The Technology Acceptance Model is an information systems theory that models how users come to accept and use a technology.
The model suggests that when users are presented with a new software package, a number of factors influence their decision about how and when they will use it. The main ones are:
Perceived usefulness (PU) – “the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance”.
Perceived ease-of-use (EOU) – “the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would be free from effort”.
The technology acceptance model assumes that when someone forms an intention to act, that they will be free to act without limitation. In the real world there will be many constraints, such as limited ability, time constraints, environmental or organisational limits, or unconscious habits which will limit the freedom to act.
Concentration on the positive aspects of ‘usefulness’, both to the organisation and to the individual, and ‘ease of use’ will help users develop a positive attitude. It is in this area that the early adopters can have a powerful influence of their conservative and pragmatic peers.
Bagozzi, R. P., Davis, F. D., & Warshaw, P. R. (1992). Development and test of a theory of technological learning and usage. Human Relations, 45(7), 660-686.
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