DAVIS, MARY FOECKE; DPA
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 1985
HEALTH SCIENCES, PUBLIC HEALTH (0573); HEALTH SCIENCES, EDUCATION (0350)
The purpose of this study was to examine the process and the variables related
to the adoption of
innovative health programs by organizations. The study utilized diffusion theory
as the conceptual
framework and focused on the adoption/non-adoption of worksite health promotion/disease
prevention
(hp/dp) programs. Twelve companies which had adopted hp/dp programs (adopters)
were studied along
with 12 companies which did not adopt such programs (non-adopters). Personal
interviews, following a
guided interview format, were conducted with a total of 58 persons. The study
explored conditions,
attitudes and practices existing in companies at the time of the decision to
adopt or not adopt an hp/dp
program. Selected hypotheses suggested by diffusion theory were tested. Information
from the
interviews was coded and analyzed using discriminant analysis. A number of variables
suggested by
diffusion theory predicted adoption/non-adoption of hp/dp programs. Explanatory
variables derived from
the rational/economic, behavioral, and systems perspectives of diffusion. Programs
were more likely to
develop in response to a perceived opportunity than in response to a perceived
threat. A convergence
of internal and external factors resulted in initial interest in hp/dp. Finances,
employee benefits, and
company philosophy vis-a-vis responsibility for employees were common criteria
used in the decision
process. When finances became the major criterion, it was unlikely that a company
would adopt a
program. Programs were likely to occur only in companies where management was
actively supportive,
had a humanistic philosophy, and espoused expanded responsibility for employees.
The majority of
variables positively associated with hp/dp programs are likely to change only
over a long period of time.
Exposure to model programs, however, offers a mechanism for intervention. These
findings suggest
that proponents of hp/dp can effectively identify companies likely to adopt
programs and develop
effective policy and programmatic efforts. Hypotheses were identified for further
study.
Social
Systems Simulation Group
P.O. Box 6904 San Diego, CA 92166-0904 Roland Werner, Principal Phone/FAX (619) 660-1603 |