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Work Decentralisation from Large to Small Firms: A Preliminary Analysis of Subcontracting

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  • R F Imrie

    (Department of Town Planning, University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, Cardiff CFT 3NU, Wales)

Abstract

This paper is a preliminary review of small firm subcontracting. It is argued that increasingly subcontracting and other forms of small firm activities are becoming a central part of the operations of large firms. As a result, small firms have to be viewed as central elements in the economy. In this paper three issues are reviewed as a prerequisite to empirical research. First, an outline is presented of theoretical proposals on interfirm linkages. Second, the nature of subcontracting is outlined. The paper concludes with a categorisation of different ways in which subcontracting relations are formed.

Suggested Citation

  • R F Imrie, 1986. "Work Decentralisation from Large to Small Firms: A Preliminary Analysis of Subcontracting," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 18(7), pages 949-965, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:18:y:1986:i:7:p:949-965
    DOI: 10.1068/a180949
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Berger,Suzanne & Piore,Michael J., 1980. "Dualism and Discontinuity in Industrial Societies," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521231343.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kwangho Woo & Joonmo Cho, 2016. "Transferring the Cost of Wage Rigidity to Subcontracting Firms: The Case of Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter, 1996. "Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in international business: A survey of recent literature," Kiel Working Papers 721, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    3. Kim, Jae-jin & Hemmert, Martin, 2016. "What drives the export performance of small and medium-sized subcontracting firms? A study of Korean manufacturers," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 511-521.

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