In five studies, the authors examine the impact of an independent (vs. interdependent) mindset on consumer
adoption of new products. Study 1 demonstrates that consumers in a predominantly independent (vs.
interdependent) culture are more willing to adopt really new products, whereas consumers in a predominantly
interdependent (vs. independent) culture are more willing to adopt incrementally new products. Studies 2 and 3
conceptually replicate these findings using situationally activated mindsets and demonstrate that this effect is
driven by the perceived fit between the product’s newness level and the optimal level of distinctiveness consumers
want. Finally, Studies 4a and 4b show that the presence of distinctiveness-dampening cues (i.e., popularity cues)
and distinctiveness-enhancing cues (i.e., scarcity cues) can reverse the effect of self-perspective such that the
independent self becomes less willing to adopt really new products and more willing to adopt incrementally new
products than does the interdependent self. These findings offer practical implications for managing innovation
adoption in both domestic and international marketplaces.