Academic researchers’ behavioural intention to use academic social networking sites: A case of Malaysian research universities

Abstract

This study seeks to validate a comprehensive model of academic researchers’ intention in the context of academic social networking sites (ASNSs). It uses the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with constructs of perceived security, perceived privacy, trust, attitude towards technology, and communication benefits as well as age, gender and experience as moderator variables. The survey results supported the positive relationships between the factors in the model, except effort expectancy, which had no significant effect on behavioural intention. However, the results of three moderator variables demonstrated that they had no significant effect on the adoption of ASNSs. The finding of this research will provide directions for ASNSs providers to support them in developing effective ASNSs for academic researchers.