Overview

Innovation is a constant in human life and organization, arising from within a context-based culture of social structures and beliefs. This book re-examines the processes, practices, and mechanisms of innovation from an anthropological perspective, offering a theory of innovation as a dynamic multidimensional system. It uses methods and stories across a broad arc of time, place, social and cultural context, and subject matter. The chapters explore the intersection of virtual, local, and global dynamics and deepen our understanding of aspects and dimensions of innovation that challenge common perceptions, particularly in business and organizational environments. The approach aims to situate innovation in an integrated view of human and non-human ecologies, and to create common ground for a new form of research and practice.

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9781032182698

Table of Contents

Reviews

""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

Author Information

Julia C. Gluesing is a business and organizational anthropologist and Research Professor in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Wayne State University. Christine Miller is a professor at Savannah College of Art and Design working at the intersection of the social sciences, design, and business. Helga Wild works in product development and research for Summery Inc. and runs a research consultancy.

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