Externalize: meaning, definitions and examples

Externalize refers to the process of transferring activities or tasks from within an organization to an external entity. It is often used in a broader sense than 'outsource' and can include different forms of externalization like subcontracting or outsourcing.

• The company decided to externalize certain functions to reduce costs
• We need to externalize our marketing efforts to ensure we reach a broader audience

Outsource is specifically used when a company hires an external company to perform tasks that could be done internally but is done externally to save costs or gain expertise. It has become common in global business practices.

• Many companies outsource their customer service operations to countries with lower labor costs
• The startup decided to outsource their accounting functions to a specialized firm

Delegate is used when one assigns responsibility or authority for a particular task or decision to another person, typically within the same organization. This term is more about internal reallocation of tasks within a team or organization.

• I will delegate the task of organizing the meeting to Jenna
• Management needs to delegate more responsibilities to their employees to improve efficiency

Contract out is commonly used in business contexts to describe the act of hiring an external company to perform specific services or tasks that were previously done in-house. This term implies a formal agreement or contract.

• We chose to contract out the cleaning services to a local firm
• The IT department decided to contract out the software development project

Use when discussing making internal thoughts, feelings, or processes visible or putting them outside oneself. Common in psychological and emotional contexts, as well as discussions of mental processes.

• He tends to externalize his stress by shouting
• The therapist helps the patient to externalize their emotions through art

Use when referring to estimating or planning future actions or events, or when discussing extending or reflecting one's own feelings or perceptions onto others.

• We project that sales will increase by 20% next year
• She tends to project her fears onto her children, making them overly cautious

Use when discussing the cause of something, linking an effect to a specific reason or source. It often implies a certain level of judgment or perception.

• She attributes her success to hard work and perseverance
• The teacher attributed the high test scores to effective study habits

Use when delegating tasks, roles, responsibilities, or when formally designating someone to a specific role or duty.

• The manager will assign the new project to John
• Each group member was assigned a specific task