Role of Obligatory Passage Points in Innovation Process - Essay Example

Business innovating Contents Obligatory points of passage: 3 Role of Obligatory Passage points in innovation process: 4 Popper’s Three Worlds 5 Ribbed Balloon Model of Innovation 6 Interessement: 9 Role of Interessement in Innovation Process: 9 Scallop and Fisherman Model: 11 References 15 Question 3 Obligatory points of passage: The visionary concept of Obligatory points of passage in the courses of innovation was started with the concept of Actor Network Theory which was proposed by Michel Callon and Bruno Latour with sociologist John Law, and others. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is an approach to social theory and research by treating objects involved in science studies as a part of a long chain of social network. This is often cited as a constructivist approach in the way of innovation because it literally ignores answering the feasibility issues of alternatives. ANT believes that suitable combination and interaction of elements involved make an innovation successful and there is no existence of an infeasible combination (Latour, 2005). ‘ Obligatory Points of Passage are important features of ANT. It is considered as one of the vital element in the process of innovation because it focuses its concern mainly on the problematization phase of thetranslation process. The critical thinking and pedagogical analysis involved in the process makes it the existential element of any transformation process involving challenges (Law, 1986.pp.196-233). According to Michael Callon, process of problematization involves two elements, namely: Definition of the actors involved in a network and their interdependency. Definition of the problem and subsequent action program. In this point, context and details of the problem is analyzed rather than criticizing the core of an argument. Whether an actor accepts a situation or not, is not the prime concern. Focalized viewpoint of any situation is rejected and different combinations of elements are presented as waypoints for innovation. This is referred to as an Obligatory passage point (OPP) (Callon, 1986). Obligatory Passage points are important elements of that enables a function to occur. OPP forces the actors involving in innovation process to converge on a certain topic, purpose and question. It serves as a mediator between the actors of a network. The final action program involve in innovation process can comprise of number of different OPP’s in the form of feasible objectives. Thus, it is nothing but the revision of the problematization phase. Role of Obligatory Passage points in innovation process: Open innovation, the concept related to process of innovation as defined in Actor- Network Theory, is a constructivist approach to stop the collapse, disappear or fail in obtaining the standard needed in innovation process. It is the narrow end of a funnel that helps the actors in converging on a certain topic. The lived experience of individuals working in workplace results in accumulation of disposition to act, known as knowledge which can be in the form of tacit or explicit (Baumard, 1999). This tacit knowledge along with the experience earned by the actors involved results in filtering multiple utterances. This is OPP, where the decision is made as to ‘what counts’ as legitimate knowledge and it is assumed that the more the knowledge is legitimate the more it is irreversible. Thus, no single decision is eliminated. Every institution is a system of interconnected mechanisms known as subsystems. This is explained in Karl Popper’s concept of three worlds of looking at a reality. Popper’s Three Worlds Popper imagined that every realism and situation can be segregated into three interconnected worlds. These are: Popper explained that world 1 and world 2 consists of the essential elements involved in any realistic decision making process whereas world 3 contains the product of thought which is nothing but the abstract objects of scientific theories, tools, and social institutions. The interaction between world 2 and 3 is based on the assumption that world 3 is partly autonomous. For example- development of scientific theories in world 3 leads to unintended consequences which can be resolved by elements in World 2. Similarly, the change in the features of scientific theories in world 3 results in change in the properties of physical entities living in world 1. Popper’s way of looking into three worlds of reality is nothing but the conceptualization of relationship between people, technology and society in Obligatory Passage points (Popper, 1978). To innovate anything or initiate change in any decision making process, there is need to find different passage points for finding facts. These can be in the form of online search engines, encyclopedia and reference books. Elements involved in world 1 need proper interaction between each other to build a socially acceptable environment. Also e-commerce has become an Obligatory Passage point for business communication (Olsen, N.d.). Ribbed Balloon Model of Innovation Innovation processes, particularly related to R & D and advanced development projects comprise of three inter related phases. These are known as the passage point of any innovative project. They are: The Project Approval Phase, known as the fuzzy front point of translation process. Development, Adaptation and Commercialization point Implementation and Diffusion Point (Attar, 2010, pp. 112-115). Innovation process consisting of these three stages can be diagrammatically represented in a ‘Ribbed Balloon’ model. The metaphor of ribbed balloon model provides an illustration of how common phases are loosely fit together in a form of a self-transforming web of moves and relations. The Ribbed Balloon concept of innovation is introduced in order to explain the flexibility of an innovative process as well as the uneven nature of innovation process. When the innovation process does not lead to success, this balloon bursts, resulting in failure of process. The phases neither represent linear stages nor are deduced as the predictive factors on which the innovation process depends. Rather, they are represented by the social and technological interaction between the subcomponents associated with the process, as explained in Popper’s Three World Model. (Source: Attar, 2010). The model shows that there exists three distinct decision points in any innovation process. The passage points, known as Rite of Passage (ROP) are primary means of effecting inter-related and inter-dependent transactions between actors. Initiation in the rites of