- Title
- The effects of the dislocation of a dominant player on competition within a fine art cluster
- Creator
- Giblin, Deidre
- Date
- 2012
- Type
- Text; Thesis
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/45591
- Identifier
- vital:4794
- Abstract
- This investigation examines the applicability of cluster theory in predicting what happens in a set of business relationships when a key player moves out for an indeterminate time but indicates it will be back. It involves a longitudinal research design using a mixed method approach to explore the dynamic inter-relationships of the fine art sector in this period of change. The main research site is the Melbourne fine art cluster, but the work also includes three situations that help to reflect the relevant system dynamics. This multidisciplinary study contributes to the field of regional development, industrial organisation and innovation by analysing how, as the structure of a cluster changes, the behaviour of cluster participants and the nature of competition in the cluster is affected. Hence, this exploratory investigation moves beyond commonalities between suppliers, resources and technologies to consider the cluster’s distinctive character and support networks which act as a significant knowledge resource to the regional cluster. Various models of cluster operation are examined in order to identify underlying issues of networks, systems and a cluster’s configuration in terms of power relationships and authority. By documenting the change process, the research contributes significant clarity to the understanding of the structural dynamics that enhance cluster strength. It demonstrates that the growth of inter-relationships and innovative activity in a dislocation period can diminish greatly as the key player returns to its pivotal role. This reinforced the importance of interactivity, both within and outside the cluster as a vital contributor to the fine art industry’s potential and success. The longitudinal design of this study allows for the consideration and examination of patterns of activity and behaviour, over time, with an emphasis on the cluster’s intangible and tangible assets while its retrospective approach provides an opportunity for comparability. Qualitative data was collected using interviews while additional data was gathered using attitudinal scales and examined using category identification. However, because of the sample size this was a minor part of the study. The study clearly demonstrates the significant control that the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) exerts on the sector through its ability to manage information and resources and how during dislocation this influence was reduced and the cluster took on a different character. This was evident in that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Victorian fine art cluster became more self-sufficient, suggesting that the dominant player suppresses SME innovativeness in the cluster. The structure of the cluster and particularly the behaviour that a dominant player induces may be important in a consideration of the ideal nature of a cluster. The contribution of the longitudinal data shows that change in the absence of a key player can be positive but that policy needs to be revised if it is demonstrated that the cluster is vulnerable to that key player.; Doctorate (Philosophy)
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Competition; SME; National Gallery of Victoria
- Full Text
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