Innovation in the Anthropological Perspective
Insights and Consequences for the Theory, Practice, and Design of Innovating
Christine Miller author Julia C Gluesing author Helga Wild author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:31st Jul '24
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
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This insightful book offers an anthropological view of innovation, exploring its complex dynamics and cultural contexts, particularly in organizational settings.
In Innovation in the Anthropological Perspective, the author delves into the intricate relationship between innovation and the cultural contexts from which it emerges. By adopting an anthropological lens, the book re-evaluates traditional notions of innovation, highlighting how social structures and beliefs shape the processes and practices associated with it. The author argues that innovation is not merely a linear progression but rather a dynamic and multidimensional system influenced by various cultural factors.
The exploration within Innovation in the Anthropological Perspective spans a wide range of time periods and geographical locations, employing diverse methods and narratives to illustrate the complexities of innovation. Each chapter examines the interplay between virtual, local, and global dynamics, providing insights that challenge conventional wisdom, particularly in business and organizational settings. This comprehensive approach allows readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of innovation and its implications in different contexts.
Ultimately, the book seeks to position innovation within a broader framework that includes both human and non-human ecologies. By fostering a deeper understanding of these interconnected systems, Innovation in the Anthropological Perspective aims to pave the way for new research methodologies and practical applications, encouraging a more holistic view of innovation that transcends traditional boundaries.
"Anyone with a professional stake in innovation will do well to reflect on the systematic insights offered here about the complex cultural and organizational scaffolding on which incremental changes pile up and lead to transformational disruptions. A wide range of cases tackle the emergence of products and services we now take for granted, from bicycles to digital paywalls and public health campaigns."
—Ed Liebow, PhD, Affiliate Associate Professor, Recent Executive Director of the American Anthropological Association
"This book is a welcome addition to the scientific literature on innovation, filling a significant gap in the ethnographic record. Written in the classic traditions of cultural anthropology, Innovation uses "participant observation" (first-hand experience) and a holistic perspective that are the hallmarks of the anthropological study of society."
—Richard L. Currier, PhD, author of UNBOUND: How Eight Technologies Made Us Human
"Gluesing, Miller, and Wild masterfully merge theoretical insights with practical applications. The book uniquely balances deep conceptual understanding with illustrative case studies, offering valuable perspectives for both business leaders and anthropologists. It cuts through the usual innovation hype with critical analyses and provides actionable design principles. Essential reading for those seeking a comprehensive and grounded approach to innovation."
—Matt Artz, founder of Azimuth Labs and host of the Anthropology in Business podcast
ISBN: 9781032139494
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 440g
238 pages