Refraining from Imitation: Professional Resistance and Limited Diffusion in a Financial Market

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Jonsson, Stefan
• 署名单位: Stockholm School of Economics; Uppsala University
• 刊物名称: ORGANIZATION SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1047-7039
• DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1080.0370
• 发表日期: 2009
• 页码: 172-186
• 关键词: diffusion; INSTITUTIONAL THEORY; institutional change

摘要

Why do some practices not spread? Although this is an important question for both diffusion theorists and those interested in institutional change, we know surprisingly little about the limitations on diffusion because most diffusion studies sample on successful diffusion. I address the question of why some practices fail to spread by introducing the concept of a deviance discount. A deviance discount is a systematic downgrading of the observed adoption performance of controversial practices, which limits the contagion of such practices. I test and find qualitative and quantitative support for my thesis in the product introduction behavior of Swedish mutual fund firms. My findings hold implications for diffusion theory and theories of endogenous institutional change.