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'A new paradigm of British business history': A critique of Toms and Wilson

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  • Roger Lloyd-Jones
  • M. J. Lewis

Abstract

We provide a critical reflection of Toms and Wilson's 'new paradigm of British business history' by focusing on the logical consistency of their model, the robustness of its predictive powers, and its explanation of transitional change related to stages of business capitalism. For example, central to the paradigm is the importance of accountability and external economies of scale, assumed as exogenous parameters in the analysis of British business history. This assumption is challenged, as is the predictive powers of the analytical matrix in providing an all-encompassing model for British business evolution. In particular, the transitional processes in British business history are not simply reducible to an assessment of accountability and economies of scale and scope, but rather to enhance our understanding there is a need also to engage with the concept of personal capitalism. While business historians should engage with theoretical frameworks, it must also be recognized that firms are idiosyncratic, a feature of business organizations that should not be lost.

Suggested Citation

  • Roger Lloyd-Jones & M. J. Lewis, 2007. "'A new paradigm of British business history': A critique of Toms and Wilson," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(1), pages 98-105.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:49:y:2007:i:1:p:98-105
    DOI: 10.1080/00076790601063063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geoffrey M. Hodgson, 1999. "Evolution and Institutions," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1481.
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    Cited by:

    1. Monica Keneley, 2020. "Reflections on the Business History Tradition: Where has it Come from and Where is it Going to?," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 60(3), pages 282-300, November.

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