Microcomputer technology acceptance in Makerere University

Abstract

The study seeks to establish the relationship between perceived ease of use, perceived pleasure, perceived usefulness, workplace computing environment, social pressure and microcomputer technology acceptance in Makerere University, Uganda. Microcomputer technology acceptance measured by actual usage of microcomputers brings out the factors that influence individuals to utilise computers. This was done with a Technology Acceptance Model originally developed by Davis (1986) and modified by Anakwe et al, (2000). Technology acceptance research had been mostly applied in developed countries with very little known in developing countries. Since technology acceptance is driven by attitudes and perceptions, it is important to establish the factors that are relevant in a least developed country such as Uganda. A cross-sectional study research design utilising the case study of Makerere University was used in this research. The study population comprised academic and administrative staff. The research data collection tools used included personal interviews and a self- administered questionnaire. The results revealed that Perceived usefulness and social pressure are the most significant influencing factors for microcomputer technology acceptance. The variation in microcomputer acceptance between administrative and academic staff is only the depth and intensity but is generally in similar direction of significance. It can be concluded that factors which influence technology acceptance are situation variant. That is to say, what influences technology acceptance in one region or organisation may not necessarily be the same in all cases. In this case, although the significance of perceived usefulness is similar to research in developed countries, empirical evidence shows social pressure as a major significant factor in agreement with research conducted in Nigerian banks by Anakwe et al,(2000), in an LDC.