Final answer:
Customer service encompasses both external and internal support, including that provided to managers within an organization, which can lead to positive feedback and job satisfaction. Outsourcing has expanded customer service roles beyond manufacturing, with India becoming a major global back office for such services due to its skilled, English-speaking workforce.
Step-by-step explanation:
Customer service is often described as the support provided by a company to those who use its products or services. While a common perception of customer service is the ability for employees to deliver products to their external customers, it also encompasses serving internal stakeholders, such as managers or other departments within the organization. Thinking of your manager as an important internal customer means offering exceptional service, which not only fosters positive feedback from your supervisor but may also lead to greater job opportunities and enhanced job satisfaction.
In the context of global business trends, customer service has seen significant evolution. Initially, outsourcing was primarily associated with manufacturing, but it has expanded to include customer service roles, particularly due to the availability of technically skilled individuals in other nations. India, for instance, has become a primary destination for the global outsourcing of customer services, supported by a large pool of educated young people who are fluent in English. This shift has made India a "back office" powerhouse, providing services that range from computer-related support to other service industries and online sales companies. The scale of outsourcing of information activity to India has been quite substantial, reflecting the country's growing role in the global economy.