Showing papers on "Diffusion of innovations published in 1982"

The Diffusion of Innovations: A Methodological Reappraisal

Abstract: Studies of diffusion have traditionally relied on specific distributions-primarily the logistic- to characterize and estimate those processes.We argue here that such approach gives rise to serious problems of comparability and interpretation, and may result in large biases inthe estimates of the parameters of interest. We propose instead the Gini's expected mean differenceas ameasure of diffusion speed, discuss its advantages over the traditional approach, and tackle with it the problems of truncated processes, inter-group comparisons, and related issues. We also elaborateon the use of the hazardrate, and suggest some possible extensions. The diffusion of CT scanners is presented as an illustration.

The Influence of Medical Values and Practices on Medical Computer Applications

Abstract: Increasing concern has been expressed over the slow rate of diffusion of medical computer applications. Although the history of medical computing provides examples of applications that have been slow to develop, it also contains applications that rapidly became part of standard medical practice. These different applications’ development and adoption are partly explained by differences in goals and values between medical computer researchers and policymakers„ and intended users. The research, development, and diffusion paradigm, which has characterized medical computing research policy, has failed to recognize the importance of these differences in the adoption of innovations. Using physicians as an example and social science research in the diffusion of innovations as a theoretical foundation, the paper discusses how attention to medical culture, practices, and social institutions can improve project and implementation design and management, and facilitate the adoption of medical computer applications.

technical innovation in the New England fin‐fishing industry: an examination of the Downs and Mohr hypothesis

Abstract: Studies of the diffusion of innovations have produced very inconsistent results. Downs and Mohr state that the problem lies in the way innovation is conceived and argue that the diffusion of innovations can only be understood by considering the match, or compatability, between the innovations and their potential adopters, and not by studying the innovations or adopters separately and out of context. Our study of the diffusion of 18 technical innovations in the New England fin-fishery supports this viewpoint. Most of the data from our study make no sense except in terms of the Downs and Mohr hypothesis. We reach two conclusions: (1) there is no one group of fishermen who is more prone to adopt these innovations; and (2) the ethnography and a regression analysis indicate that innovations are adopted when they match the needs of the adopter. Downs and Mohr also recommend a methodology that leads to a general model of innovation. Our study indicates that their suggested methodology is flawed. [innovation, fishing, New England, diffusion, methodology]

The Diffusion of Innovations In Libraries. A Review of the Literature on Organization Theory and Diffusion Research

Abstract: The literature of organization theory is very comprehensive. Organizations have been studied from the perspectives of a number of academic disciplines (psychology, sociology, economics, and political science) and professions (business administration, education, and public administration). However, few of the concepts of modern organization theory seem to have found their way into the literature of librarianship. Howard, in her review of the literature on library administration, stated that little has been published which dealt with the theory of organizations, structural characteristics, or innovations in libraries. In her view, most library literature on administration lacked a theoretical äs well äs an empirical basis. A year earlier, Luquire asserted that no research had been undertaken in the library literature on the introduction of innovations into library organizations. As recently äs March 1980, Miriam Drake stated that she was unable to locate "any articles on the subject of innovations in libraries" in her preparation for the writing of an article on innovation in College & Research Libraries. Reluctantly, one can only agree with Howard's Statement, that the "literature of library organization and administration remains weak." There is no need to replicate the extensive review of the literature on organization theory in this survey. Both Luquire and Howard have provided us with an overview of this literature in their respective dissertations. Especially Howard's review of this literature is sound, comprehensive, and readable. However, a few general concepts of the literature on organization theory are essential for a better understanding of the basic concepts involved. For the purpose of this survey, the literature of organization theory can be divided into the following three categories: (1) studies of personal behavior within organizational entities, (2) theories and research about structures and functions of organizations, and (3) research on the relationship of organizations to their environment.

User Acceptance of Medical Computer Applications: A Diffusion Approach.

Abstract: Increasing concern has been expressed over the slow rate of diffusion of medical computer applications. Although the history of medical computing provides examples of applications that have been slow to develop, it also contains applications that rapidly became part of standard medical practice. The differences in development and adoption of different medical computer applications can be partly explained in terms of a theoretical model, based on research in the diffusion of innovations, that emphasizes the importance of medical culture, practice, and social institutions. Attention to these factors can improve project and implementation design and management, and facilitate the adoption of medical computer applications.

The Diffusion of Innovations: A Methodological Reappraisal

Abstract: Studies of diffusion have traditionally relied on specific distributions-primarily the logistic- to characterize and estimate those processes.We argue here that such approach gives rise to serious problems of comparability and interpretation, and may result in large biases inthe estimates of the parameters of interest. We propose instead the Gini's expected mean differenceas ameasure of diffusion speed, discuss its advantages over the traditional approach, and tackle with it the problems of truncated processes, inter-group comparisons, and related issues. We also elaborateon the use of the hazardrate, and suggest some possible extensions. The diffusion of CT scanners is presented as an illustration.

Diffusion of Innovations in Finnish Municipal Administration

Abstract: This article discusses how innovations gave diffused over time in the municipal administration in Finland. This is done by presenting first a theoretical frame of reference and then empirical data over eight policy-innovations in Finnish cities and 39 rural communes. The results show that more research is needed before diffusion of innovations in the municipal administration can be more completely understood.