The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute?
Summary. This paper argues that figurational sociology, developed by Norbert Elias, provides a robust theoretical framework for understanding innovation and change. The author demonstrates how Elias's emphasis on long-term unplanned processes helps explain complex change management, using evidence-based medicine adoption in clinical practice as a case study. The approach offers insights for policymakers managing innovation implementation.
Cite this article
Dopson, S.. (2005). The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute?. Organization Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840605053545
Dopson, Sue. “The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute?.” Organization Studies, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840605053545.
Dopson, Sue. 2005. “The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute?.” Organization Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840605053545.
@article{dopson-2005-diffusion-medical-innovations-can-figurational,
title = {The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute?},
author = {Sue Dopson},
journal = {Organization Studies},
year = {2005},
doi = {10.1177/0170840605053545},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840605053545}
}
TY - JOUR TI - The Diffusion of Medical Innovations: Can Figurational Sociology Contribute? AU - Sue Dopson JO - Organization Studies PY - 2005 DO - 10.1177/0170840605053545 UR - https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840605053545 ER -
Details
- DOI
- 10.1177/0170840605053545
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Regions
- Europe
- Categories
- innovation-theory, rural-healthcare, general-innovation
- Added
- 2026-04-28