Examining IT Usage Across Different Hierarchical Levels in Organizations: A Study of Organizational, Environmental, and IT Factors

Though IT usage has been identified as a significant construct, significant gaps remain in our understanding of how IT is used by different organizational members. In this paper, we examine the key organizational, external environmental, and IT-related factors that influence IT usage in organizations across management and non-management levels. Based on data from over 500 functional managers, we examine the factors that are associated with IT usage among management and non-management personnel. Our findings indicate that formalized firms that face high competitive pressures have higher levels of IT usage among both management and non-management personnel. Moreover, firms that insource IT and those that nurture a positive organizational attitude towards IT tend to have greater levels of IT usage. The analysis, results, and its implications for research and practice are presented.