Employee Technology Readiness and Adoption of Wireless Technology and Services

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the relationship between users’ technology readiness (specifically employees) and their adoption of wireless technology and services in a longitudinal setting. Technology readiness measures and attitude towards wireless adoption were measured across a sample of government employees in July 2002. Subsequent to this study, a significant portion of the employees were asked to adopt wireless technology for work (e.g., Blackberry) by their government agencies. The same group of employees was surveyed again after a 3 year gap with regard to technology readiness and attitude towards wireless adoption. The findings reveal that among the group using wireless technology for work, the measures of "discomfort" and "insecurity" are much lower than before, indicating a positive impact of technology use on user technology readiness and comfort with technology. However, on the dimensions of "technology optimism" and "innovativeness", there was no significant difference. The study also reveals other findings quite relevant for wireless technology adoption.