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Monopoly Power upon the World of Work: A Workplace Analysis in the Logistics Segment Under Automation

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Cirillo
  • Francesco Sabato Massimo

    (UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna, CSO - Centre de sociologie des organisations (Sciences Po, CNRS) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Matteo Rinaldini
  • Jacopo Staccioli
  • Maria Enrica Virgillito

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the impact of monopoly power on the world of work within the logistics segment, particularly in the context of automation processes. We conduct a fieldwork analysis of three workplaces situated in Italy, each owned by distinct types of monopolies: a corporate monopoly, Philip Morris, the global leader in tobacco and cigarette production; a state-owned monopoly, Poste Italiane, the exclusive public provider of mail services within the national borders; and a novel form of digital monopoly that holds control over intangibles and exhibits monopsonistic control over labour — Amazon. Through a comparative examination of these three diverse forms of monopolies, utilising corporate-level metrics and patent data, we scrutinise the restructuring of labour processes following the introduction of Automated Guided Vehicles. Employing a qualitative analysis that includes semi-structured interviews with HR professionals, IT specialists, and workers, we underscore that powerful monopolies play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of technological development, adoption, and utilisation. Despite notable distinctions observed among the three cases, we document a common trend of standardisation and codification of human activities when interfacing with automated machines.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Cirillo & Francesco Sabato Massimo & Matteo Rinaldini & Jacopo Staccioli & Maria Enrica Virgillito, 2024. "Monopoly Power upon the World of Work: A Workplace Analysis in the Logistics Segment Under Automation," SciencePo Working papers Main hal-04866980, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:spmain:hal-04866980
    DOI: 10.1080/09538259.2024.2419611
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ugo Pagano, 2014. "The crisis of intellectual monopoly capitalism," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 38(6), pages 1409-1429.
    2. Gort, Michael & Klepper, Steven, 1982. "Time Paths in the Diffusion of Product Innovations," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 92(367), pages 630-653, September.
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    5. Levin, Richard C & Cohen, Wesley M & Mowery, David C, 1985. "R&D Appropriability, Opportunity, and Market Structure: New Evidence on Some Schumpeterian Hypotheses," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 75(2), pages 20-24, May.
    6. Malerba, Franco & Orsenigo, Luigi, 1997. "Technological Regimes and Sectoral Patterns of Innovative Activities," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 6(1), pages 83-117.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Automation; Intangibles Assets; Monopoly power; Labour process; Organisation of work; Logistics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L12 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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