Abstract
This study investigates the impact that network and recency effects have on the adoption of e-collaboration technologies (ECT). The network effect is a widely documented phenomenon affecting the adoption of technology in the real world. However, its impact in virtual workspaces remains relatively underexplored. We know little about whether the observed network effect in offline settings also applies to online contexts. In this study we argue that co-membership is one of the most important mechanisms through which online social networks are built, and the network effect is salient for the adoption of ECT. We also document a recency effect with respect to ECT adoptions. Specifically, contrary to traditional wisdom, we find that recent adoptions, rather than more distant ones, are more powerful in affecting subsequent adoptions. Moreover, recent adoptions positively reinforce the impact of the network effect on subsequent adoptions. To illustrate theory and test hypotheses, we examine the adoption of the latest open source software (OSS) version control technology using a panel dataset obtained from SourceForge.net. By addressing the causality and heterogeneity issues between network structure and adoption decision, we show a more compelling connection between online social networks and technology adoption.
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Peng, G., Woodlock, P. The impact of network and recency effects on the adoption of e-collaboration technologies in online communities. Electron Markets 19, 201–210 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-009-0019-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-009-0019-x
Keywords
- Technology adoption
- Online social networks
- Network effect
- Recency effect
- Online communities
- Open source software (OSS)