Software Development Methodologies in Organizations: Field Investigation of Use, Acceptance, and Application

The theories of social exchange, task-technology fit, and technology acceptance are utilized in a field study of software development methodologies. This investigation includes the effects of user experiences on perceptions of acceptance and usage of a methodology. More specifically, perceptions of the outputs and deliverables from a methodology and perceptions of challenges and obstacles to using and applying a methodology were found to significantly and positively influence perceived usefulness and negatively influence ease of use of a methodology, respectively, within a developer's organization. Perceived usefulness was a positive and strong antecedent to perceptions of fit between the methodology and client problems, and the strengthening of efficacy beliefs about the methodology.