Diffusion of Innovation
The Diffusion Concept
The process by which and innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social system Elements of Diffusion
Innovation Channels of Communication Time Social System
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Innovation
An idea, practice or object perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption Types of Innovation
Discontinuous Innovation Dynamic Innovation Continuous Innovation
Types of Innovation
Low
Degree of Behavioral Change Required
Continuous Innovation e.g. Cell Phone with Camera
Moderate
Dynamically Continuous Innovations e.g. Cell Phone
High
Discontinuous Innovation e.g. Telephone
Rare
Infrequent
Frequent
Frequency of Occurrence
Factors Affecting Innovation Adoption
Relative Advantage Compatibility Complexity Trialability Observability Other factors are Type of social system, Type of decision, Marketing effort, Need fulfillment/problem solving, and perceived risk
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Consumer Resistance to Innovation
The resistance offered by the consumers to an innovation, either because it poses potential changes from a satisfactory status quo or because it conflicts with their belief structure
Diffusion Process, Adopter Categories
1) INNOVATORS - are first to buy and typically described as venturesome, younger, well educated, financially stable, and willing to take risks. 2) EARLY ADOPTERS - are local opinion leaders who read magazines and who are integrate into the social system more than the average consumer.
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Diffusion Process, Adopter Categories
3) EARLY MAJORITY - solid, middle-class consumers who are more deliberate and cautious 4) LATE MAJORITY - described as older, more conservative, traditional, and skeptical of new products
Diffusion Process, Adopter Categories
Laggards
Resist change Conservative Like tradition Often older & lower in socioeconomic status
OK, we will buy X
If I have to buy, I will
No way!
Nonadopters
Refuse to change
Consumer Resistance to Innovation
Innovation Exposure No
Resistance
Adoption
Yes
Flexible to Modification
No
Rejection
Modification
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Communication is a Key element in the Diffusion Process
Two types of communication in diffusion are: 1. Communications in the heterophilous groups (groups outside an individuals personal network) 2. Communications in the homophilous groups. (i.e., peer and family)
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Time
Time has a bearing on
The adoption process Innovativeness of the consumers The innovations rate of adoption
Adoption Process 5 stages
Awareness Interest Evaluation Trial Adoption/Rejection
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Channels of Communication
Marketers to Consumers Among Consumers Product dedicated websites Company websites Product related magazine and journals Consumer shows, exhibitions and fairs TV shows dedicated to innovations Beauty pageants National level awards and game shows
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Rogers also proposed a five stage model for the diffusion
Knowledge - learning about the existence and function of the innovation Persuasion - becoming convinced of the value of the innovation Decision - committing to the adoption of the innovation Implementation - putting it to use Confirmation - the ultimate acceptance (or rejection) of the innovation
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An Enhanced Model of Adoption Process
Consumer Innovativeness Pre-existing Need Venturesomeness and interest in Product Category
Rejection or postponement
Evaluation
Awareness Interest Trial
Adoption Post Adoption Evaluation Continued Adoption
Rejection
Continued Rejection
Discontinuance
Later Adoption
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Why Some New Products Fail and Others Succeed
Absolute failure Relative failure
80 to 90% Fail. Why?
Unreal time pressure & vested interest groups Absorption in process: lack of objectivity, courage (risk) Product Deficiencies (Technical or Design Problems) Inadequate research (Overestimation of Market Size) Poor Execution of Plans (Promotion, Distribution, Price, poor timing, etcetera) Result: No differential advantage & Failure to Meet Customer Needs
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Why Some New Products Fail and Others Succeed
80 to 90% Fail. Why?
#1. Performance & Price New product failures generally offer the same or worse performance than competing products with the same or higher price #2. Inadequate Market Analysis
New Product Success Offer a unique benefit (a differential advantage) Solve a consumers problem or provide an opportunity, a reward
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Thank you
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