User Adaptation and Infusion of Information Systems

Today’s complex information systems can be used to varying degrees by individuals. Information system infusion captures the degree to which the system is used deeply, or to its fullest extent, for improving organizational and individual performance. Theory suggests that infusion at the individual level depends on user adaptation to an information system; however, relationship between types of user adaptation and infusion has not been examined in extant research. This study draws on the Coping Model of User Adaptation to explore how various adaptation behaviors employed by information system users influence its infusion in their work. Results indicate that problem-focused adaptation behaviors directed toward changing the worksystem-self dynamic promote infusion, while avoidance-oriented emotion-focused adaptation behaviors tend to diminish infusion. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.