Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Management

Advisor

Dr. Daphne Halkias

Abstract

A gap exists in the literature between general diffusion of technological innovations and socioeconomic development that results in an ambiguous connection between theory, academia, and professional practice. To inform governments in sub-Saharan Africa on how to achieve the diffusion of innovation for economic development through the voices of regional stakeholders, this qualitative multiple case study was conducted to gain deeper understanding on the views of stakeholders on rapid technology diffusion and its implication on labor market challenges within their regions of Angola. Information from semistructured interviews with 8 adult participants, male and female, born and residing in impoverished communities in Angola, and possessing knowledge regarding their experiences with the topic of the study, observational field notes, and archival data were collected to obtain information regarding specific stakeholders’ experiences with the rapid diffusion of innovation. Identifiable themes emerged through thematic analysis of the textual data and cross-case synthesis analysis. A total of 7 categories that enclose a total of 17 themes were identified. The categories are (a) diffusion of innovations and adoption circumstances, (b) compatibility of technology with social values, (c) trialability within the cultural context, (d) adoption of technology, (e) innovation decision process factors, (f) trust in technology by community stakeholders, and (g) inclusive innovation for low-income stakeholders. Findings enhanced social change efforts by providing insights on the potential impact of the rapid diffusion of innovations among impoverished communities in sub-Saharan Africa and the implications faced by stakeholders on labor market challenges within their regions.

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