Technology Acceptance Factors Affecting Adoption of Wireless Data Technology

The study of acceptance and use of technology is traditionally based on models designed to identify and test the relationships forged between the user and the technology in question. Models designed to study the relationship of user and technology acceptance tend to integrate experiential criteria, such as the attitude of the user towards technology, as well as criteria found within the environment. As wireless communications become more prevalent, and the forms of wireless technology evolve, understanding the process of acceptance and usage will be of importance as companies compete to offer the most user friendly and sophisticated wireless devices. The relationship between diffusion of innovation and wireless data technology acceptance is an important issue for any innovative organization. A critical analysis of theoretical and empirical literature is used to explore those factors influencing wireless data technology adoption and will identify areas of future scholarly inquiry. Existing technology acceptance theories provide the framework to research this topic. Models examined in this study include the Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance, Use of Technology, Theory of Reasoned Action, and Diffusion of Innovation. An in-depth study of these models demonstrates that there are flaws both within the underlying rationale used to govern the models and the applications of these models within the study process. These gaps will also be examined. Recommendations for future areas of study will be suggested. These will be based on the need for modeling efforts to take into account the context in which the modern generation of technology user is situated