| Despite investment and cutting-edge features, the majority of new mobile phone subscribers have adopted low-cost handsets instead of the latest mobile devices (Karjaluoto et al., 2005). According to the U.S. Census Bureau report, only 37% of cell phone users selected a smartphone in 2007. The Census Bureau forecasted the figure would increase by less than 10% in 2008. However, only 24% of cell phone users owned a smartphone in 2010, 27 % in 2011 and 30% in 2012. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model of the impact of mobile social capital on mobile networks of practice usage and benefits from the usage to understand what makes people use mobile technology. To do so, this study utilizes social network theories to introduce the concept of "mobile social capital" for users of mobile technology and its benefits from usage to investigate the question "Do IT artifacts provide users benefits via mobile social capital?".;The current research proposes that mobile social capital is embedded within user-IT artifact interaction, thus differentiating it from social capital and bestowing unique features induced by mobile technology. This research also proposes a link between mobile networks of practice (MNP) and several dimensions of value coming from MNP usage.;A sample of 191 professional LinkedIn users participated in the empirical test. The data from the surveys are analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS). This study found that Ability, Motivation, and Commitment have a significant effect on mobile networks of practice (MNP) usage. MNP usage has the significant impact on Self-reactive, Status, Monetary, Activity, Novel, and Social outcomes. In addition, professional fit as a moderator has a significant effect on the relationships 1) MNP usage and Status outcomes and 2) MNP usage and Social outcomes. This. |
