Knowledge as an Intellectual Property: The Effect of Knowledge Sharing and Encouragement by Others on Information Systems Use in the Workplace

Organizations invest in Information Systems (IS) to help achieve strategic goals and to disseminate knowledge in order to enhance employee productivity. Most individuals consider knowledge as their intellectual property. However, sharing the knowledge about using IS and encouraging others to use IS has received limited attention in research. This study examined employees’ knowledge sharing (collegial and technical knowledge), encouragement by others to share knowledge, and their role in predicting computer self-efficacy (CSE) and IS usage. This study included 256 participants from five different organizations. Web-based instrument was used based on prior measures from literature, and an expert panel review was done. We conducted a confirmatory data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS®. Our results indicate that encouragement by others does significantly impact knowledge sharing. We also found that while technical knowledge sharing had a significantly positive influence on CSE, collegial knowledge sharing had a negative influence on CSE

Model for e-government initiative in public sector in Jordan

E-government has become a global interest since it extended the public services through information communication technology (ICT) to allow access to information, improve transparency and efficiency. Many governments are interested to implement successful e-government initiatives. However, e-government implementation is not a simple task since the developing countries cannot directly adopt the implementation of e-government model which is mainly built in the context of developed countries. Previous studies have shown that many egovernment projects in developing countries, like Jordan have encountered various problems after implementation phase. Hence, the objective of this study is to develop an e-government initiative model for the public sector in Jordan. In this study, unstructured interviews were conducted as a method for collecting the data. Thirty respondents involved in e-government projects such as managers, general managers and other levels of decision makers were selected from three Jordanian ministries namely the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour. The initial success factors for e-government initiatives in Jordan were identified and analyzed qualitatively. Delphi technique was also used to determine and validate the critical success factors (CSFs). Ultimately, a novel Ali, Syazwan & Ruzaini’s e-government initiatives model for has been developed in this research. The model has four stages: (1) Emerging and Information Dissemination; (2) Two-Way Communication; (3) Integration and (4) E-democracy. The findings also revealed seven CSFs that should be taken into account to implement the e-government model which include top management support, vision and strategy, funding, information technology (IT) infrastructure, user computer efficacy, awareness and resistance to change. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in Socio Technical Theory (STT) toward the development of egovernment initiatives model for public sector in Jordan. The empirical data from the study may provide input for government agencies to plan, design and implement future ICT projects in Jordan

Generasi Z Dan Pendidikan: Menginvestigasi Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Adopsi Pembelajaran Digital Dan Ketaatan Terhadap Aturan Anti Pembajakan

Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi bagaimana kaum muda, khususnya Generasi Z, dan aktivitasnya di dunia pendidikan tinggi. Pada penelitian ini, objek yang dieksplorasi adalah faktor-faktor apa saja yang mempengaruhi Generasi Z dalam mengadopsi teknologi pembelajaran digital dan bagaimana aspek perilaku Generasi Z dalam menaati aturan anti-pembajakan perangkat lunak pendidikan. Dua model penelitian diajukan dengan pendekatan Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) dan Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Pendekatan Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) dilakukan dan sampling data primer dikoleksi pada 150 dan 167 responden untuk masing-masing objek. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa UTAUT dapat menjelaskan 33% niat Generasi Z untuk mengadopsi pembelajaran digital. Untuk persepsi ketaatan terhadap aturan anti-pembajakan, sebanyak 72.1% niat Generasi Z dapat terjabarkan. Beberapa poin penting yang ditemukan pada objek pertama dengan model UTAUT adalah bagaimana kondisi fasilitas, infrastruktur, dan sumber daya yang ada sangat mempengaruhi niat Generasi Z dalam mengadopsi pembelajaran digital. Terlebih, pada objek dengan model PMT, hasil yang menarik adalah bagaimana Generasi Z tidak memedulikan faktor penilaian ancaman dalam niat untuk taat, mereka lebih berfokus kepada faktor penanganan dari model PMT. Detail dari penelitian dan implikasi manajerial dibahas lebih dalam pada penelitian ini. ================================================================================================================================= This research explores how young people, especially Generation Z, and their activities in the world of higher education. In this study, the object explored is what factors influence Generation Z in adopting digital learning technology and how aspects of Generation Z's behavior in obeying the anti-piracy law in an educational setting. Two research models are proposed using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) approaches. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) approach was performed and primary data sampling was collected at 150 and 167 respondents for each object. The results show that UTAUT can explain 33% of Generation Z's intention to adopt digital learning. For the perception of adherence to anti-piracy rules, as much as 72.1% of Generation Z's intentions can be elaborated. Some important points found in the first object with the UTAUT model are how the condition of existing facilities, infrastructure, and resources greatly affects the intention of Generation Z in adopting digital learning. Moreover, on objects with the PMT model, the interesting result is that Generation Z does not care about threat assessment factors in the intention to obey, they are more focused on the handling factors of the PMT model. Details of the study and managerial implications are discussed more deeply in this study

