Determinants of accepting wireless mobile data services in China

Document Information:
Title:	Determinants of accepting wireless mobile data services in China
Author(s):	Lu J, Liu C, Yu C-S, Wang K
Journal:	Information & Management, Jan 2008, Volume: 45 Issue: 1 pp.52-64 (13 pages)
Issn:	0378-7206

Keywords:	China, Communications Technology, Information Systems, Mobile Communication Systems, Surveys, Telephone, Telephone Networks, Telephony, User Involvement, User Satisfaction, User Studies, Wireless Communications
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1016/j.im.2007.11.002
Reference:	37AF592 (Permanent URL)
Abstract:	Purpose - To explore the factors influencing the adoption of wireless mobile data services (WMDS) via mobile phones in China and develop a model to explain the country's adoption intentions. Design/methodology/approach - The growth in mobile communications and WMDS in China is reviewed over three time periods: initial development (1987-1993); rapid development (1994-2000); and transition to data services (2001-2006). Sets out the theoretical framework for the research model, which examined user acceptance by considering intention to use rather than actual use, since WMDS is still at an early stage, which included such variables as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), and personal innovativeness in information technology (PIIT) . Reports the results of a questionnaire survey, involving 1,432 participants living in five cities across China, to gather data for the research model. Findings - The results strongly supported the core structure of the research model and the entire alternate model provided a detailed account of the key forces underlying respondents' intention to adopt WMDS. Concludes that consumers' PU and PEOU of WMDS will be major determinants of WMDS adoption intention in China and practitioners need to focus their attention on commitment to improving WMDS for contingent adoption decisions. Originality/value - Provides a valuable frame of reference for considering the current state of WMDS adoption in China and likely future trends that will be helpful for future investigations to see if the different effects of social influences, PIIT and PU revealed by studies in the US will take place in China.