A critique of diffusion theory as a managerial framework for understanding adoption of software engineering innovations

Abstract

Promoters of new software engineering innovations (e.g., U.S. Government) and managers responsible for facilitating the use of these innovations express the need for a model of technology adoption that enables prediction of outcomes of planned technology-transition efforts. In this paper, the authors provide a brief overview of classical diffusion theory and suggest the potential applicability of this theory to problems related to predicting the adoption of technological innovations, including those related to software engineering. Unlike previous papers advocating the use of diffusion theory, the current paper critically evaluates the theory by presenting elements of the theory which must be extended and modified before it can be applied to technology transition, in general, and software engineering, specifically. Incorporated in this discussion are specific suggestions on ways these limitations might be overcome.