COHEN, NEVIN; PHD

                         RUTGERS THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY - NEW BRUNSWICK, 1996
 
                         URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING (0999); BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, GENERAL (0310);
                         ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (0768)
 

                         This dissertation examines how chemical firms have implemented an administrative innovation called the
                         community advisory panel (CAP). CAPs are groups of local citizens assembled by chemical firms to meet
                         monthly with company officials. The chemical industry designed CAPs to regain the public's trust in
                         chemical facilities, and to help chemical companies to improve their environmental performance. The
                         panels are innovative attempts by chemical firms to address concerns raised by people whom their plants
                         directly affect. The dissertation tests innovation diffusion theory by examining how three chemical
                         companies in one community carry out the CAP innovation. Through in-depth case studies and a survey
                         of CAP members and company officials, the dissertation uncovers the factors that distinguish between
                         two companies that implemented CAPs well and one that carried out its CAP poorly. It then develops an
                         innovation diffusion process model. The results show that the implementation of an administrative
                         innovation occurs in response to organizational shocks. In addition, the selection of a particular
                         innovation depends on industry-wide fads and fashions. Successful implementation is contingent upon
                         good communication among those carrying out the innovation, successful modification of the
                         innovation, the involvement and commitment of corporate managers, and demonstrable
                         accomplishments.
 

Social Systems Simulation Group P.O. Box 6904 San Diego, CA  92166-0904 Roland Werner, Principal Phone/FAX  (619) 660-1603