People's Adoption Research Articles

Achieving critical mass in social networks

This article addresses issues associated with the achievement of critical mass within a community and seeding the success of a new social network. It looks at the factors that influence people's adoption of a new network, how to influence them and what approach to take.

Virtual worlds adoption: a research framework and empirical study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a new framework to examine the adoption of virtual worlds. Virtual worlds, defined as internet‐based simulated environments that emulate the real world and are intended for users to inhabit and interact within them through avatars, are growing fast and are attracting more and more users.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a new framework is proposed on the basis of previous literature. An empirical study is performed to test the framework, using survey research. The data are collected through a questionnaire, which is developed on the basis of previous empirical studies.FindingsBased on the data, it is found that perceived usefulness and social factors are two main factors influencing people's adoption of virtual worlds. The technology acceptance model (TAM) is still acceptable, while the diffusion of information (DOI) theory does not fit. Perceived enjoyment does not have a significant impact on the adoption of virtual worlds, but is highly correlated with perceived usefulness. Both factors capture the productivity and entertainment aspects of virtual worlds.Originality/valueThis study is a novel attempt to examine the adoption of virtual worlds. A new research framework is proposed and empirical data are collected to test its validity. The findings have theoretical and practical implications.

User acceptance of a digital library system in developing countries: An application of the Technology Acceptance Model

This study examines the factors that influence people's adoption and use of a digital library system and tests the applicability of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of developing countries. Using data from a survey of 16 institutions in Africa, Asia, and Central/Latin America ( N = 1082), a path analysis revealed that perceived ease of use of the library system had a significant impact on perceived usefulness, which ultimately led to behavioral intention to use. In addition, the study examined the similarities and differences in the significant predictors of the digital library acceptance across countries and continents. Further, the current study suggests that external variables that affect perceived ease of use and usefulness need to be considered as important factors in the process of designing, implementing, and operating digital library systems. Such consideration will help decrease the mismatch between system design and local users’ realities, and further facilitate the successful adoption of digital library systems in developing countries.

ICT and Older People: Beyond Usability

This study examined the use that older, regular users of computers make of information and computer technology in their daily lives. Opinions from such users were obtained regarding what they want these technologies to offer them in the future. By means of a discussion group and an online questionnaire, our critical case examined a group of mature senior students from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (online learning) who have used computers and the Internet in their activities. In general, the participants needed to know the function of the tool beforehand and to have continued support and confidence. In particular, they need the certainty that the future technology will allow them to maintain their independence and autonomy. Older people's adoption of IT needs to be treated as more than merely a question of usability. Attitudes, experience of use, and perceived benefits are also key aspects that must be taken into account.

Evaluation of learner adoption intention of e‐learning in China: A methodology based on perceived innovative attributes

E‐learning, as an innovative and alternative way of distance learning, provides a strong challenge to traditional learning with its unique advantage. This paper, on the diffusion of e‐learning adoption in China, investigates people's perceptions and attitudes toward adopting e‐learning, and explores the factors affecting the e‐learning adoption behaviour from an innovation adoption perspective. Based on the model of Rogers’ innovation adoption theory, every factor of perceived innovative attributes influencing the individual adoption behaviour, namely perceived relative advantage, perceived compatibility, perceived trialability, and perceived observability, will be analysed to test the relationship between the perceived innovative attributes and adoption intention of e‐learning. The result shows that the four perceived innovative attributes do have certain influences on people's adoption of e‐learning.

Counting the Losses: People Who Do Not Pursue Their Adoption Enquiry

It has been estimated that only one in ten people making an adoption enquiry go on to adopt. Lorraine Wallis undertook a study to explore these potential losses. She presents the results of a survey completed by 245 people who had made an enquiry with one of 17 adoption agencies in England. This random sample of enquirers was designed to explore the links between the characteristics of enquirers, their decision-making about adoption and their experience of making an enquiry. The findings indicate a less pessimistic view of the outcome of people's adoption enquiry, with 46 per cent beginning the adoption process. However, it indicates the difficulties enquirers have in asking questions and finding answers to concerns about their eligibility. It shows the links between enquirers' social and economic background and the decision-making process they undertake. The study highlights the vulnerability of some enquirers to poor agency responses and the impact that enquirers' support networks and knowledge of organisations has on the outcome of their enquiry. These are issues adoption agencies need to address if they are to maximise the potential of those coming forward to enquire about adoption.

History and Habit in the Mobilization of ICT Resources

Evidence demonstrates that the digital divide is deepening despite strategies mobilized worldwide to reduce it. In disadvantaged communities, beyond training and infrastructural issues, there often lies a range of cultural and historically formed relationships that affect people's adoption of ICTs. This article presents an analysis of local resident's engagement with their council's pilot project to develop a computer facility in their community center. We ask, to what extent can people in poor urban communities, once trained, be expected to volunteer to work on furthering community education and development in ICTs in their local area? Findings indicate four patterns of individual engagement with the computer project: reflexive, utilitarian, distributive, and nonparticipatory. It is argued that local people engaged with the intervention in historically patterned and locally distinctive ways that served immediate personal and pragmatic ends. They did not adopt the long-term strategic goals of the council or university.