Strategy matrixes as technical objects using the Simondonian concepts of ‘concretization’, milieu, and ‘transindividuality’

ABSTRACT

In this article I look at how management tools can be considered technical objects under the definition put forward by the philosopher Gilbert Simondon. Through that lens, I examine how a strategy matrix can be thought of as a ‘technical individual’ striving to become itself, which can imply success, disappearance or reappearance. The object’s ‘becomingness’ can be explained by considering its ‘degree of concretization’ and capacity to produce its own ‘milieu.’ Four stages are involved in such processes, wherein strategy matrixes undergo ‘technical genesis.’ In conclusion I will broaden the discussion to look at ‘technical culture’ borrowing from Simondon’s notion of ‘transindividuality’.

KEYWORDS:

• Simondon
• strategy matrix
• transindividual

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. This relationship is not inconsistent with realistic metaphysics. Although Simondon did not advocate substantialism, he adhered to the philosophy of a ‘realism of relationships’ (Barthélémy 2008, 18–34).

2. ‘The living being is an individual that brings with it its associated milieu’ (Simondon 1958, 71).