passages affects a social transformation from an old stage to a new one, often cited as ‘mechanisms of hope’. Actor network theorists argue that the interactions between ‘actors’ in ANT are subjected to management authorization in these three decision points and the rite of passages are often affected by some obligatory points. Management and managerial norms in product innovation often act as an OPP, which is capable of exercising legitimate power on different actors involved in the process. Hence, an obligatory passage point occurs when certain reinforcing situations and conditions are created in a process that the actors must fulfill in order to continue the project. In the key decision points, unanticipated consequences can occur in the form of uncertain technological change and there can be certain revision and replacement of the whole technological process. Variables such as new regulations, powerful competitor’s technological advancement, disruption in the existing and modeled technological frame, budgeting problem, faulty time management principles, trade-offs can emerge as unforeseen difficulties. These are the obligatory Points of Passage which can affect the whole process of innovation as well as the respective decisions in these decision points. Such non-linear and indeterminate processes that spring from technical difficulty a new product development process can affect the inter-related three worlds. The actors’ level of anxiety decreases as the OPP’s become clear. It can also be observed from the figure that the situation of radical uncertainty is the maximum in the initial phase of the process, which is nothing but the problematization point involving critical analysis. The second intermediate and non-linear aspect occurring in this phase is the availability and scarcity of resources. Obligatory passage points provide necessary authorization to access these resources. Along with these, OPPs are also helped in synchronization of the mental health and the objective knowledge of the human resources involved in the whole innovation process (Walton, J. 2013, pp. 769-775). Interessement: The term interessement, synonymous to the term interposition is used in Acid Network Theory, with relation to the translation and formation of networks. This is the second stage of translation process, where numerous gadgets can be used to build up the bonding and making it stronger between the actors and back up the whole formation of the network. This method is used in the scientifically in the context of Actor- Network Theory as a method to strengthen the overall structure of the network. The first stage of the translation process, known as Problematizationphase, defines the close alliance between the associations and the entities involved in the whole process and describe the issue of Obligatory points of passage whereas the second stage is more concerned with the interposition of the allies and actors in the network (Frank, 2007). Role of Interessement in Innovation Process: Innovation is often considered as a continuous flow method where entities and actors involved in successive inter-dependent stages must be clearly identified and their relationship and interchangeability must be clearly defined to predict the quality of the outcome received from the problematization phase. Interessement is the group of actions by which any entity present in the actor-network model attempts to impose substantial effect and tries to stabilize other connected actors as per as the passage points and definitions received from problematization. The concept is based on the assumption that either the entity can be placed in between some others, or it can be interposed. During the innovation process, the actors involve closely with the allies in the network to achieve a common goal. In doing so, they clearly identify the goal, the identity and the subsequent inclination to their preferred allies. But these allies are tentatively associated and connected to the Problematization and Obligatory passage points of other actors. Therefore, there exists a general need to build devices which can be placed between the allies and all other entities in the innovation network, known as Interessement. Elementary definition of the actors, their association with each other results in building and shaping the social link between them, known as the triangle of interessement. To explain further, let us assume that there are five actors involved in an innovation centric process. The five interconnected actors are namely A, B, C, D and E. It is considered that at least one actor serves as the association point of all other actors and this association focused actor tries to define and build relationship with other actors in the network. The diagram is shown below: (Source: Callon, 1986). The bold arrow represents the relationship passage between A and B. Here it is seen that, A interacts with B by intersecting and weakening all the links between B and the invisible entities C. D and E. Although the relationship between A and B is well established and well defined, but it single handedly ignores the importance of other hidden actors, and therefore there is a need of interposition of the actors. The properties and identity of B is redefined during the process of interessement and B acts as the result of association which links the whole network to A. This link dissociates the central entity, i.e., B from all other ‘invisible’ actors by establishing another definition. To facilitate optimum connectivity to the network, range of possible strategies with combination of differently focused waypoints (OPPs) are adopted, resulting in uninterrupted connection between all the actors. As a result, the identity and geometry of the interested actors are modified all along the second stage of translation process. Modification of idea in different context results in generating new ideas and it stimulates the promotion of inter-connected superordinate decision making. The uncertain consequences formed as a direct or indirect outcome of the innovation process is countered by continuous modification and up gradation (if any) of the actors’ definition and level of involvement (Callon, 1986, pp. 19–34.). Michael Callon has explained the process of interessement by formulating a model known as the Scallops and Fishermen Model. Scallop and Fisherman Model: Here in this case, scallops serve as the dissociation point, i.e., B and there is a need to understand the alternative ways to reach this point by all other actors in the network. Callon imagined that there are total three researches in this process, the