Browsing Department of Business and Politics (DBP) by Year Published
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Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In recent years, the concept of international competitiveness has (re)emerged as a paradigm in public discourse. In this paper I introduce the concept of institutional competitiveness to show how the concept of international competition has been reformulated as part of a political project for initiating economic globalization. It is my intention to show how the concept of institutional competitiveness (CIC) has raised to become important in the last 25 years, moving from a simple conversation among academics into a political discussion with real-world effects. The purpose of the paper is to describe the rise and movement into the realm of practice. The purpose is also to show how the voyage has come to include institutional change as an important policy instrument and the use of institutional analysis as a key utensil for policy makers. It is my claim that discourses and institutions are used with the intention to enhance the competitiveness of nations and enterprises; why discourses and institutions have become a political phenomenon of interest and salience for policy makers and decision takers. It is also my claim that knowledge of institutions is applied to explain economic growth and to assess the potential relevance of institutional reforms; why interpretations of institutions has been become a policy tool for the implementation of globalisation. It is this dual role of discourses and institutions I describe in the following. The whole debate on the CIC will be looked upon as an example of how institutions (as a political phenomenon) and institutional analysis (as a policy tool) have become part of a policy approach. Two caveats are necessary. It is not my ambition to describe the conflicts of interests and the accidents of history involved in moving the process from dawn to mid-day. Neither is it my ambition to explain why the travel has happened in the first place. Even if the process is engulfed in conflicts – at several levels and including multiple interests – I will NOT identify these, nor describe them. The purpose of the paper is only to describe not to explain. The paper will be organised as follows. First, I describe how the concept of national and institutional competitiveness is discussed. In order to describe how the concept of competitiveness has been redefined over the past 20-25 years I include literature from economic theory and business analysis (Aiginger 2006b; Siggel 2006). It is in this context that the concept of Institutional Competitiveness is introduced. Second, I trace the institutionalization of the discussion into expert systems. Two examples will be emphasized. One is the development of "The post-Washington consensus” another is The Open Method of Coordination within the EU. The presentation is based on a reading of policy papers, reports and other primary sources from international organizations and national governments. Third, I point to how the institutionalization has included a number of welfare reforms and ignited a process towards the transformation of national welfare states. I draw on primary and secondary literature in presenting the concept of competition state (Cerny 1990, 2007; Stopford et al 1991; Jessop 1994, 2003; Hirsch 1995; but also Rosecranze 1999; Bobbit 2002; Weiss 2003). Fourth, and finally, I emphasize how state-society relations have been changed. The concept of competitive corporatism (Rhodes 1998; Molina & Rhodes 2002) is employed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7356 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-47.pdf (174.2Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Hvad vi nu skal følge er et drama. Gennem menneskelige lidelser og politiske konflikter er der skabt en ny forestilling om individ og stat. Dette kapitel viser, hvilken form denne opfattelse får og hvordan den kommer til udtryk, dvs. hvor og hvordan vi kan konstatere, at en ny statsform er blevet til. Desværre må jeg skuffe de, som er tilhængere af dramaets social-historiske beskrivelse. Dette er ikke historien om, hvorfor og hvorledes en statsopfattelse blev kæmpet igennem. Mit formål er mere begrænset og slet ikke egnet til social-historisk beskrivelse. Desværre må jeg også skuffe de, der er tilhængere af at beskrive den ny stats tilblivelse gennem kampen for en demokratisk styreform. Jeg har ikke til sinds at beskrive kampen mod enevoldsmagten og for det konstitutionelle demokrati og dets menneskerettigheder. Også her er mit formål mere begrænset. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7357 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-57.pdf (89.49Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: I århundreder har formuestand sat grænser for normalsubjektivitet. Fra 1500-tallet var alle besiddelsesløse frataget retten til at råde over egen arbejdsevne uanset køn og alder. Deres personlige myndighed omfattede alene pligten til at indgå i et arbejdsforhold; ikke retten til at lade være. I århundreder blev de pålagt at finde arbejde; og hvis de ikke kunne eller ikke ville, blev de straffet, spærret inde, sat i tvangsarbejde. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7359 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-52.pdf (189.5Kb) -
