Predicting wearable technology readiness in a South African government department: Exploring the influence of wearable technology acceptance and positive attitudes

Abstract

Wearable technologies are anticipated to flourish in the fourth industrial revolution, enabling employers to integrate data into organizational systems. This study examined whether readiness for wearables can predict employees’ acceptance of these devices in the workplace. It explored the factors of technology readiness influencing acceptance and attitudes towards wearable use. A quantitative research approach was adopted, involving 8,081 employees from the South African Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). Census sampling was employed, with questionnaires distributed electronically, resulting in 351 responses. The Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM) was the measuring instrument. Four hypotheses were formulated to investigate the relationship between readiness and acceptance of wearables. Results indicated that eagerness, optimism, and discomfort in the technology readiness scales significantly predicted technology acceptance. Specifically, optimism and eagerness were consistent positive predictors, while discomfort negatively impacted two of the three acceptance dimensions. Insecurity was not found to be a predictor of acceptance. The study recommends revising DEL's digital transformation policy to embrace wearables, emphasizing their potential for seamless integration. Additionally, it identifies a positive attitude as a new dimension of the TRAM, contributing to establishing a Wearable Readiness and Acceptance Model (WRAM), which has not been previously introduced in the literature.