Abstract

Whether Information Technology (IT) use leads to better individual performance has always been an intriguing topic in IS field. However, not many studies examined the Information Technology use/individual performance relationship given the significance of the topic. Researchers and practitioners simply assumed that more IT use lead to better individual performance. A review of the literature presented a different, rather conflicting, picture than the conventional wisdom. The current study thus aims at investigating IT use/individual performance relationship by focusing on the measurement issue i.e. how different richness level measurement of IT use and individual performance affects the use/individual performance relationship. A questionnaire was used to collect data to test the hypotheses. A total number of 261 account managers from two Canadian banks completed the survey regarding their use of new system at the bank. Our results show that, for the most part, use is significantly and positively related to individual performance. However, depending on the measures used, IT use is sometimes significantly but negatively related to individual performance, or there is no significant relationship between the two. Our results are presented in a matrix putting IT use and individual performance in relationship based on different richness level of use and performance measures. Our results helps validate and integrate previous research by providing a comprehensive map in terms of measurement issue. This research helps interpret and compare prior research on use/performance relationship. Results are also of great use to practitioners to assess and examine the benefits of implementing new IT. ii