Perceived Usefulness

Definition

Perceived usefulness refers to the degree to which a person believes that using a particular technology or system would enhance their job performance or daily tasks. It plays a crucial role in influencing an individual's decision to adopt new technologies, as users are more likely to embrace systems they feel will significantly improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Research shows that perceived usefulness is one of the strongest predictors of technology acceptance, often outweighing other factors like cost or ease of use.
2. Individuals typically evaluate perceived usefulness based on their previous experiences with similar technologies or the recommendations from peers.
3. Perceived usefulness can vary among different user groups, depending on their specific needs, tasks, and the context in which the technology will be applied.
4. Marketing strategies often aim to enhance perceived usefulness by highlighting the benefits and advantages of a product or service.
5. Technological advancements that fail to demonstrate clear benefits may struggle to gain traction in the market due to low perceived usefulness.

Review Questions

• How does perceived usefulness influence an individual's decision-making process regarding technology adoption?
  • Perceived usefulness significantly impacts an individual's decision-making by shaping their beliefs about how technology can improve their performance. When users believe that a new technology will enhance their productivity or simplify tasks, they are more inclined to adopt it. This belief can be reinforced through personal experience or endorsements from others, making it a critical factor in the overall acceptance of technology.
• Discuss how perceived usefulness interacts with perceived ease of use in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).
  • In the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are interrelated constructs that collectively influence technology adoption. While perceived usefulness focuses on the benefits derived from using the technology, perceived ease of use assesses how simple it is to interact with that technology. Together, these factors determine an individual's overall attitude towards adopting a technology; if both are favorable, the likelihood of acceptance increases significantly.
• Evaluate the role of perceived usefulness in the diffusion of innovations within organizations and its impact on overall productivity.
  • Perceived usefulness plays a pivotal role in the diffusion of innovations within organizations by determining whether employees will adopt new technologies or processes. When workers believe that an innovation will enhance their efficiency or job performance, they are more likely to integrate it into their workflow. This collective acceptance not only boosts individual productivity but can lead to improved organizational performance as a whole, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Related terms

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM): A theoretical model that explains how users come to accept and use a technology, highlighting perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use as key factors.

User Adoption: The process by which individuals begin to use and integrate new technology into their routine, influenced by factors such as perceived usefulness and social norms.

Innovation Diffusion: The process through which an innovation is communicated and spread among people and organizations, with perceived usefulness being a significant determinant of its adoption.