The Theory of the Firm in the Scientific Work of Graziani

The analysis of Graziani’s scientific production is a difficult but challenging task. His contributions to numerous areas of economics provide plenty of interesting and stimulating insights. However, the search for a systematic assessment of his work proves to be extremely complex. This turns out to be particularly true for his contributions to fields that have not been at the very centre of his research agenda, as is the case of the theory of the firm. In order to provide a tentative analysis of his contribution in this field, this note presents a rapid overview of Graziani’s critical evaluation of the neoclassical theory of the firm; from his textbook analysis to his critical remark on the design of incentive policies. The note aims at showing that his originality, joint with the full command of the “orthodox” theory, made Graziani capable of providing interesting insights even in this field.