Icarus paradox

The Icarus Paradox is a term coined by Danny Miller neologism from the field of organizational learning, through his 1990 published book The Icarus Paradox - How Exceptional Companies was popularized Bring About Their Own Downfall. It describes the observation that companies suddenly fail after anscheinendem success.

Miller summarizes in his book together his observations in the context of investigations into the company's success and describes how those factors only lead to success, can be responsible for the decline later. These factors may include, among other proven strategies, a self -conscious management, an " electrified " corporate culture and the interaction of these.

Published in 1994, Miller, a further study in which he puts forward four hypotheses about the effects:

After longer should continued success

While the first hypothesis could not be confirmed statistically proven to be acceptable for the remaining three phases after continued success compared to phases after mediocre performance.

The name refers to the figure of Icarus from Greek mythology, who flew to his wax-bonded wings close to the sun that aufschmolz this and let it fall to death. The Icarus Paradox is a key source for Daniel O'Leary's book Escaping the Progress Trap (escape from the progress trap).

Popular use

Despite the partial refutation (see above), the concept in popular media appeal. For example, it is used in conjunction with multiple recalls of Toyota Group or similar problems at Honda.