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Collective Action, Business Cleavages and the Politics of Control: Segmentalism in the Swiss Skill Formation System
Author(s) -
Emmenegger Patrick,
Seitzl Lina
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of industrial relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.665
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1467-8543
pISSN - 0007-1080
DOI - 10.1111/bjir.12426
Subject(s) - collective action , fragmentation (computing) , position (finance) , control (management) , politics , action (physics) , power (physics) , business , industrial organization , market economy , economics , management , political science , law , finance , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , operating system
Collective skill formation systems have come under sustained pressure in recent years. Scholars observe a fragmentation process, which is the result of changing power relations, putting large training firms in a dominant position. However, so far the literature has examined neither the role of small firms and intermediary associations nor the source of power of the various business actors. In this case study, we ask: If business is pivotal, but divided, who prevails and why? We find that the availability of credible exit options and the ability to act collectively determines the degree of influence of the various business actors.