Østergaard, Uffe (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Er Færøerne en nation uden stat? Det mener næsten alle færinger. Mange – muligvis et flertal – ønsker at gå skridtet videre til en helt uafhængig national stat med økonomisk og muligvis også fuld politisk uafhængighed af Danmark. At en sådan vil skulle klassificeres som mikrostat i lighed med øriger i Stillehavet bekymrer tilsyneladende ikke nationalt selvbevidste færinger. Hvordan danskerne i den danske del af Rigsfællesskabet ser på Færøerne er mere uklart. Modsat holdningen til Grønland er det først og fremmest uvidenhed der præger forholdet. Forholdet mellem de to rigsdele i den konstruktion der i grundloven kaldes ”Rigsenheden”, også selv om vi i praksis er gået over til at tale om rigsfællesskabet, er i øjeblikket mere end nogensinde til forhandling. Forhandlingerne foregår på baggrund af den aftale om hjemmestyre der blev vedtaget i 1948 efter en afstemning der endte med et meget snævert flertal for uafhængighed. Fra officiel dansk side har man hidtil kviet sig ved at anerkende Færøerne som en egen nation, da nation i dansk politisk sprogbrug normalt antages at være identisk med stat. Det er ikke helt urimeligt som det fremgår af navnet de Forenede Nationer, der som bekendt ikke består af folk, men af stater. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7360 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-44.pdf (164.5Kb) -
Rocha, Robson (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The analysis in this paper concerns how national institutions impact the implementation of occupational healthy and safety management systems (OHSMS) in different types of market economies. The main objective is to show how variation in national institutional frameworks influences the implementation of OHSMS, and thus, relative performance. There are two main conclusions. First, dominating organisational templates and co-operative industrial relations structures allow firms from coordinated market economies (CME) to more effectively implement OHSMS than those from liberal market economies (LME) which are embedded in adversarial industrial relations. Secondly, due to differences in the institutional framework among countries, the mechanisms of enforcement for OHSMS need to be designed in different ways. The article contributes to the literature by showing that the implementation and functioning of OHSMS are mediated by the different institutional logics in which firms are embedded. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7365 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-57.pdf (188.0Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Også i byen var standssamfundet struktureret ved hjælp af privilegier; ligesom forholdet mellem by og land var det. Købstaden havde eneret på handel og næring; kun købmænd måtte drive handel; kun håndværkere måtte drive håndværk; og ingen undtagen byens borgere måtte udøve håndværk eller afsætte håndværksprodukter inden for byens grænser. Håndværkere fra byen måtte ikke drive håndværk på landet; håndværkere fra landet måtte ikke arbejde for byerne. Indenfor byen var håndværkernes arbejdsevne bestemt af laugens privilegium på næring. Både adel og borger var således indplaceret i et symmetrisk forhold, ligesom bonde og håndværkersvend, og husmand og håndværkerdreng. Den ene stands privilegier satte grænser for den næste. De vigtigste forskelle var mellem by og land, og her indenfor mellem borger og ikke-borger. Sammen med forskellene mellem de besiddelsesløse og de privilegerede, og adel og bonde udgjorde forskellen mellem by land samt borger og ikke-borger grundstrukturen i den absolutistiske regulering. De privilegerede havde for-rettigheder i forhold til stand eller formue og i forhold til om de boede på land eller i by. Købstadsprivilegiet var oprindeligt naturgroet; senere blev det delegeret af kongen som privilegium; det var både før-moderne og tidligt-moderne. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7366 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-54.pdf (248.8Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Diskursanalysen har afdækket den juridiske diskurs; dens form, forestillinger og idealer. Analysen har også vist, at den juridiske diskurs udgør en kontekst for rationel handling og dermed et sæt af betingelser for, hvordan diskursen kan sættes i tale og i værk. Som sådan udgør diskursen både en ontologi og en epistemologi. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7367 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-56.pdf (119.7Kb) -
