Factors affecting the intention to use a web-based learning system among blue-collar workers in the automotive industry

This study aims to identify, using an extended Technology-Acceptance Model (TAM), the factors affecting the decision of using a web-based learning system among blue-collar workers in the automotive industry. A structural equation-modeling approach was applied to identify the variables that significantly affect the decision of using the system. Using LISREL 8.54, data collected from 546 blue-collar workers were used to test the proposed research model. Empirical testing of the extended TAM found all paths to be significant in the hypothesized directions, that is, the results of the study strongly support the application of extended TAM in predicting the blue-collar workers' intention to use a web-based learning system. Among the factors, social influence is a much stronger predictor of user intention compared to others. The study concludes with the implications of this study for managers and recommendations for possible future research. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.