Breaking New Paths: Theory and Method in Path Dependence Research

We argue that the main reason for the prevailing dissent in path dependence research methods is the futile attempt to capture “path dependence as a whole” within either a single-method research design or a single all-encompassing theoretical mechanism. By delineating two conceptual building blocks,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Schmalenbach business review 2013-07, Vol.65 (3), p.288-311
Main Authors: Dobusch, Leonhard, Kapeller, Jakob
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accounting/Auditing
Breaking New Paths
Business and Management
Finance
Management
Marketing
Production
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Summary:We argue that the main reason for the prevailing dissent in path dependence research methods is the futile attempt to capture “path dependence as a whole” within either a single-method research design or a single all-encompassing theoretical mechanism. By delineating two conceptual building blocks, path creation/emergence and positive feedback/lock-in, which rest on different epistemological foundations, we advocate for the application of complementary methods. We further refine our argument by proposing a general axiomatic structure for path dependence as a theoretical concept, which allows us to derive more specific methodological suggestions.
ISSN:1439-2917
1439-2917
DOI:10.1007/BF03396859