Drivers of information technology choice by individuals

Abstract

Technology acceptance has spawned considerable research in technology adoption, technology use, and technology switching. However, technology choice—i.e., an individual's selection of a technology from a set of technologies that support similar tasks—has received limited attention in information systems research. This research was aimed at identifying the drivers of technology choice through a series of activities in two universities, in which students chose an information technology tool from various alternatives to complete the given tasks. A thematic analysis was conducted on the reasons for technology choice reported by 249 students, which yielded 18 technology, user, and environmental drivers that influenced individuals’ technology choice. This study provides insights into the drivers generally applicable for technology choice and drivers applicable in specific contexts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.