Antecedents of User Acceptance of Technology in the Workplace: An extension of the Technology Acceptance Model

Abstract

In a world that is highly dependent on technology, it has become increasingly important for organisations to stay up to date with the rapid technological changes. The introduction of new technology is more often than not motivated by the need to increase employee productivity and efficiency in order to achieve maximum work output; all while keeping organisational costs down. Drawing on 96 participants from an organisation within the power, gas and infrastructure industry, the current study investigated user acceptance of technology and the antecedents to this acceptance that impact upon the acceptance and adoption of new technology. Results supported past research in showing that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are strong determinants of, both direct and indirect, behavioural intention to use. Job relevance, computer anxiety and computer self-efficacy are also shown to be important antecedents of technology acceptance. Additionally, the results failed to provide support for the commonly held belief that age has a negative relationship with technology use. Mediation analysis showed that the effect perceived ease of use has on behavioural intention to use, operates through perceived usefulness; suggesting that, despite being easy to use, new technology will not be used if it does not prove its usefulness. Mediation analysis also showed that the effect of computer anxiety on perceived ease of use was indirect through computer self-efficacy. This means that the self-efficacy an individual has will weaken the effect that their computer anxiety has on their perceived ease of use.

Overall, this study explores what impacts and influences the acceptance and adoption of new technology in the workplace. This research has successfully adapted the Technology Acceptance Model in order to suit the current needs and provides further support of the external factors that impact upon this model. The current study also challenges the notion that age has a negative impact upon technology usage in the workplace.