The Disruption Dilemma

In The Disruption Dilemma, Joshua Gans challenges the conventional understanding of disruption by revisiting its original meaning as a critical business concept. The book reevaluates the ideas popularized nearly two decades ago by Clayton Christensen in The Innovator's Dilemma and refocuses on the risks and opportunities that disruption presents. Gans delves into how companies such as Fujifilm and Canon have managed to thrive amidst disruptive challenges, while others like Blockbuster have struggled, outlining the strategic choices that define successful adaptation. Gans distinguishes between two types of disruption: demand-side, where firms risk underestimating niche market innovations by focusing solely on their main customers, and supply-side, where a reliance on existing competencies hampers the development of new ones. The book provides business leaders with a clear framework of strategies, from promoting internal innovation to integrating new product development, all while raising an important dilemma - balancing the need for both independence and integration within an organization. Published by MIT Press in 2016, this concise hardcover work offers fresh insights for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.