| The world wide popularity of Information Technology (IT) and its consequent proliferation has prompted educators and practitioners to extensively study the factors influencing IT diffusion and acceptance. In their attempt to improve our understanding of the variables affecting the adoption and user acceptance of IT, researchers devised many theories and models, of which the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Fred Davis is most well known in the field. In TAM, Davis postulates that perceptions [perceived usefulness (U) and perceived ease of use (EOU)] are antecedents to user intentions and ultimately system usage. From the literature review, two facts are apparent. First, as of yet, no study has conclusively identified the variables affecting the development of perceptions. And second, TAM has been tested in developing countries only in a very limited fashion.; Based on TAM, this study investigates the factors influencing the development of perceptions, while at the same time validates TAM in a developing Arabic country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In particular, this research hypothesized that exposure resulting from information channels (IC) and direct experience (DE) relates positively to perceptions regarding the usefulness, ease of use, and compatibility of the personal computer (PC) when regarded as an environment for personal computing. And in turn, this research hypothesized that perceptions positively relate to future intentions to use the PC. Where, within the context of this research, PC user acceptance is depicted by future usage intentions. An extended TAM model (ETAM) was presented and empirically tested using a questionnaire as the main data-gathering instrument, utilizing 227 individuals randomly selected from various governmental and public service organizations in the UAE. Rigorous validation procedures and statistical analysis methods were performed on the data, including content and convergent validity, alpha Chronbach, factor analysis, regression analyses, and correlation and partial correlation methods.; The questionnaire was tested for reliability and validity and proved to be highly valid and reliable. The results of the analyses supported all hypothesized relationships. IC and DE exposure both proved to be strong determinants of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived compatibility (C). Successful transfer of TAM to the UAE was proven with the detection of strong association between the three perception constructs, namely U, EOU, and C, and the individual's intentions to use the PC.; The validity of the new model (ETAM) provides new insights into the diffusion process of the PC in particular and IT in general. Accordingly, implications for IT vendors, practitioners, developers, and managers are presented and recommendations for future research work are suggested. |
