Reflections on "Muddling"

Power, Max S.

doi:10.2307/975394

Cited by 1 publication

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“…Lindblom (1979) calls this approach disjointed incrementalism. However, the applicability of Lindblom's (1959) seminal paper and the discussion that followed (e.g., Balzer, 1979;Forester, 1984;Power, 1980) has not been explored comprehensively in the context of business strategy. Instead, the application of the concept is almost entirely concerned with public administration, planning, and policy studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Service infusion as agile incrementalism in action

Kowalkowski

Kindström

Alejandro

et al. 2012

Journal of Business Research

152

139

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As product markets mature, firms are increasingly offering industrial services, in order to differentiate themselves and remain competitive. The general strategic view emerging from the services literature is that service infusion in manufacturing industries takes a somewhat unidirectional path from products to service provision. Based on in-depth case study research in the materials handling industry and drawing on Lindblom's (1979) concept of disjointed incrementalism, this study shows how service infusion often takes place in small steps without clearly directed efforts. The study identifies elements of incrementalism central to service infusion and demonstrates how a successful service strategy involves continuous modifications, adaptability, the seizing of ad hoc innovation, a continuous recalibration of opportunities, and the management of intertwining goals. The concept of agile incrementalism is introduced which aptly describes this contingency approach. The article contributes to a multifaceted and nuanced picture of service strategy and the service-infusion process.

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