Lotz, Maja (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In this paper I explore the constructive links between co-operation, rivalry, and learning within the structure of team communities. Drawing upon social learning theory, the main purpose of this paper is to argue that both co-operation and rivalry are important triggers for mobilizing learning processes within and between teams. However, social learning theory tends to disregard the positive aspects of rivalry. Consequently, this paper will argue for the need to extend social learning theory beyond its rather harmonious learning perspective. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7369 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-55.pdf (340.5Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove Kaj (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: For blot 15 år siden var det ved at blive en veletableret kendsgerning, at den suveræne stat eller den nationale stat var blevet ”svækket”, ”udhulet”, eller på anden vis ændret i retning af at blive en mindre vigtig faktor i organiseringen af sociale, økonomiske og politiske – nationale såvel som internationale - relationer. Den australske politolog Linda Weiss kritiserede denne trend og kaldte den for ”The State Denial”1. Hun henviste til en lang tradition for at trivialisere statens samfundsmæssige rolle indenfor samfundsvidenskaberne, men fremhævede også, hvordan trivialiseringen i 80`erne og 90`erne skabte en udbredt skepsis over for, at de nationale stater havde ressourcer og handlerum til at modstå kapitalstrømmenes globalisering og politikkens europæisering. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7372 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-59.pdf (167.4Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Bønder med fæste og tyende i hus var ikke løsgængere. De var heller ikke privilegerede. De var i arbejde”; men havde ingen formue, var ikke født til stands eller rang og udgjorde således en gruppe mellem løsgængere og de privilegerede. Det samme gjorde håndværkersvende og lærlinge i forhold til mestre og borgere og næringsdrivende kvinder i forhold til andre kvinder. Gennemgangen af landboforholdet indebærer et skift i perspektiv i forhold til gennemgangen af de besiddelsesløse. I stedet for arbejdspligtens arkæologi, skal jeg nu give et rids over hvilke forpligtigelser bonde og husmand, tyende og tjener blev pålagt ved fæste, stavnsbinding eller på anden vis. Perspektivet skifter til, hvilke rettigheder de privilegerede havde over deres bonde og husmand; og derigennem hvilke begrænsninger disse rettigheder satte på bondens og husmandens personlige myndighed og retlige evner, men også hvilke former og grader for myndighed bonde og husmand opnåede i forhold til adel og proprietær. Jeg beskriver de besiddelsesløses situation i arbejde”, i modsætning til de besiddelsesløses situation uden arbejde”. Det er stadig arbejdsevnen, eller evnen til at påtage sig arbejde og retten til at lade være, der står i centrum. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7375 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-53.pdf (132.8Kb) -
Strandsbjerg, Jeppe (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: It is common practice to consider global space a coherent entity that naturally contains social practices and provides the stage for actors of global politics. Yet, such a view ignores the social process of establishing a global space as a framework for other social practices. This paper suggests that an analysis of cartographic practices is key to understand the historical formation of spaces. Drawing on Bruno Latour, I show how the globe has been assembled through cartographic practices in Europe from 1450-1650. I trace how the emerging discipline of cosmography transformed knowledge of the world, and how the Spanish attempts to map the world during the 16th century put in place a system to cartographically establish a new reality of global space. Finally, the paper focuses on how the world was published by Dutch map makers which disseminated this novel global reality and, in effect, made it mobile. This leads to the conclusion that the global map preceded, and assembled, the globe as a unified abstract space enabling the expansion of European political and economic practices. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7377 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-45.pdf (951.5Kb) -
Thompson, Grahame (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Many formulations of contemporary globalization suggest that citizenship is being radically transformed by processes of transnationalism. And the business world is reacting to this sense of change by firms claiming to be ‘global corporate citizens’. But what exactly does global corporate citizenship mean and what are its implications? In this paper a preliminary response is made to these questions by situating corporate citizenship within the wider framework of constitutional debates about private economic law and the juridicalization of the international sphere more generally. The paper poses the issue of whether there is a quasi-constitutionalization of the international corporate sphere underway and the possible governance consequences of this process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7379 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-50.pdf (136.0Kb) -
