A new direction to better understand post-adoption behavior: The theory of need for information systems

ABSTRACT

A comprehensive review of the information systems literature suggests that the traditional perception–intention–usage framework may be deficient in explaining post-adoption behaviors. As an effort to fill this gap, the current paper presents a new theory – the theory of need for information systems (TNIS) – and introduces two new constructs – need for technology and need for information. Drawing on the needs-based perspective on behaviors, TNIS conceptualizes these two need constructs as the key predictors of continuance intention and usage. The current paper also discusses useful insights, important implications, and an appropriate instrument for measuring the two new constructs. This study thus contributes to a novel framework to advance theoretical understanding of post-adoption behaviors and to direct future research toward new avenues.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuance intention
• continuance usage
• need for technology
• need for information
• post-adoption
• theory of need for information systems
• TNIS

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jiming Wu

Jiming Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Management at California State University, East Bay, where he has received the university-wide Outstanding Researcher Award and serves as Co-Director of the MSBA Business Analytics program. Professor Wu earned his B.S. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, M.S. from Texas Tech University, and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. His research interests include big data analytics, IT adoption and acceptance, and computer and network security. Dr. Wu’s work has appeared in MIS Quarterly, Decision Support Systems, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, European Journal of Information Systems, Information & Management, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, Database, and elsewhere.