Development of a model for virtual leadership behavior on knowledge sharing in online programming communities

Despite the significant increase in the number of emerging online programming communities, very few succeed in inspiring members to share their knowledge. Recent studies have focused on personal level factors in encouraging members’ knowledge sharing. However, limited studies emphasis on the role of leader. In addressing this gap, this study aims to develop a model to examine the role of virtual leadership towards knowledge sharing in online programming communities. Then in carrying out the objective, the examination of virtual leadership behaviour moderating members’ personal cognitive factors toward knowledge sharing was conducted. Social Cognitive Theory and Path Goal Theory are used as the basis for the proposed model. The proposed model is tested empirically using data collected from 20 online programming communities. The result suggests that different leadership behaviors significantly moderate the effect of self-efficacy and outcome expectancy on members’ knowledge sharing. This finding implies that although online communities are informal in nature, the appropriate type of leadership can boost members’ efficacy and outcome expectancy to participate in knowledge sharing. Ideally, with the appropriate level of autonomy and recognition of members contributions can motivate members to continuously contribute to online programming communities and promote the sustainability of this platform. The implication of this study will provide meaningful insights for system designers to include several features to facilitate leadership behaviors in online programming communities. In supporting participative-leadership behavior, online poll and online voting need to be accommodated to allow inclusive decisions by members. Additionally, ranking and reputation features can further facilitate the achievement-oriented leadership and increase knowledge sharing among online programming community members

Information technology usage and quality of life among older persons : a qualitative study in Hong Kong

INTRODUCTION: In this high technology era, rapid developments in information technology (IT) have the potential to transform the lives of older persons. Ageing tends to be associated with reductions in health status and resources, which can be potentially affect the adoption of new technology. However, the role of IT is becoming ever more influential in our daily living though the digital services such as email, e-banking and e-shopping. Therefore, older persons inevitably come across various IT-related products, especially computers and the Internet, in their everyday lives. Moreover, the quality of life of older persons is important and has been identified as an important aspect of successful ageing. This study will explore the relationships between IT usage and the quality of life amongst older persons in order to determine the main reasons why they do or do not use IT and how they learned about IT. The research findings will contribute to the improvement of understanding of older persons’ well being and attainment of successful ageing, especially in a rapidly ageing society such as Hong Kong. METHODS: The study employed a combination of research methods. A sample of twelve older persons was invited to participate in two focus group discussions (FGD). Nine in-depth interviews with key informants were then conducted with respondents from both professional and older persons’ groups. A face-to face survey was conducted amongst 96 respondents who were recruited from nine neighbourhood elderly centres (NECs) in four districts of Hong Kong. A questionnaire was designed to investigate IT usage behaviour and quality of life among older persons. The questionnaire had four main parts: 1) IT usage and behaviour, 2) Intentions of using IT, 3) IT and quality of life, and 4) Personal profiles of respondents. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed that major reasons for IT usage among older persons were perceived usefulness, social trends, maintenance of family connections, self-enhancement and leisure activities. Both professionals and older persons held positive attitudes towards IT usage among older persons, as they mentioned that IT usage is likely to be positively related to older persons’ quality of life. The survey results supported the suggestion that IT usage is indeed related positively significantly to quality of life. The results also suggest that public policies and practices related to IT learning and support and free wireless services should be enhanced to enhance the social connectedness and quality of life amongst older persons

