A methodological analysis of user technology acceptance

The majority of research on user technology acceptance, e.g. technology acceptance model, focuses on individual users\´ beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward technology use. In this paper, we attempt to examine prior research on user technology acceptance from a methodological angle by borrowing Markus and Robey\´s research framework (1988). We find that prior studies usually take technology imperative perspective, use variance theories, and emphasize the micro level of analysis. Therefore, we propose an "emergent perspective - process theories - mixed level of analysis" approach to analyze user technology acceptance. From this perspective, a new model is proposed and several propositions are derived and discussed. This paper draws on several prior theories and models, such as the technology acceptance model, computer self-efficacy and the task-technology fit model, but reassembles them in a novel way. The paper concludes with the research and practical implications.