Pedersen, Ove K. (København, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Kollektive overenskomster er i dag en selvfølge. Sådan har det selvsagt ikke altid været. Den kollektive overenskomst indebærer forandringer i forhold til den individuelle arbejdslejeaftale. Kampen om retten til at organisere arbejdere med det formål at indgå kollektive overenskomster var langvarig. Til tider kostede den menneskelige lidelser og afsavn. Fra 1862 til midten af 1870`erne gjaldt der en tilnærmelsesvis liberalisme i forholdet mellem mester og svend. De ordnede og bandt sig uden mellemmænd og uden indblanding. Det var først fra 1880`erne at et antal arbejdsgivere begyndte at acceptere kollektive overenskomster og paritetisk voldgift. Overenskomster blev indgået mellem den enkelte arbejdsgiver på den ene side og arbejdere organiseret i faglig forening på den anden. Arbejdernes organisationer anvendte den såkaldte "omgangsskrue”. Én efter én blev arbejdsgivere i et lokalt område udsat for arbejdsvægring for at tvinge dem til at indgå kollektiv overenskomst. Arbejdsgiverne svarede igen med lock out. I begyndelsen af 1899 kom det til "den store styrkeprøve”. Kampen brød ud da snedkersvende i syv jyske byer nægtede at godkende deres overenskomst. I begyndelsen af maj udelukkede arbejdsgiverne snedkersvende i hele landet. Den 24. maj optrappede arbejdsgiverne konflikten og udelukkede arbejdere fra 11 byggefag og i jernindustrien. I alt 40.000 arbejdere var omfattet. Efter fem måneders konflikt og 3 millioner tabte arbejdsdage blev Septemberforliget indgået. Det skete den 5. september 1899. Aftalen blev underskrevet af de to nydannede hovedorganisationer De Samvirkende Fagforbund (DSF) og Danmarks Arbejdsgiver- og Mesterforening (DM). Kort efter blev den godkendt af kompetente forsamlinger i begge organisationer. Herved var den individuelle arbejdsaftale blevet normaliseret. Den var ikke mere et ideal, men accepteret og respekteret af begge hovedorganisationer som det normative og det normale grundlag for den kollektive overenskomst. Den var blevet til en norm. Et arbejdsmarked var under dannelse. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7339 Files in this item: 1
wp cbp 2008-58.pdf (198.1Kb) -
A Revised Note on Understanding Institutional ChangePedersen, Ove K. (, 2008)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This is a slightly revised version of an article I published in 1991 (Ove K. Pedersen, 1991, “Nine Questions to a Neo-Institutional Theory in Political Science”, Scandinavian Political Studies, vol. 14, no. 2, p. 125-148). The purpose of the article 16 years ago is the same as the purpose of presenting this note today - to point to a number of methodological and theoretical problems which have to be discussed in connection with a theory of institutional change. No analytical approach for the study of institutions will be presented. No description of actual institutions or institutional change will be given. Rather, nine philosophical-methodological questions rarely raised and never answered in institutional theory will be asked. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7754 Files in this item: 1
WP CBP 2008-62.pdf (146.2Kb) -
How? How much?Nedergaard, Peter (København, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Mutual learning among the Member States is the primary purpose of the employment policy of the European Union. The two most important questions in this regard are how learning occurs and how much learning takes place. In this article I argue that the existing analyses of the effects of learning in the European employment strategy have been either determined by the sender’s interests or have underestimated how mutual learning between countries takes place. In stead the article develops a constructivist approach to learning and uses it to generate some concrete hypothesis about when learning in committees is most likely to take place. Afterwards, this constructivist approach is used to analyse the institutional framework surrounding the European employment strategy in order to evaluate whether the potential for learning is optimal. Finally, the article concludes that even though some basic premises for learning is fulfilled, the potential for mutual learning could and should be increased by implemented at range of concrete institutional reforms. Firstly, a range of professional and autonomous sub-committees which reports to the EMCO should be established. Secondly, the EMCO should be given more time to discuss the national action plans in meetings which more loosely defined agendas. Thirdly, the cooperation should be concentrated around the areas where the differences in terms of policy performances among the Member States are greatest. Fourthly, the president of the EMCO should be given a more prominent role at the expense of the Commission. Finally, the members of the EMCO should to a higher extent come from the directorates in the Member states rather than the minister’s departments. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7332 Files in this item: 1
working paper_40_pn_mutual learning.pdf (138.4Kb) -
Methodological and Theoretical ConsiderationsNedergaard, Peter (København, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is solely to address two interlinked methodological and theoretical questions concerning the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), using the European Employment Strategy as a case: First, what is the most appropriate approach to learning in the analyses of the processes of the European Employment Strategy (EES)? Second, how is mutual learning processes diffused among the Member States? In answering these two questions the paper draws on a social constructivist approach to learning thereby contributing to the debate about learning in the political science literature. At the same time, based on this concept of learning, it is concluded that the learning effects of the EES are probably somewhat larger than what is normally suggested, but that successful diffusion still depends on a variety of contextual factors. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7338 Files in this item: 1
