Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Which characteristic best describes 'early majority' in the context of Rogers' innovation diffusion?

1. First to adopt new innovations

2. Adopts after the early adopters

3. Rarely adopts any innovation

4. Quickly dismisses new ideas

The correct answer is: Adopts after the early adopters

The characteristic that best describes the "early majority" in the context of Rogers' innovation diffusion is that they adopt innovations after the early adopters. The early majority is comprised of individuals who are more cautious than the innovators and early adopters, but they are still open to change and willing to embrace new ideas once they see that these innovations have been tested and proven effective by others, specifically by those who are more willing to take risks. This group typically represents a significant portion of the population and plays an essential role in the acceptance of new technologies or ideas within a given community or industry. Understanding this group’s behavior helps in managing change and promoting new initiatives successfully. The early majority usually waits for initial evidence of value or benefits from the innovation before making a decision, which establishes a crucial tipping point for broader adoption.