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The formation of technology mental models: the case of voluntary use of technology in organizational setting

Author

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  • Amany Elbanna

    (Royal Holloway University of London)

  • Henrik C. J. Linderoth

    (University of Jönköping)

Abstract

The use of information systems in organisations presents one of the early signs of success. Hundreds of studies have generated a wealth of knowledge on systems use across a broad range of technologies and theoretical approaches. However, new types of technologies and organisations continue to pose challenges to systems use. The case of open systems that are offered to users on a voluntary basis presents one of those challenges for two reasons: 1) the systems are open in the sense that they could be configured in many ways depending on users finding use cases and possible applications; 2) the system use is voluntary and hence there is no organisational push. They bring users’ choice and active finding of use cases to the centre of their success. This study questions why and how users choose to engage (or not to engage) with open technology on a voluntary basis and how and why its use options and potential unfold? It examines a longitudinal case study (1994–2012) on the voluntary use of telemedicine. The findings reveal that users’ perception of open technology in a voluntary setting is formed through a continuous interplay between users’ technology mental models, professional identity, institutional traditions and arrangements and work practices. If perceived to be in contradiction with professional identity, institutional traditions and arrangements or work practices, users’ technology mental models are fixated on the misfit and the misfit is thereby reinforced. Hence, users do not try to find use cases or think of possible applications. However, institutional entrepreneurs could break this self-fulfilling prophecy by influencing both the technology mental models of users and the institutional arrangements.

Suggested Citation

  • Amany Elbanna & Henrik C. J. Linderoth, 2015. "The formation of technology mental models: the case of voluntary use of technology in organizational setting," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 95-108, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:17:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1007_s10796-014-9513-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-014-9513-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Christian Bartelheimer, Philipp zur Heiden, Hedda Lüttenberg, Daniel Beverungen, 2021. "Systematizing the Lexicon of Platforms in Information Systems: A Data-Driven Study," Working Papers Dissertations 79, Paderborn University, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics.
    3. Rajesh Chandwani & Rahul De’, 0. "Doctor-patient interaction in telemedicine: Logic of choice and logic of care perspectives," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-14.
    4. Efpraxia D. Zamani & Nancy Pouloudi & George Giaglis & Jonathan Wareham, 2021. "Accommodating Practices During Episodes of Disillusionment with Mobile IT," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 453-475, April.
    5. Matti Minkkinen & Markus Philipp Zimmer & Matti Mäntymäki, 2023. "Co-Shaping an Ecosystem for Responsible AI: Five Types of Expectation Work in Response to a Technological Frame," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 103-121, February.
    6. Yogesh K. Dwivedi & David Wastell & Helle Zinner Henriksen & Rahul De’, 2015. "Guest editorial: Grand successes and failures in IT: Private and public sectors," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 11-14, February.
    7. Seung Jae Lee, 0. "A review of audio guides in the era of smart tourism," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-11.
    8. Efpraxia D. Zamani & Nancy Pouloudi & George M. Giaglis & Jonathan Wareham, 2022. "Appropriating Information Technology Artefacts through Trial and Error: The Case of the Tablet," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 97-119, February.
    9. Seung Jae Lee, 2017. "A review of audio guides in the era of smart tourism," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 705-715, August.
    10. Milad Mirbabaie & Felix Brünker & Nicholas R. J. Möllmann Frick & Stefan Stieglitz, 2022. "The rise of artificial intelligence – understanding the AI identity threat at the workplace," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 32(1), pages 73-99, March.
    11. Rajesh Chandwani & Rahul De’, 2017. "Doctor-patient interaction in telemedicine: Logic of choice and logic of care perspectives," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 955-968, August.
    12. Maedeh Yassaee & Tobias Mettler, 2019. "Digital Occupational Health Systems: What Do Employees Think about it?," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 909-924, August.
    13. Amany Elbanna & Yogesh Dwivedi & Deborah Bunker & David Wastell, 0. "The Search for Smartness in Working, Living and Organising: Beyond the ‘Technomagic’," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 0, pages 1-6.
    14. Tobias Mettler & Jochen Wulf, 2020. "Health promotion with physiolytics: What is driving people to subscribe in a data-driven health plan," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(4), pages 1-19, April.
    15. Amany Elbanna & Yogesh Dwivedi & Deborah Bunker & David Wastell, 2020. "The Search for Smartness in Working, Living and Organising: Beyond the ‘Technomagic’," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 275-280, April.

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