The Change Masters explores how companies can thrive in a rapidly changing world by embracing innovation. It examines the characteristics of innovative companies, such as their ability to empower employees, foster collaboration, and learn from their mistakes. The book also analyzes the role of leadership in driving innovation, arguing that leaders must be able to create a vision, communicate it effectively, and inspire employees to take risks. It argues that innovation is not just about developing new products and services but also about transforming the organization itself.
Men and Women of the Corporation examines the ways in which gender shapes the experiences of employees in large organizations. It explores the barriers that women face in achieving success in the workplace, such as discrimination, stereotyping, and lack of access to opportunities. The book also analyzes the ways in which organizations can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for women. It argues that organizations must address the systemic biases that perpetuate gender inequality and create a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Every American an Innovator examines the cultural history of innovation in the United States, revealing its profound impact on various aspects of society. The book traces the evolution of innovation from its early origins to its contemporary manifestations. It also analyzes the ways in which innovation has been shaped by various cultural, economic, and technological forces. It offers a critical perspective on the role of innovation in shaping our lives and offers insights into the future of innovation. The book also highlights the transformative effects on our institutions and inner selves, arguing that the pursuit of innovation has become a defining characteristic of American life.
In *Diffusion of Innovations*, Everett M. Rogers explores the process by which new ideas, practices, or products are adopted by individuals and societies. The book outlines a five-stage decision-making process—knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation—and categorizes adopters into innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards. It is a foundational text in understanding the spread of innovations across various fields, including marketing, public health, and communication.
In this book, Richard Florida argues that creativity is becoming a crucial component of the modern economy. He identifies a new social class, the 'creative class,' which includes professionals such as engineers, managers, academics, musicians, researchers, designers, entrepreneurs, and lawyers. These individuals create new forms and drive economic growth, determining the success of companies and cities. Florida discusses how the creative class values diversity, tolerance, and lifestyle options, and how cities can attract this class by fostering technological infrastructure, talent, and tolerance. The book also explores how the creative ethos is changing personal relationships, choices of where to live, and the use of time[3][4][5].
Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Matt Wisnioski, Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, about his new book, Every American an Innovator: How Innovation Became a Way of Life. The pair talk about how the new book connects to Matt’s earlier book, Engineers for Change; how what Matt calls “innovation expertise” first emerged; how government played a key role in promoting the idea of innovation; how the idea of innovation was democratized from focusing on elite white men to focusing on women, people of color, children, and, well, everyone; and much more. Vinsel and Wisnioski also talk about Matt’s current book project with Michael Meindl, Associate Professor of Communication at Radford University - a history of the television show and multimedia product, The Magic School Bus.
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New Books in Science, Technology, and Society 
