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A New Era of Flexibility? Some Evidence and Problems from the Petrochemicals Industry

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  • D Gibbs

    (Centre for Employment Research, Manchester Polytechnic, St Augustine's, Lower Chatham Street, Manchester M15 6BY, England)

  • T Jenkins

    (Environment and Industry Research Unit, Manchester Polytechnic, St Augustine's, Lower Chatham Street, Manchester M15 6BY, England)

Abstract

The debate over the notion of ‘flexibility’ has centred around evidence from a small number of industrial sectors. In this paper, the petrochemicals industry is examined for evidence of a shift towards flexibility. It is concluded that there is evidence of both a move towards flexible production and organisation and a move towards the retention of commodity production. In so doing, three problems in the flexibility argument are dealt with; the breakup of mass markets, the potential for small firms, and the engineering-derived nature of the approach.

Suggested Citation

  • D Gibbs & T Jenkins, 1991. "A New Era of Flexibility? Some Evidence and Problems from the Petrochemicals Industry," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 23(10), pages 1429-1446, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:23:y:1991:i:10:p:1429-1446
    DOI: 10.1068/a231429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Achilladelis, Basil & Schwarzkopf, Albert & Cines, Martin, 1990. "The dynamics of technological innovation: The case of the chemical industry," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 19(1), pages 1-34, February.
    2. Phil Blackburn & Rod Coombs & Kenneth Green, 1985. "Technology, Economic Growth and the Labour Process," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-07517-1, September.
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