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A Politico-Economic ModelNedergaard, Peter (København, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: In this paper technical standardisation is understood and explained in a model where economic analysis is coupled with an analysis of the political system as proposed in rational choice theory. The aim is to answer both the question why various countries (e.g. the United States versus European countries) let either the market or public intervention determine the mode of technical standardisation and the possible implications of these two ways of organizing technical standardisation from an economic and a political point of view. Based upon the analysis of the paper a couple of general policy recommendations are made concerning the mode of technical standardisation. Keywords: Rational choice, market failures, technical standards, standardisation, government failures. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7371 Files in this item: 1
wp39_intl_ppp.pdf (175.3Kb) -
Om analysen af den økonomisk-politiske integration i EUNedergaard, Peter (København, 2007)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Artiklen diskuterer anvendelige teorier for analysen af den økonomisk-politiske integration i EU’s politiske system, som i dag er langt den vigtigste reguleringsramme om virksomhederne i EU. I den forbindelse foreslår artiklen en såkaldt socialkonstruktivistisk rational choice-teori, hvor socialkonstruktivismen tager sig af de ændrede politiske præferencer og rational choice-teorien sig af de langt mere konstante politiske institutioner. Den foreslåede teori anvendes til forklaring af de politiske resultater af tre vigtige reformer af EU’s landbrugspolitik i 1984, 1992 og 2003. Den viser sig i stand til både at forklare indarbejdelsen af mere postmoderne præferencer i reformerne og at det er de svagt organiserede grupper som forbrugerne og (i stigende grad) skatteyderne, der betaler regningen for EU’s landbrugspolitik uanset, hvordan den reformeres. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7354 Files in this item: 1
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On the Operational Dynamics and Social Dimensions of Public-Private PartnershipsWeihe, Guri (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Drawing upon extant alliance literature, this article substantiates the argument that we need to look beyond mere structural and formative aspects of cooperation in order to fully understand the performance antecedents of public-private partnerships. Currently, scholarly work on operational processes and behavioural dimensions is practically non-existent. This article tries to remedy the current gap in the literature by reviewing research findings on interfirm collaboration (alliances). On that basis a conceptual framework for analyzing partnership processes is developed. Finally, the antecedents of collaborative advantage are theoretically examined, and the organizational competences contributing to collaborative success are identified. The conclusion is that operational processes and social dynamics are vital drivers of collaborative advantage. Another significant conclusion is that public management research can benefit from drawing upon existing alliance research. Alliance scholars have during the past couple of decades accumulated an impressive amount of knowledge on different aspects of inter-firm cooperation, and therefore the learning potential for public management scholars seems to be quite enormous. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7380 Files in this item: 1
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Three Fevers and Two Tonics from Historical SociologySeabrooke, Leonard (København, 2006)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Much of the literature in political economy seeks to capture an essential insight into the evolution of political and economic systems to provide a foundation for policy advice. This article suggests that attempts to nut out the kernels of change often restrict rather than expand policy imagination. Three "fevers" are identified as involved in the narrowing of policy imagination and two "tonics" are offered to widen it. The three fevers are: 1. viewing the present as natural; 2. seeing history as overtly path dependent; and 3. viewing history as driven by "Great Men". These fevers limit our capacity to see political, social, and economic changes that do not conform to conventional theories, as well as distorting our understanding of how the contemporary world works. What policymakers want, more than prediction or recitation of conventional theories, is context to understand how policy can be implemented. Historical sociology provides a way to generate information about contextual constellations through two "tonics": intentional rationality and social mechanisms. With the assistance of these tonics, historical sociology widens political economy's policy imagination. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/7327 Files in this item: 1
wp36_historical_sociology_ls.pdf (103.8Kb)