Thomas Edison and the First Light Bulb Paper Example

Introduction

The primary source that will be used to complete this paper is "Hargadon, A. B., & Douglas, Y. (2001). When innovations meet institutions: Edison and the design of the electric light. Administrative science quarterly, 46(3), 476-501 and Bazerman, C. (2002). The languages of Edison's light. Springer Science & Business." There has been criticism that Thomas Edison is not the person who invented the first light bulb (Bazerman, 2002). However, his contribution in the field has been immense, and through the discovery and popularization of the first light bulb, the knowledge has been effectively used by other scientists to transform the industry and light up the world. The first primary source analysis is that of When Innovation Meets Institutions: Edison and the Design of the Electric Light.

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S.N. When Innovation Meets Institutions: Edison and the Design of the Electric Light

1 The article is based on the role of design in the society. The article goes further to analyze Thomas Edison's system of electric lighting. The author also offers insights on how the experience of an innovation's design and significant impact on the society (Hargadon & Douglas, 2001).

2 Moreover, the article explains how Thomas Edison's design strategy attracted recognition and jobs to his firm (Hargadon & Douglas, 2001). The report further describes the challenges that the organization faced and how it managed to displace the gas industry in the market.

3 The article goes further to examine the principles from an entrepreneurs point of view. Innovations and creativity can enable entrepreneurs to make good use of established institutions. Moreover, the companies can retain their flexibility to displace innovations that do not change with time (Hargadon & Douglas, 2001). Therefore, the purpose of this article is to highlight the values associated with robust design strategies in people's innovation efforts.

S.N. The Language of Edison's Light

1 According to The Language of Edison's Light, the success of any invention depends on numerous factors (Bazerman, 2002). The consumers, media, financiers, laws, and government agencies determine the rate of the success of any innovation in the community.

2 The book narrates what led to the success of Thomas Alva Edison and the innovation of the incandescent light bulbs. Furthermore, the article is centered on how Edison and his colleagues transformed American society and the world through the invention of the bulbs (Bazerman, 2002).

3 The paper further considers the importance of trademarking ideas and the business effects that it can have on the society. The innovation of the light bulb has been faced with controversy including the real innovator of the technology (Bazerman, 2002). According to the book, Edison is portrayed as an individual who was able to transform technology and used it to change the society.

S.N. Ethical Dimensions of the Innovation

1 The primary ethical dimension from the innovation of the light bulb is to whom the credit should belong. The product was trademarked under Thomas Edison's name and company. However, some scholars believe that he is not the person who invented the first bulb (Bazerman, 2002). The ethical issue that arises is if it fair for companies to take credit for the work of their employees.

2 The other ethical issue that arises from the innovation is how the light bulb transformed the society by killing the gas industry. I believe this is the importance of innovation and Edison should not be castigated for the growth of the sector (Bazerman, 2002). Through his company, he managed to improve the lives of people, and that is what matters the most.

References

Bazerman, C. (2002). The languages of Edison's light. Springer Science & Business.

Hargadon, A. B., & Douglas, Y. (2001). When innovations meet institutions: Edison and the design of the electric light. Administrative science quarterly, 46(3), 476-501.