizational and cultural barriers, technical and operational barriers, weaknesses in management and supervisory systems, lack of transparency in contracts and regulations, limitations in technical and logistical infrastructure, shortage of skilled human resources, financial risks and resource constraints, project implementation delays, and the impacts of international sanctions and external restrictions.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the successful implementation of outsourcing policies in petrochemical companies in western Iran requires the simultaneous removal of structural, managerial, technical, and environmental barriers. Developing transparent contractual frameworks, strengthening monitoring and governance systems, enhancing specialized human capital, improving technical infrastructure, and adopting strategies tailored to sanctions-related conditions can significantly improve outsourcing effectiveness while enhancing organizational performance, productivity, and the competitiveness of the petrochemical industry.