The extended technology acceptance model: Theory and empirical test

Prior research in the area of information systems (IS) has extensively examined the success or failure of the system. Success variables have been proposed such as user satisfaction, however the results are inconsistent. Technology acceptance is a research area that attempts to examine the perceived ease of use and usefulness of the IS as a means to predict its use. The technology acceptance model (TAM) assumes complete volitional control over the IS or technology in question.; Volitional control is the user's perceptions of their abilities to effectively use the technology. With a new IS, the user may not have been able to form opinions on their volitional control, therefore the TAM may not be able to predict use in these situations. This research proposes and tests the extended technology acceptance model (ETAM). This model was designed to predict usage behaviors where volitional control over using the technology is absent. This research also tests whether or not change strategies can be employed which will give the user volitional control over the technology.; The model was tested using the laboratory experiment. The subjects were 177 undergraduate students enrolled in a principles of management course at a large southeastern university. Lotus 123 for Windows was chosen as the technology where volitional control was believed to be questionable. Treatments for an active participation change strategy and a persuasive communication change strategy were induced.; The results indicate that the ETAM model significantly explains more variance in IT usage behaviors than the TAM. The results also indicate that the active participation change strategy gives the user volitional control over the technology, while the persuasive communication change strategy does not.