[stonemetal12]

It is wider than just HN. At work, IC tends to be the term used by management. Mostly I think it came with "agile" and the attempt to stop "not my job" responses to getting stuff done.

[121789]

I think it's the complete opposite - IC was created (rightfully IMO) by technical contributors to reject the idea that the only way to progress in your career and make a bigger impact is to go into management. It's just the recognition of a parallel career path

[jack_h]

If that was its purpose it failed. Many (most?) companies have no progression path other than management, but they'll happily call you an IC.

[twblalock]

It’s nothing to do with Agile. It’s just a short way to say “employees who are not managers.”