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on May 29, 2016
Sundarajan writes about a complex and contested topic with remarkable ease. The comfort with which he writes is telling of his entrenched knowledge and embeddedness in the practice and science of the sharing economy world. The book is divided into two halves. In the first, Sundarajan covers the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding the functioning of the sharing economy (what he calls the ‘cause’ side of the equation). He draws on numerous economic models and terms but explains each term diligently. The second half of the book is dedicated to disentangling the range of outcomes associated with this new form of production and consumption (the ‘effect’ side of the equation). Most prominently, he discusses the emergence of a new form of ’non-hierarchical’ market economy that has the potential for more inclusive growth, consumer protection, as well as labor issues currently dominating the discourse.
The author draws richly on previous literatures and provides a plethora of examples both illustratively and to make his case. Overall, the book is a highly synthetic treatment of the sharing economy. Sundarajan not only contributes significantly to moving the conversation further along, he also raises many questions that are likely to become central in the near future. While it is written by an academic, the book is accessibly to non-technical audiences.
The author draws richly on previous literatures and provides a plethora of examples both illustratively and to make his case. Overall, the book is a highly synthetic treatment of the sharing economy. Sundarajan not only contributes significantly to moving the conversation further along, he also raises many questions that are likely to become central in the near future. While it is written by an academic, the book is accessibly to non-technical audiences.
on March 15, 2017
It is a hard cover book that came in very good shape - brand new. I purchased it for a school research project on the sharing economy. It helped give me a good foundation so that I could use complementary resources to further my knowledge. It is well written and also easy to follow. The sharing economy is a relatively new phenomenon so I was very pleased to see that there was a book already out about the topic matter.
on May 26, 2016
A refreshing look at the disruptive impact of platform-based businesses that leverage network effects and the power of the crowd. Arun does a superb job of cutting through jargon and soft language about sharing and collaboration to identify real drivers of change that will shape the economy of the future. These are irreversible shifts in how we do business, access products and services, and think about careers. It's a must read.
on September 2, 2016
This is a great read! The book provides a structural framework to conceptualize and better understand the sharing economy ("crowd based capitalism"). It gives a balanced view of the current state of both the industry and the academic community regarding the sharing economy. I believe that this is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the importance of the sharing economy in the digital world. It is well written, and especially helpful for today's graduate business student (e.g., MBAs); it will give them the necessary lens with which to view the the sharing economy.
on June 1, 2016
A lucid, careful, and well-written guide to the economic, cultural, and legal shifts that we broadly call "the sharing economy," including a blessedly clear explanation of the blockchain. I've been working on sharing economy issues for years, and still found much new material and fresh insights from this book.
on June 11, 2016
Professor Sundararajan breaks down the social/economic impact of this seminal shift in how we consume. An easy read that provides roadmap for businesses, and individuals, re how they can be on the right side of the share economy. One of the better business books of the last few years.
on June 7, 2016
Peppered with interesting examples and anecdotes from the author's extensive industry contacts and experiences, it provides an easy to read yet highly detailed look at this increasingly important sector of the economy.
on March 28, 2017
Great Book, Great Perspective
An Insider's Guide to the Sharing Economy. Well-Researched, Thought-Provoking, and Insightful. Highly Recommend.
on May 24, 2016
“A radical shift is underway,” according to the author, Arun Sundararajan. In this book, Arun Sundararajan predicts “a future in which peer-to-peer exchange becomes increasingly prevalent, and the ‘crowd’ replaces the corporation at the center of capitalism.” I find it incredibly exciting how the sharing economy platforms are giving individuals or traditionally “micro” businesses “macro” reach. The author does a fantastic job of distilling how the sharing economy is impacting our daily lives and society at large, drawing from an impressive body of research.
I personally appreciated how the author gave his readers courtside seats to his conversations with sharing economy celebrities, such as the co-founders of Airbnb, BlaBlaCar, and many others. Standing on the shoulders of this book, I’ve been able to speak confidently with professionals in the field and interested peers alike about the budding companies and the principal factors shaping the dynamic sharing economy landscape. I highly recommend this insightful and thought-provoking book.
I personally appreciated how the author gave his readers courtside seats to his conversations with sharing economy celebrities, such as the co-founders of Airbnb, BlaBlaCar, and many others. Standing on the shoulders of this book, I’ve been able to speak confidently with professionals in the field and interested peers alike about the budding companies and the principal factors shaping the dynamic sharing economy landscape. I highly recommend this insightful and thought-provoking book.
