Technology diffusion and organisational culture: Preliminary findings from the implementation of a Knowledge Management system

This paper explores the role of organisational culture in innovation adoption and diffusion. The contingent innovation decision means that the primary adoption decision is made at the organisational level leaving the individual with little choice but to adopt. In instances where the secondary adoption decision is made volitional by the organisation, adoption depends on the individuals beliefs or perceptions which are strongly influenced by organisational culture. A case study involving a Knowledge Management system as the focal technology was undertaken to investigate the importance of culture on diffusion. Using a longitudinal research design, techniques from action science and an automotive stamping plant, insights into shop floor culture were related to individual beliefs and their implication on assimilation discussed. Future direction of such work will see Asia-Pacific cross cultural effects examined in an effort to understand intra-level organisational diffusion. This will aid in understanding mechanisms of a "Bottom Up Dissemination" of organisational technology transfer.