Beyond a better mousetrap: a cultural perspective on the adoption of ethanol in Brazil
Nardon, Luciara Aten, Kathryn
Nardon, Luciara
Aten, Kathryn
Citations
Altmetric:
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2008
Journal
Journal of World Business
Book
Publication Volume
43
Publication Issue
3
Publication Begin page
261
Publication End page
273
Publication NUmber of pages
Collections
Abstract
Complex technologies develop within technological systems that include, in addition to discrete technologies, organizations (e.g., manufacturing firms, investment banks), scientific elements (e.g., teaching and research programs), and legislative elements (e.g., regulations). The tangible aspects of technologies do not alone determine their end configuration or success; rather, social and cultural practices, expectations, and relationships influence the development of technologies just as technologies influence these factors. We argue that culture provides actors with logic principles with which to construct action, influencing the trajectory of technological systems by reinforcing a process of path dependent development. We analyze the case of ethanol adoption in Brazil. Brazil's adoption of an ethanol-fueled transportation system derives from a pattern of adaptation in response to salient issues. We argue that a unique characteristic of Brazilian culture, jeitinho, influenced the development of the Brazil's ethanol-fueled transportation system.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
People Management & Leadership