A Comparison of Attitudes toward Computers among Business Professionals in China, Japan, and the United States

Abstract

Attitudes influence feelings, thoughts and behavior toward the environment. The proliferation of computers and computer-related devices in recent times has resulted in varying attitudes and related reactions toward computers. Researchers have found that differences in attitudes toward computers are related to a variety of variables. This research examined differences in attitudes toward computers held by business professionals from three cultures: China, Japan, and the United States. Attitudes were measured using the 20-item Attitudes Toward Computer Usage Scale. Analysis involved comparison of individual item and total attitude scores. Significant differences in total attitude scores were found. The most positive attitude was expressed by the China respondents and the most negative by the Japan respondents. Results were discussed in terms of the importance of considering variation in attitudes when introducing computer-related products into different cultures.