Assessing the factors related to microcomputer usage by middle managers

Although microcomputers have proliferated rapidly within organizations, many microcomputers are acquired and subsequently either under-utilized or not used at all. The variation in usage is especially true of users such as managers, who enjoy a high level of discretion in their use. In this research, drawing upon the innovation literature, we examined the influence of the individual middle manager's characteristics, the characteristics of his or her superior, and organizational facilitation on the variation in microcomputer usage by middle managers. Data was collected from middle managers and their superiors at eight organizations and analysed using path analysis. The analysis revealed that usage is strongly influenced by organizational facilitation and the manager's prior experience with computing, with moderate effects from his or her attitude towards microcomputers. The managers' superiors, on the other hand, were found to have almost no influence. Within facilitation, the influence of consultation was found to be far greater and significant than the influence of training. These findings suggest that as organizations attempt to diffuse microcomputers through the managerial level, individuals in positional power roles cannot be counted on to play the role of change agents. However, policies and initiatives emphasizing consultation could be potential aids.

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