Importance of IT and Role Identities in Information Systems Infusion

Abstract

Information systems (IS) should be infused into individuals’ work activities for organizations to extract value from these systems. Studies have identified various factors that impact IS infusion, but few have examined the importance of individuals’ identities and the role of contextual factors. Drawing on identity and status characteristics theories, this study conceptualizes individuals’ material identity as IT identity, and role identity as IS infusion role identity and examines their relationships and effects on IS infusion as well as the role status characteristics play in shaping these relationships. The models were evaluated using survey data collected from enterprise systems users. Findings suggest that individuals’ IT identity shape IS infusion role identity, and together, these identities influence their IS infusion. Additionally, work-related and personal characteristics strengthen the relationships between identities and IS infusion. This study highlights the role of individual’s IT and role identities and status characteristics in fostering IS infusion.