Survey data gathered from 471 professionals and managers in 62
companies in North America were used to test a motivational model
of microcomputer usage. The model synthesized prior research findings
and proposed that perceived usefulness, perceived fun/enjoyment,
and social pressure would motivate increased use of microcomputers
by professionals and managers. Results provided substantial support
for the proposition that perceived usefulness (rather than perceived
fun or social pressure) is the principal motivator. The findings
also demonstrated that perceived complexity is a key intervening
variable linking the antecedent variables (skills, organizational
support, and organizational usage) with the three motivational
variables. The results also suggested that skills play a critical
role in affecting microcomputer usage. Skills directly promote
microcomputer usage and influence usage through their effects
on perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and social pressure.
The findings of the study contribute to an expanded understanding
of the factors that promote microcomputer usage and also have
important implications for the management of information systems.
Key words and phrases: end-user skills , microcomputer usage , perceived usefulness , social pressure