E-HR Usage Intention of the Net Generation: Process Virtualization Theory Versus IT Capability and Individual Attributes

Abstract

Some HR processes are more easily accepted when they go online, why? The Process Virtualization Theory provides some viable explanation. Other theoretical perspectives such as the capabilities of the technology and Individual Attributes of people may also help in explaining the acceptance of E-HR technology. This study intended to test effects of the three theories on the use of E-HR systems empirically using experimental procedures. Data was collected from 230 business majors from seven different colleges located in northern Taiwan. Students were randomly divided into two groups in a computer lab setting. Each group experienced a different E-HR process mock-up. A survey questionnaire was administered to measure student perceptions on major research variables at different stages of the experiment. Multiple regression was used to test study hypotheses. The study did not find support for the hypothesized relationship between process virtualization requirements and Behavioral Intention. On the other hand, Attitude toward Technology showed the most effect on Behavioral Intention to useE-HR technology. The IT capabilities were also significant in influencing an individual‟s willingness to use E-HR technology. The reason may be that to the younger Net generation, the virtualizability of a process may not be a key issue in their intention to use E-HR technology. Their main concern was shown in their Individual Attributes and their perception of the IT Capability. Therefore, it can be inferred that for the Net generation, Attitude toward Technology and perception of IT Capability matter the most in Behavioral Intention to use E-HR software. Keywords: E-HR, process virtualization, Attitude toward Technology, Computer Self-efficacy, IT Capability, Behavioral Intention

Some HR processes are more easily accepted when they go online, why? The Process Virtualization Theory provides some viable explanation. Other theoretical perspectives such as the capabilities of the technology and Individual Attributes of people may also help in explaining the acceptance of E-HR technology. This study intended to test effects of the three theories on the use of E-HR systems empirically using experimental procedures. Data was collected from 230 business majors from seven different colleges located in northern Taiwan. Students were randomly divided into two groups in a computer lab setting. Each group experienced a different E-HR process mock-up. A survey questionnaire was administered to measure student perceptions on major research variables at different stages of the experiment. Multiple regression was used to test study hypotheses. The study did not find support for the hypothesized relationship between process virtualization requirements and Behavioral Intention. On the other hand, Attitude toward Technology showed the most effect on Behavioral Intention to use E-HR technology. The IT capabilities were also significant in influencing an individual‟s willingness to use E-HR technology. The reason may be that to the younger Net generation, the virtualizability of a process may not be a key issue in their intention to use E-HR technology. Their main concern was shown in their Individual Attributes and their perception of the IT Capability. Therefore, it can be inferred that for the Net generation, Attitude toward Technology and perception of IT Capability matter the most in Behavioral Intention to use E-HR software. Keywords: E-HR, process virtualization, Attitude toward Technology, Computer Self-efficacy, IT Capability, Behavioral Intention