Este trabalho analisa os aspectos motivadores e a resistência ao uso da tecnologia da informação por parte dos gerentes brasileiros. Foram coletados dados junto a gerentes pertencentes a 43 empresas com o objetivo de testar os fatores intrínsecos e extrínsecos que influenciam o uso desta tecnologia nos seus ambientes de trabalho. Investigamos três motivadores: utilidade, facilidade de uso e prazer. Os resultados mostram que estes três motivadores são interrelacionados e que o aspecto lúdico existente no uso de computadores é fator importante na avaliação destes equipamentos como úteis para os gerentes em suas atividades diárias. Por outro lado, a resistência pessoal ao uso da tecnologia da informação, em particular microcomputadores, aumenta a percepção destes equipamentos como instrumentos difíceis de serem usados e, indiretamente, diminui a percepção de sua utilidade. À luz destes resultados, são discutidas oportunidades e ações que cumpre sejam tomadas para melhor capacitar as empresas brasileiras no uso da moderna tecnologia da informação.

Survey data gathered from 79 operations managers holding positions in 55 companies were utilized to test extrinsic and intrinsic motivation for using microcomputers in the workplace. Three motivators for usage were investigated: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment. Usefulness is an example of extrinsic motivation whereas enjoyment is intrinsic. The results suggested that the three studied motivators were interrelated and that perceived enjoyment is an important factor for considering microcomputers useful. Perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use had significant direct effects on perceived usefulness. In addition, managers reported less anxiety in using computers when they perceived them to be easy to use.

Data gathered from MBA students, undergraduate students in business administration and school students were utilized to test the motivation for using microcomputers. Three motivators were investigated: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived enjoyment. The results suggest that school students have greater enjoyment in using microcomputers than MBA and undergraduate students do, and that undergraduate students in business administration have the greatest perception of the usefulness of microcomputers.

This research aims to investigate the adoption of technology by the visual deficient. The technology studied was the Dosvox software, a support tool for the visual deficient produced at NCE/UFRJ. A qualitative method, through a case study, was used to address professional and social expectation and the perception of visual deficiency bearers as to the intrinsic motivational factors (ease-of-use and social pressure) as well as to the extrinsic motivational factor (perceived usefulness). The motivational factors used have been extracted from the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) and based on that model a standard form was used to gather information. Ten visual deficiency bearers, users of Dosvox, have been interviewed. The interviewees have been unanimous in affirming that, for those who are learning, Dosvox is the easiest software to use, stimulating them to return to studies and to social life. A significant group has confirmed that after their training with Dosvox, they have become more competitive as to the work market. It has also been observed a stronger influence of the perceived usefulness factor over the social pressure and the perceived ease-of-use. The results of this research may indicate new approaches to the development of specific information systems for the visual deficient.

Information technology implementation is an intervention we make in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of a sociotechnical system. Using microcomputers to help individuals perform their jobs and tasks is one of the most important actions we take when implementing this technology effectively. Information systems effectiveness has been extensively studied using, mainly, user satisfaction and quality of information constructs to evaluate users’ acceptability (Iivari & Ervasti, 1994; Ives et al., 1983; Neumann & Segev, 1979). However, sometimes, the result of this intervention is not successful and may even generate difficulties related to people participation in the process. This leaves us with a question: What motivates individuals to use microcomputer technology in their daily activities?