On the Multi-dimensional Nature of Compatibility Beliefs in Technology Acceptance

Theoretical and empirical research on technology acceptance, while acknowledging the importance of individual beliefs about the compatibility of a technology, has produced equivocal results. This study focuses on further theoretical and empirical development of this important belief in technology acceptance. Specifically, unlike prior research which has examined only one aspect of compatibility, we provide a more comprehensive conceptual definition that views compatibility as a multi-dimensional construct. Based on the conceptual definition of compatibility, we develop operational measures of the multiple dimensions of compatibility. The model is tested using the World Wide Web (WWW) as the target innovation. Scale validation indicates that the operational measures of compatibility developed in this study have acceptable psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis supports the multi-dimensional structure of this construct. We then assess the nomological validity of this construct by situating it within the Technology Acceptance Model. In contrast to prior research which has regarded beliefs of compatibility as an independent antecedent of attitude, we posit causal linkages among the three beliefs of compatibility, usefulness, and ease of use. Results largely support the theorized relationships. Information technology (IT) acceptance and usage represent central concerns in recent information systems research. Although several theoretical models have been proposed to describe the phenomenon of IT acceptance, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is increasingly recognized as a robust yet parsimonious conceptualization. Drawing upon the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), TAM argues that IT acceptance behaviors can be explained by individual beliefs about the usefulness and ease of use of the IT. Empirical studies based on TAM have indicated that usefulness and ease of use beliefs do explain significant variance in attitude, intentions, and usage. Other work in technology acceptance, notably innovation diffusion studies, however argue for a more comprehensive set of beliefs. Juxtaposing TAM with other findings (e. compatibility as an important belief recurrent in innovation adoption studies but missing from TAM. Recent studies have tried to incorporate compatibility, but with limited success because of problems inherent with the measurement this construct. In this study, we focus on this important belief in technology acceptance. Specifically, unlike prior research which has examined only one aspect of compatibility, we provide a more comprehensive conceptual definition that views compatibility as a multi-dimensional construct. We assess the nomological validity of this construct by situating it within TAM. In contrast to prior research which has regarded beliefs of compatibility as an independent antecedent of …