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The evolution of the Italian Temporary Work Agency field: A path dependence perspective

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  • Alessia Berni
  • Mariavittoria Cicellin
  • Stefano Consiglio
  • Luigi Moschera

Abstract

Over the last few years, the concepts of organizational path and path dependence have become a topic of increasing interest in the new institutional debate. Our concern is to understand why organizations do not change their organizational forms and managerial practices despite institutional pressure for change. We argue that this phenomenon can be explained by means of the path dependence approach; we assume that path dependence is stronger than institutional pressure. In this context, the paper aims to analyse the process of path creation in the Temporary Work Agency field. The field is characterized by strong institutional logics embedded in a wider societal order. For our in-depth longitudinal analysis we studied the Temporary Work Agency field in Italy over a 25-year period (1986-2009).

Suggested Citation

  • Alessia Berni & Mariavittoria Cicellin & Stefano Consiglio & Luigi Moschera, 2012. "The evolution of the Italian Temporary Work Agency field: A path dependence perspective," Discussion Papers 10_2012, CRISEI, University of Naples "Parthenope", Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:crj:dpaper:10_2012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labour market; Temporary work agency; Path dependence; Organizational field; New institutional approach;
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