Determinants on the use of information technology, and how its use impacts performance

This research investigates the relationships between managers' use of information technology (IT) in decision making and the variables influencing the utilization of technology. Managers using IT for decision making were studied through their use of available technology. Based on this use, studies were performed to determine if certain variables influence this use and the degree to which these variables affect performance.;This study is exploratory research conducted within the electric, gas, and water utility industries. Data was collected from a sample of utility managers responsible for the task of meter reading throughout the State of Texas. The utility industry was chosen because of its dependence on technology as it evolves into a future deregulated industry.;This research addresses three subproblems: (1) Task-Technology Fit. The first subproblem is to determine whether task and technology characteristics predict Task-Technology Fit (TTF). (2) Technology utilization. The second subproblem is to determine whether task, individual and organizational characteristics predict utilization of technology. (3) Prediction of performance. The third subproblem is to determine whether TTF predicts performance better than utilization.;Using Goodhue and Thompson's 1995 study as a base for this research, only two of the hypotheses were moderately supported. The third hypothesis was inconclusive and requires further study.;This research empirically tests the relationships between managers making decisions and the availability of information technology for use in their decision making. Survey instruments were used to gather data on managers' use of technology in meter reading. Studying managers with this responsibility provided the researcher with the opportunity to explore the determinants on the use of technology in performing a particular task. Using Goodhue and Thompson's concepts, Task to Performance Chain (TPC) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF), new knowledge was obtained regarding managers' use of technology and its impact on performance.