A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies

This paper develops and tests TAM2, a theoretical extension of the Technology Acceptance Model that explains perceived usefulness and usage intentions in terms of social influence processes (subjective norm, voluntariness, and image) and cognitive instrumental processes (job relevance, output quality, result demonstrability, and perceived ease of use). The extended model was tested using longitudinal data collected on four different systems at four organizations (N=156), two involving voluntary usage and two involving mandatory usage, with constructs measured at preimplementation, one month postimplementation, and three months postimplementation.

TAM2 was strongly supported for all four organizations at all three measurement points, accounting for 40-60% of the variance in usefulness perceptions and 34-52% of the variance in usage intentions, with both social influence and cognitive instrumental processes significantly influencing user acceptance. These findings advanced acceptance theory and contributed to the foundation for future research aimed at improving understanding of user adoption behavior.