Social Capital and the Diffusion of Innovations Within Organizations: The Case of Computer Technology in Schools

Kenneth A. Frank, Yong Zhao, Kathryn M. Borman · 2004 · Sociology of Education

Summary. This study examines how computer technology spreads within schools, finding that social capital—informal access to expertise and responsiveness to peer pressure—drives implementation as much as individual beliefs about the innovation's value. Teachers in schools share common goals and social systems that enable them to help each other and influence adoption decisions. Change agents promoting educational innovations should focus on building and leveraging these local social relationships.

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Frank, K. A., Zhao, Y., & Borman, K. M.. (2004). Social Capital and the Diffusion of Innovations Within Organizations: The Case of Computer Technology in Schools. Sociology of Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/003804070407700203

@article{frank-2004-social-capital-diffusion-innovations-within,
  title   = {Social Capital and the Diffusion of Innovations Within Organizations: The Case of Computer Technology in Schools},
  author  = {Kenneth A. Frank and Yong Zhao and Kathryn M. Borman},
  journal = {Sociology of Education},
  year    = {2004},
  doi     = {10.1177/003804070407700203},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1177/003804070407700203}
}

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TI  - Social Capital and the Diffusion of Innovations Within Organizations: The Case of Computer Technology in Schools
AU  - Kenneth A. Frank
AU  - Yong Zhao
AU  - Kathryn M. Borman
JO  - Sociology of Education
PY  - 2004
DO  - 10.1177/003804070407700203
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Details

DOI: 10.1177/003804070407700203
Countries: United States
Regions: North America
Categories: education, innovation-networks, general-innovation
Added: 2026-04-28