Laggards

Definition

Laggards are individuals or groups who are the last to adopt new technologies or innovations, often due to skepticism, resistance to change, or preference for traditional methods. They typically comprise a small percentage of the overall population and are characterized by their cautious and slow approach to embracing new ideas. Understanding laggards is crucial as they influence the overall adoption process within the technology adoption lifecycle, impacting market trends and innovation diffusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Laggards typically make up about 16% of the population in the technology adoption lifecycle model.
2. They often have limited access to information about new technologies and may rely on traditional sources for information.
3. Laggards tend to be more risk-averse compared to other adopter categories and are usually motivated by practical considerations rather than enthusiasm for innovation.
4. Social pressure from peers and family can sometimes push laggards to adopt new technologies, albeit reluctantly.
5. The presence of laggards can slow down the overall diffusion of innovation within a market, affecting the strategies of companies aiming for widespread adoption.

Review Questions

• How do laggards differ from early adopters in terms of their attitudes toward innovation?
  • Laggards differ significantly from early adopters in that they are much more skeptical and resistant to change. While early adopters are enthusiastic about new technologies and are willing to take risks associated with them, laggards prefer to stick with traditional methods and only adopt innovations when absolutely necessary. This contrast impacts how quickly new products or technologies spread through a population, as early adopters play a key role in influencing others toward adoption.
• What factors contribute to the reluctance of laggards to embrace new technologies?
  • Several factors contribute to the reluctance of laggards to embrace new technologies. Their limited access to information means they may not fully understand the benefits of innovations. Additionally, their preference for established practices creates resistance due to comfort with the status quo. Economic constraints may also play a role; laggards might view new technology as an unnecessary expense rather than an investment. All these factors combine to create a cautious approach towards adopting changes.
• Evaluate the impact of laggards on the overall success of a new technology within its market.
  • Laggards can have a significant impact on the overall success of a new technology within its market. Their slower adoption rate can delay the realization of network effects that often accompany widespread technology use, meaning that until laggards start adopting, many potential benefits remain unachieved. Additionally, companies might need to adjust their marketing strategies to address the concerns of laggards, focusing on practicality and reliability rather than innovation alone. This dynamic creates a more complex landscape for technology diffusion and influences how businesses plan product launches and growth strategies.

Related terms

innovators: Innovators are the first individuals or groups to adopt a new technology, often eager to experiment and take risks associated with new products or ideas.

early adopters: Early adopters are individuals or groups who embrace new technologies soon after innovators, often serving as opinion leaders and influencers within their communities.

technology adoption lifecycle: The technology adoption lifecycle is a model that outlines the stages of consumer acceptance of new technologies, including innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards.