Ambiguity and complexity enable path dependence but are not themselves self-reinforcing mechanisms.

Evidence

Although addressing doubtless significant contextual conditions for path development, the conditions of ambiguity and complexity should not be misconceived as self-reinforcing mechanisms in their own right. This also holds true for other factors addressed in the literature as selfreinforcing dynamics, such as “uncertain expectations” or “power structure” (Beyer, 2005). These are relevant contextual factors, but they should not be equated with self-reinforcing mechanisms. — Jörg Sydow, Georg Schreyögg, and Jochen Koch, Organizational Path Dependence, 95

Categorization

• DEFINE: Draws a sharp analytical line: contexts that enable self-reinforcement are not the same as the mechanism that does the reinforcing.
• QUESTION: Worth chasing what the author’s positive criterion for a genuine self-reinforcing mechanism would be, and which of Beyer’s factors would pass it.
• XREF: connects to: Path dependence plus recurrent mechanisms jointly explain contention’s regularities. — Charles Tilly, Regimes and Repertoires, 366