Unreliable Allies: The Diffusion of Innovations among Professionals

Abstract

Prior research has highlighted several features of professionalism that contribute to assuring the effective diffusion of innovations. Other evidence suggests however that professionals grossly underutilize some innovations and grossly over-utilize others. We explain this pattern as a consequence of specific characteristics of professional occupations, innovations, organizations, and associations. To illustrate and ground our argument, we focus on doctors and hospitals.