Thesis supervisor
: Gilles Jeannot
In this thesis, we examine the relationship between associations and public authorities through the lens of the local support mechanism (DLA).
In the first part of the thesis, we look at the origins and form of the DLA. We observe that the DLA is a public employment policy, the implementation of which is delegated to supporting structures, and that its aim is to help associations that employ people to sustain their jobs and consolidate their economic model. The study of the origins of this public policy shows the State's growing interest in the economic side of associations and the number of jobs they provide. In the second part, we focus on those who implement it, the agents of this public policy. While we observe that the system is structured and regulated, the job of DLA project managers is nevertheless "open"; they have considerable leeway in carrying out their work. However, despite this flexibility, they share a concern for employment, and work for employment is being done. This analysis leads us to suggest that the system studied is a form of government by support. Finally, in the third part, we describe the impact of the system on its beneficiaries as "contemporary professionalization." "Associative enterprises" are encouraged to structure the organization of work, diversify their resources, and also mobilize for their jobs. The DLA also helps to implement management systems in employer associations: these are strategically appropriated by both association leaders and public authorities. Finally, the study of the relationship between associations and public authorities shows that the latter are fragmented, creating an uncertain and competitive environment for associations.
The dynamics observed offer lessons that go beyond the effects of the DLA; in fact, the program is merely accelerating an ongoing process. Ultimately, the transformations observed at work in the world of associations as employers seem to be the result of changes in the environment of associations, which is itself largely determined by public authorities.
Doctoral school
: Organization, Markets, Institutions
Year of enrollment
: 2013
Thesis defense
: Monday, November 21, 2016
Composition of the jury Mr. Philippe Bezes, Director of Research, CNRS, Center for European Studies, Sciences Po
Ms. Valérie Boussard, Professor, University of Paris-Ouest-Nanterre-La-Défense
Mr. Bernard Gomel, Research Fellow, CNRS, Center for Employment Studies
Mr. Matthieu Hély, Professor, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Mr. Gilles Jeannot, HRD Researcher, LATTS, École nationale des Ponts et Chaussées
Ms. Maud Simonet, CNRS Research Fellow, IDHES, University of Paris-Ouest-Nanterre-La-Défense