EN
The author attempts to conduct an analysis of the theory of the firm, from the point of view of two separate fields: economics and management. Juxtaposing the results of both approaches, the author iden¬tifies the differences between them and explains their sources. The differences in the nature of the two theories – economic and managerial – are illustrated by Coase’s theory of transaction costs and Porter’s positioning theory. The author briefly discusses the evolution of the theory of the firm, emphasising the fragmentary character of economic theories and the holistic nature of the presented managerial theories. The paper is also concerned with the relationship between the two disciplines as regards the theory of the firm, e.g. the problems which arise when scholars from one of the disciplines borrow some ideas from the other without proper attention to fundamental differences in the goals and methodology of each field. The author points out the benefits of collaboration between the two disciplines, showing how economics has contributed to the development of the strategic management theory, opting for collabora¬tion instead of isolation of the two