The adoption of web-based training (WBT) by Hong Kong organizations : a development and test of an integrated model

Abstract

Web-based Training (WBT) is an innovative approach to delivering training through the Web, Internet, Intranet and Extranet. The increasing importance of WBT has prompted many researchers to examine facets of this important topic. However, the nature of the variables affecting WBT adoption is not well understood. Innovation adoption research has demonstrated that organizational features and perceived cost-and-benefits of innovations play significant roles in explaining organizational-level decisions to adopt new technologies. Beyond such motivations, social pressures operating at the organizational level also affect the decision to adopt innovations, even without regard to any proven or anticipated benefit from the innovation itself. Unfortunately, little or no systematic analysis of previous research has been done to study the adoption of WBT. To fill this research gap, the aim of this study was to build on the prior innovation adoption research and to test a model of WBT adoption. In this research, two studies were conducted. Given the lack of past research on WBT, Study 1 adopted a qualitative research approach to investigate the current development of WBT in Hong Kong organizations. To better understand the nature of WBT innovation, an in-depth exploratory study on the usage of WBT, the factors affecting WBT adoption, and the effectiveness and perceived benefits of WBT was undertaken. A new model of WBT adoption was developed, which integrates the past information technology (IT) adoption literature, and the qualitative findings in Study 1, taking into account the distinctive characteristics of WBT. The model examined the influence of organizational features, perceived advantages and disadvantages of WBT, and social pressures for WBT adoption, with top management support acting as a mediator between the three sets of antecedents and WBT adoption. Study 2, adopted a quantitative research approach, then aimed to test the WBT adoption model with Hong Kong survey data. The results suggested that organizations with a high reliance on advanced technology are more willing to adopt WBT. In addition, the perceived disadvantages of WBT to organizations and institutional pressures, the extent to which other organizations are seen to be using WBT, are the main factors that affect WBT adoption. Surprisingly, the degree of workforce expertise is not likely to affect WBT adoption.