Diffusion of innovations

September 9, 2015

Diffusion of InnovationsRogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th edition). New York, NY: Free Press

5 qualities for innovations’ spread- Relative advantage (economic advantage,

prestige, convenience, etc.)

- Compatibility with values, practices, etc.- Simplicity & ease of use- Trialability- Observability (visible results)

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Diffusion of Innovations (cont.)Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th edition). New York, NY: Free Press

P2P conversations & peer networks- Impersonal MKT (advertising, media stories,

etc.) may spread info about innovations- But majority of people are risk-adverse

(financial loss, waste of time, mental stress, etc.)

- Adoption by majority depends on personal accounts by early adopters

- P2P conversations with early adopters creates peer networks that help the spread

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Innovation adoption process

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Five stages of the adoption processStage Definition

KnowledgeIn this stage the individual is first exposed to an innovation, but lacks information about the innovation. During this stage the individual has not yet been inspired to find out more information about the innovation.

Persuasion In this stage the individual is interested in the innovation and actively seeks related information/detail.

Decision

In this stage the individual takes the concept of the change and weighs the advantages/disadvantages of using the innovation and decides whether to adopt or reject the innovation. Due to the individualistic nature of this stage, Rogers notes that it is the most difficult stage on which to acquire empirical evidence.

ImplementationIn this stage the individual employs the innovation to a varying degree depending on the situation. During this stage the individual also determines the usefulness of the innovation and may search for further information about it.

Confirmation In this stage the individual finalizes his/her decision to continue using the innovation. This stage is both intrapersonal and interpersonal, confirmation the group has made the right decision.

Adopters segments Innovations’ adopters can be broken into 5 segments

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Adopter category Definition

InnovatorsFirst individuals to adopt an innovation. Innovators are willing to take risks, often have great financial liquidity, and have closest contact to scientific sources and interaction with other innovators. Risk tolerance has them adopting technologies which may ultimately fail.

Early adoptersThis group appreciates and recognize the value brought on by new ideas and technologies and are willing to suffer an inconvenience of failing. They are not idea generators but rely on intuition to make decisions. They trust their gut.

Early Majority This group is more practically minded although slightly comfortable with new ideas and technologies. However, they will not try a new product until someone has tried it first.

Late Majority This group is also practically minded. Practical factors matter more and will not try something until someone else has tried it first.

LaggardsThis group usually only accepts new technologies or ideas because they have no other options. These are the people who are using touch-phones because rotary phones are no longer available. Laggards typically tend to be focused on "traditions“.