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Cocooned: path dependence and the demise of Anderson & Robertson Ltd, Scotland’s last silk throwsters

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  • Ying Yong Ding
  • Kirsten Kininmonth
  • Sam McKinstry

Abstract

This study applies the insights of path dependence theory to a Scottish yarn producing firm which existed from 1877 to 1964. Previous longitudinal studies of firms and their strategies have concentrated on larger entities, but the present one tests the relevance of path dependence to smaller firms. The article explains why the firm studied may be seen as an example of path dependence and lock-in, going on to point out why the generally accepted three-stage pathway of reducing organisational choice leading to lock-in appears to fit the case, but that more empirical research in the field would be beneficial. The article highlights in detail the factors which reinforce path dependence and in particular, the role of organisational culture, which has not previously been demonstrated with any precision.

Suggested Citation

  • Ying Yong Ding & Kirsten Kininmonth & Sam McKinstry, 2017. "Cocooned: path dependence and the demise of Anderson & Robertson Ltd, Scotland’s last silk throwsters," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(3), pages 382-407, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:59:y:2017:i:3:p:382-407
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2016.1200559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Arthur, W Brian, 1989. "Competing Technologies, Increasing Returns, and Lock-In by Historical Events," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 99(394), pages 116-131, March.
    2. Schein, Edgar H., 1983. "The role of the founder in the creation of organizational culture," Working papers 1407-83., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sloan School of Management.
    3. Jean‐Philippe Vergne & Rodolphe Durand, 2010. "The Missing Link Between the Theory and Empirics of Path Dependence: Conceptual Clarification, Testability Issue, and Methodological Implications," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 736-759, June.
    4. David, Paul A., 1994. "Why are institutions the 'carriers of history'?: Path dependence and the evolution of conventions, organizations and institutions," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 5(2), pages 205-220, December.
    5. Foray, Dominique, 1997. "The dynamic implications of increasing returns: Technological change and path dependent inefficiency," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 15(6), pages 733-752, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sydow, Jörg & Schreyögg, Georg & Koch, Jochen, 2020. "Current interest in the theory of organizational path dependence: A short update on the occasion of the 2019 AMR Decade Award," Discussion Papers 2020/12, Free University Berlin, School of Business & Economics.

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