Early investigation of new information technology acceptance: A perceived risk - Motivation model

Early investigation of the acceptance of new information technology applications will help to improve the chances of later success. In incipient stages of product deployment, before people develop a full understanding of the aspects of a new technology, users may display particular reasons for or against its use. Accordingly, this study proposes and tests empirically, through structural equation modeling techniques, a perceived risk-motivation model for the early study of new information technology acceptance. The research framework is a Web scenario describing the possible use of wireless text messaging on cell phones to improve user adherence to healthy behavior. While the underlying personal motivation may favor adoption, perceived risks may be an obstacle. This study integrates a multi-faceted perceived risk concept with a motivational model in an unbiased measure of the initial development phase of new information technology, to estimate its acceptance. © 2009 by the authors.