Why Adoption of Some Technologies is Faster? An Explanation Through Sequential Coherence

Abstract

Technology adoption is a concern for business practitioners, policy makers, and academics. Slow or low adoption can deprive stakeholders from intended benefits. Existing theories concerning technology adoption mostly focus on factors within a single organization. In this concept paper, we argue that sequential coherence which addresses knowledge flows that cross borders between organizations can provide enhanced insights in understanding technology adoption. Sequential coherence takes into consideration factors of both the transferor organization and the recipient organization. We propose a novel conceptual model of technology adoption based on sequential coherence. It takes into consideration the perceived usefulness and perceived ease of using the technology. We have coined the model the CUE (Coherence, Usefulness and Ease of use) model of technology adoption. The CUE model can be used by practitioners, policy makers, and academics.

Keywords: Technology adoption, knowledge transfer, sequential coherence, knowledge flow, usefulness of technology, ease of use, CUE model

JEL Classification: M 19