Low Self-Efficacy User Acceptance of Information Technology Innovations

Most prior information systems researches on user acceptance were conducted in developed countries or regions. The samples of these studies commonly have relatively high level of self-efficacy, compared to those in developing countries or regions. However, there are great discrepancies in technology diffusion and self-efficacy across and even in the same country or region, which might impact the validity of existing user acceptance theories. In order to develop successful information systems, the question of how information technology (IT) innovations should be managed for low self-efficacy users must be answered as well. In light of this, the paper enriches the literature by developing and validating a low self-efficacy user acceptance model (LSEUAM). It empirically tested an extended model of user acceptance (EMUA), however, by survey data from low self-efficacy IT users in the remote region of China, one of the most important developing nations. It was found that facilitating condition was the most significant determinant of low self-efficacy user acceptance, which had direct effect on behavioral intention. Perceived usefulness and result demonstrability significantly determined behavioral intention to use IT innovations for low self-efficacy users via attitude toward behavior. Based on the empirical results, LSEUAM was developed by discussion on a self-efficacy comparison between remote and kernel regions of China. LSEUAM was further validated by a model comparison with EMUA based on the same low self-efficacy sample using structural equation modeling technique.