Technology Among Student Services Employees: Uncovering Intentions

December 8, 2023
  • Research
  • Technological Knowledge
  • Technology Optimization & Selection
Young professional working at a desk using a computer and tablet.

By Rita Wilson, Associate Registrar at Park University 

The integration of technology in the workplace has been extensively researched, with a focus on identifying factors that influence employees' willingness to accept new technologies. In the higher education (HE) industry, it is crucial to understand how students, faculty, and staff adapt to mandated technology integration and implementation. This includes assessing the behavioral intention of student services employees to accept new technologies. While there has been extensive research on the use of technology in the workplace, including factors that influence employees' willingness to adopt new technologies, the effectiveness of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model in student services departments in higher education has been close to non-existent. The challenges of technology changes and the lack of knowledge on what affects an individual's acceptance of new technology are organizational issues that will increase over time. Therefore, scientific studies are necessary to assist with the growing demand for technology and to evaluate which variables best fit where we work, create, and serve others, specifically among student services employees.

The theory behind the research

Viswanath Venkatesh’s unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model has been used to predict technology acceptance among employees on the job for years, but its effectiveness in student services departments in HE is unknown. Various factors addressed below can have an impact on the behavioral intentions of individuals toward technology adoption and acceptance.

  • Performance expectancy

  • Effort expectancy

  • Attitude towards technology

  • Social influence

  • Facilitating conditions

  • Self-efficacy

  • Anxiety 

It is crucial to consider the attitudes and behaviors of staff members towards these changes to ensure the successful integration of technology in HE institutions. Conducting scientific research to evaluate the most relevant variables in this context is necessary for predicting technology acceptance. 

The practical purpose

Integrating technology in HE is crucial for improved efficiency, productivity, and student outcomes. However, it is important to understand how staff members adapt to these changes. Conducting scientific research to evaluate the most relevant variables in this context for predicting technology acceptance is necessary. By understanding and addressing the factors that influence staff members' behavioral intentions towards technology, institutions can effectively implement and utilize these tools to assist with staff implementation of software such as enterprise resource planning software (ERP) and student information systems (SIS). Let's collaborate to investigate ways to enhance staff willingness to accept technology. The findings of this study will be disseminated through the final dissertation report.

Join the cause

We understand that your time is valuable, but we assure you that the survey will not take more than a few minutes to complete. Your participation will be completely anonymous and your responses will be kept confidential. Please join us in the cause to better understand how student services employees accept technology by participating in this survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Inform_Consent_Tech_Acceptance

We also encourage you to share this opportunity with your colleagues so that we can gather a diverse range of perspectives. The more responses we receive, the more accurate our findings will be. Your contribution to our research is greatly appreciated and will help us make a positive impact in our field.

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