Management Papers

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of this Version

12-1999

Publication Source

Computational & Mathematical Organization Theory

Volume

5

Issue

4

Start Page

361

Last Page

384

DOI

10.1023/A:1009620618662

Abstract

Bandwagon innovation diffusion is characterized by a positive feedback loop where adoptions by some actors increase the pressure to adopt for other actors. In particular, when gains from an innovation are difficult to quantify, such as implementing quality circles or downsizing practices, diffusion is likely to occur through a bandwagon process. In this paper we extend Abrahamson and Rosenkopf&2018;s (1993) model of bandwagon diffusion to examine both reputational and informational influences on this process. We find that the distribution of reputations among the set of potential adopters affects the extent of bandwagon diffusion under conditions of moderate ambiguity, and we find that bandwagons occur even when potential adopters receive information about others&2018; unprofitable experiences with the innovation.

Keywords

bandwagons, diffusion, fads, organizational collectives, reputation, unprofitable, innovations

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Date Posted: 27 November 2017

This document has been peer reviewed.