Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

In Rogers' Stages of Innovation, which group typically adopts an innovation last?

1. Innovators

2. Early adopters

3. Early majority

4. Laggards

The correct answer is: Laggards

Laggards are the group that typically adopts an innovation last in Rogers' Stages of Innovation. This group is characterized by their skepticism toward new ideas and technologies. Laggards tend to be resistant to change, often preferring traditional approaches and practices over new innovations. Their adoption of innovation usually occurs only after a long period of time, and often only after seeing the benefits experienced by earlier adopters. This group will generally adopt an innovation when it becomes absolutely necessary or when it becomes the norm, reflecting a strong reliance on established structures and methods before considering change. The other groups—innovators, early adopters, and early majority—embrace new ideas at progressively earlier stages, driven by interest, perceived benefits, and a willingness to take risks with new technologies or practices.