The Unintended Consequences of Mandating Technology Use: An Exploratory Study

• In Event: IT Expertise

Abstract

Companies frequently invest in new technologies to enhance employee productivity, both in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. However, prior research provides evidence that many technologies are grossly underutilized, and calls for interventions to address this issue. In response to this call, we conduct a series of experiments to determine whether mandatory technology use provides for timelier task completion. We find that mandating technology use increases initial intentions to use the technology, yet ultimately reduces the rate of successful implementation and decreases productivity relative to a voluntary adoption condition. We also consider whether technology training ameliorates the deleterious effects of mandatory usage, but find that adverse effects on successful implementation and task performance persist. Finally, we control for common predictors of technology use identified in prior research (e.g., effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and self-efficacy) in an effort to understand the underlying causes of the negative impact of mandatory adoption. Surprisingly we find that none of the common predictors to intentions and use differ among the conditions.

Authors

• James H. Long, Auburn University

• Tina M Loraas, Auburn University

• Audrey Nicole Scarlata, University of Louisville