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Finding Optimal Targets for Change Agents: A Computer Simulation of Innovation Diffusion

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  • Dirk Maienhofer

    (University of Michigan, SI-CREW)

  • Thomas Finholt

    (University of Michigan, SI-CREW)

Abstract

We introduce a diffusion of innovation model based on a network threshold approach. Realistic network and threshold data were gathered regarding the diffusion of new software tools within part of a large organization. Novel model features are a second threshold for innovation rejection and a memory that allows actors to take trends into account. Computer simulations produce expected outcomes, such as the S-shaped diffusion curve, but also diffusion breakdown and oscillations. We define and compute the quality of change agent targets in terms of the impact targeted actors have on the diffusion process. Our simulations reveal considerable variance in the quality of actors as change agent targets. Certain actors can be singled out as especially important to the diffusion process. Small changes in the distribution of thresholds and changes in some parameters, such as the sensitivity for trends, lead to significant changes in the target quality measure. To illustrate these interdependencies we outline how the impact of an actor targeted by a change agent spreads through the network. We thus can explain why a good change agent target does not necessarily need to be an opinion leader. Simulations comparing the effectiveness of randomly selected targets versus a group of good change agent targets indicate that the selection of good targets can accelerate innovation diffusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Maienhofer & Thomas Finholt, 2002. "Finding Optimal Targets for Change Agents: A Computer Simulation of Innovation Diffusion," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 8(4), pages 259-280, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:comaot:v:8:y:2002:i:4:d:10.1023_a:1025464501110
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1025464501110
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric Abrahamson & Lori Rosenkopf, 1997. "Social Network Effects on the Extent of Innovation Diffusion: A Computer Simulation," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 8(3), pages 289-309, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elmar Kiesling & Markus Günther & Christian Stummer & Lea Wakolbinger, 2012. "Agent-based simulation of innovation diffusion: a review," Central European Journal of Operations Research, Springer;Slovak Society for Operations Research;Hungarian Operational Research Society;Czech Society for Operations Research;Österr. Gesellschaft für Operations Research (ÖGOR);Slovenian Society Informatika - Section for Operational Research;Croatian Operational Research Society, vol. 20(2), pages 183-230, June.
    2. Ning Nan & Robert Zmud & Emre Yetgin, 2014. "A complex adaptive systems perspective of innovation diffusion: an integrated theory and validated virtual laboratory," Computational and Mathematical Organization Theory, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 52-88, March.

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