The international diffusion of project management

Kavanagh, Donncha

The international diffusion of project management

Files

DK_InternationalAV2010.pdf(497.03 KB)

Accepted Version

Date

2010-09

Authors

Kavanagh, Donncha

Abstract

This paper examines the international diffusion of one business practice, project management, through the prism of prior literature and data on the diffusion of ISO 9000. The study took an inductive approach, building theory through the iterative collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. The findings problematise the central position accorded to the S-curve model and neo-institutional theory in explaining technology diffusion. The research posits three distinct processes driving the diffusion process: utility, institutional isomorphism, and competitive isomorphism, with the latter consisting of three primary mechanisms: competitive imitation, trendslators and fashion retailers. Contrary to prior literature, national, quasi-professional associations are found to be central to the diffusion process and play a key role in advocating and containing management technologies.

Keywords

Project management , ISO 9000 , Management technologies , Diffusion process

Citation

Kavanagh, D. (2010) ‘The international diffusion of project management’, 13th Irish Academy of Management Annual Conference, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland, 1-3 September.