CEO Cognitive Patterns and Spread of Innovations

This paper provides the initial framework for exploring the effects of CEO’s cognitive orientations on innovation adoption and assimilation in organizations. At the innovation adoption stage, I propose that abstract and concrete cognition orientations of the decision makers will determine which sources of innovation are exploited based on their proximity to the adopting entity. At the assimilation stage this cognitive pattern will determine whether the innovation is emulated in its original form, or adapted to ensure a fit with the adopting entity. To further understand the extent of CEO impact on innovation decisions, I propose CEO power as a moderating mechanism.