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The Division of Labour under Uncertainty

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  • Nigel Wadeson

Abstract

Reductions in the division of labour are a significant feature of modern developments in work organisation. It has been recognised that a reduced division of labour can have the advantages of job enrichment and lower coordination costs. In this paper it is shown how advantages from a lesser division of labour can stem from the flow of work between different sets of resources where the work rates of individual production stages are subject to uncertainties. Both process- and project-based work are considered. Implications for the boundaries of the firm and for innovation processes are noted.

Suggested Citation

  • Nigel Wadeson, 2013. "The Division of Labour under Uncertainty," Journal of Institutional and Theoretical Economics (JITE), Mohr Siebeck, Tübingen, vol. 169(2), pages 253-274, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhr:jinste:urn:sici:0932-4569(201306)169:2_253:tdoluu_2.0.tx_2-0
    DOI: 10.1628/093245613X13620416111326
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Eichhorst, Werner & Kendzia, Michael Jan & Schneider, Hilmar & Buhlmann, Florian, 2013. "Neue Anforderungen durch den Wandel der Arbeitswelt," IZA Research Reports 51, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    • D20 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - General

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