The Innovator's Dilemma [Paperback]

In The Innovator's Dilemma, author Clayton M Christensen shows what the Honda Supercub, Intel's 8088 processor, and hydraulic excavators have in common. They are all examples of disruptive technologies that helped to redefine the competitive landscape of their respective markets. These products did not come about as the result of successful companies carrying out sound business practices in established markets. Christensen shows how these and other products cut into the low end of the marketplace and eventually evolved to displace high-end competitors and their reigning technologies.

At the heart of The Innovator's Dilemma is how a successful company with established products keeps from being pushed aside by newer, cheaper products that will, over time, get better and become a serious threat. Christensen writes that even the best-managed companies, in spite of their attention to customers and continual investment in new technology, are susceptible to failure no matter what the industry, be it hard drives or consumer retailing. Succinct and clearly written, The Innovator's Dilemma is an important book that belongs on every manager's bookshelf. --Harry C Edwards --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

""The Innovator's Dilemma" is becoming a handbook for CEOs remaking their businesses for the Net."- BusinessWeek"In a sea of mostly worthless business books, this is an upside surprise - sharply written and rigorous enough to be predictive..."The Innovator's Dilemma" could be the wake-up call you need."- Rich Karlgaard, "Forbes"""The Innovator's Dilemma" captures the critical role of leadership in creating markets."- John Seely Brown, chief scientist, Xerox Corp., and director, Xerox Parc"Succinct and clearly written, "The Innovator's Dilemma" is an important book that belongs on every manager's bookshelf. Highly recommended."- Harry C. Edwards, "Amazon.com""This book ought to chill any executive who feels bulletproof - and inspire entrepreneurs aiming their guns."- "Forbes""This is a compelling argument, thoroughly researched and superbly written, which challenges conventional theory."- Jon Hughes, "Supply Management""I cannot recommend this book strongly enough - ignore it at your peril."- Martin Fakley, "Information Access""[A] masterpiece...The most profound and useful business book ever written about innovation."- George Gilder, "Gilder Technology Report""Absolutely brilliant. Clayton Christensen provides an insightful analysis of changing technology and its importance to a company's future success."- Michael R. Bloomberg, CEO & Founder, "Bloomberg Financial Markets""This book addresses a tough problem that most successful companies will face eventually. It's lucid, analytical - and scary."- Dr. Andrew S. Grove, chairman & CEO, Intel Corporation"Clayton Christensen's groundbreaking book...brings fresh insight and understanding to the complex and critically important relationshipsbetween technological change and business success...His conclusions provide food for thought for the top management of every company."- Richard N. Foster, Director, "McKinsey & Company""The Best Business Book of 1997."- The "Financial Times"/Booz Allen & Hamilton Global Business Book Awards""The Innovator's Dilemma has become the book to read among mainstream managers trying to dope out an Internet strategy."-- "New York Times

Harvard professor Clayton M. Christensen demonstrates in the most revolutionary business hook in years why outstanding companies that did everything right -- were in tune with the competition, listened to customers, and invested aggressively in new technologies -- still lost their market leadership when confronted with disruptive changes in technology and market structure...and he tells how to avoid a similar fate as business races online into the 21st century. The Innovator's Dilemma eloquently demonstrates a shattering paradox -- that the best of conventional good business practices can ultimately weaken a great firm. Over time, mainstream customers will initially reject important breakthroughs or disruptive technologies, leading firms to allow strategic innovations to languish. The solution? Create a subsidiary entirely focused on the emerging market, one that is free to be visionary while courting an unorthodox customer base and staying poised to catch the next great wave of industry growth. Sharp, cogent, and provocative, The Innovator's Dilemma is one of the most talked-about business books of our time -- and something that none of today's executives will dare to be without.

Clayton M. Christensen, an associate professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School, is the coauthor of numerous articles in journals such as Research Policy, Strategic Management Journal, Industrial and Corporate Change, Business History Review, and Harvard Business Review. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.