The findings indicate that outsourcing, which initially gained appeal as a means of reducing costs, is being embraced for the ability it gives executives to predict business results and support strategic planning.

The survey, which entailed interviews with more than 800 health, manufacturing, retail and travel executives in the United States and Europe, found that 86 percent said that outsourcing gave them more control over business results in a variety of critical areas, the most important being the ability to plan. And while cost-cutting is among these critical areas, the executives also reported equal levels of control in reliability, cost variability improvements, and effective implementation of ideas. More than half of respondents said that outsourcing allows their companies to implement strategies and change at a faster and more controlled rate.

"Industry leaders are beginning to view outsourcing as a prescription for change, versus an antidote to rising costs," said John Rollins, a partner in Accenture's Products operating group.

More than 80 percent of the executives surveyed said they are committed to outsourcing at least one business function permanently. Only 14 percent said that they plan to use outsourcing on a temporary basis to rehabilitate key functions and return them in-house once efficiencies are realized.

The survey also revealed that outsourcing has expanded. In addition to IT functions, companies outsource finance and accounting, supply chain, learning and training, and customer relationship management. 

The cost benefits of outsourcing would be redistributed to the bottom line or growth efforts, according to 73 percent of respondents.