Tim Klaus

User resistance determinants and the psychological contract in enterprise system implementations

User resistance is an important issue in the implementation of enterprise systems (ES). However, despite a large body of user acceptance literature, there is far less literature addressing user resistance. This study seeks to better understand the development of user resistance. Information is obtained and triangulated in this study from a focus group and semi-structured user interviews from three organizations. Through the lens of the psychological contract employees have with their organization, user resistance is investigated. Twelve determinants were found that upset the psychological contract and affect the level of user resistance. These determinants have been classified into four key categories which expand on previous literature: individual, system, organizational, and process issues. The relationships among these concepts and both the theoretical and practical contributions of this study are discussed.

Resistant groups in enterprise system implementations: a Q-methodology examination

This paper is an initial investigation into types of user resistance and the management strategy expectations of users in a mandatory adoption setting. Despite its relationship to adoption, relatively little is known about user resistance. User resistance is investigated in the Enterprise System (ES) environment because the complexity and richness of ES leads users to manifest a large range of resistant behaviors and beliefs. Using Concourse Theory and Q-methodology, ES users are interviewed followed by the development of a Q-sort questionnaire, which was distributed to ES users. The results reveal eight user groups and address the management strategies preferred by each group. The results have implications for both research in the field of user resistance and adoption, and practitioners involved in system implementation.

Technological improvements on classroom community and the increasing acceptance of distance learning courses

Educators and students across the country are embracing the idea of increased distance learning and online course offerings from universities. The increased acceptance of online classes is supported by several key factors. Most notable of these factors include an increase of basic computer knowledge, faster means of communication between computers and more widespread access to computers. In addition to those factors, there are many social aspects that lend themselves to the acceptance of distance learning opportunities that include an increase in enrolment over the past several years due to more limited opportunities in the job market and a change in family dynamics. This study examines community factors which impact the classroom environment by comparing perceptions of students taking the same class from the same instructor in online and traditional classroom settings. The results reveal that these community factors were perceived differently by students in the two groups which lead to different level of satisfaction. The results in this study help in identifying key differences in student perceptions of the course and promote an understanding on whether there is a positive or negative perception in student satisfaction related to these community factors.

Understanding User Dissatisfaction: Exploring the Role of Fairness in IT-Enabled Change

This paper examines the role of fairness and how it shapes a users view in IT-enabled change. Drawing from several fairness theories, components of fairness are identified and examined in two studies. The first study examines the role of fairness through user interviews and finds that all five components of fairness are considered by users in enterprise system implementations. The second study operationalizes and analyzes the components of fairness through a questionnaire distributed to users. This second study finds that fairness is comprised of all five components that were proposed and a significant relationship exists with user dissatisfaction. The two studies lead to a new theoretical perspective and provide practical implications regarding the role of fairness in IT-enabled change and their strategic implications.

The market impact of high-frequency trading systems and potential regulation

As transaction costs of trades have decreased, there has been a large growth of high-frequency trading in markets around the world. Although there are benefits that high-frequency trading brings to both the market and individual companies, there are negative and controversial aspects as well. This paper addresses high-fequency trading strategies, systems, and controversies, and then analyzes current and potential laws and regulations and their impacts on the marketplace.

Toward an Understanding of Consumer Attitudes on Online Review Usage

ABSTRACT With the rapid e-commerce growth and changes in consumers’ behaviors, many businesses are forced to adapt their business model to match their target customers’ needs. To provide consumers with more product details and increase their confidence in making online purchases, online businesses offer an online review as an alternative to physically interacting with a product. Although consumers have become familiar with the use of online product reviews, many aspects of user behavior toward the usage of online reviews are still not well understood. This study explores the factors underlying the acceptance of consumers’ online review usage when considering purchasing an item. The study results provide insight into the factors that affect customers’ use of online reviews prior to a purchase. This study furthers the body of knowledge that deals with online reviews and system usage, providing results that allow e-commerce businesses to adapt their business model to better fit consumers’ expectations.

An Exploratory Study on Small Business Website Creation and Usage

This study aims at exploring the factors related to the implementation of E-commerce websites by small business owners. While large organizations often consider E-commerce as a fundamental piece of their business strategy, small businesses place varying degrees of importance on E-commerce as a strategic tool to business success. Through a survey of small businesses, this study examines the creation and usage of E-commerce websites for small businesses. For companies with only a web presence, as well as for companies with an E-commerce website, the top two reasons for an E-commerce website identified by respondents of this study are to increase the profits of the company and to increase the market share. The study also found that factors such as lack of management support and costs greater than benefits were not detrimental to the decision to implement an E-commerce solution. Additional factors motivating small businesses to create and use E-commerce websites include the ability to better respond to customer demands and increased profits as a result of having E-commerce websites. This study contributes to the E-commerce literature by highlighting motivations of small business owners as they consider implementing E-commerce solutions.