Understanding Exploratory Use of Erp Systems 1

Complex information technology often remains under-utilized following implementation. As a result, potentially powerful tools may deliver only limited benefits. These limited benefits may not compensate for what is usually a costly and difficult implementation process. One way for organizations to move from superficial to more comprehensive usage is to get users to go beyond the basic capabilities of the system and to uncover new ways of using it, either on their own or with the help of others, i.e., through exploratory use. This study focuses on ERP systems as an example of complex IT. Building on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), sets of salient behavioral, normative, and control beliefs are identified as determinants of the intention to explore. To engage in the exploratory use of complex technologies, users will likely need to overcome significant knowledge and motivational barriers. Thus, key knowledge and motivational factors are also included in the research model. Hypothesis testing will be performed with structural equation modeling, using data collected through a crosssectional field survey of ERP users. From an academic standpoint, this study contributes to a conceptualization of the exploratory use of complex information technologies and adds empirical work to ERP research. From a practical standpoint, this study identifies several managerially leverageable variables that should move an organization toward higher levels of use and more benefits.