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Empirical Studies of Vertical Integration: the Transaction Cost Orthodoxy

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Abstract

In this paper the empirical literature on transaction cost motivations of vertical integration strategies is critically reviewed. From the large number of empirical studies on this particular area, it emerges that, notwithstanding a) serious data and measurement limitations; b) the different attention given to the specific asset hypothesis with respect to the other hypotheses advanced by the theory; c) the unbalance between single industry and cross section studies; transaction cost theory is successful in explaining why firms may decide to internalise some stages of the manufacturing process. However, the growing body of empirical papers has not solved all problems, and more work is warranted. There are still some under researched topics which deserve a deeper investigation as well as a number of methodological problems which should be addressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Vannoni, 1999. "Empirical Studies of Vertical Integration: the Transaction Cost Orthodoxy," CERIS Working Paper 199903, CNR-IRCrES Research Institute on Sustainable Economic Growth - Torino (TO) ITALY - former Institute for Economic Research on Firms and Growth - Moncalieri (TO) ITALY.
    • Handle: RePEc:csc:cerisp:199903
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    3. Marta Fernández-Olmos & Jorge Rosell-Martínez & Manuel A. Espitia-Escuer, 2009. "Vertical integration in the wine industry: a transaction costs analysis on the Rioja DOCa," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 25(2), pages 231-250.
    4. Herrera, Paul A. & Van Huylenbroeck, Guido & Espinel, Ramon L., 2005. "A Generic Four-step Methodology For Institutional Analysis," 2005 International Congress, August 23-27, 2005, Copenhagen, Denmark 24542, European Association of Agricultural Economists.

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    JEL classification:

    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General

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