Exploring the black box of task-technology fit

Task−technology fit has been developed as a diagnostic tool to determine whether information systems meet user needs, and has been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the effectiveness of various types of information systems, such as group support systems and management support systems. Despite empirical evidence for the relevance of task−technology fit to improve information system effectiveness, the theory of task−technology fit provides little guidance of how to determine and operationalize fit for particular combinations of task and technology. Consequently, the theoretical validity of the concept of task−technology fit remains limited as does its practical applicability. In this paper, we present the results of an inductive study to explore the concept and antecedents of fit for mobile information systems to support mobile professionals. We performed a content analysis of online user reviews of four mobile technology products with the objective to identify issues that are relevant to users. The mobile technology products include a cell−phone, two personal digital assistants (PDAs), and an ultra−light laptop. The identified issues can be grouped into four conceptual constructs: overall user evaluation, task−related