The role of relationships in labor markets for the popular arts and its impact on product quality

Joshua M. Frank and Carlisle-Frank, Pamela

The Journal of Socio-Economics, 2009, vol. 38, issue 2, pages 384-390

Abstract: While utilizing social networks is common in labor markets and may benefit both firms and laborers, social networks are argued to be unusually important in the popular arts. Prior work in economics on the role of relationships in labor markets has generally focused on the benefits and not the costs. This paper takes a different approach by focusing on both costs and benefits, by examining a specific market where relationships are particularly important. This paper argues that in addition to reducing diversity and creating inherent inequalities, excessive reliance on networks can lead to higher agency costs and lower product quality.

Keywords: Arts; Quality; Networks; Connections; Agency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6W5H ... 3a3a3f61601fa6c95016
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: http://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:soceco:v:38:y:2009:i:2:p:384-390

Access Statistics for this article

The Journal of Socio-Economics is edited by M. Altman

More articles in The Journal of Socio-Economics from Elsevier
Series data maintained by Heidi Boesdal ().