Skip to content

Innovation and disruption are ideas that originated in the…

“Innovation and disruption are ideas that originated in the arena of business but which have since been applied to arenas whose values and goals are remote from the values and goals of business. People aren’t disk drives. Public schools, colleges and universities, churches, museums, and many…” quote by Jill Lepore
Download Open image
““Innovation and disruption are ideas that originated in the arena of business but which have since been applied to arenas whose values and goals are remote from the values and goals of business. People aren’t disk drives. Public schools, colleges and universities, churches, museums, and many hospitals, all of which have been subjected to disruptive innovation, have revenues and expenses and infrastructures, but they aren’t industries in the same way that manufacturers of hard-disk drives or truck engines or drygoods are industries. Journalism isn’t an industry in that sense, either. Doctors have obligations to their patients, teachers to their students, pastors to their congregations, curators to the public, and journalists to their readers--obligations that lie outside the realm of earnings, and are fundamentally different from the obligations that a business executive has to employees, partners, and investors. Historically, institutions like museums, hospitals, schools, and universities have been supported by patronage, donations made by individuals or funding from church or state. The press has generally supported itself by charging subscribers and selling advertising. (Underwriting by corporations and foundations is a funding source of more recent vintage.) Charging for admission, membership, subscriptions and, for some, earning profits are similarities these institutions have with businesses. Still, that doesn’t make them industries, which turn things into commodities and sell them for gain.””

Jill Lepore

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Business concepts of innovation and disruption have been applied to non‑commercial institutions, but their core missions differ from profit‑driven goals.

In simple terms: Disruption spreads beyond business, yet mission‑driven groups stay distinct.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the limits of business models in public sectors.

Themes

innovation disruption mission ethics public institutions

Mood

reflective critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • healthcare policy
  • museum funding
  • journalistic integrity
  • church stewardship

Key Concepts

social responsibility institutional autonomy value conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions preserve core values while adopting innovative practices?
  • What safeguards prevent commodification of essential services?
A Different Perspective

Applying profit motives can erode trust and mission focus.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Jill Lepore

Explore all 105 Jill Lepore quotes

More Business quotes

Browse all 39,016 Business quotes