Publications
Publications
- May 2014
- HBS Case Collection
Gunfire at Sea (multi-media case)
By: Michael Tushman
Abstract
This short video illustrates the challenges of leading innovation and change. This classic case (one of the oldest in the HBS system) retains its timeliness. The case describes how Lt. Sims develops a new form of gunfire at sea—continuous aim gunfire. While 3,000% more accurate than existing guns, the video case describes how the Navy, as a successful social system, systematically rejected Sims' innovation. The case gets at multiple sources of inertia including culture, capabilities, personality, power, structure, Navy processes, and the fact that the U.S. Navy was one of the most successful Navies at the time. The case's extraordinary outcome illustrates the randomness of innovation and the importance of strong executive leadership in leading change associated with seemingly minor (in this case architectural) innovation.
Keywords
Leading Change; National Security; Innovation Leadership; Public Administration Industry; United States
Citation
Tushman, Michael. "Gunfire at Sea (multi-media case)." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 414-077, May 2014.
About The Author
