Path Constitution Analysis: A Methodology for Understanding Path Dependence and Path Creation

BuR Business Research Journal, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp.155-176, November 2012

22 Pages Posted: 6 Dec 2012

See all articles by Jörg Sydow

Jörg Sydow

Freie Universität Berlin

Arnold Windeler

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Gordon Müller-Seitz

Free University of Berlin

Knut Lange

University of Surrey - Surrey Business School

Date Written: November 27, 2012

Abstract

Although an increasing number of studies of technological, institutional and organizational change refer to the concepts of path dependence and path creation, few attempts have been made to consider these concepts explicitly in their methodological accounts. This paper addresses this gap and contributes to the literature by developing a comprehensive methodology that originates from the concepts of path dependence and path creation – path constitution analysis (PCA) – and allows for the integration of multi-actor constellations on multiple levels of analysis within a process perspective. Based upon a longitudinal case study in the field of semiconductors, we illustrate PCA ‘in action’ as a template for other researchers and critically examine its adequacy. We conclude with implications for further path-oriented inquiries.

Keywords: multilevel approach, path constitution analysis, path creation, path dependence, process data, qualitative methodology

JEL Classification: D23, D84, L14, L24, L63

Suggested Citation

Sydow, Jörg and Windeler, Arnold and Müller-Seitz, Gordon and Lange, Knut, Path Constitution Analysis: A Methodology for Understanding Path Dependence and Path Creation (November 27, 2012). BuR Business Research Journal, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp.155-176, November 2012, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2185329

Jörg Sydow (Contact Author)

Freie Universität Berlin ( email )

School of Business & Economics
Garystr. 21
D-14195 Berlin
Germany
49-30-83853782 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.fu-berlin.de/wiwiss

Arnold Windeler

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) ( email )

Straße des 17
Berlin, 10623
Germany

Gordon Müller-Seitz

Free University of Berlin ( email )

School of Business Econimics
Boltzmannstrasse 20
D-14195 Berlin
Germany
49-30-83853783 (Phone)
49-30-83856808 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.fu-berlin.de/wiwiss

Knut Lange

University of Surrey - Surrey Business School ( email )

Guildford, Surrey GU2 8DN
United Kingdom

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