The theory of the firm is dominated by two approaches: transaction cost economics and the knowledge-based view. While these theories have extended our understanding about the existence of the firm, they have considerable weaknesses concerning the motivationalassumptions.(...)

This paper discusses the problems of social dilemmas arising if intangible firmspecific pool resources have to be supplied. The problem is not treated adequately in the dominant theories of the firm, transaction cost economics and the knowledge-based theory.(...)