The Disruption Dilemma

by Joshua Gans Narrated by Simon Vance

Overview

Almost twenty years ago Clayton Christensen popularized the term disruption in his book The Innovator's Dilemma, describing it as a set of risks that established firms face. Since then, few have closely examined his account. Joshua Gans does so in this book. He looks at companies that have proven resilient and those that have fallen, and explains why some companies have successfully managed disruption while others have not. Departing from the conventional wisdom, Gans identifies two kinds of disruption: demand-side, when successful firms focus on their main customers and underestimate market entrants with innovations that target niche demands; and supply-side, when firms focused on developing existing competencies become incapable of developing new ones.



Gans describes the full range of actions business leaders can take to deal with each type of disruption, from "self-disrupting" independent internal units to tightly integrated product development. But therein lies the disruption dilemma: A firm cannot practice both independence and integration at once. Gans shows business leaders how to choose their strategy so their firms can deal with disruption while continuing to innovate.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A very good introduction to the game theory and institutions of 'disruptive innovation,' the book also dispels many myths about that concept.—Marginal Revolution—

If you think you understand when large firms are in danger, and what they should do, as well as when there are opportunities for start-ups, this is a must-read book.

—Washington Post—

What makes this book compulsive is the way models of disruption are mapped onto various case studies – the introduction of the iPhone, Microsoft and the 'browser wars', the aforementioned Blockbuster – in a way that brings the theory alive and arms the reader to face future disruptions.

—Communication Director—

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"This important and thought-provoking book " —Clayton M. Christensen, author of The Innovator's Dilemma

Reviews

What makesthis book compulsive is the way modelsof disruption are mapped onto variouscase studies – the introduction of theiPhone, Microsoft and the 'browserwars', the aforementioned Blockbuster– in a way that brings the theory aliveand arms the reader to face futuredisruptions.

—Communication Director

Communication Director

What makesthis book compulsive is the way modelsof disruption are mapped onto variouscase studies – the introduction of theiPhone, Microsoft and the 'browserwars', the aforementioned Blockbuster– in a way that brings the theory aliveand arms the reader to face futuredisruptions.

Washington Post

If you think you understand when large firms are in danger, and what they should do, as well as when there are opportunities for start-ups, this is a must-read book.

Marginal Revolution

A very good introduction to the game theory and institutions of 'disruptive innovation,' the book also dispels many myths about that concept.

Marginal Revolution - Tyler Cowen

A very good introduction to the game theory and institutions of
'disruptive innovation,' the book also dispels many myths about that concept.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170195756
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	04/05/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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