Christensen updates disruption theory. Issue 2 (21st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denning, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Strategy and leadership. Volume 44:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 10
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2016-03-21
• Subjects: competitive strategy -- competitive response -- Disruption theory -- disruptive innovation -- innovator's dilemma; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Strategic planning -- Periodicals; 658.4012
• DOI: 10.1108/SL-01-2016-0005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-8572

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – Recently, observers of the battle between incumbents and challengers have turned the field of disruptive innovation theory into contested territory. What strategies work for defenders and attackers? Design/methodology/approach: – For an update the author asked the opinion of the world's foremost authority, Harvard professor Clayton Christensen. Findings: – According to Christensen, "We discovered that there are three types of innovations, only two of which we had caught in the [original] theory of disruption. Practical implications: – The only permanent way out of the innovator's dilemma is to change the game being played and adopt a new corporate focus in which innovation is a necessity, not an option. Originality/value: – The article updates and broadens disruption theory. Disruption, as Christensen defines it, is a theory of competitive response.