An Empirical Study of Major Determinants for Successful ESS Usage

Abstract

In order to succeed in the present context of global competitiveness, corporate executives are realizing the importance of accurate and timely information for efficient and effective operations of organizations. In general, Executive Support Systems (ESS) can help corporate executives access and use the information they require about the organization's internal and external environments, such as corporate key performance indicators, competitors, suppliers, customers, etc. The ESS are becoming more enterprise-wide with greater decision support capabilities and will actually thrive in the next decade. With recognizing such potential and importance of ESS support for executives, this study systematically investigates important factors influencing ESS usage and the relationships between these factors. Among a total of 14 hypotheses, eight are statistically supported. The results show that intra- and extra-organizational support and perceived attributes of the ESS are significant antecedents of ESS usage. In addition, the results on mediating effects show that computer experience and computer self-efficacy influence the ESS usage indirectly through perceived attributes of the system. Other six hypotheses are not statistically supported. The findings of the study contribute to a better understanding of the factors that promote ESS usage and have important implications for the management of information systems.