A model of diffusion and implementation: An exploratory study of managerial innovation in Colombia

The focus of this paper is characterized by (1) an examination of the factors related to the “anticipation” of potential innovations in any organizational setting and (2) the identification of strategies for the diffusion and implementation of operations research/management science (OR/MS) techniques in a particular developing region. Based on the methodology used in studying change (innovation) in health care systems, a managerial innovation model incorporating four main components [the executive, the organization, the task environment of the organization and change agent(s), including the OR/MS manager and outside consultants] is developed and examined in terms of data obtained from top executives and other managers in forty industrial firms in Cali, Colombia. In the model developed the process of innovation is decomposed into the levels of; (a) attitudes and motivations of the executive, (b) “readiness” to take action, (c) action characteristics, (d) triggering cues and (e) actions taken and evaluation (feedback loop). The model was found useful for providing predictions indicating areas to which intervention and “marketing” of OR/MS strategies should be devoted. Overall, the study provides a base for comparative and longitudinal studies.