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Playfulness, ideology and the technology of foolishness in the creation of a novel market niche for distributed control: The case of iPLON

Author

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  • Annachiara Casalini

    (University of Bologna)

  • Guido Fioretti

    (University of Bologna)

  • Andreas Pyka

    (University of Hohenheim)

Abstract

Distributed control is a technology and a design philosophy that, albeit superior to centralized control, cannot spread because it would require restructuring existing industries. It survives, however, in specific market niches. In this case-study we report on a small firm creating a novel market niche for distributed control. It is an engineering firm, where commitment to a fascinating technology generates the ability to turn serendipitous encounters into business opportunities. Because of deep beliefs motivating people to commit their lives in spite of substantial difficulties, we speak of a technological ideology. We submit that, in this case, a technological ideology is key to explain the ability to explore novel possibilities, or the technology of foolishness according to James March.

Suggested Citation

  • Annachiara Casalini & Guido Fioretti & Andreas Pyka, 2016. "Playfulness, ideology and the technology of foolishness in the creation of a novel market niche for distributed control: The case of iPLON," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 5(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jorgde:v:5:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1186_s41469-016-0008-4
    DOI: 10.1186/s41469-016-0008-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Larsen, Bøje, 2020. "Whatever happened to “The Technology of Foolishness”? Does it have any potential today?," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 36(1).

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