Skip to main content

Innovating Authentically: Cultural Differentiation in the Animation Sector

Systemic Practice and Action Research volume 32, pages 557–571 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of authentic innovation and the development of the animation industry in Malaysia. Authenticity is a concept that has been investigated from philosophical and institutional perspectives in the quest to explain the role of self-fulfillment and decision-making. It links with systems thinking because authenticity as a strategy requires a holistic approach since it is based upon values that influence action. The desire for authenticity can create expression outside the norms and produce innovation. We present interpretations of authenticity, explain the concept of authentic innovation and relate this to three case studies of Malaysian animation studios. We found that cultural authenticity contributed to the uniqueness of the product and was a significant factor in the success of the animations in South East Asia. Challenges for maintaining authentic innovation arise primarily from economic pressure.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1

References

  • Aoyama Y, Izushi H (2003) Hardware gimmick or cultural innovation? Technological, cultural, and social foundations of the Japanese video game industry. Res Policy 32(3):423–444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asian animation industry 2015: Strategies trends & opportunities. (2015). Research and Markets. http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/3073228/asian-animation-industry-2015-strategiestrends#pos-1. Accessed 1/10/2015

  • Beverland MB (2005) Crafting brand authenticity: the case of luxury wine. J Manag Stud 42(5):1003–1029

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beverland M (2009) Building brand authenticity: 7 habits of iconic brands. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bhargava R (2008) Personality not included: why companies lose their authenticity and how great brands get it back. McGraw Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen J, Yin X, Mei L (2018) Holistic innovation: an emerging innovation paradigm. Int J Innov Stud 2(1):1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi H, Ko E, Kim EY, Mattila P (2015) The role of fashion brand authenticity in product management: a holistic marketing approach. J Prod Innov Manag 32(2):233–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cobb R (2014) Introduction: the artifice of authenticity in the age of digital reproduction. In: Cobb R (ed) The paradox of authenticity in a globalized world. Palgrave Macmillan, New York

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cole A, Barberá-Tomás D (2014) Negotiating conventions and creating community: the case of cartoon and European animation. J Econ Geogr 14:973–993

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cornet C (2015) Tourism development and resistance in China. Ann Tour Res 52(C):29–43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cunha MPE, Rego A, Oliveira P, Rosado P, Habib N (2014) Product innovation in resource-poor environments: three research streams. J Prod Innov Manag 31(2):202–210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daliot-Bul M (2014) Reframing and reconsidering the cultural innovations of the anime boom on US television. Int J Cult Stud 17(1):75–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franzese AT (2009) Authenticity: perspectives and experiences. In: Vannini P, Williams PJ (eds) Authenticity in culture, self and society. Ashgate, Farnham

    Google Scholar 

  • Frater P (2014). Oriental DreamWorks unveils Chinese live-action slate. Variety US Edition. Retrieved 18/03/2015, 2015, from http://variety.com/2014/film/news/oriental-dreamworks-unveils-chinese-live- action-slate-1201221052/#

  • Gardner WL, Cogliser CC, Davis KM, Dickens MP (2011) Authentic leadership: a review of the literature and research agenda. Leadersh Q 22(6):1120–1145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Global and Chinese animation industry report 2012-2015. (2012). Research and Markets. http://www.researchinchina.com/htmls/report/2013/6641.html

  • Goldman BM, Kernis MH (2002) The role of authenticity in healthy psychological functioning and subjective well-being. Ann Am Psychother Assoc 5(6):18–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Golomb JJ (1995) In search of authenticity : Existentialism from Kierkegaard to Camus. Routledge, Florence

    Google Scholar 

  • Heppner WL, Kernis MH, Nezlek JB, Foster J, Lakey CE, Goldman BM (2008) Within-person relationships among daily self-esteem, need satisfaction, and authenticity. Psychol Sci 19(11):1140–1145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holden D, Schrock D (2009) Performing authentic selfhood in an intentional community. In: Vannini P, Williams PJ (eds) Authenticity in culture, self and society. Ashgate, Farnham

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson MC (2006) Creative holism: a critical systems approach to complex problem situations. Syst Res Behav Sci 23(5):647–657

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johansson-Sköldberg U, Woodilla J, Çetinkaya M (2013) Design thinking: past, present and possible futures. Creat Innov Manag 22(2):121–146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kapferer JN (2012) The new strategic brand management: advanced insights and strategic thinking, 5th edn. Kogan Page Publishers, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Keane M (2009) Between the tangible and the intangible: China's new development dilemma. Chin J Comput Phys 2(1):77–91

