Abstract:This dissertation attempts to construct a theory which states that forms of enterprise are determined to a large extent by potential market failure. The author derives this hypothesis through theoretical reasoning and by referring to empirical observations. This paper is organized as follows: 1) Forms of enterprise as a response to market failure, proposes the main idea that forms of enterprise are determined by market failure, 2) Firms owned by raw material suppliers: A case of food manufacturing firms run by agriculture cooperatives in Japan, is a case study which complements chapter 1. It deals with food processing farmers' cooperatives, 3) Asymmetric information on production-related risks and the form of enterprise: Capitalist firms versus consumer cooperatives, considers an efficient enterprise form when there is asymmetric information on accident risks in the market, 4) Market power and the form of enterprise: Capitalist firms, worker owned firms, or consumer cooperatives, considers an efficient enterprise form when there is market power in various markets.

　　Subjects: Business enterprises; Commodity exchanges; Capitalists & financiers; Consumer cooperatives; Cooperative societies; Securities and commodity exchanges

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