A Social Cognitive Theory Perspective On Individual Reactions To Computing Technology

Understanding individual reactions to computing technology is a central concern of information systems research. This research seeks to understand these reactions from the perspective of Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura 1977, 1978, 1982, 1986), a widely accepted theory of behavior in Social Psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The theory holds that behavior, environment, and cognitive and other individual factors are engaged in an ongoing reciprocal interaction. Two cognitive factors in particular are given prominence in the theory: (1) outcome expectations, or beliefs about the consequences of behavior and (2) self-efficacy, beliefs about one's ability to successfully execute particular behaviors. A model of individual reactions to computing technology based on this theory was tested on a sample of 940 Canadian knowledge workers. Eleven of the fourteen hypotheses were supported by the analysis. Key findings were that self-efficacy, outcome expectations, affect and anxiety all had a direct influence on computer use. In addition, outcome expectations and self-efficacy were found to indirectly influence computer use through affect and anxiety. Tile behavior and influence of others in the individuals' reference groups was found to exert a small influence on selfefficacy and outcome expectations.