The technology acceptance model (TAM) is one of the most influential
research models in studies of the determinants of information
systems/information technology (IS/IT) acceptance. In TAM, perceived
usefulness and perceived ease of use are hypothesized and empirically
supported as fundamental determinants of user acceptance of a
given IS/IT. A review of the IS and psychology literature, however,
suggests that perceived usefulness can be of two distinct types:
near-term usefulness and long-term usefulness. This paper reviews
the concept of perceived usefulness and modifies TAM to include
the two types of perceived usefulness. Data collected from nearly
285 administrative/clerical staff in a large organization were
tested against the modified model using the structural equation
modeling approach. The results of the study showed that, even
though perceived near-term usefulness had the most significant
influence on the behavioral intention to use a technology, perceived
long-term usefulness also exerted a positive, though lesser, impact.
No significant, direct relationship was found between ease of
use and behavioral intention to use a technology. Implications
of the findings and future research areas are discussed.
Key words and phrases: perceived ease of information systems use , perceived usefulness of information systems , structural equation modeling , technology acceptance model