Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Reinventability
(RE) is the degree to which a methodology is perceived to be modi-
fiable by a potential user. If potential adopters can adapt, refine, or otherwise modify
the methodology to suit their own needs and situation, it will be adopted more easily
[19]. The concept of reinvention - the assumption that one size does
not
fit all - has
been embraced by researchers, to the extent that a dedicated research stream, entitled
method engineering
, has developed (e.g., [40]). A number of empirical studies find
strong empirical evidence of the motivational effect of reinventability on a person's
decision to use an innovation (e.g., [38]). Although this construct has been widely
neglected in methodology acceptance studies, based upon existing research findings,
we consider it an important predictor in our model. We propose that reinventibility
will have a positive effect on methodology use.
Although Moore and Benbasat [29] propose
voluntariness
of use
and
image
as fur-
ther attributes, we hold that they might not apply to our research, since enhancement
of social image can be considered an aspect of usefulness, rather than a distinct meth-
odology characteristic. Rogers [38] also includes the concept of
image
under
relative
advantage
. Furthermore, in our research, we consider methodology use to be
volun-
tary.
Even though organisations can deploy obligatory methodologies, their actual use
in a
productive manner
cannot be forced, and correct usage is ultimately a voluntary
user act.
3.2 Personal Characteristics
Need for affiliation (nAffi)
is the desire to achieve acceptance from one's social sur-
roundings [32]. Individuals with a high need for affiliation tend to enjoy being with
other people, making friends, and maintaining personal relationships. In a work envi-
ronment, materialistic status symbols like promotion, higher salary, gifts, and praise
from seniors have been found in a number of studies to be conveyors of, and an ade-
quate substitute for, positive interpersonal relationships and feelings of acceptance
[6]. Also, since individuals high in
nAffi
depend on approval from their work envi-
ronment, it is critical to them that the results are visible to their peers and superiors.
Based on this reasoning,
nAffi
is expected to have a moderating effect on the strength
of the effect of relative advantage
Æ
methodology use, result demonstrability
Æ
methodology use, and visibility
Æ
methodology use.
Need for achievement (nAch)
refers to an individual's desire to do things better, ac-
complish difficult tasks, overcome obstacles and become an expert, achieve high
performance standards, or a need for significant task-related accomplishment [32].
Such individuals are focused on internal motivation and personal achievement, rather
than on external rewards and recognition. They would be more inclined to use a
methodology if they feel that it is useful and would help them to be more efficient and
productive in their job. Furthermore, the more complex a methodology, the more
gratification/satisfaction people high in
nAch
are expected to feel, since being
successful at using methodologies which others fail to master symbolises and com-
municates personal competence. Individuals high in
nAch
are expected to expend
more
effort
and
persevere
longer
when confronted with obstacles, and show
resilience
in the face of adverse situations [36]. In order to achieve high performance and excel
at using a methodology, individuals high in
nAch
will be interested in modifying and
