The Impact of Perceived Innovation Characteristics on Intention to Use Groupware

INTRODUCTION Although a number of groupware applications such as email have become an almost ubiquitous part of many organizations, other groupware applications have not been as universally adopted (Orlikowski, 1993). This phenomenon is not only exhibited in business organizations, but also extends to educational institutions. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many professors and students now interact via email on a regular basis, while groupware systems have not been as widely adopted (Orlikowski, 1993). Research aimed at increasing our understanding of the diffusion and adoption of various groupware technologies represents an important direction for groupware research (Nunamaker, 1997). The research reported in this paper represents an attempt to use a diffusion of innovation perspective (Rogers, 1995) to understand factors that may impact intentions to use a groupware technology in an educational environment. Specifically, this paper investigates the following research question: Are adopters’ perceptions of the characteristics of groupware technology related to their intentions to use the technology? The answer to this question holds implications for practitioners as well as researchers. Research Information technologies that support groups of individuals have become increasingly visible. While some of these, such as electronic mail, have become almost ubiquitous in many organizations, other groupware applications have not enjoyed similar acceptance. This study uses diffusion of innovation theory to investigate factors that may influence intentions to use a specific groupware application, Lotus Domino discussion databases. Findings indicate that perceptions of relative advantage, complexity, compatibility and result demonstrability are significantly related to intentions to use Domino discussion databases. There was not a significant relationship between intentions to use and perceived trialability, visibility, or voluntariness. Those interested in increasing the use of groupware technologies may find these results helpful in guiding their efforts.