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Language and the Theory of the Firm

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  • Jacques Cremer
  • Luis Garicano
  • Andrea Prat

Abstract

We characterize efficient technical languages and study their interaction with the scope and structure of organizations. Efficient languages use precise words for frequent events and vague words for unusual ones. A broader organizational scope allows for more synergies to be captured, but reduces within-unit efficiency, since it requires a more generic language. A manager working as specialized translator may also be used to achieve between-unit coordination while maintaining separate languages. Our theory reconciles two recent well-documented phenomena within organizations: the recent increase in information centralization and the reduction in hierarchical centralization.
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Suggested Citation

  • Jacques Cremer & Luis Garicano & Andrea Prat, 2006. "Language and the Theory of the Firm," Levine's Bibliography 784828000000000373, UCLA Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:cla:levrem:784828000000000373
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    File URL: http://econ.lse.ac.uk/staff/prat/papers/cgp.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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