Experience,Utility and Situational Appropriateness: How does Organizational Context Influence Usability of Electronic Communications Media?

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between user attitudes, organizational characteristics and the acceptance of a new electronic communication system in a university research group. The study also addressed users” perceived appropriateness of the new communication system and alternative media in specific organizational situations. The results of this study support previous research regarding the situational appropriateness of different communication media but did not support the hypotheses regarding user attitudes, support for innovation and the acceptance of the new electronic mail system. This study emphasizes the distinction between the usability of a technology and that technology's utility in the organization. While a system may be very easy to use, the usefulness of the implemented system will be the main determinant in how much the system is used.

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