AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE MODERATING RELATIONSHIP OF COMPUTER SELF-EFFICACY ON PERFORMANCE IN A COMPUTER-SUPPORTED TASK

Abstract

Computer Self-Efficacy has been shown to be a critical construct in a number of research areas within the Information Systems literature, most notably training, technology adoption, and performance in computer-related tasks. Attention has been focused on its antecedents, approaches to manipulation, issues of measurement, and its relationship to other important variables such as computer anxiety and personal goals. On the other hand, its relationship to performance on a task that is supported by technology, but has extensive domain content, has not been yet established; nor how that relationship varies as the level of computer support differs for alternative tasks. This proposal develops a model of computer-supported task performance and positions computer self-efficacy as a moderator in the relationship between task self-efficacy and performance, with these effects mediated by more specific perceptions of capability. A continuum of computer support is also developed, with a conceptualization of its implications for this relationship.