scallops, the fishermen and the scientific colleagues. Obligatory passage points occur during the problematization phase of these actors and certain definitions are established. During the interposition period, the actors are subjected to change their position and definition within the network to find alternative approaches. The naturalization of scallops noticeably exemplifies the common interessement methods. The three researchers are encouraged by a method that was made-up initially by the Japanese. Tow-lines made up of collectors are engrossed in the sea. Each one bears a fine-netted bag having a back up for the anchorage of the larvae. These bags make it feasible to guarantees the free stream of water and larvae while avoid the young scallops from disappearing. The tool also stops hunters from ambush the larvae. The collectors were set up in a sequence on the line. The edges of the two lines were affixed to floats which are kept in place by an anchorage system. The towline and its collectors composed a prototype of the interessement device. They are disconnected from all the actors who intimidated them. Moreover, these interessement-equipment expand and appearance the hypothesis prepared by the researchers relating to the scallops and the larvae; 1) the weak larvae are continuously endangered by hunters; 2) the larvae can anchor;3) the Japanese know-how can be switched to France as St. brieuc’s scallops standing is not basically poles apart of their Japanese relatives. The collectors would be unable to find all usefulness if the larvae “declined” to anchor, to nurture, to transform, and to reproduce in (comparative) custody. The interssement, if doing well, verifies (more or less completely) the soundness of the challenge and the union it involves. In this meticulous case study, the challenge is eventually refuted. For the case of scallops the interessement is initiated on a definite explanation of what the future-enrolled actors are and wish for, with which individual of these actors are linked as well. By the term enrollment it is not make use to a culturalist sociology which describes society as a body made up of positions and owners of positions. Enrollment does not involve or eliminate pre-determined positions. It assigns the tool by which a set of interconnected positions is distinct and traits to actors who agree to them. Interessement accomplishes conscription if it is thriving. If scallops are to be registered, they must first be eager to secure themselves to the collectors. But this anchorage is not simple to accomplish. To bargain with the scallops Is to first settlement with the currents as the disturbances sourced by the tide are an blockage to the anchorage. But the researchers must treat with other components likewise the currents. The survey completed by the researcher also demonstrates that the anchorages are more plentiful between 5 meters above the sea base and the sea base itself. The towline, an interessement tool, discloses the points of anchorage to the spectator. The theory and the explanation of the researchers are none but a curriculum of negotiations. The researchers are prepared to make any sort of compromise in array of entice the larvae into their catch. In the commencement a common harmony endured: the thought that scallops anchor was not conversed. Yet the initial effect was not received exclusive of first round of discussions. No anchorages were pragmatic on definite collectors and the number of larvae which anchored on the collectors never reached the Japanese height. With technical colleagues, the dealings were like this: They were ready to consider in the standard of anchorage and that they criticize the trial to be believable. The deal with the fishermen, or somewhat, with their agents, is absent. They were only ready to agree to the termination made by the expert. Accordingly, for the major part, the settlement is carried among three parties as the fourth associate was joined exclusive of struggle. Translation process focusing on innovation and development is based on the concepts of problematization, interessement and enrollment of entities in the actor network. It also believes that all the processes, phases and situations involved in the process have positive dimensions if the situation is controlled and modified accordingly. Thus, as a result, a number of innovative alternative methods can be developed and by this way, the unforeseen pitfalls and consequences of the whole translation process can be minimized (Akrich, et.al., 2002). References Latour, B. 2005. Reassembling the Social: An Introduction to Actor-Network-Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press. [Pdf]. Available at: http://dss-edit.com/plu/Latour_Reassembling.pdf. [Accessed on February 28, 2014]. Baumard, P. 1999. Tacit knowledge in organizations. SAGE Publications Callon, M. 1986. Some Elements of a sociology of translation: Domestication of the Scallops and the Fishermen of St Brieuc Bay. [Pdf]. Available at: http://www.colorado.edu/geography/class_homepages/geog_6402_f10/Callon%201999.pdf. [Accessed on February 28, 2014]. Law, J. 1986.Power, Action and Belief: A New Sociology of Knowledge? London, Routledge Popper, K. 1978. Three Worlds: the tanner lecture on human values. [Pdf]. Available at: http://tannerlectures.utah.edu/_documents/a-to-z/p/popper80.pdf. [Accessed on February 28, 2014]. Olsen, R. N.d.Is your virtual learning environment an obligatory passage point? Virtual Learning Environments. Microsoft Partners in Learning. [Online]. Available at: http://www.pil-network.com/HotTopics/virtuallearningenvironments/VirtualLearningAsAnObligatoryPassagePoint. [Accessed on February 28, 2014]. Attar, H. 2010. The Dance on the Feet of Chance: Handling Uncertainty and Managing Risk In the Fuzzy Front-End of Innovation. Xlibris Corporation. Walton, J. 2013. “The obligatory passage point: abstracting the meaning intacit knowledge”. Academic Conferences and Publishing International Limited. UK. Frank, D. 2007. “A Sociological Model for Translation Studies”. Translation, Identity, and Heterogeneity: International Conference on Translations. [Pdf]. Available at: http://www.dbfrank.net/papers/A_Sociological_Model_for_Translation_Studies.pdf. [Accessed on February 28, 2014]. Callon, M. 1986.The sociology of an actor-network: The case of the electric vehicle.In Mapping the Dynamics of Science and Technology. Basingstoke: MacMillan Akrich, M., Callon.M., et al.,2002. THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN INNOVATION* PART I: THE ART OF INTERESSEMENT. Paris: School of Business and Management Brunel University Read More