Theories of the Firm: Contractual and Competence Perspectives

Nicolai Foss ()

Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 1993, vol. 3, issue 2, 127-44

Abstract: The article compares alternative approaches to the theory of the firm. The two main approaches confronted are the contractual (Coasian) perspective and the competence (evolutionary) perspective. Whereas, the firma as a repository of tacit knowledge is neglected in the contractual perspectives, it occupies center stage in the competence perspective. It is argued that the competence perspective is not only applicable an understanding of the sources of firms' competitive advantage, but may also be applied to the issues of the existence and the boundaries, of the firm. This means that a distinct theory of the firm can be constructed on the basis of evolutionary theory.

Date: 1993
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:joevec:v:3:y:1993:i:2:p:127-44

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Journal of Evolutionary Economics is currently edited by Uwe Cantner, Elias Dinopoulos, Horst Hanusch and Luigi Orsenigo

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