IT professionals' response to adoption and implementation of innovations in the workplace: Incorporating accessibility features into information technology for end users with disabilities.

摘要

This dissertation examined factors related to the implementation of innovations by Information Technology professionals in the workplace. The innovation used to frame this study was the incorporation of accessibility features into Information Technology products (e.g., websites or any interactive electronic media) for end users with disabilities.;This study was based on Rogers' (1995) Diffusion of Innovation theory and Davis' (1971) AVICTORY model for organizational change. This study consisted of a quantitative, online survey design. The dependent variable was whether or not a respondent was classified as an Adopter or Nonadopter.;This study examined six independent variables: (a) Organizational Characteristics---ability, values, idea, circumstances, timing, obligation, resistance, yield (Davis' AVICTORY model); (b) Perceptions of Innovation Attributes---relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, and voluntariness (based on Rogers' framework); (c) Individual and Situational Workplace Characteristics; (d) Gender; (e) Level of Education, and (f) Company Size. Moore and Benbasat's (1991) instrument based was used to measure Perceptions of Innovation Attributes. Bedell, Ward, Archer, and Stokes (1985) Decision Determinant Questionnaire (DDQ) was used to measure Organizational Characteristics.;Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted on the survey data to determine the relative importance of the independent variables to predict Adopter or Nonadopter status. The results of the analysis showed that four independent variables were significant: (a) master's degree or doctorate, (b) ability (an organization's capacity to implement an innovation), (c) values (an organization's beliefs, and manners of operating), and (d) observability (the degree to which the results of an innovation are visible to others).;The results indicate that a critical factor for the adoption of accessibility features by IT professionals is the inclusion of end users with disabilities as a target audience. To facilitate the implementation of accessibility features, companies must provide sufficient resources, demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility by making it a priority, and identify a change agent to lead the effort. Additionally, standards should be clarified so that accessibility is better understood, and there should be enhanced visibility of accessible products. There also needs to be a compelling reason for compliance, either through company requirements, legal mandates, or economic incentives.*.;*Originally published in DAI, Vol 64, No. 11. Reprinted here with corrected abstract.