This study examined the impact of social influence theory on distance
education technology (DET) usage. Delineation of university culture ty
pes conceptualized by Bergquist (the collegial culture, the managerial
culture, the developmental culture and the negotiating culture) were
also examined in relation to technology usage. This study tested the p
roposed relationships in a survey of distance education technology usa
ge at a major southeastern university, and findings support the influe
nce of past experience with technology and social influence, and provi
de limited support for the influence of the culture types and individu
al factors on technology usage. This study encourages administrators t
o more closely examine their own academic cultures to identify appropr
iate actions to take before pursuing organizational changes like DET a
doption, so that the resulting DET usage might more closely mirror the
expected outcomes.