The Technology Structure and Appropriation of Server-Based Computing: A Case Study of a Taiwanese High Tech Firm

IT usage is key issue in MIS research. However, a variety of models such as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) have neglected the role of technology structure in studying IT usage. Alternatively, IT appropriation considers how IT is called into use in terms of IT technology structures. However, the practices of IT appropriation have not yet been convincingly demonstrated. This paper explores the issues of IT appropriation. Specifically, we conduct our study in the context of Server-Based Computing (SBC), due to its unique technology structures, where the issues of appropriation process of SBC becomes relevant and important. In this paper, the Adaptive Structuration Theory (AST) provides a conceptual framework that helps to capture the appropriation process. Drawing on a Taiwanese case study, three perspectives of SBC appropriation process are examined including the faithfulness of appropriation, the attitudes toward use, and the consensus on appropriation. The case findings suggest that incremental change, identity development and interaction are of critical importance in the SBC appropriation process. Our findings contribute to the literature on IT infrastructure deployment, innovation and cooperative behavior, and the social perspective of information management. The implications and future research directions are also discussed.