Virginia Ilie

Perceived critical mass and the adoption of a communication technology

Computer-based communication technologies are increasingly important to personal and organizational communication. One important factor related to the adoption and diffusion of communication innovations is critical mass. Critical mass influences the adoption and diffusion of interactive communication innovations, both through network externalities and through sustainability of the innovation. Unfortunately, critical mass is difficult to measure and is typically only demonstrable after the critical mass point has been reached. Potential adopters’ perceptions of critical mass also may be important to adoption decisions. In this paper, we extend this thinking using a synthesis of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Diffusion of Innovation theory by developing a research model. The model is empirically tested using survey data that are analyzed using partial least squares. The focal innovation is instant messaging. Results indicate that perceived critical mass influences use intentions directly and through perceptions of the characteristics of the innovation. The perceived innovation characteristics impact attitude toward use, which in turn impacts use intentions. The model predicts a sizable and significant portion of both attitudes and use intentions. Further, perceived critical mass is able to explain a significant portion of the variance in each perceived innovation characteristic. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Data exchange in interorganizational relationships: review through multiple conceptual lenses

This paper explores the theoretical underpinning of data exchange research, specifically Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), over the period from 1993 to 2002. It identifies the underlying research paradigms applied to examination of data exchange, and determines conceptual and theoretical gaps in previous research on data exchange in interorganizational relationships (IORs). Sixty-eight articles are analyzed. Results suggest a predominant concern with the outcomes realized with EDI adoption and use. There appears to be a shift in emphasis from dyadic relationships to networks. As a majority of the studies are of the survey nature using single cross-sectional snapshots, the emphasis appears to be on short-term outcomes of EDI-enabled relationships. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Paper versus Electronic: Challenges Associated with Physicians - Usage of Electronic Medical Records

This study builds on the theory of planned behavior, institutional and diffusion theories to investigate physicians? attitudes and usage behaviors of electronic medical records (EMR). Interviews with seventeen physician-residents enrolled in a Family Practice residency program and eight attending physicians in the same clinic showed that most physicians held rather negative attitudes regarding the EMR system. EMR was often times seen as an intrusion in the patient-physician interaction. Other findings relate to the impacts EMR had on physicians? time, expertise, physicians? learning, the length (and sometimes the accuracy) of the clinical notes. Challenges associated with behavioral control issues such as availability of computers and the physical positioning of computers are shown to be very important in the context of this case. Physician-residents have to use EMR because of its mandatory nature, however, if they had a choice or the power, the majority of physicians would use the paper chart.

Challenges Associated with Physicians' Usage of Electronic Medical Records

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior, institutional and diffusion theories as theoretical foundations, this study investigates physicians’ attitudes towards and usage of electronic medical records (EMR). Interviews with seventeen physician-residents enrolled in a Family Practice residency program and eight attending physicians in the same clinic showed that most physicians held rather negative attitudes regarding the EMR system. EMR was often times seen as an intrusion in the patient-physician interaction. Other findings relate to how EMR impacts physicians’ time, expertise, and learning, as well as the length (and sometimes the accuracy) of clinical notes. Challenges associated with behavioral control issues such as availability of computers and the physical positioning of computers are shown to be very important in the context of this case. In this organization, physician-residents are required to use EMR because of its mandatory nature, however, if they had a choice or the power, the majority of them would use the paper chart.

Towards a New Design Paradigm for Complex Electronic Medical Record Systems: Intuitive User Interfaces

Design of usable interfaces has preoccupied information systems researchers for decades however there is still little agreement as to what constitute usable systems. Many complex systems such as electronic medical records (EMR) fail to provide users with an intuitive interface and are not designed for environments where (1) users operate under severe opportunity-cost time pressures and (2) users engage in goal-directed activities to accomplish a task. Under these circumstances, what kind of interface should EMR systems present to clinical users? To answer this question the concept of “intuitive interface” based on theories of human intuition such as cognitive-experiential self-theory and cognitive neuroscience is first defined. Next interviews with clinical staff at two hospitals uncover various aspects of intuitive EMR interfaces, and point to the need to further study and improve this important issue. Significance of this research as well as future research directions are discussed.