Encouraging IS developers to learn business skills: an examination of the MARS model

Abstract

Publisher's version available at:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that where the full text version provided on GALA is not the final published version, the version made available will be the most up-to-date full-text (post-print) version as provided by the author(s). Where possible, or if citing, it is recommended that the publisher's (definitive) version be consulted to ensure any subsequent changes to the text are noted. Citation for this version held on GALA:Tsay, Han-Huei (Crystal) () Encouraging IS developers to learn business skills: An examination of the MARS model. London: Greenwich Academic Literature Archive. Though prior research has recognized business skills as one of the keys to successful information system development, few studies have investigated the determinants of an IS developer's behavioral intention to learn such skills. Based on the Motivation-Ability-Role Perception-Situational factors (i.e., the MARS model), this study argues that the intention of IS developers to acquire business skills is influenced by learning motivation (M), learning self)efficacy (A), change agent role perception (R), and situational support (S). Data collected from 254 IS developers are analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. Results show that a developer's intention to learn business skills is positively influenced by intrinsic learning motivation and both absolute and relative learning self)efficacy. Furthermore, in comparison to two other change agent roles, the advocate role leads to a significantly higher level of learning intention. Finally, work and non)work support positively influence both extrinsic and intrinsic learning motivation. Notably, non)work support has a greater impact on both absolute and relative learning self)efficacy. Our results suggest several theoretical and practical implications. IS development; Business skills; MARS model; Change agent role Information systems development (ISD) involves the analysis, design and implementation of information technology (IT) to support business functions (Xia & Lee, 2005). Developing an information system is an interactive process between information system (IS) developers and their business partners/clients (Park & Lee, 2014). Challenges arise as IS developers attempt to assimilate new technologies and search for more cost)effective IT solutions for business problems. ISD projects are typically complex, dynamic and unstructured (Schwalbe, 2007;Yeo, 2002). Implementing an ISD project also requires communicating and disseminating knowledge and expertise from different functional domains (Lee, Park, & Lee, 2014; Tesch, Sobol, Klein, & Jiang, 2009). The development effort may stumble or even fail if IS professionals and their business partners/clients do not understand each other's professional languages and domain knowledge (Park & Lee, 2014). Common examples include IS developers failing to understand business workflow and users' specific needs (Joshi, Sarker, & Sar...

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