Few research studies have investigated how organizational and communicative
factors might differ for contrasting types of innovations within the same organiza
tional context. The present study examines these differences for a technical innova
tion and a community-based innovation. The major hypotheses of the research are
supported; complexity, persuasion, interpersonal channel use, and interpersonal
channel utility were rated more highly for the technical innovation, and mediated
use and utility were rated more highly for the community-based innovation within
a large, technically-oriented governmental organization.
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