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ERIC Number: EJ1026581
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1389-224X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Determinants of Computer Utilization by Extension Personnel: A Structural Equations Approach
Sivakumar, Paramasivan Sethuraman; Parasar, Bibudha; Das, Raghu Nath; Anantharaman, Mathevanpillai
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, v20 n2 p191-212 2014
Purpose: Information technology (IT) has tremendous potential for fostering grassroots development and the Indian government has created various capital-intensive computer networks to promote agricultural development. However, research studies have shown that information technology investments are not always translated into productivity gains due to poor computer use by employees. In this context, a research investigation was conducted to develop a Computer Utilization Model that explains how individual and organizational factors influence computer utilization in extension organizations in India. Design/Methodology/Approach: Survey research design was used to collect data from 299 extension professionals working in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK-Farm Science Centres) in two Indian states. Various cognitive, affective and organizational factors that influenced computer utilization of extension professionals were modelled through a structural equations approach. Findings: The measurement model showed that the research instrument had adequate internal consistency and composite reliabilities as well as convergent validity. Factors like organizational support, perceived ease of use of computers and task uncertainty, positively influenced the extension professionals' perception of the utility of computer systems in extension work. Practical implications: Using this model, extension managers can diagnose present computer skills, perceptual problems of their employees about the utility of computer systems and inadequacies in organizational support, etc., to enhance computer utilization. Implementation of advanced psychometric methods like Structural Equation Modelling in this research has improved the generalizability of results. Originality/value: This study has developed a model that can improve theoretical understandings of computer utilization and also help managers or policy-makers to diagnose the problems hindering computer use in extension organizations.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: India
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A