Uncovering the complexity: An essay on the benefits of the value chain approach to global crisis studies-a case study from Jepara, Indonesia

Driven by the need to assess the magnitude of2008 global crisis effects, many researchers have used a macroeconomic perspective. But, little has been done to assess the changing distribution of resources created by the crisis at micro level. Applying the value chain approach to analyze the changing distribution of resources in Jepara furniture industry, this study argues that this approach makes a significant contribution to the study of the crisis. The chapter shows that the approach manages to reveal the complexity and dynamics of the crisis impacts, often not satisfactorily explained by conventional approaches.