Paper Type
Complete
Paper Number
PACIS2026-1318
Description
While IT frustration is a complex phenomenon in organizational and personal technology use, the Information Systems literature lacks a well-defined construct that captures individuals’ ability to tolerate it. Existing psychological frameworks are broad and do not account for specific IT features, such as system intransparency and temporal unpredictability. To fill this gap, this paper develops a comprehensive concept of IT Frustration Tolerance (IT-FT). Combining frustration theory, coping research, and Technostress literature, we propose a three-dimensional model consisting of Emotional Regulation, Cognitive Persistence, and Behavioral Persistence. We establish a nomological network and differentiate IT Frustration Tolerance from related constructs, such as Technostress, Computer Self-Efficacy, and IT Resilience. This framework provides a solid, theory-based foundation for future empirical research and IT management practices.
Recommended Citation
Braun, Michael; Noeltner, Markus; and Kroenung, Julia, "When Technology Tests Your Patience: Conceptualizing IT-Frustration Tolerance as a Domain-Specific Construct" (2026). PACIS 2026 Proceedings. 2.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2026/adv_theory/adv_theory/2
When Technology Tests Your Patience: Conceptualizing IT-Frustration Tolerance as a Domain-Specific Construct
While IT frustration is a complex phenomenon in organizational and personal technology use, the Information Systems literature lacks a well-defined construct that captures individuals’ ability to tolerate it. Existing psychological frameworks are broad and do not account for specific IT features, such as system intransparency and temporal unpredictability. To fill this gap, this paper develops a comprehensive concept of IT Frustration Tolerance (IT-FT). Combining frustration theory, coping research, and Technostress literature, we propose a three-dimensional model consisting of Emotional Regulation, Cognitive Persistence, and Behavioral Persistence. We establish a nomological network and differentiate IT Frustration Tolerance from related constructs, such as Technostress, Computer Self-Efficacy, and IT Resilience. This framework provides a solid, theory-based foundation for future empirical research and IT management practices.
Comments
15-Method