TY - JOUR

T1 - Cooperative VET in training networks

T2 - Analysing the free-rider problem in a sociology-of-conventions perspective

AU - Leemann, Regula Julia

AU - Imdorf, Christian

PY - 2015/1/1

Y1 - 2015/1/1

N2 - In training networks, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises pool their resources to train apprentices within the framework of the dual VET system, while an intermediary organisation is tasked with managing operations. Over the course of their apprenticeship, the apprentices switch from one training company to another on a (half-) yearly basis. Drawing on a case study of four training networks in Switzerland and the theoretical framework of the sociology of conventions, this paper aims to understand the reasons for the slow dissemination and reluctant adoption of this promising form of organising VET in Switzerland. The results of the study show that the system of moving from one company to another creates a variety of free-rider constellations in the distribution of the collectively generated corporative benefits. This explains why companies are reluctant to participate in this model. For the network to be sustainable, the intermediary organisation has to address discontent arising from free-rider problems while taking into account that the solutions found are always tentative and will often result in new free-rider problems.

AB - In training networks, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises pool their resources to train apprentices within the framework of the dual VET system, while an intermediary organisation is tasked with managing operations. Over the course of their apprenticeship, the apprentices switch from one training company to another on a (half-) yearly basis. Drawing on a case study of four training networks in Switzerland and the theoretical framework of the sociology of conventions, this paper aims to understand the reasons for the slow dissemination and reluctant adoption of this promising form of organising VET in Switzerland. The results of the study show that the system of moving from one company to another creates a variety of free-rider constellations in the distribution of the collectively generated corporative benefits. This explains why companies are reluctant to participate in this model. For the network to be sustainable, the intermediary organisation has to address discontent arising from free-rider problems while taking into account that the solutions found are always tentative and will often result in new free-rider problems.

KW - Case Studies

KW - Cooperative VET

KW - Dual VET

KW - Initial VET

KW - Inter-firm Cooperation

KW - Sociology of Conventions

KW - Switzerland

KW - Training Networks

KW - Vocational Education and Training

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84982225207&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.13152/IJRVET.2.4.3

DO - 10.13152/IJRVET.2.4.3

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:84982225207

VL - 2

SP - 284

EP - 307

JO - International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training

JF - International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training

SN - 2197-8638

IS - 4

ER -