Abstract
Individuals differ in their abilities to use information systems (IS) effectively, with some achieving exceptional performance in IS use. Various constructs have been identified in the literature to describe IS users with regard to their intentions and actual usage of IS, but studies to describe highly competent IS users or their ability to achieve higher quality of IS usage are lacking. Using the Repertory Grid Technique, this research identifies attributes of highly competent IS users that distinguish them from less competent users. Using the Grounded Theory approach, we identified categories and sub-categories of these attributes and used them to develop a conceptual framework to explain IS User Competency. The framework includes Personality Traits and Disposition Factors, General Cognitive Abilities, Social Skills and Tendencies, Experiential Learning Factors, Domain Knowledge of and Skills in IS, Job Experiences, Generation Factors, and Formal Education as attributes of highly competent users. The results not only highlight attributes that can be fostered in other IS users to improve their performance with IS use but they also present research opportunities for IS training and potential hiring criteria for IS users in organizations.
Recommended Citation
Eschenbrenner, Brenda and Nah, Fiona Fui-Hoon, "UNDERSTANDING ATTRIBUTES OF HIGHLY COMPETENT INFORMATION SYSTEM USERS: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH" (2007). DIGIT 2007 Proceedings. 4.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/digit2007/4