Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Understanding Early Diffusion Of Digital Wireless Phones, Robert J. Kauffman, Angsana A. Techatassanasoontorn

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

There is increasing empirical evidence from academic research and strong recognition among policymakers that wide diffusion and innovative uses of digital wireless phones are important sources of a country's economic growth and social development. Adopters do not necessarily adopt digital wireless phones at the same time though. Although the diffusion of innovation theory suggests five adopter categories according to their degree of innovativeness, this approach lacks theoretical justification and, more importantly, it makes a critical assumption of a normal distribution of adopters that needs empirical validation. This study investigates the basis for defining different adopter categories and factors that affect …