Enhancing competitive advantages and improving company performance through an expolration of innovation resistance behaviours within issues and or challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT)

Abstract

This research study explored the phenomenon of innovation resistance behaviours within the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). There have been calls from authors in the academic literature to re-engage with this underappreciated concept, and the IoT presented an environment wherein the presence and importance of these behaviours could be readdressed. The IoT has the potential to impact organisational outcomes and produce substantial financial returns. However, despite this forecasted promise through the use of this available technology, organisations continue to grapple with the effective implementation of its applicability to create and capture value. Multiple issues and/or challenges are present wherein these described resistance behaviours emerge. If resistance cannot be overcome, adoption falters, and organisations will be unable to share in forecasted profits. This research study aimed to assess if further academic and practical insights could be garnered through this perspective to effect better outcomes for organisations. Twelve semi-structured interviews with senior managers from organisations involved across the IoT value chain were performed to explore the concept of innovation resistance in this context of the IoT. First, the research study found that innovation resistance behaviours are indeed relevant and transferable to the IoT. Second, mechanisms enabled through this available technology can be enhanced and used to improve value propositions to influence lower levels of resistance behaviours. Third, despite the advances in this technology-driven era, the fundamentals about the principle of trust featured as a theme deserving greater appreciation and attention. This research study concludes with a framework to guide organisations and managers towards available competitive advantages and improvements in company performance within this developing environment.