  • Kolar T, Zabkar V (2010) A consumer-based model of authenticity; an oxymoron or the foundation of cultural heritage marketing? Tour Manag 31(5):652–664

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krippendorf K (2004) Content analysis: an introduction to its methodology, 2nd edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks

    Google Scholar 

  • Krippendorff K (2006) The semantic turn: a new Foundation for Design. Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Lai KKY, Zaichkowsky JL (1999) Brand imitation: do the Chinese have different views? Asia Pac J Manag 16(2):179–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luthans F, Norman SM, Avolio BJ, Avey JB (2008) The mediating role of psychological capital in the supportive organizational climate - employee performance relationship. J Organ Behav 29(2):219–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Malaysia population 2014. (2014). Retrieved 20 March 2015, 2015, from http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/malaysia-population/. Accessed 2014

  • Maslow AH (1968) Toward a psychology of being, 2nd edn. Van Nostrand, Princeton

    Google Scholar 

  • Ménard J, Brunet L (2011) Authenticity and well-being in the workplace: a mediation model. J Manag Psychol 26(4):331–346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milne BT (2017) Elements of a holistic theory to meet the sustainability challenge. Syst Res Behav Sci 34(5):553–563

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moeran B (2005) Tricks of the trade: the performance and interpretation of authenticity. J Manag Stud 42(5):901–922

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mulej M (2007) Systems theory: a worldview and/or a methodology aimed at requisite holism/realism of humans' thinking, decisions and action. Systems research and behavioral science: the official journal of the international federation for. Syst Res 24(3):347–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Napoli J, Dickinson SJ, Beverland MB, Farrelly F (2014) Measuring consumer-based brand authenticity. J Bus Res 67(6):1090–1098

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson RA (2005) In search of authenticity. J Manag Stud 42(5):1083–1098

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson RA, Anand N (2004) The production of culture perspective. Annu Rev Sociol 30:311–345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman D (2000) Doing qualitative research: a practical handbook. Sage, Thousand Oaks

    Google Scholar 

  • Standing C, Sims I, Love PED (2009) IT non-conformity in the institutional environments: E-marketplace adoption in the government sector. Inf Manag 46(2):138–149

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Standing C, Standing S, Law F (2013) The role of the Lifeworld concept in wiki adoption and use. Des J 16(4):486–508

    Google Scholar 

  • Steiner CJ (1995) A philosophy for innovation: the role of unconventional individuals in innovation success. J Prod Innov Manag 12(5):431–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-5885.1250431

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Svejenova S (2005) ‘The path with the heart’: creating the authentic career. J Manag Stud 42(5):948–974

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theodossopoulos D (2013) Laying claim to authenticity: five anthropological dilemmas. Anthropol Q 86(2):337–360. https://doi.org/10.1353/anq.2013.0032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tucker MJ, Friar JH, Simpson TW (2012) New product development practices and early-stage firms: two in-depth case studies. J Prod Innov Manag 29(4):639–654

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Urquhart C (2012) Grounded theory for qualitative research: a practical guide. Sage, Thousand Oaks

    Google Scholar 

  • Urquhart C, Lehmann H, Myers MD (2010) Putting the ‘theory’back into grounded theory: guidelines for grounded theory studies in information systems. Inf Syst J 20(4):357–381

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van de Ven AH (1986) Central problems in the Management of Innovation. Manag Sci 32(5):590–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verganti R (2009) Design-driven innovation. Harvard Business School Press, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin RK (2009) Case study research : design and methods, 4th edn. Sage, Thousand Oaks

    Google Scholar 

  • Yoon H, Maleck EJ (2009) Cartoon planet: worlds of production and global production networks in the animation industry. Ind Corp Chang 19(1):239–271. https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dtp040

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Innovative Practice, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Australia

    Susan Standing & Craig Standing

Authors
  1. Susan Standing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Craig Standing
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susan Standing.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Standing, S., Standing, C. Innovating Authentically: Cultural Differentiation in the Animation Sector. Syst Pract Action Res 32, 557–571 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-018-9473-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-018-9473-8

Keywords

  • Authenticity
  • Culture
  • Developing countries
  • Creativity
  • Social media
  • Communication