Is crowdsourcing the same as outsourcing? What is the difference?

Crowdsourcing refers to the practice that companies or organizations outsource tasks performed by employees to unspecified (usually large) mass networks in a free and voluntary manner.

Outsourcing, also known as resource outsourcing, is generally considered as a management mode for enterprises to integrate and utilize the best specialized external resources to reduce costs, improve efficiency, give play to core competitiveness and enhance environmental adaptability.

Outsourcing is to transfer the business without core competitiveness. Enterprises focus on what they are good at, and outsource what others are not good at and do more efficiently than themselves to professional companies. This requirement requires outsourcing companies or institutions to have a high professional level. Crowdsourcing, on the other hand, benefits from the innovation potential brought by social differentiation and diversification, which is a more personalized behavior.