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Flexible Specialization, Supply-Side Institutionalism, and the Nature of Work Systems

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  • M. G. Marshall

Abstract

Alongside neo-classical supply-side analysis, there was the emergence in the 1980s of a new strand of anlysis seeking to develop a social-institutional perspective on the supply-side of modern industrial economies. This paper contrasts the views of labor market 'flexibility' provided by neo-classical analysts and supporters of deregulation with those of the Flexible Specialization and Diversified Quality Production theorists and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of Flexible Specialization in comparison to its main 'institutionalist' rival. It concludes that the anlysis of 'supply-side institutionalism' and the evidence provided by important empirically based studies, suggests that public policy directed towards: optimizing job training, promoting employee participation and inter-firm co-operation, and restricting the ability of firms to indulge in short-termism will be most productive in promoting the cause of socially progressive industrial production and 'goodwork'.

Suggested Citation

  • M. G. Marshall, 1999. "Flexible Specialization, Supply-Side Institutionalism, and the Nature of Work Systems," Review of Social Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(2), pages 199-219.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rsocec:v:57:y:1999:i:2:p:199-219
    DOI: 10.1080/00346769900000036
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    1. Anonymous, 1991. "The Automobile Industry," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(4), pages 1-1, January.
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