The roles of intermediaries in the adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Electronic government (e-government) diffusion and adoption is a global topic that concerns many developed and developing countries worldwide. However, global efforts to provide e-services to different stakeholders (citizens) differ from one country to another in terms of readiness, challenges, adoptions and diffusions. These differences are due to the variation of technological, political, cultural, economic and social differences. A number of studies on e-government have focused on the technological, economic and political aspects of implementation, while others have examined factors that influence citizens‘ adoption of e-government services, such as availability, accessibility, usability, awareness and trust. This study will focus on the influence of intermediary roles played by third parties in helping diffusion and adoption of e-government. This study will use a qualitative research approach to reflect the roles of intermediaries on e-government realms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study will aim to address the research question, "What are the roles of an intermediary in adoption and diffusion of e-government services?" In addition, the study undertaken for this thesis will examine the most salient factors that determine adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia and validate the UTAUT model in the Saudi Arabian context, particularly focusing on intermediary organisations. This aspect of the study will use a quantitative approach using a survey to understand citizens‘ perspectives regarding intermediary and e-government adoption. The outcome of this study will create a conceptual model for studying e-government adoption in Saudi Arabia. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings will be discussed, offering recommendations for future research directions.This study is funded by the Ministry for Higher Education of Saudi Arabi

The roles of intermediaries in the adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia

Electronic government (e-government) diffusion and adoption is a global topic that concerns many developed and developing countries worldwide. However, global efforts to provide e-services to different stakeholders (citizens) differ from one country to another in terms of readiness, challenges, adoptions and diffusions. These differences are due to the variation of technological, political, cultural, economic and social differences. A number of studies on e-government have focused on the technological, economic and political aspects of implementation, while others have examined factors that influence citizens‘ adoption of e-government services, such as availability, accessibility, usability, awareness and trust. This study will focus on the influence of intermediary roles played by third parties in helping diffusion and adoption of e-government. This study will use a qualitative research approach to reflect the roles of intermediaries on e-government realms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study will aim to address the research question, "What are the roles of an intermediary in adoption and diffusion of e-government services?" In addition, the study undertaken for this thesis will examine the most salient factors that determine adoption of e-government services in Saudi Arabia and validate the UTAUT model in the Saudi Arabian context, particularly focusing on intermediary organisations. This aspect of the study will use a quantitative approach using a survey to understand citizens‘ perspectives regarding intermediary and e-government adoption. The outcome of this study will create a conceptual model for studying e-government adoption in Saudi Arabia. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings will be discussed, offering recommendations for future research directions.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceMinistry for Higher Education of Saudi ArabiaGBUnited Kingdo

An investigation into trust and security in the mandatory and imposed use of financial ICTs upon older people

