Product Owner Manuals: An Exploratory Study of Nonreaders Versus Readers1

Empirical literature relating to the use of product owner manual information is sparse, despite the fact that the topic holds important marketplace safety implications. This study employed a survey methodology to explore manual-specific psychographic as well as demographic variables. Discriminant analysis found prior experience and time considerations to be among the most important variables in differentiating between nonreaders and readers of manuals. Results are discussed within the context of Russo's (1988) cost-benefit framework related to information usage. Following this perspective, we offer some initial ideas for programs aimed at increasing nonreaders' utilization of manuals.