Publicação
Unlocking the potential: an investigation into the underutilization of advanced features in standard office software tools
| Resumo: | This study analyzed the underutilization of advanced features in feature-rich software tools, specifically focusing on the case of standard office software tools (SOST). It aimed to identify the causes of underutilization and explore the implications for organizations, managers, and employees. The research adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) as a theoretical framework and extends it by incorporating additional variables specific to the context of SOST. A qualitative study (exploratory) served as the foundation for conducting the quantitative study. The objective of this study was to identify new relevant concepts related to the research problem. In this sense, interviews were conducted with 43 employees from four medium and large-sized companies as part of a qualitative study. Subsequently, a quantitative study was carried out by administering a questionnaire to 142 employees within the same companies. Findings suggested that low user skill levels, particularly in using complex and difficult-to-use features, could contribute to the underutilization of advanced features in SOST. A new construct – the awareness of the potential usefulness of advanced features – emerged from this study. The results indicated a positive causal relationship between the awareness of the potential usefulness of advanced features and the intention to use them. Additionally, personal innovativeness was found to influence performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of principal support, representing the support provided by organizational leadership and middle management, in influencing social influence. The research has practical implications for organizations, emphasizing the need for employees to be aware of the potential usefulness of advanced features and develop strategic knowledge in utilizing them effectively. Recommendations for future research included expanding the study to different types of organizations, exploring moderating variables, and using alternative approaches to measure variables like awareness of potential usefulness and strategic knowledge. |
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| Autores principais: | Vaz, Paulo Nuno Barbosa Novo da Silva |
| Assunto: | UTAUT Feature-rich software tools Underutilization Awareness of the potential usefulness Ferramentas de software com recursos avançados Subutilização Consciência da utilidade potencial Ciências Sociais::Economia e Gestão |
| Ano: | 2024 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | tese de doutoramento |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso aberto |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade do Minho |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho |
| Resumo: | This study analyzed the underutilization of advanced features in feature-rich software tools, specifically focusing on the case of standard office software tools (SOST). It aimed to identify the causes of underutilization and explore the implications for organizations, managers, and employees. The research adopted the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) as a theoretical framework and extends it by incorporating additional variables specific to the context of SOST. A qualitative study (exploratory) served as the foundation for conducting the quantitative study. The objective of this study was to identify new relevant concepts related to the research problem. In this sense, interviews were conducted with 43 employees from four medium and large-sized companies as part of a qualitative study. Subsequently, a quantitative study was carried out by administering a questionnaire to 142 employees within the same companies. Findings suggested that low user skill levels, particularly in using complex and difficult-to-use features, could contribute to the underutilization of advanced features in SOST. A new construct – the awareness of the potential usefulness of advanced features – emerged from this study. The results indicated a positive causal relationship between the awareness of the potential usefulness of advanced features and the intention to use them. Additionally, personal innovativeness was found to influence performance expectancy and effort expectancy. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of principal support, representing the support provided by organizational leadership and middle management, in influencing social influence. The research has practical implications for organizations, emphasizing the need for employees to be aware of the potential usefulness of advanced features and develop strategic knowledge in utilizing them effectively. Recommendations for future research included expanding the study to different types of organizations, exploring moderating variables, and using alternative approaches to measure variables like awareness of potential usefulness and strategic knowledge. |
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