Navigating Hierarchies: The Impact of Direct Communication on Innovation

We conclude our discussion of the classic book The Management of Innovation from Tom Burns and G. M. Stalker with a look at contemporary myths of innovation, such as the idea that innovation can or should be outsourced to small “start-up” style firms or that innovators or the process of innovation should be separated from the rest of the organization. We also look at the roles of “manager directors” or chief executives in leading innovation in their firms.