Innovation Diffusion in Large, Heterogeneous Populations

A Group-Level Network Approach

Abstract

Asymmetries in influence between subgroups and the radicalness of innovations predict innovation diffusion in large, heterogeneous populations. Using 35 491 job ads and data on 522 978 managerial appointments to 739 092 firms, we study the diffusion of two organizational practices across the Swiss labor market. Gender-neutral language use spread widely from core to periphery, while “almost-full-time” employment schemes originated in the periphery and diffused narrowly. We discuss these patterns’ implications and identify avenues for future research.