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Discipline and Punish in the Digital Era : an analysis of GAFAM'S acquisition strategies

Author

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  • Maria Mercanti-Guérin

    (IAE Paris - Sorbonne Business School, LAB IAE Paris - Sorbonne - IAE Paris - Sorbonne Business School)

  • Christophe Bezes

    (ISTEC - Institut supérieur des Sciences, Techniques et Economie Commerciales - ISTEC)

Abstract

This study aims to produce a clearer understanding of how surveillance has changed in our digital world and to shed light on the transformation of bodies targeted by GAFAM. Accordingly, it draws the parallel between the current digital society and that described by Foucault, first at a theoretical level, then at an empirical level. Design/ methodology/ approach-. A panel of 80 companies were selected from among the 1000 or so bought or created by GAFAM (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft) described according to their professional activities and their areas of specialization. A semantic corpus then allowed us to categorize each type of monitoring following the five types of body surveillance identified by Foucault, namely the disciplined body, the digitized body, the documented body, the augmented body and the immortal body. Research limitations/implications-Although this study has its limitations-possible stretching of analogies in relation Foucault's theoretical work, the limited number of acquisitions studied-, it has the merit of making links between surveillance, data and the body. Findings-Originality/value-This study shows that GAFAM's acquisition strategies are unquestionably body-centric and can be predicted. The body-centric strategies of each of the big five companies studied show very clear differences which are indicative of their distinctive positioning and discourses.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Mercanti-Guérin & Christophe Bezes, 2019. "Discipline and Punish in the Digital Era : an analysis of GAFAM'S acquisition strategies," Post-Print hal-02437427, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-02437427
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-02437427
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Wang, Yichuan & Kung, LeeAnn & Byrd, Terry Anthony, 2018. "Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 3-13.
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