Review by: Schönwald, Ingrid (2004-07-27)

This study explores and empirically tests factors that may influence learners’ use of a computer-based training support system (TSS), based on the scholarly literature on human-computer interaction, information management, and adult education.

Referring to the research on human-computer interaction the authors outline the technology acceptance model (TAM) by Davis, which posits the influence of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on potential user’s intention to use a new technology. Research from the field of information management and business management have looked at attitudes towards computers and computer anxiety as influencing factors on computer acceptance. Adult education research investigates the role of autonomous learning in a self-directed learning environment. Two basic aspects of self-direction are described: self-determination as the amount of control an individual feels when identifying his or her own education and training needs, and self-management as the individual’s ability to manage and control his or her own training plan.

To form the base of the following empirical quantitative research, the potential factors from the reviewed literature that may affect the user acceptance of CBT were then clustered in external stimuli, cognitive response, affective response, and behaviour intention. The research was guided by the hypotheses that each of the following variables would affect the user acceptance of the computer-based TSS: behavioural intentions, perceived usefulness, computer anxiety, software anxiety, attitudes toward use, individual and organisational characteristics, self determination, and self-management.

The survey was conducted with selected employees at a government agency headquartered in Maryland. A sample population of 1020 among 1529 employees were identified by a stratified sampling technique, 448 respondents (41% civilians and 59% military personnel) returned the questionnaires which represented a 46 percent response rate. Data analysis comprised a one-way analysis of variance, a stepwise regression selection and a multiple regression/correlation analysis.

The results confirmed the influence of all factors, demonstrating the importance of individual and organisational characteristics in influencing the perceived usefulness. There was an interesting difference between the civilian and military respondents: self-direction in learning, operationalised as self-determination and self-management was an important influencing factor in the civilian model but not in the military model. The constraints of this study are seen in the limitation of the population sample of the governmental agency.

The study confirms the importance of the three levels of organisational, work and individual aspects. The authors suggest HR practitioners to pay more attention to organisational, culture and individual characteristics with regard to the aspects of self-determination and self-management as a central component for understanding the adult users’ acceptance of computer-based training and support.