The diffusion of innovations theory as a theoretical framework in Library and Information Science research

Abstract

This paper discusses the appropriateness of Diffusion of Innovations (Dol) Theory as a platform for explaining aspects of information and communication technology (lCT) innovation adoption process in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS). The discussion is based on literature review of the theory's application, plus the experience and findings of two recently completed doctoral research projects on ICTs, at the University of Zululand, in which the theory was applied. The Dol theory is essentially a social process in which subjectively perceived information about a new idea is communicated. The theory rests on the premise that a new idea, practice or object has perceivable channels, time and mode of being adopted by individuals or organisations. In recent years, the theory has widely been used I IntroductionThe aim of this paper is to describe how the Diffusion of Innovation theory (Dol) has been incorporated in Library and Information Science (LIS) research. The theory was used in two recent studies (Minishi-Majanja, 2004;Kiplang'at, 2004). The purpose of the first study was to investigate the diffusion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the communication of agricultural information among agricultural researchers and extension workers in Kenya (Kiplang'at 2004). In particular, the study focused on the public agricultural sector and covered the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARl) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD). It sought to map and audit ICTs in the public agricultural sector in Kenya, establish their nature, types, distribution and extent of use in communication of agricultural information. It assessed the demand and use of ICTs by agricultural researchers and extension workers in their knowledge acquisition and dissemination process. The second study, which aimed to map and audit information and communication technologies (ICTs) in LIS education in sub-Saharan Africa, was conducted against a backdrop of ICTs in higher education, sought to find out the nature and types of .ICT knowledge, skills and resources that have been incorporated in LIS education in sub-Saharan Africa (Minishi-Majanja 2004). The aim and objectives of the said study suggested conceptual and theoretical frameworks consisting of technological (ICTs) adoption and educational innovation. It was found pertinent to address both hard and soft technologies and examine the effect of technological developments on LIS education. Technological adoption, in the case of LIS was perceived in the forms of soft technology, i.e. innovative ideas and practices, and hard technology, i.e. the ICT products that have transformed both the LIS workplace and hence the education and training for that changed workplace. Educational innovation was found to overlap technological adoption because of the influence of technology on both educational content and educational methods. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory was considered a suitable framework because of its potential application to infor...

Access to and Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies by Agricultural Researchers and Extension Workers in Zimbabwe

“…Stephenson (2003) observes that the absence of critical viewpoints in the early development of the theory led to the challenges experienced in the long run. Rogers (2003, p. 105), Deshpande (1983), Haider and Kreps (2004), Minishi-Majanja and Kiplang'at (2004 identified four major criticisms of diffusion research: (1) Its pro-innovation bias, which occurs when there is an economic reason to adopt an innovation and when it is being funded by an agency for change, for example, when sponsors of a study already have an innovation in mind;…”

Identifying the Needs of Opinion Leaders to Encourage Widespread Adoption of Water Conservation and Protection

“…As part of this theory, Rogers (2003) asserted that opinion leaders are more likely to be the first to participate in behaviors that could potentially influence their social networks. The dissemination of the new behavior occurs over time and can be seen as going through five distinct stages: persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation (Minisha-Majanja, 2005). Potential adopters must first learn about the innovation, be persuaded of the merits of the innovation, adopt it, implement it, and confirm the decision (Minisha-Majanja, 2005).…”

“…The dissemination of the new behavior occurs over time and can be seen as going through five distinct stages: persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation (Minisha-Majanja, 2005). Potential adopters must first learn about the innovation, be persuaded of the merits of the innovation, adopt it, implement it, and confirm the decision (Minisha-Majanja, 2005). Typically, early adopters are the initial group experimenting with innovations and new ideas and are usually comprised of opinion leaders (Rogers, 2003).…”

Diffusion of Information and Communication Technologies in communication of agricultural information among agricultural researchers and extension workers in Kenya

“…The study was informed largely by the Diffusion of Innovation (Dol) theory commonly referred to as Rogers' theory that has been discussed in more details in a separate paper in this issue (Minishi-Majanja and Kiplang'at 2005). The Dol theory is essentially a social process in which subjectively perceived information about a new idea is communicated.…”

“…It has been used as the theoretical basis for a number of information systems projects (Rogers and Scott 1999:8, Surry 1997:8, Larsen 1997, Larsen 1998. The theory has also been widely applied to investigate diffusion of agricultural innovations (Rogers and Scott 1999:4, Rogers 1995, Sunding & Zilberman 2000, Minishi -Majanja and Kiplang'at 2004. Thus the theory's application to information technology and agriculture made it the most appropriate theoretical framework for this study.…”