Understanding adoption of high off-site construction level technologies in construction based on the TAM and TTF

Abstract

PurposeOff-site construction (OSC) has been regarded as a clean and efficient production approach to help the construction industry towards sustainability. Different levels of OSC technologies vary greatly in their implementations and adoptions. Compared to low OSC level technologies have been applied widely, the adoption of high OSC level technologies (HOSCLTs) in practice remains limited. The adoption mechanism for HOSCLTs by firms has not been clear, hindering their promotion. This study aims to explore the mechanism combining subjective and objective adoption for HOSCLTs.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed an integrated model illustrating mechanism for HOSCLTs adoption based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), which has strong capacity to explain potential adopters' subjective intentions to adoption, and the task-technology fit (TTF) theory, which well describes the linkages between the task, technology and performance in technology adoption. The proposed model was then empirically evaluated through a survey of 232 practitioners in the Chinese OSC industry using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that both task characteristics (TAC) and technology characteristics (TEC) positively affect TTF of HOSCLTs. TAC, TTF, firm conditions and stakeholder influence have significant positive effects on perceived usefulness (PU), which further positively influence attitude towards adoption. TEC and firm conditions are significantly related to perceived ease of use (PEU). TTF, PEU and attitude towards adoption are good predictors of behavior intention to HOSCLTs adoption. PEU only significantly influences adoption intention and is not observed to influence attitudes and PU, unlike prior research on common OSC adoption.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring HOSCLTs adoption in the industry based on distinguishing the levels of OSC technologies and supplementing an integrated model for explaining the mechanism with the combination of subjective and objective adoption. The study also provides useful insights into understanding and promoting HOSCLTs adoption for policy makers and stakeholders actively involved in the OSC field.

From theory to practice: An integrated TTF-UTAUT study on electric vehicle adoption behavior

“…The constructs performance expectancy refers to the degree to which individual believe that utilizing the technology will empower them to achieve optimal improvement in job performance [ 23 , 26 ]. Whereas effort expectancy pertains to the ease of effort associated with the utilization of technology [ 23 , 27 ]. On the other hand, facilitating conditions involve the extent to which individuals are confident that the current organizational and technical infrastructure is in place to support the utilization of the technology [ 23 , 27 ].…”

“…Whereas effort expectancy pertains to the ease of effort associated with the utilization of technology [ 23 , 27 ]. On the other hand, facilitating conditions involve the extent to which individuals are confident that the current organizational and technical infrastructure is in place to support the utilization of the technology [ 23 , 27 ]. Finally, the belief that individual actions related to the use of technology will be accepted and embraced by affluent individuals or peers is referred to as social influence [ 23 , 26 ].…”

“…Gebauer and Ginsburg, [ 40 ] argued that individual will only embrace technology if it seamlessly integrates into their routines activities and enhances overall performance. According to Cai et al [ 27 ] TTF consist of two factors: task characteristics and technology characteristics. Task characteristics encompasses the challenges that potential adopters need to manage when employing technology in a specific context [ 27 ].…”

“…According to Cai et al [ 27 ] TTF consist of two factors: task characteristics and technology characteristics. Task characteristics encompasses the challenges that potential adopters need to manage when employing technology in a specific context [ 27 ]. Conversely, technology characteristics encompasses the benefits offered by the technology [ 27 ].…”

Research on the Adoption Behavior Mechanism of BIM from the Perspective of Owners: An Integrated Model of TPB and TAM

“…However, in addition to this foundation, the TAM model also incorporates some ideas from self-efficacy theory and expectancy theory, subsequently introduces the concepts of Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), and believes that both individual attitude and intention are influenced by PU. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been tested and refined by a number of empirical studies [29,30] and has proven to be of great theoretical value and generalizability for the study of individual adoption of a particular thing. Although TAM has been widely used, it has some explanatory limitations.…”