Two hundred years of innovation and change: lessons from the former Shaker communities

In a small cemetery adjacent to Albany International Airport lies buried "Mother Ann" Lee, founder of the Shakers. She came to New York from England in 1774 with unusual religions beliefs, a sacrificial commitment to her beliefs, and a persuasive influence on those she met. In her relatively short lifetime she set in motion a religious movement that exists even today. In this paper we identify and analyze aspects of Shaker culture that were manifestly effective in motivating and encouraging innovation. We also assess their response to sweeping societal changes that occurred during their long history. We seek to learn lessons from the Shakers that we can apply as we encounter rapid changes in business and technology.