Cio Perceptions of Innovative Technology Adoption: Dispelling Some of the Myths in a University System

An exploration of the behavior of higher educationinstitutions in adopting innovative informationtechnology solutions before they have proven utility. Six constructs were used to explore patterns ofadoption. A unique quantitative instrument examined20 IT innovations through six constructs (diffusion, infusion, alignment, recruitment, advocacy, anddifferentiation quadrants). Key findings indicatethat (a) institutions are diffusing more technologythan can be infused, (b) technologies are not allwell aligned with the goal of providing students witha clear (learning) advantage, (c) greater alignmentis achieved with lower levels of innovation adoption,(d) technologies are used for recruiting purposes,(e) the assertion that students are pushing for everincreasing amounts of technologiecal innovaiton is anoverstatement and fluctuates according to institutiontype, and (f) CIO's perceive the use of technology asa differentiator of their institutions within thehigher education industry.