Abstract
Purpose - Using the case study of a small firm this research study aims to understand the actions required for diffusion of an innovation in a small firm.Design/methodology/approach - This research paper used a qualitative approach involving interviews, referring to archival documentation and observations to understand the actions required for diffusing an innovation in an SME.Findings - From this case study various institutional actions specific to a small firm were identified as a result of government intervention. Classic theories of adoption and use such as, TAM, TPB, TRA or DoI can quantify measures but cannot explain the impact of the actions that the applied King et al( 1994) framework did. Further, although these actions are not directly evident, using the qualitative findings and analysis it can be seen that they are important for the diffusion of an innovation. It can also be learnt that these institutional actions can be vitally important for the growth and development of a future innovation. Although the role of government intervention was small in monetary terms, the mere presence of government representation was critical to ensure that the proposed plans and measures were implemented in the appropriate manner and at the appropriate time, both for the small firm and for the government. In terms of the theoretical framework’s institutional actions it can be learnt that not all actions outcome are clearly visible. Some are tangible, whilst others are not. This implies that to diffuse innovation, there needs to be an understanding of monetary, human and other such resources to form a better understanding. However, most importantly it can be concluded that the diffusion framework developed by King et al (1994) provides a clear picture of the diffusion of an innovation and is most useful for understanding not only national government interventions that pervious research identified (Choudrie et al, 2003). Previous institutional actions research has not clearly shown how a micro understanding of the impacts of the various actions can be obtained, which this study provides further evidence of. Research limitations/implications - By conducting a qualitative study, it can be learnt that there are certain actions that are required for the diffusion of an innovation and are understood in a clear and transparent manner when obtained in this manner. Also proffered by this approach is the development of a familiarity to the context of research, which a quantitative study cannot. This research is also novel due to the context and domain that it was conducted in. Reviews of the literature on small firms revealed that such studies are minimal; hence this research study should provide a substantial contribution to understanding the implications of actions undertaken in small firms. It is recognised that although the diffusion theory used in this study is useful in highlighting impacts and relationships arising from the various actions, it provides a restricted view. Further research on the factors of diffusion that Oni and Papazafeiropoulou (2008) identified combined with this framework would be useful as it will allow a more in-depth understanding that is also quantified to emerge. Also, this research study is limited as only a single case study is used and generalisations regarding the role of decision-making in small firms cannot be made. Although indirectly evident, the role of the CEO did form, but due to the single case concept and as the purpose of this paper is to form an understanding, generalisations could not be made. Practical implications - Practitioners can learn from this study that the role of various individuals is important and should be included in decision-making or forming opinions or views that will impact an entire organisation. A sole view could lead to weaknesses in the organisation, which was very clearly evident form the engineers replies when asked about mobilisation. Originality/value - Collaborative arrangements between HEIs, SMEs and government funding agencies are increasingly encouraged. This paper attempts to examine and understand the impacts of strategies used for diffusing innovations , which the SME and KTP contexts have fewer studies of.
Purpose - Using the case study of a small firm this research study aims to understand the actions required for diffusion of an innovation in a small firm.Design/methodology/approach - This research paper used a qualitative approach involving interviews, referring to archival documentation and observations to understand the actions required for diffusing an innovation in an SME.Findings - From this case study various institutional actions specific to a small firm were identified as a result of government intervention. Classic theories of adoption and use such as, TAM, TPB, TRA or DoI can quantify measures but cannot explain the impact of the actions that the applied King et al( 1994) framework did. Further, although these actions are not directly evident, using the qualitative findings and analysis it can be seen that they are important for the diffusion of an innovation. It can also be learnt that these institutional actions can be vitally important for the growth and development of a future innovation. Although the role of government intervention was small in monetary terms, the mere presence of government representation was critical to ensure that the proposed plans and measures were implemented in the appropriate manner and at the appropriate time, both for the small firm and for the government. In terms of the theoretical framework’s institutional actions it can be learnt that not all actions outcome are clearly visible. Some are tangible, whilst others are not. This implies that to diffuse innovation, there needs to be an understanding of monetary, human and other such resources to form a better understanding. However, most importantly it can be concluded that the diffusion framework developed by King et al (1994) provides a clear picture of the diffusion of an innovation and is most useful for understanding not only national government interventions that pervious research identified (Choudrie et al, 2003). Previous institutional actions research has not clearly shown how a micro understanding of the impacts of the various actions can be obtained, which this study provides further evidence of. Research limitations/implications - By conducting a qualitative study, it can be learnt that there are certain actions that are required for the diffusion of an innovation and are understood in a clear and transparent manner when obtained in this manner. Also proffered by this approach is the development of a familiarity to the context of research, which a quantitative study cannot. This research is also novel due to the context and domain that it was conducted in. Reviews of the literature on small firms revealed that such studies are minimal; hence this research study should provide a substantial contribution to understanding the implications of actions undertaken in small firms. It is recognised that although the diffusion theory used in this study is useful in highlighting impacts and relationships arising from the various actions, it provides a restricted view. Further research on the factors of diffusion that Oni and Papazafeiropoulou (2008) identified combined with this framework would be useful as it will allow a more in-depth understanding that is also quantified to emerge. Also, this research study is limited as only a single case study is used and generalisations regarding the role of decision-making in small firms cannot be made. Although indirectly evident, the role of the CEO did form, but due to the single case concept and as the purpose of this paper is to form an understanding, generalisations could not be made. Practical implications - Practitioners can learn from this study that the role of various individuals is important and should be included in decision-making or forming opinions or views that will impact an entire organisation. A sole view could lead to weaknesses in the organisation, which was very clearly evident form the engineers replies when asked about mobilisation. Originality/value - Collaborative arrangements between HEIs, SMEs and government funding agencies are increasingly encouraged. This paper attempts to examine and understand the impacts of strategies used for diffusing innovations , which the SME and KTP contexts have fewer studies of.