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.
