A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Unpacking data analytics: rhetorical analysis




AuthorsLepistö Lauri, Lepistö Sinikka, Kallio Kirsi-Mari

PublisherTaylor & Francis

Publication year2023

JournalTechnology Analysis and Strategic Management

Volume35

Issue8

First page 993

Last page1004

ISSN0953-7325

eISSN1465-3990

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1080/09537325.2021.1990876

Web address https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09537325.2021.1990876

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/67601497


Abstract

This study delves into the idea of data analytics and investigates the rhetoric through which its qualities are rendered accessible to people. It poses the following research question: How is data analytics and its relationship to organisations made attractive through rhetorical strategies? The analysis is based on 16 articles on data analytics published in the Harvard Business Review (HBR) from 2006 to 2020. Due to the analysis, two rhetorical strategies were identified: creativity and delegation. The findings suggested that contradictions prevail in the idea of data analytics. The creativity strategy underscores the illumination of possibilities in the application of data analytics, whereas the delegation strategy increasingly emphasises the need for organisational change, including the redistribution of work. In this study, we suggest that while data analytics can bring about various benefits, it can also create new uncertainties in an organisation. The contradictory features of data analytics may easily go unrecognised by practitioners.


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Last updated on 2025-13-02 at 14:16