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primary attributes [29]. Since different adopters might perceive primary attributes in
different ways, their eventual behaviour might differ [29].
In our research, we specifically focus on moderating effects because, besides the
examination of direct effects, scholars are increasingly seeking to understand complex
relationships [23]. While the importance of taking moderation effects is emphasised
repeatedly in the literature [10], its neglect has led to a lack of relevance, as
“…relationships that hold true independently of context factors are often trivial” [23].
In the remainder of this section, we define each of the determinants, specify the role
of key moderators, and provide theoretical justification for our hypotheses.
3.1 Attributes of a Methodology
Relative advantage
(RA) is the degree to which a methodology is perceived as being
superior to its precursor by potential adopters, which is either the previous way of
doing things (if there is no current way), the current way of doing things, or doing
nothing [9]. A methodology's superiority is not only measured in economic terms, but
also in terms of reduced or increased status and other benefits (e.g., because of an
increase in productivity and efficiency). The higher the relative advantage, the higher
the rate of adoption, all other factors being equal. The expected favourable outcome
or usefulness of a behaviour has emerged as a core construct in the field of MIS,
driven largely by the use of the theory of planned behaviour (attitude) [1] and the
technology acceptance model (TAM) (perceived usefulness) [12] in examining indi-
vidual beliefs regarding performing a behaviour. A plethora of empirical research in
various fields has confirmed that the favourable outcome or usefulness of a behaviour
is the most important aspect in predicting it - e.g., [12,49,50]. Hardgrave et al. [22]
state that “…usefulness generally has a beta (path coefficient) of around 0.60 in TAM
studies”. In the context of methodology adoption, Khalifa and Verner [26] find that
better process and product quality have a substantial effect on a software developer's
decision to use waterfall and prototyping methodologies. Riemenschneider et al. [37]
apply five theoretical models and conclude that “…if a methodology is not regarded
as useful by developers, its prospects of successful deployment may be seriously
undermined”. Consequently, we propose that relative advantage will have a positive
effect of methodology use.
Complexity
(CL) is the degree to which a methodology is perceived as difficult to
understand and use. The more complex a methodology is perceived to be, the more
resistance it is expected to generate. The
complexity
construct can be traced back to
Bandura's [4]
self-efficacy
concept, which refers to the belief that one has the capabil-
ity to perform certain actions in order to be able to use a methodology. Judgment of
one's personal competence, reflected in one's self-efficacy, therefore not only deter-
mines
if
a person decides to use an methodology, but also how much
effort
he or she
will expend to use it, how long he or she will
persevere
when confronting obstacles,
and how
resilient
he or she will prove in the face of adverse situations [33]. The more
complex a methodology is perceived to be, the more an individual doubts his or her
own ability to be able to use a methodology properly. In technology adoption litera-
ture,
complexity
has been addressed through the
ease of use construct
(which is also
based on the concept of self-efficacy), which
refers to the degree to which a person
believes that using a particular methodology would be a) free of physical and mental
