Jill Lepore’s critique of Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruption has sparked a debate. Lepore argues that Christensen’s theory is based on cherry-picked case studies, lacks empirical evidence, and has been applied too broadly. She also highlights that Christensen’s theory is often used to justify ruthless business practices.
Christensen, in response, claims Lepore misread his work, and that she is not qualified to assess his theory as she is not a management expert. He insists that his theory is based on rigorous research and that it has been tested and validated.
Lepore’s critique and Christensen’s defence have raised questions about the validity and applicability of disruption theory. Some argue that the theory is sound but needs to be applied judiciously, while others claim it is fundamentally flawed.
The debate has revealed that disruption theory, while influential, is not without its critics. It has also shown that the theory is often used as a justification for business practices that may be harmful or unethical. The controversy underscores the need for careful scrutiny of popular business theories and the practices they inspire.
Go to source article: http://crookedtimber.org/2014/06/24/lepore-on-disruption/