Laggers

Laggers refers to individuals or entities that are slow to respond to change, adopt new ideas or technologies, or complete tasks. They often find themselves behind others in terms of progress or advancement. This can be attributed to various factors, including resistance to innovation, fear of the unknown, lack of resources, or a preference for established methods. laggers may hinder overall advancement within a group or organization due to their slow pace, requiring more time to adapt compared to innovators or early adopters. Their behavior often reflects a cautious or conservative approach.

Laggers meaning with examples

• In the tech industry, companies that are laggers in adopting cloud computing often find themselves at a disadvantage compared to competitors who embraced the technology earlier. This can lead to higher operating costs and a slower response to market demands, causing a decrease in their position within the industry and their ability to deliver new products. Those who remain resistant may be at a greater risk of losing their customer base to their fast-paced counterparts.
• The town council was criticized for being laggers in addressing the growing housing crisis, as they were slow to approve new building permits and explore alternative solutions. This led to increased rental costs, limited housing opportunities, and a growing population which was not accommodated. The delayed responses were frustrating for residents, impacting their ability to acquire the living space they required as families grew and housing needs increased.
• During the implementation of a new software system, some employees were considered laggers, struggling to adapt to the new interface and features, they required considerable training and assistance. This hindered the overall efficiency of the transition, slowing down workflow and possibly leading to potential errors and a delay to the entire process. Their slower adoption made it hard for the company as a whole to get up to speed with the update.
• Economically, nations considered laggers in embracing free trade agreements often experience slower economic growth compared to those countries that have adopted it more quickly. This can translate into higher levels of unemployment, lower per capita income, and less access to foreign markets and resources. This lack of flexibility could isolate them from the greater world trade system, putting the countries economy at risk, and holding back their progress.
• Within a social setting, some individuals may be laggers in adopting new social norms or trends, preferring to stick to more established conventions. This can lead to conflicts with their peer group and a sense of being out of touch, especially as culture changes and social movements advance. This can also impact their self-esteem and place them within social circles, potentially influencing their social progress, and even how they identify themselves.