Showing papers in "Economic Sociology in 2007"

The Sources and Consequences of Embeddedness for the Economic Performance of Organizations: The Network Effect

Abstract: In this paper I try to take the term of embededness out of the framework of the common program assumption and to disclose how the embededness and network structure influence economic action. Basing on the existed theory and ethnographic analysis of the 23 clothes production companies I worked out the methodological scheme which depicts the details, functions and the sources of embededness. On the basis of this scheme I formulated and tested a list of hypotheses with the help of the data on network interactions of all the companies producing qualitative female clothes in the New-York sewing industry. It was found out that the embededness is the exchange system providing unique opportunities in comparison to the market and that firms organized as networks had better chances to survive than those who support casual market ties. However there is a pick of positive effect of embededness at a particular level after which it starts going down.

Competing Logics in Healthcare: Professional, State and Managerial

Abstract: The authors of this paper were not only trying to through the light on the changes that have taken place in healthcare during the last 50 years in one of the American cities but also made an attempt to work out an analytical scheme applicable to study other fundamental institutional changes. Despite the fact that the used data period ends by 1995 the main tendencies are relevant nowadays as well.

States, Markets, and Economic Growth

Abstract: In this paper I analyze two main phenomena in American economy which are usually considered to be crucial for free market development: “shareholder value” conception of firm, and development of Silicon Valley as innovation source of computer industry. The goal is to show that these phenomena appeared not only due to the entrepreneurs’ activity but also due to the fact that they are embedded in social relations. In both cases the state played the key role in organizing special conditions to the entrepreneurs’ activity.

Как вырабатывается понимание экономического спада: интерпретативная теория хозяйственного действия

Abstract: Читая текст, мы попадаем на заседания Комитета Федеральной Резервной системы США, на котором принимаются ключевые решения в отношении денежной политики. Выясняется, что разработка денежной политики крайне далека от механического процесса агрегирования индивидуальных предпочтений лиц, призванных принимать ответственные решения. Речь идет о сложном процессе согласования множественных соображений и интересов, участники которого изначально ориентированы на достижение консенсуса и легитимацию своих действий в глазах специалистов и широкой общественности.

Making Sense of Recession: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Economic Action

Abstract: By reading the text we are taken to the meeting of Federal Reserve System Committee of the USA which takes the key decisions on money policy. We find out that the development of money policy is far from the mechanic process of aggregating the individual preferences of those who are responsible for taking decisions. We speak about very complicated process of bargaining of various interests and positions. From the beginning the participants of this process are aimed at the consensus and legitimization of their actions in the eyes of public opinion.

An Economic Sociological Look at Economic Anthropology

Abstract: The paper is intended to be a brief introduction into the field of economic anthropology. The authors make an overview of the main issues of the discipline. More specifically, the paper focuses on the foundations of economic anthropology, key debates within the field and the topics the field typically deals with. Some classical works that concern these topics are mentioned. In conclusion, possible fruitful encounters between economic anthropology and economic sociology are described.