Are individual differences germane to the acceptance of new information technologies?

Persuading users to adopt new information technologies persists as an impor tant problem confronting those responsible for implementing new information systems. In order to better understand and manage the process of new techn ology adoption, several theoretical models have been proposed, of which the technology acceptance model (TAM) has gained considerable support. Beliefs and attitudes represent significant constructs in TAM. A parallel research stream suggests that individual difference factors are important in inform ation technology acceptance but does not explicate the process by which acc eptance is influenced. The objective of this paper is to clarify this proce ss by proposing a theoretical model wherein the relationship between indivi dual differences and IT acceptance is hypothesized to be mediated by the co nstructs of the technology acceptance model. In essence then, these factors are viewed as influencing an individual's beliefs about an information tec hnology innovation; this relationship is further supported by drawing upon extensive research in learning. The theoretical model was tested in an empi rical study of 230 users of an information technology innovation. Results c onfirm the basic structure of the model, including the mediating role of be liefs. Results also identify several individual difference variables that h ave significant effects on TAM's beliefs. Theoretical contributions and pra ctical implications that follow are discussed.