The role of opinion leaders in the diffusion of new knowledge the case of integrated pest management

"The paper reviews the literature on the characteristics and impact of opinion leaders on the diffusion of new knowledge, concluding that there is no clear evidence on whether opinion leaders are more effective if they are similar in socioeconomic attributes to the other farmers rather than sup...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Savastano, Sara
Corporate Author: World Bank
Other Authors: Feder, Gershon
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: [Washington, D.C] World Bank 2006
Series:Policy research working paper
Subjects:
Online Access:
Collection: World Bank E-Library Archive - Collection details see MPG.ReNa
Description
Summary:"The paper reviews the literature on the characteristics and impact of opinion leaders on the diffusion of new knowledge, concluding that there is no clear evidence on whether opinion leaders are more effective if they are similar in socioeconomic attributes to the other farmers rather than superior to would be followers. A multivariate analysis of the changes in integrated pest management knowledge in Indonesia among follower farmers over the period 1991-98 indicates that opinion leaders who are superior to followers, but not excessively so, are more effective in transmitting knowledge. Excessive socioeconomic distance is shown to reduce the effectiveness of diffusion. The paper then derives operational implications of the empirical results. "--World Bank web site
Item Description:Includes bibliographical references. - Title from PDF file as viewed on 5/17/2006