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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2013

Institutional mismatch in a transition economy. The collapse of Swedmilk Macedonia

Tuna, Emelj; Nilsson, Jerker

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical explanations for the failure of the largest dairy processing firm in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after only about one year of operation. Design/methodology/approach - The paper contains a case study on the establishment and failure of a new firm is presented. Data were collected through mass media reports and interviews with knowledgeable individuals in the dairy industry. The data were analyzed using neo-institutional theories, primarily agency theory. Findings - The core of the explanation is that the various categories of institutions were not aligned. For example, poor contract enforcement created insurmountable agency costs for all parties involved. Research limitations/implications - As this paper is based on a case study it is uncertain to which extent the finding can be generalized. Originality/value - Most case studies describe successes. This paper presents a case where the odds for success were poor, but the project was still initiated.

Keywords

Dairy, FYROM, Institution, Macedonia, Swedmilk

Published in

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Markets
2013, volume: 2, number: 3, pages: 84-100

Authors' information

Tuna, Emelj
Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics

UKÄ Subject classification

Business Administration

Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-05-2012-0013

URI (permanent link to this page)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/51617