How does the acceptance of working with a new technology relate to techno strain and techno engagement? A study among managers of a Dutch supermarket chain.

Abstract

New technologies are continuously introduced at companies. However, companies seem to invest mainly in the technology itself instead of in the human side of technology. Therefore, the present study focused on the motivation and ability of employees to cope with a new technology at work. The general aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the acceptance of a new technology was related to techno strain and techno engagement. More specifically, the role of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and self-efficacy were examined as predictors of acceptance. Data were collected with an online questionnaire among managers of a Dutch supermarket chain (N = 270), who make use of a new technology, called MyHR. The results of linear regression and mediation analyses showed, as hypothesized, that technology acceptance was negatively related to techno strain and positively related to techno engagement. Technology acceptance functioned as mediator in the negative relationship between perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use and techno strain, but also in the positive relationship between perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use and techno engagement. Moreover, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use mediated the positive effect between computer self-efficacy and technology acceptance. These findings emphasized the importance of focussing on the usefulness, ease of use and acceptance of a new technology to reduce techno strain and to promote employee (techno)engagement. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.