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Do industries matter?

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  • Sako, Mari

Abstract

This paper poses the question 'Do Industries Matter?' in order to shed light on what observation-based Industry Studies researchers can offer empirical economists using large-scale datasets. I argue that industries matter from three distinct perspectives. First, the methodological approach in Industry Studies adds value to economists' normal activity of testing and generating theory. Data collected using Industry Studies methods can lead to new ideas and theory-building. Second, industries matter as they provide an institutional and historical context in which to study firms and workers. Such context improves the interpretation of how and why different practices and institutions fit together in specific industries. Third, recognizing differences in what is meant by an industry improves our ability to interpret specific 'industry dummies' in regressions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sako, Mari, 2008. "Do industries matter?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 15(4), pages 673-686, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:15:y:2008:i:4:p:673-686
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    2. Valeria Cirillo & Mario Pianta & Leopoldo Nascia, 2015. "The Dynamics of Skills: Technology and Business Cycles," LEM Papers Series 2015/30, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    3. Sofía Pérez de Guzmán & Esteban Martínez & Ester Ulloa, 2021. "Down but not out: Union strategies and power resources in response to liberalization and changes in national postal services – The cases of Spain and Belgium," European Journal of Industrial Relations, , vol. 27(4), pages 387-403, December.
    4. Valeria Cirillo & Mario Pianta & Leopoldo Nascia, 2018. "Technology and Occupations in Business Cycles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-25, February.

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