A FEEDBACK MODEL TO UNDERSTAND INFORMATION-SYSTEM USAGE

A significant portion of the risk that is assumed by the developer of an information system (IS) is whether end-users will actually use it. Past models in IS research have listed external variables (such as tec hnical features and organizational environment) as well as internal ps ychological variables (such as past education and attitude to system u se) as influencing the continued usage of the IS. In this work, we ext end these models and propose and test a new model that posits that att itudes may also be shaped by past behavior (usage of the system). Past usage apparently influences the ease of use of the system and this is a key factor in determining future usage. A longitudinal model was te sted using statistical panel data techniques with instrumental constru cts. The model has implications for IS theory as well as providing gui delines for industry on the implementation of new ISs. (C) 1998 Elsevi er Science B.V.