Sid L. Huff

Social cognitive theory and individual reactions to computing technology: a longitudinal study

A model, based on Banduras Social Cognitive Theory, was developed to test the influence of computer self-efficacy, outcome expectations, affect, and anxiety on computer usage. The model was tested using longitudinal data gathered from 394 end users over a one-year interval. Significant relationships were found between computer self-efficacy and outcome expectations, and between self-efficacy and affect and anxiety and use. Performance outcomes were found to influence affect and use, while affect was significantly related to use. Overall, the findings provide strong confirmation that both self-efficacy and outcome expectations impact on an individuals affective and behavioral reactions to information technology.

Business Strategic Orientation, Information Systems Strategic Orientation, and Strategic Alignment

Information systems strategic alignment---the fit between business strategic orientation and information systems (IS) strategic orientation---is an important concept. This study measured business strategic orientation, IS strategic orientation, and IS strategic alignment, and investigated their implications for perceived IS effectiveness and business performance. Analyses of data gathered in a mail survey of North American financial services and manufacturing firms indicated that 1) business strategic orientation, IS strategic orientation, and IS strategic alignment are modeled best by utilizing holistic, ‘systems’ approaches instead of dimension-specific, ‘bivariate’ approaches, 2) three generic IS strategic orientations can be detected, 3) user information satisfaction does not capture important strategic aspects of IS effectiveness, 4) IS strategic alignment is a better predictor of IS effectiveness than is strategic orientation, and 5) business strategic orientation, IS strategic alignment, and IS effectiveness have positive impacts on business performance.

Factors of success for end-user computing

A two-phase study concerned with the factors of success associated with the development of computer applications by end users was conducted in 10 large organizations. During the first phase, in-depth interviews were used to refine a preliminary model of the factors of success for user development of computer applications (UDA). In the second phase, a questionnaire was administered to 272 end users experienced in developing applications. Statistical tests of the relationships in the model indicated that all but one of the derived hypotheses were substantiated. The result of this study is a field-verified model of the factors of success of UDA that provides a basis for implementation of UDA practices and policies in organizations, as well as for further research in end-user computing.

Microcomputer applications: an empirical look at usage

Abstract Information Technology has assumed a role of growing importance in both private and public sector organizations during the 1980s. It is no longer the private preserve of small groups of computer specialists; rather, the office automation and end-user computing trends are placing information technology into the hands of workers at all levels and in areas. The emergence of the business microcomputer has played a central role in this trend. This study investigates microcomputer usage among professionals and managers. Microcomputer was found to be related to computer experience and anxiety about its impact. The results also indicate that a strong, significant, and positive relationship exists between participation in computer training programs and MIS success, as measured by microcomputer usage.

Information technology assessment and adoption: a field study

This article presents the results of a field study examining the strategies and mechanisms used by major companies for identifying, assessing, and adopting new information technology. The principle finding is the identification of several generic models which reveal the driving forces for new technology adoption. The article also describes phases in the adoption process, organizational roles, and information gathering mechanisms. This new line of research in MIS parallels and builds upon technology transfer research and marketing studies in the area of organizational buying behavior. The purpose of this work is to assist organizations with the challenge of coping with rapidly changing information technology.

Understanding and measuring user competence

End User Computing (EUC) is experiencing a resurgence of importance as managers realize it is tied to the new knowledge economy through knowledge-worker productivity. Assessing individuals capabilities with respect to end user technologies is central to both research on EUC and management of EUC in organizations. For this reason, we advance a new construct, User Competence, which is multi-faceted. It is composed of an individuals breadth and depth of knowledge of end user technologies, and his or her ability to creatively apply these technologies (finesse). Several issues are explored, including what User Competence means, how users differ in their capability, and how these differences relate to other individual characteristics. The experimental study of 100 subjects shows that the dimensions of competence relate differently to individual factors, such as gender, education, self-efficacy, and specific software-syntax skills. Reasons for and implications of these observed relationships are discussed.

User developed applications: evaluation of success from the DP department perspective

User development of computer-based applications (UDA) is a new phenomenon in organizations, and can provide benefits for both users and data processing departments. The benefits of UDA for DP departments are considered in this article. The UDA literature suggests that DP departments can expect to receive two major types of benefits: a decrease in the backlog of DP application development projects and in the proportion of DP resources spent on application maintenance. However, this study, which was carried out in ten large Canadian business firms, found that in no instances were these factors cited by senior DP managers as primary success considerations.

Growth stages of end user computing

The stages of growth and interconnectedness of the applications of end user computing are described in a model that is directed toward management and planning.

Assessing realized information systems strategy

Abstract This research developed and validated a tool to measure realized information systems strategy or existing uses of information technology in organizations. It was recognized that intended uses of technology often differ from actual uses. The objective of the study was to determine a valid and reliable way of quantifying how information technology is actually used by organizations to provide support for business operations.

Expansion and control of end-user computing

Abstract:End-user computing (euc) has risen rapidly to prominence in many organizations. As euc continues to mature, it is becoming clear that there is much more to managing end-user computing than just managing microcomputers. This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding the overall expansion and control of euc. The framework is thoroughly illustrated using data drawn from two field studies. Implications that flow from the studies are discussed.