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From Group Selection to Organizational Interactors

Author

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  • Geoffrey M. Hodgson
  • Thorbjørn Knudsen

Abstract

This paper builds on previous work within the conceptual framework of a generalized Darwinism that clarifies such concepts as selection and replication. One of its aims is to refine the concept of the interactor. An overview of the conditions under which group selection may occur helps us identify factors such as structural coherence that are useful in defining the interactor. This in turn leads to the question of selection on multiple levels. An additional level of replication emerges when we consider routines within organizations and the social positions related to them. The analysis here establishes that social organizations including business firms are often interactors. Such organizations are more than simply groups because of the existence of routines and social positions. Accordingly, to understand firms and other organizations, we need more that a “dual inheritance” theory; we have to consider the replication of social positions and routines as well.

Suggested Citation

  • Geoffrey M. Hodgson & Thorbjørn Knudsen, 2007. "From Group Selection to Organizational Interactors," Papers on Economics and Evolution 2007-16, Philipps University Marburg, Department of Geography.
    • Handle: RePEc:esi:evopap:2007-16
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    File URL: ftp://137.248.191.199/RePEc/esi/discussionpapers/2007-16.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. van den Bergh, Jeroen C.J.M. & Gowdy, John M., 2009. "A group selection perspective on economic behavior, institutions and organizations," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 72(1), pages 1-20, October.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    group selection; interactors; organizations; firms; cultural evolution Length 30 pages;
    All these keywords.

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