The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
Best introduction to Christensen's foundational theory of disruptive innovation.
Author guide
Clayton M. Christensen Books in Order
Clayton Magleby Christensen was an American academic, business consultant, and Harvard Business School professor. His research and writing focused on innovation, technology strategy, organizational growth, education, health care, economic development, and religious service. He developed the influential theory of disruptive innovation and co-founded Innosight, Rose Park Advisors, and the Clayton Christensen Institute.
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Not sure where to begin?
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How Will You Measure Your Life?
Accessible introduction to his application of management theory to personal decisions and life goals.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Other (12)
- The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail
book · 1997
In his book, The Innovator's Dilemma [3], Professor Clayton Christensen of Harvard Business School describes a theory about how large, outstanding firms can fail "by doing everything right." The Innovator's Dilemma, according to…
- Innovation and the General Manager
book · 1999
Clay Christensen is world-renowned in the field of innovation. His book is the first general manager's instruction kit for managing innovation. It was developed from Christensen's Harvard course and it helps students and managers learn to…
- Seeing What's Next: Using the Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change
book · 2004
Every day, individuals take action based on how they believe innovation will change industries. Yet these beliefs are largely based on guesswork and incomplete data and lead to costly errors in judgment. Now, internationally renowned…
- Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns
book · 2008
According to recent studies in neuroscience, the way we learn doesn't always match up with the way we are taught. If we hope to stay competitive-academically, economically, and technologically--we need to rethink our understanding of…
- The Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care
book · 2009
A groundbreaking prescription for health care reform--from a legendary leader in innovation...Our health care system is in critical condition. Each year, fewer Americans can afford it, fewer businesses can provide it, and fewer government…
- The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators
book · 2011
"Some people are just natural innovators, right? With no apparent effort, they discover ideas for new products, services, and entire businesses. It may look like innovators are born, not made. But according to Jeffrey Dyer and Hal…
- How Will You Measure Your Life?
book · 2012
How do you lead a fulfilling life? That profound question animates this book of inspiration and insight from world-class business strategist and bestselling author of The Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton Christensen.
- Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice
book · 2016
The foremost authority on innovation and growth presents a path-breaking book every company needs to transform innovation from a game of chance to one in which they develop products and services customers not only want to buy, but are…
- The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations out of Poverty
book · 2019
Clayton M. Christensen, the author of such business classics as The Innovator’s Dilemma and the New York Times bestseller How Will You Measure Your Life, and co-authors Efosa Ojomo and Karen Dillon reveal why so many investments in…
Frequently asked questions about Clayton M. Christensen
Who was Clayton M. Christensen?
Clayton Magleby Christensen (1952–2020) was an American scholar, business consultant, author, and Harvard Business School professor best known for developing the theory of disruptive innovation.
Sources: hbs.edu (opens in a new tab)christenseninstitute.org (opens in a new tab)
What did Clayton Christensen do before becoming a Harvard professor?
Before joining Harvard Business School, Christensen worked as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group, served as a White House Fellow in the Reagan administration, and co-founded the high-technology company Ceramics Process Systems.
Sources: speeches.byu.edu (opens in a new tab)christenseninstitute.org (opens in a new tab)
What is Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation?
The theory describes how simpler, more affordable, and accessible products can begin at the lower end of a market, improve over time, and eventually displace established competitors. Christensen coined the term in the early 1990s.
What influenced Clayton Christensen’s ideas and personal philosophy?
His research into business and technology history—especially the disk-drive industry—helped shape his theory of disruption. His faith and emphasis on purpose, integrity, and relationships also strongly informed his approach to life and leadership.
Sources: hbs.edu (opens in a new tab)christenseninstitute.org (opens in a new tab)
What awards did Clayton Christensen receive, and what is his legacy?
His work received honors including the 1997 Global Business Book Award, the Thinkers50 Innovation Award, and the 2009 McKinsey Award. He twice topped the Thinkers50 rankings and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2019; his ideas continue to influence business, education, health care, and global development.
Sources: hbs.edu (opens in a new tab)speeches.byu.edu (opens in a new tab)thinkers50.com (opens in a new tab)hbs.edu (opens in a new tab)christenseninstitute.org (opens in a new tab)