Disciplining Innovation? Mobile Information Artefacts in a Telco Innovation Center

Abstract

This chapter introduces the pattern of bargains with the devil as a means of examining the adoption and use of mobile information artefacts. It argues that, in contrast to other attempts to impose discipline on innovation work practices, the introduction of mobile information artefacts is requested by knowledge workers. Vendor advertising plays a tempting role: proclaiming that the artefact is a consumer good for the knowledge-worker and a productivity tool for the employer. This enlightenment--and deception- -results in knowledge workers persuading their employer by appropriating the productivity discourse of the vendor. There follows a honeymoon phase of play and pleasure for these “techies.” But this is the prelude to destruction, as the knowledge-worker faces demands for their promised productivity. The artefact disciplines their innovation work, even erodes it; thus the situation of the employment relationship within relations of consumption results in the knowledge-worker (and their employer) being exploited by the vendor.