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Coûts de transaction et choix contractuels : un test économétrique sur une entreprise publique

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  • Stéphane Saussier

Abstract

[eng] Transactions costs and contractual choice: an econometric test taking a public-sector enterprise . by Stéphane Saussier . This paper examines the form taken by inter-firm contracts in the light of transactions-costs theory. We maintain that agents' contractual choice is explained by a desire to reduce transactions costs. In order to test the conclusions deduced from the theory, we built up a database of contracts representing the totality of the contractual relationships between Electricité de France and its coal transporters over the period 1977-1997. In a first stage, we explore the factors that may explain the form of contracts in the framework of transactions-cost theory (first part). Refutable propositions are put forward and tested (second part), together with a description of the contractual relations between EDF and its suppliers (third part). The conclusions derived from transactions-cost theory are confirmed by our study. [fre] Coûts de transaction et choix contractuels : un test économétrique sur une entreprise publique . par Stéphane Saussier . Ce papier étudie la forme des contrats interfirmes au regard de la théorie des coûts de transaction. Nous soutenons que les choix contractuels des agents s'expliquent par une volonté d'économiser les coûts de transaction. Afin de tester les propositions de la théorie, nous avons construit une base de données de contrats, représentant la totalité des relations contractuelles entre Electricité de France et ses transporteurs de charbon sur la période 1977-1997. Dans un premier temps, nous explorons les facteurs qui peuvent expliquer la forme des contrats dans le cadre de la théorie des coûts de transaction (première partie). Des propositions réfutables sont avancées et testées (deuxième partie) après que les relations contractuelles entre EDF et ses fournisseurs ont été décrites (troisième partie). Les propositions dérivées de la théorie des coûts de transaction sont confirmées par notre étude.

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Saussier, 2000. "Coûts de transaction et choix contractuels : un test économétrique sur une entreprise publique," Économie et Prévision, Programme National Persée, vol. 145(4), pages 169-180.
    • Handle: RePEc:prs:ecoprv:ecop_0249-4744_2000_num_145_4_6122
    DOI: 10.3406/ecop.2000.6122
    Note: DOI:10.3406/ecop.2000.6122
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