The role of autonomy, competence and relatedness in motivation to use self-service technology (SST) among customers with difficulties in SST

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding customers’ experiences with self-service technology (SST) is of high importance to service research. Previous research, however, has mainly focused on customers who are adept in using SST services. This study aims to provide insights into the under-researched field of the experiences of customers’ with difficulties in using SST.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on self-determination theory, the role of motivational aspects in SST usage behavior is proposed. A model involving perceived needs and intrinsic motivation is developed and empirically tested in a survey among 213 American customers with difficulties using SST in restaurant service settings.

Findings

The results show that customers’ perceived competence strongly influences their motivation to engage with SST, followed by autonomy and relatedness. Results also find the positive and significant impact of intrinsic motivation on satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Finally, multi-group analysis is performed to examine differences between customers with low and high technology anxiety. Results show that perceived autonomy and competence from SST usage are strong indicators among customers with low technology anxiety, and that relatedness is a major determinant of intrinsic motivation among customers with high technology anxiety.

Originality/value

As a neglected area of research has been in customers who have difficulty in using SST, the findings of this study provide useful guidelines to address customers’ difficulties in using SST.

研究目的

了解客户对自助服务技术（SST）的体验对于服务研究非常重要。然而, 以往的研究主要关注于熟练使用SST服务的客户。本文探索了使用SST存在困难的客户的体验, 为这个尚未被研究的领域提供见解。

设计/方法/途径

基于自我决定理论, 本研究提出了SST使用行为中动机方面的假想, 并设计了一个包含感知需求和内在动机的模型。通过对213名在餐厅服务环境中使用SST存在困难的美国客户进行调查, 该模型得到了实证测试。

研究结果

结果显示, 客户的感知能力强烈影响他们使用SST的动机, 其次是自主性和关联感。结果还发现, 内在动机对满意度和行为意图有积极而显著的影响。最后, 本研究进行了多组分析, 以检查技术焦虑程度高和低的客户之间的差异。结果显示, 在技术焦虑程度低的客户中, SST使用的自主性和能力是强烈的指标, 而在技术焦虑程度高的客户中, 关联感是内在动机的主要决定因素。

独创性/价值

由于以前的研究主要关注于熟练使用SST服务的客户, 因此SST使用存在困难的客户是一个被忽视的研究领域。本研究的发现为解决客户在使用SST方面的困难提供了重要的指导。

Citation

Hong, E. and Ahn, J. (2023), "The role of autonomy, competence and relatedness in motivation to use self-service technology (SST) among customers with difficulties in SST", Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 630-642. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTT-09-2022-0265