ORGANIZATIONAL ADAPTATION THROUGH DIFFUSION AND SOCIAL NETWORKS: A STUDY OF FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES EXTENSION AGENTS

摘要: OF DISSERTATION ORGANIZATIONAL ADAPTATION THROUGH DIFFUSION AND SOCIAL NETWORKS: A STUDY FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES EXTENSION AGENTS This study examines the interconnectedness of social networks early adopter Family and Consumer Science Extension Agents (FCS Agents) Mental Healthiness Aging Initiative (MHAI) pilot conducted in eleven (11) eastern Kentucky counties between October 2007 April 2009 compares network connections FCS other six Districts Kentucky. research used whole-network survey analysis applying approach, a conceptual model for explaining communication new ideas information within an organizational network. Organizational are important structural elements systems key to understanding diffusion programs institutional organizations, such as Cooperative Service. Previous studies by scholars have concentrated on classic agricultural technology innovations with individual farmer adopters. Adoption is process which individuals system decide use communicated idea, program, and/or technology. describes stages through attributes clientele The channels. Identified opinion leaders matched those who nominate them or closely identify perspective accelerate optimal pairing member influencers. Data were collected from Agent online “FCS Health Information Communication Network Survey” July 1, 2011 – 30, 2011. Participants asked rate each their co-workers own district, districts, how often they go person directly health education information. Hypothesis testing supports leaders, bridges structures structure agents diffusing programming