DIFUSION OF ADMINISTRATIVE INNOVATION AND STRUCTURAL LOCATION IN INTERPRISE NETWORK

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between the adoption of an administrative innovation, called System to Conformity Assessment of Business Services and Works of Construction (SiAC), by enterprises operating in the sector of public works in the Federal District and structural location of these companies in the network of relationships between them. The study is important for examining structural factors in the strategic behavior of organizations embedded in networks. The theoretical framework was based on the institutional theory and analysis of social networks. Primary data, collected through questionnaires and interviews, indicated relationships established among the companies researched and the perception of leaders of these companies upon the innovation. Secondary data, obtained from the Secretary of Works of the Government of the Federal District, allowed identifying the historical records on the accession to the new management model on the sector. The results indicate two main conclusions: (1) more central enterprises in the network were the first ones to adopt the innovation and (2) the leaders of the pioneering companies in the adoption of the innovation perceive it more legitimate and efficient.