Contribution à une histoire de l'externalisation : le cas Renault (1945-1975)

Theoretical explanations of the decision to outsource typically range from functionalism (search for efficiency) to institutionalism (search for legitimacy). Up to date, most empirical studies on the subject have been carried out relying on secondary data sources and are generally inspired by deductive rather than inductive methodology. The case history related in the present article is based on the exploitation of primary sources, which stem from the Renault archives. From this analysis, we are able to draw two main conclusions: the first concerns the multiplicity and instability of the factors explaining the decision to implement outsourcing/ vertical disintegration; the second highlights the emergence of a long-term trend in favour of outsourcing.