The Organization of Production and its Publics: Mental Proximity, Market and Hierarchies

Citation

Sacchetti S & Sugden R (2009) The Organization of Production and its Publics: Mental Proximity, Market and Hierarchies. Review of Social Economy, 67 (3), pp. 289-311. https://doi.org/10.1080/00346760802621906

Abstract
The paper introduces mental proximity as an ideal-type criterion for assessing the organization of production, and positions it as a benchmark alongside markets and hierarchies in a three-dimensional space. Following a Deweyan approach, the criterion is focused on democratic deliberation espoused by necessary values: the rejection of controlling influences, positive freedom, inclusion on equal terms, informed participation, the desire to reach a consensus, sympathy, mutual respect, reciprocity, and continuous learning. We also identify a community network as a complex of people who seek to relate to each other in accord with mental proximity, and discuss influences on their search.

Keywords
proximity; markets; hierarchies; public interests; democratic deliberation; Organizational change Management; Cluster analysis; Economics; Industrial management Moral and ethical aspects

Journal
Review of Social Economy: Volume 67, Issue 3