Abstract

Despite tremendous financial investments in information technology (IT), many technological interventions that are initiated in organizational work environments ultimately fail as employees do not fully accept and use the available IT. In an effort to understand the specific conditions that lead to the acceptance of new IT and related work outcomes, this research examined the relationships between work climate, motivation, and the acceptance and usage of new IT, using the motivational framework of Self-Determination Theory. Two studies were conducted. In Study One, 336 clerical and administrative staff, nurses, technicians, and professionals completed questionnaires following the implementation of a patient scheduling and appointment management information system. In Study Two, 64 pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and managers completed web-surveys following the implementation of a pharmacy information system. Results indicated that perceived organizational support and distributive justice were positively related to employee acceptance of an organizational IT change and employee enjoyment and interest in using IT. In some cases, perceived organizational support and distributive justice were also negatively related to the pressure and tension experienced. Supervisor contingent-reward behaviour and supervisor contingent-punishment behaviour were also related to employee attitudes toward IT. Situational autonomous motivation to use new IT was shown to mediate several of the above-mentioned relationships. Recommendations for health-care organizations are discussed, as are contributions to theory and general organizational practice.