Perceived critical mass and the adoption of a communication technology

    Authors

    C. Van Slyke; V. Ilie; H. Lou;T. Stafford

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Eur. J. Inform. Syst.

    Keywords

    adoption; acceptance; Theory of Reasoned Action; Diffusion of; Innovation; instant messaging; INFORMATION-TECHNOLOGY; USER ACCEPTANCE; INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONALS; ELECTRONIC-MAIL; MODEL; USAGE; BELIEFS; INTENTION; DIFFUSION; BEHAVIOR; Computer Science, Information Systems; Information Science & Library; Science

    Abstract

    Computer-based communication technologies are increasingly important to personal and organizational communication. One important factor related to the adoption and diffusion of communication innovations is critical mass. Critical mass influences the adoption and diffusion of interactive communication innovations, both through network externalities and through sustainability of the innovation. Unfortunately, critical mass is difficult to measure and is typically only demonstrable after the critical mass point has been reached. Potential adopters' perceptions of critical mass also may be important to adoption decisions. In this paper, we extend this thinking using a synthesis of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Diffusion of Innovation theory by developing a research model. The model is empirically tested using survey data that are analyzed using partial least squares. The focal innovation is instant messaging. Results indicate that perceived critical mass influences use intentions directly and through perceptions of the characteristics of the innovation. The perceived innovation characteristics impact attitude toward use, which in turn impacts use intentions. The model predicts a sizable and significant portion of both attitudes and use intentions. Further, perceived critical mass is able to explain a significant portion of the variance in each perceived innovation characteristic. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

    Journal Title

    European Journal of Information Systems

    Volume

    16

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2007

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    270

    Last Page

    283

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000248448300008

    ISSN

    0960-085X

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