Descending oral auctions require years of learning to master.

Evidence

In practice, the stability given by keeping the same sales mechanism for several generations has facilitated the appearance of a learning-by-using effect (Arthur, 1989, p. 116) in the oral descending auction. The specific character of the descending auction mechanism – where an auctioneer announces different prices at a fast rate – requires experienced staff because of the high rhythm of the sales. According to the buyers, learning how to be in control of the descending auction can take many years. Moreover, even with the necessary level of experience this sales mechanism is referred to as being stressful and dangerous. — Georg Schreyögg and Jörg Sydow, The Hidden Dynamics of Path Dependence, 741

Categorization

• SEED: Angle: how tacit, body-speed skills embedded in an institution become a moat that locks out reform.