Diversity in Modeling Diffusion of Information Technology

This paper describes how a diverse set of models of diffusion of information technology brings depth of understanding and a better basis for management decisions. Three dissimilar innovation diffusion models, the interactive model, the linked-chain model and the emergent model, are used to develop an analysis that describes the essential knowledge that each model produces. Rather than develop conflicting stories, each model leads to distinctly different, but complementary, knowledge about the practical setting. The analysis demonstrates how distinct conceptual domains inhabit each model. These domains define the scope of practical management questions that can be addressed by each of the innovation diffusion models.