Research Report: The Evolving Relationship Between General and Specific Computer Self-Efficacy—An Empirical Assessment

Abstract

The concept of computer self-efficacy (CSE) recently has been proposed as important to the study of individual behavior toward information technology. This paper extends current understanding about the concept of self-efficacy in the context of computer software. We describe how two broad types of computer self-efficacy beliefs, general self-efficacy and task-specific self-efficacy, are constructed across different computing tasks by suggesting that initial general CSE beliefs will strongly predict subsequent specific CSE beliefs. The theorized causal relationships illustrate the malleability and development of CSE beliefs over time, within a training environment where individuals are progressively provided with greater opportunity for hands-on experience and practice with different software. Consistent with the findings of prior research, judgments of self-efficacy then serve as key antecedents of the perceived cognitive effort (ease of use) associated with technology usage. Further, we theorize that self-efficacy judgments in the task domain of computing are strongly influenced by the extent to which individuals believe that they are personally innovative with respect to information technology. Panel data were collected using a longitudinal research design within a training context where 186 subjects were taught two software packages in a sequential manner over a 14-week period. The emergent patterns of the hypothesized relationships are examined using structural equation modeling techniques. Results largely support the relationships posited.

Citizens as consumers: Profiling e-government services’ users in Egypt via data mining techniques

“…In fact, e-government offers substantial performance gains over the traditional model of government. For example, based on the analysis of 49 1 Gulf University for Science and Technology, West Mishref, Kuwait, e-mail: moustafa.m@gust.edu.kw IN EGYPT VIA DATA MINING TECHNIQUES 87 empirical studies, Danziger and Andersen (2002) concluded that there were positive egovernment impacts on data access and efficiency and productivity of government performance in both internal operations and external service functions. In fact it has been argued that a significant portion of the benefits created by e-government services are obtained by the government itself in terms of efficiency gains (Tung and Rieck, 2005).…”

Understanding the complex needs of automotive training at final assembly lines

“…While this view was obtained under the context of game-based virtual training, this attitude would likely be transferrable for other virtual training which involved low-level computer self-efficacy. Computer self-efficacy (or perceived computer self-efficacy), which refers to an individual's judgement of his her ability to use a computer (Compeau and Higgins, 1995), and computer anxiety are important determinants in influencing an individual perception of a technology's ease of use and acceptance (Agarwal, et al, 2000). Existing virtual environment usability criteria (Stanney et al, 2003;Gavish et al, 2011) could be used to assist decisions regarding user interface design of virtual training.…”

The moderating role of prior experience in technological acceptance models for ubiquitous computing services in urban environments

“…They assumed that a person at a high level of personal innovativeness might be a risk-lover or early adopter, so that personal innovativeness affects the user's behavior or intention to use the new technology. Agarwal et al [66] determined too that personal innovativeness with information technologies affects beliefs about general and specific computer self-efficacy, and has a positive effect on perceived ease of use. In conclusion, as prior research demonstrates, we find that innovativeness is significant in using ubiquitous computing services in urban environments.…”

“…Self-efficacy has been widely used in explaining individual differences [64][65][66][67]. Bandura [68] mentions that self-efficacy is the belief in an individual's capabilities to organize and execute a specific task, required to produce given attainments.…”

“…According to Igbaria and Iivary [67], self-efficacy directly affects perceived ease-of use. Agarwal et al [66] mentions that self-efficacy is an important factor of the antecedents of perceived ease-of-use. Thus, hypothesis H8 reflects the influence of self-efficacy toward perceived ease-of-use.…”