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Muddling through in innovation — On incremental failure in developing an engine

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  • Rehn, Alf
  • Lindahl, Marcus

Abstract

Researchers often use Lindblom's concept of “muddling through” to explain how complex and incremental processes can lead to satisfactory results even without the systematic application of “management”. However, this tendency to look for positive outcomes from muddling might be limiting, as this tends to ignore muddling that ends in failure. This article aims to extend the work following Lindblom by studying the failure of an innovation in engine technology. The key argument is that by paying more attention to failures, business research can develop a more complete theory of muddling through, and this article uses the case of how a new engine for lawnmowers incrementally failed to become an innovation as an illustration. In this, the term “sliding” is introduced to clarify the role of incrementalism in the processual study of business failure.

Suggested Citation

  • Rehn, Alf & Lindahl, Marcus, 2012. "Muddling through in innovation — On incremental failure in developing an engine," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 65(6), pages 807-813.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:65:y:2012:i:6:p:807-813
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2010.12.020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Chia, 1994. "The Concept Of Decision: A Deconstructive Analysis," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(6), pages 781-806, November.
    2. Brunsson, Nils, 1990. "Deciding for responsibility and legitimation: Alternative interpretations of organizational decision-making," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 15(1-2), pages 47-59.
    3. Pettigrew, Andrew M., 1997. "What is a processual analysis?," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 13(4), pages 337-348, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jens Poeppelbuss & Martin Ebel & Jürgen Anke, 2022. "Iterative uncertainty reduction in multi-actor smart service innovation," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(2), pages 599-627, June.
    2. Corvello, Vincenzo & Troise, Ciro & Schiuma, Giovanni & Jones, Paul, 2024. "How start-ups translate learning from innovation failure into strategies for growth," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).

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