Determinants of virtual social networks diffusion: Insights from cross-country data

Utilizing Rogers' diffusion of innovation theory and Hofstede's typology of national culture as the guiding theoretical perspectives, this study examines the determinants of virtual social networks (VSNs) diffusion across countries. Specifically, this study proposes that VSN diffusion in a country is determined by the levels of its information infrastructure and human capital, which in turn are contingent on the national cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance. By utilizing archival data from 56 countries, we examine (1) the direct effects of information infrastructure and human capital in a country on its VSN diffusion; and (2) the moderating effect of uncertainty avoidance on the relationships of information infrastructure and human capital in a country with its VSN diffusion. Our findings indicate that (1) information infrastructure and human capital in a country were positively associated with its VSN diffusion; and (2) uncertainty avoidance negatively moderated the relationships of information infrastructure and human capital in a country with its VSN diffusion. Our findings contribute to the knowledge base of VSNs by highlighting the contingent role of uncertainty avoidance, and provide indications to practice on managing VSN diffusion in a country by leveraging the effects of its information infrastructure and human capital.