 |
|
ATTRIBUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF COMPUTER SELF-EFFICACY
The use of computers by individuals in their work lives has
received considerable attention by Information Systems researchers and
practitioners. Finding solutions to why people elect to avoid this
technology is a longstanding goal of the field. In order to deepen our
understanding of this phenomenon, this study linked Attribution Theory
with Self-Efficacy Theory. Based on these two theories, an
Attribution/Self-Efficacy model was formulated and tested in an
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) context.
A three-phased research approach was used to test two research
questions: (1) determination of the desirable and undesirable
attributions of users= past computer-related performance; and (2)
investigation of whether the desirable and undesirable attributions
influence individuals= computer self-efficacy. During Phase One the
research questions were initially examined by conducting a survey in
an organization of PeopleSoft users. The results of this study
provided preliminary support for the Attribution/Self-Efficacy model.
Users reported that the causes of their successful computer
performance (i.e., Desirable Attributions) were willingness to change
applications, effort, and persistence. The causes of their
unsuccessful computer performance (i.e., Undesirable Attributions)
were lack of computer training, lack of computer support, and
difficult to use software.
The second phase developed and tested multi-item measurements for
Desirable Attributions (i.e., acceptance of change, willingness to
change, effort, and persistence), and Undesirable Attributions (i.e.,
difficult to use applications, inadequate training, inadequate
support, inadequate documentation, and inadequate communications)
using semi-structured interviews followed by a card sorting
methodology. These measurements were used to test users= attributional
analysis of their ERP Self-Efficacy during Phase Three.
Phase Three was a cross-sectional survey of ERP users from one
organization. The results of this phase provided evidence for linking
Attribution Theory to Self-Efficacy Theory. Moreover, the findings
showed that an attributional analysis of users= prior ERP performances
played an important role in the formation of self-efficacy judgements,
which in turn, influenced users= affective and behavioural outcomes
(i.e., satisfaction, performance, and productivity). The combined
findings of this research speak to the need to consider users=
attributional analysis of their ERP performances when attempting to
understand individuals= reactions to this technology, and to
successfully implement these complex solutions into organizations.
For a copy of the entire unpublished manuscript, please contact
Helen directly.
|
