Consequences of Innovations Chapter 11 Bowl of Marbles

Consequences of Innovations Chapter 11

Bowl of Marbles

Consequences: Diffusion of innovations goes beyond adoption Must consider the consequences (impacts) – both positive and negative. Snowmobiles in the Arctic Why don’t we “study” consequences? Overemphasize adoption – assume everything will be positive. Methodology lacking – survey research is inappropriate. Consequences are difficult to measure.

Classifications of Consequences Desirable versus undesirable Direct versus indirect Anticipated versus unanticipated

Dimensions of Consequences Figure 11 -1 The level of good The degree of equality

Summation The effects of an innovation usually cannot be managed so as to separate the desirable from the undesirable consequences (Old Order Amish). The undesirable, indirect, and unanticipated consequences of an innovation usually go together, as do the desirable, direct, and anticipated consequences. Change agents more easily anticipate the form and function of an innovation for their clients than its meaning (Yir Yornot).

Summation The consequences of the diffusion of innovation usually widen the socioeconomic gap between the audience segments previously high and low in socioeconomic status (coffee growers in the Andes Mountains). A system’s social structure partly determines the equality versus the inequality of an innovation’s consequences. When special efforts are made by a diffusion agency, it is possible to narrow, or at least not to widen, socioeconomic gaps in a social system.

Assignments Read Chapter 11 Watch Videos Driverless Cars Edward Tenner TED Talk Discuss driverless cars Outline impact and consequences of an innovation not in the text – 7 -8 Slide PPT (keep text to minimum) Group project – start looking for group