Care needs to be taken to reduce the number of people who are fearful and mistrustful of using ICT where that usage is forced upon them without choice or alternative. The growing incidence of mandatory and imposed online systems can result in confusion, misuse, fear, and rejection by people with only rudimentary ICT skills. A cohort where a high percentage of such people occur is older people, defined in this study as people over the age of 60 Examples of compulsory ICT interactions include some banks limiting bank statement access through online rather than paper-based options. Other examples include the purchase of theatre or sports events tickets through ticketing systems that require an online transaction to take place. Increasingly, people are living beyond the normal retiring age. As the older cohort increases in size and in overall global population percentage, the problem of forced technology usage affects technology acceptance, technology trust, and technology rejection. People care about ICT systems where reduced trusted acceptance of technology reduces the advantages of digital health care, the perceived security of banking and shopping, and the autonomy of ICT-driven lifestyle choices. This study aims to solve one of the puzzles of ICT-driven change, where older people can show trepidation towards using technology. By understanding the drivers that influence the choices older people make in relation to ICT systems, it may be possible to introduce a much higher level of trusted acceptance in ICT systems. Although many people adopt ICTs into their lives, many older people face difficulty in using technology when it is forced upon them. This study aims to understand the connection between how choice (or lack of choice) can lead to the rejection or resistance towards ICT usage. Older people sometimes opt towards practices that place themselves at risk of financial or informational disadvantage. This study used a qualitative approach to understanding the factors that influenced the trusted acceptance, trepidation, and in some cases rejection of ICT usage by interviewing a sample of older people. Participants were asked to consider a wide range of ICT-usage scenarios and to describe their intentions. The study focussed on circumstances where ICT usage fell under either mandatory, imposed, or voluntary conditions in order to compare user behaviour. Settings included a range of technology-reliant states that examined IT security, volition and choice, aging, trusted acceptance, and technology adoption. Participants were interviewed to discover and sort the conditions (whether singly or in combination) under which the expectation of ICT acceptance was in some way altered, diminished, or prevented. This research found that older people made poor decisions when the choice to use a technology was replaced with a mandatory or strongly imposed pathway. Mandatory ICT usage across the broad area of financial transactions brought about widespread fear and distrust of online technology usage. The results revealed that many older people not only find these innovations daunting and confronting, but they also have difficulty placing their trust in ICT systems and applications that have become mandatory. In normative conditions, increased ICT acceptance and ICT usage is expected. When ICTs are mandatory in their usage, acceptance is replaced with compulsory procedure. This does not mean that mandatory things cannot be accepted, but rather that older people will accept the need to use a technology according to their perception of what is necessary for their daily and routine interactions. This study showed that voluntary ICT usages including choices increase informed decision-making, security of online financial interactions, and trusted reliance upon ICTs. Choice in ICT usage carries greater trust than mandatory, obligated, or heavily imposed ICTs. The study revealed that mandatory ICT systems can create perceptions of fear, mistrust and uncertainty. In situations where a mandatory ICT system becomes the normative method of transaction, a strong risk to the trusted acceptance of a technology is not merely the lack of ICT-based choice, but also the inability to gain reassurance or secondary confirmation through either face to face or telephone-based communication. Trust in not just the usage, but the implied secure usage of mandated and imposed ICTs, is problematic for older people. This study revealed the significance of mandated ICT systems that limit choices for people, because older humans more readily validate and associate their trust in new innovations when they can access various different professional, technical, peer-based, social and popular opinions. The research also showed that older people are fearful and less trusting in mandatory and imposed systems because they have less financial resilience, and less opportunity to bounce back from loss and disadvantage brought about by digital and online interactions. Older people were worried and reluctant to accept technology at first glance because they knew that they had spent more time than others in a pre-internet, pre-digital environment, and their seminal life experiences are correspondingly less technology-related. The results showed that many older people preferred human communication and interaction rather than communicating, buying, paying, and trusting in purely digital, ICT-based experiences. This demonstrated a gap in the trust and security of digital systems, and the need to address those ICTs that impose and mandate instruments and procedures for daily life. Specifically this study looked at what could reduce unsafe and insecure banking practices by understanding the role of choice in the trusted usage of ICT systems. This study is significant because it shows that older people make financial and social, decisions under reactionary, insecure, and under-informed conditions as a result of a gap in terms of trust security and choice. On the one hand older people develop trust towards a new innovation based on accumulated human discussion, information and reputation. On the other hand older people hold the perception that online systems offer reduced choices. This study led to the development of a model for trusted technology choice (TTCM). It differs from traditional acceptance and diffusion thinking, by having outputs as either ICT acceptance or ICT rejection. It diverges from diffusion and technology acceptance models (TAM), because technology acceptance is not regarded as a foregone conclusion. Instead, it places a very high value upon choice and volition, trust, security and human interaction. The TTCM model, together with a framework for identifying volition barriers, provides a different set of criteria for understanding the needs of older people and their meaningful interactions with new innovation and ICTs. The practical applications for using such a model directly impact upon financial and social stability for older people. Where choices are either removed or limited due to ICT usage, older citizens are unfairly disadvantaged. A model that accurately predicts the trusted usage of ICT innovations can have a widespread effect on the implementation of large-scale public and private systems where the trusted acceptance (or rejection) of each system has on flow impact on financial, health, and other critical services that include the growing population of older people

The development of a framework for design of web presence and associated online marketing strategy for museums in Saudi Arabia

This research explores the development of a theoretical framework for the design of the web presence and how it can be usefully and practically employed with a view to increasing the number of visitors to cultural organisations such as museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The paper adopts a qualitative and quantitative research method approach, including a critical review of relevant literature on web presence (website and social media design) and digital marketing to determine how these online technologies can provide an innovative means of promoting museums online in Saudi Arabia. At present, museums in Saudi Arabia use mainly traditional methods such as printed advertisement, for promotion which have a number of problems and limitations as the new challenge is not only how to reach your audience but also how to engage with them. However, with the adoption of internet technology, Saudi Arabia is quickly entering an information-based age and there is also the need for a shift in paradigm to correct misguided notions that museums are just for children or places for keeping worn-out artefacts. This research describes the development of a new web-presence framework and argues it can provide a number of benefits, namely: wider dissemination of information about museums to visitors; online promotion of museums for the benefit of a wider international audience; promotion of Saudi’s heritage, faith and culture online through social media; improved visitor satisfaction; effective management of visitors by museum workers; and effective payment online before actual visits to museums. The research concludes with a number of recommendations for policy-makers in Saudi Arabia to take full advantage of the internet and social media to effectively promote cultural organisations through their web presence using the framework in order to engage with visitors for greater competitiveness on a global market