Renowned Scholars Seminar

Seminar with Professor and Director of Research Kai H. Lim, City University of Hong Kong

Abstract

To date, research into technology adoption behavior has been founded predominantly on the premise that such behavior is driven primarily by utilitarian motives. Contrary to prior research, I will argue that technology adoption behavior entails a wider range of motivations. At the individual level, with the popularity of mobile devices and their high visibility when in use, it has increasingly been recognized that such devices have become ostentatious means for users to express their identities and social status. Similarly, at the organizational level, anecdotal evidence suggests that organizations may simply adopt technological innovations in order to try to demonstrate symbols, which convey meanings beyond functional usage, such as peer recognition and image. Given these emerging trends, I will outline a research program that investigates individual and organizational level adoption of technology from the symbolic actions perspective. Specifically, going beyond the utilitarian-dominant viewpoint, I identify symbolic goals as another salient driver of technology adoption behavior. I will then discuss one particular study conducted at the organizational level. Through a survey of 218 organizations, this study endeavors to shed light on the factors contributing to functional and symbolic adoption of technology in organizations.

For additional information about the lecture and the guest speaker, as well as current updates about other upcoming seminars, please see: http://www.cbs.dk/node/254083

Registration is not required but will be appreciated. If you plan to attend the seminar please let us know via our email registration.itm@cbs.dk