Abstract:
The metaphor of Darwinism has been extensively researched and analysed in other
research disciplines. The usage of the biological metaphor of “Darwinism” in ITrelated
headlines is documented and reviewed. The use of the Darwinian metaphor in
business studies has changed from its usage by Veblen and Stamp as a descriptor for
the scientific method. More recently its meaning has been transformed to synonymy
with the “struggle for existence”. The use of this metaphor in IT carries with it a
reassurance, which can endanger consumer requirements for performance and
accountability.