Unveiling the Systemic Nature of the Firm Using a Grammar of Social Processes

Abstract

This paper proposes a meta-theoretical framework to explain all forms of eco-nomic coordination with a computational complexity approach, taking into con-sideration the contractual (or transaction costs-based), the competence-based and the relational views of the firm. A model of sequences of decision-making events about the participation in either individual actions or social interactions is deduced from Generative Grammar Theory. It makes a clear distinction between the mar-ket and all other coordination structures, including the firm. Finally, the contribu-tion mechanism of the systemic view of the firm as an extension of the social processes of competence development and interorganizational relationship is pro-posed.