Assessing Individual Performance on Information Technology Adoption: A New Model

Abstract

This paper aims to propose a new model in assessing individual performance on information technology adoption. The new model to assess individual performance was derived from two different theories: decomposed theory of planned behavior and task-technology fit theory. Although many researchers have tried to expand these theories, some of their efforts might lack of theoretical assumptions. To overcome this problem and enhance the coherence of the integration, I used a theory from social science literature, particularly from Blumer’s theory of symbolic interactionism. This theory indicates, as Blumer himself noted, “The symbolic interactionist approach rests upon the premise that human action takes place always in a situation that confronts the actor and that the actor acts on the basis on defining this situation that confronts him.” Symbolic interactionism may have theoretical strengths on the basis that reality is understood as a social production; interaction is symbolic; humans have the capacity to engage in selfreflexive behavior; interactionism regards society as ongoing process; and social and physical environments set limits on behavior, but do not determine behavior. In this essence, normally, humans use technologies not for the sake of technologies but for supporting their primary tasks, being job related or entertainment oriented. Thus, there is an interaction between human and his/her technology. In this paper, I suggest some propositions that can be tested later using experimental research design or longitudinal survey research.

Keywords: Individual Performance, Human-technology Interaction, Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior, Task-technology Fit Theory

JEL Classification: M15