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The Prosperity Paradox cover art

The Prosperity Paradox

Written by: Clayton M. Christensen,Efosa Ojomo,Karen Dillon
Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
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Publisher's Summary

Clayton M. Christensen, the author of such business classics as The Innovator’s Dilemma and the New York Times best-seller How Will You Measure Your Life, and coauthors Efosa Ojomo and Karen Dillon reveal why so many investments in economic development fail to generate sustainable prosperity and offers a groundbreaking solution for true and lasting change.

Global poverty is one of the world’s most vexing problems. For decades, we’ve assumed smart, well-intentioned people will eventually be able to change the economic trajectory of poor countries. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to eradicating corruption, too many solutions rely on trial and error. Essentially, the plan is often to identify areas that need help, flood them with resources, and hope to see change over time.

But hope is not an effective strategy.

Clayton M. Christensen and his coauthors reveal a paradox at the heart of our approach to solving poverty. While noble, our current solutions are not producing consistent results, and in some cases, have exacerbated the problem. At least 20 countries that have received billions of dollars’ worth of aid are poorer now.

Applying the rigorous and theory-driven analysis he is known for, Christensen suggests a better way. The right kind of innovation not only builds companies - but also builds countries. The Prosperity Paradox identifies the limits of common economic development models, which tend to be top-down efforts, and offers a new framework for economic growth based on entrepreneurship and market-creating innovation. Christensen, Ojomo, and Dillon use successful examples from America’s own economic development, including Ford, Eastman Kodak, and Singer Sewing Machines, and shows how similar models have worked in other regions such as Japan, South Korea, Nigeria, Rwanda, India, Argentina, and Mexico.

The ideas in this audiobook will help companies desperate for real, long-term growth see actual, sustainable progress where they’ve failed before. But The Prosperity Paradox is more than a business audiobook; it is a call to action for anyone who wants a fresh take for making the world a better and more prosperous place.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2019 Clayton M. Christensen, Efosa Ojomo, and Karen Dillon (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Prosperity Paradox

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  • OPinBC
  • 29-01-19

Renewed Hope

I believe this book is a must for entrepreneurs/aspiring entrepreneurs/people interested in governance. Anyone interested in leaving a dent on the current challenges faced by their country/region should read this book. I have recommended it to most friends and family.

3 people found this helpful

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  • Arkady Fenev
  • 24-01-19

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I will.

It describes a lot of stories of success in many different countries. I liked the idea of focusing on non consumption and help the country to be developed along with your growing business.

3 people found this helpful

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  • D. Cameron
  • 24-05-21

Simplistic, lack of insights

While Clay Christensen was a phenomenal man, this book is a disappointment. Its lens focuses mostly on boosting consumption of existing goods in underserved markets, offering a very limited way of how to create prosperity (creating value). Even if you accept this perspective and premise, the insights are shallow and limited. There is no actionable insight into what factors and actions allowed Mo Ibrahim to successfully build Celtel, for example - save for a superficial story of “vision and courage”. Read this book if you like nice stories about the markets, avoid if you’re looking for solid theory or actionable insights.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Bradley Shaw
  • 01-07-19

Fantastic

Excellent book if you work in emerging market this should be a requirement.. And sure you take notes.

2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Les
  • 19-07-20

Thought provoking!

Wonderful examples of the free market at work. great analogy of pushing on or pulling in!

1 person found this helpful

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  • Younes
  • 28-04-20

Good but stretched

The book is good overall. Some fillers here and there. Author could reach points with less words. But great inside about innovation and how it can reform and improve economies.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Warren Whitlock
  • 27-04-20

The power of selling into a market of non-concepti

two things that I've known for a long time

1) Innovation is a key to growth

2) every market has people who aren't being served. sometime a majority off the opportunity.

The Prosperity Paradoc ombines these two facts to teach the principle of non-consumption. The book is full of examples how innovation into new consumers can yield more prosperity than we'd ever thought possible.

Dozens of examples.. a terrific read

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  • Anonymous User
  • 20-01-20

Sharp, full of precious info

I will shourly buy also the printed version. It's a must for every entrepreneur.
The narrator voice is pleasant and great to listen.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 09-04-19

An excellent perspective into development

This book provides an excellent perspective into how poor Nations
should encourage innovation as a means to national growth rather than dependency on foriegn AIDS

1 person found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 28-03-19

A must read!!

This is a must read for global humanitarians, international entrepreneurs, and government officials. Loved It!

1 person found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 30-08-19

Interesting cases, good read for policy makers

It's a good read for policy makers, consultants and entrepreneurs. The book pinpoints weaknesses in the current approach used to facilitate international development.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 27-06-19

Important lessons and inspiring underlying message

A pleasant listen and includes interesting ideas, perhaps too "USA is the greatest" at times, but holds some important truths and messages

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  • Xanyar
  • 30-04-19

Enlightening - challenges beliefs on development

If you have ever thought about why some countries prosper yet others struggle, you'll enjoy this

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  • Rem Fat
  • 17-04-19

must read for every progressive

I love this great book. I have to listen again. so rich and full of ideas for every progressive nation