The Impact of Perceived Innovation Characteristics on Intention to Use Groupware

Information technologies that support groups of individuals have become increasingly visible. While some of these, such as electronic mail, have become almost ubiquitous in many organizations, other groupware applications have not enjoyed similar acceptance. This study uses diffusion of innovation theory to investigate factors that may influence intentions to use a specific groupware application, Lotus Domino discussion databases. Findings indicate that perceptions of relative advantage, complexity, compatibility and result demonstrability are significantly related to intentions to use Domino discussion databases. There was not a significant relationship between intentions to use and perceived trialability, visibility, or voluntariness. Those interested in increasing the use of groupware technologies may find these results helpful in guiding their efforts.