The application of Technology Acceptance Model in predicting user acceptance (adoption) of mobile devices in the workplace

Abstract: The study examines the relationship between external and internal variable constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to predict the adoption of mobile devices in the workplace. It is general knowledge that once a technology adopter or user perceives a technology device to be useful, this ultimately influences their behavioural intention to use that device. It is also stated in the literature that perceived ease of use influences perceived usefulness leading to behavioural intention to use and ultimately leading to actual usage of a technology. The study takes a quantitative approach using a survey questionnaire as a data collection method and Chi square for hypothesis testing. A survey questionnaire was send to respondents via email for data collection purpose and the response rate was 73%. Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived ease of Use (PEOU) are hypothesized to be the fundamental determinants of user acceptance. Three hypotheses were stated and the relationship between the external variable (IT Policies), PU & PEOU, and the behavioural intention towards use was tested using the chi-square statistic. It was found that a positive relationship existed between IT policies and the behavioural intention towards use, PU and attitude towards use, and also between PEOU and the behavioural intention towards use and in all three tests the null hypothesis was rejected. These results will therefore be of benefit to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as they will be using the TAM as a tool to predict adoption on any future technology.M.Com. (Information Systems