Why Faculty Members Use E-Mail: The Role of Individual Differences in Channel Choice

Abstract

Recent research suggests that rational choice and social influence theories provide complementary explanations for individual selection and use of communication media in organizations. Focusing specifically on e-mail selection and use, our study builds on this research by investigating the determinative role of individual differences. We find that individual differences influence e-mail use directly, as well as influence the relation between other predictor variables and e-mail use. Specifically, favorable attitudes toward innovation and change, computer self-effi cacy, and computer experience directly and positively influence e-mail use, and in addition, attitudes toward innovation and change influence (moderate) the rela tionship between social context and e-mail selection and use. These findings point to the need for a more comprehensive and complex model of the process determin ing the selection and use of e-mail.

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