From Lock-In to Transformation: A Path-Centric Theory of Emerging Technology and Organizing

Abstract

We offer a path-centric theory of emerging technology and organizing that addresses a basic question. When does emerging technology lead to transformative change? A path-centric perspective on technology focuses on the patterns of actions afforded by technology in use. We identify performing and patterning as self-reinforcing mechanisms that shape patterns of action in the domain of emerging technology and organizing. We use a dynamic simulation to show that performing and patterning can lead to a wide range of trajectories, from lock-in to transformation, depending on how emerging technology in use influences the pattern of action. When emerging technologies afford new actions that can be flexibly recombined to generate new paths, decisive transformative effects are more likely. By themselves, new affordances are not likely to generate transformation. We illustrate this theory with examples from the practice of pharmaceutical drug discovery. The path-centric perspective offers a new way to think about generativity and the role of affordances in organizing.

The interplay of logics and social media: An organisational field perspective

“…While organisational and institutional settings matter, the information systems research clearly emphasises that some digital technology is also embedded with properties of limited malleability. It can only accommodate certain logics and limited new actions, as in the case of enterprise systems (Berente & Yoo, 2012; Gosain, 2004; Pentland et al, 2022; Yoo et al, 2007). By contrast, research also shows that some digital technologies such as social media have more potential for new actions (Bucher & Helmond, 2017; Pentland et al, 2022).…”

“…It can only accommodate certain logics and limited new actions, as in the case of enterprise systems (Berente & Yoo, 2012; Gosain, 2004; Pentland et al, 2022; Yoo et al, 2007). By contrast, research also shows that some digital technologies such as social media have more potential for new actions (Bucher & Helmond, 2017; Pentland et al, 2022). Recent arguments suggest that communities and social media are increasingly constituted by one another (de Vaujany et al, 2019; Frenken et al, 2020), as social media allows individuals to act collectively in ways that could previously only be achieved through institutions (Shirky, 2008), for example setting their own rules and boundaries.…”

Innovating Smart Product-Service Systems in Manufacturing SMEs: Current Practices, Affordances, and Constraints

“…In contrast, Heinz et al [40] focus on their observation that a smart product's distinct features allow multiple actors to perceive and realize affordances at once. As we discuss in section V, this study's approach differs from the related studies and considers affordances in a broader context-as Pentland et al [41] suggest. Instead of focusing on certain artifacts, we examine the broad affordances of combined emerging technologies in the context of sPSS innovation for SMEs and inspect constraints that reduce the organization's entrepreneurial scope and flexibility.…”

“…To resolve this issue, we suggest that affordances should also (or instead) be studied on a "macro-level"-considering multiple artifacts, actions, and maybe actors [41]. Only then can research fully grasp the multi-faceted implications of emerging digital technologies on the potential for business innovation and transformation.…”

“…By choosing a particular application scenario (the innovation of sPSS in manufacturing SMEs), we illuminate Pentland et al [41] "path-centric theory of emerging technology and organizing" and respond to their call for research that examines such broader affordances. We propose an applicable yet unverified conceptual framework by extending existing affordance-actualization models (Fig.…”