A REVIEW ON TECHNOLOGY READINESS CONCEPT TO EXPLAIN CONSUMER’S ONLINE PURCHASE INTENTION

Abstract

Recently in Malaysia, a substantial number of consumers have been found to be avoiding online shopping as they prefer to shop in physical stores. This scenario brings up the issue of whether Malaysian consumers are ready technologically to shop online. To tackle this issue, a review of the concept of technology readiness is made to help explain Malaysian consumers’ online purchase intention behaviour. Technology readiness is chosen here because the concept reflects an individual’s predisposition in the usage and adoption of new technology. For the purpose of this review, this study selects technology readiness concept as proposed by Parasuraman  (2000). From the review, this study found that technology readiness has been measured in the past either as a single (unidimensional) or a multidimensional construct involving four factors, namely, optimism, innovativeness, discomfort and insecurity. A summary on past researchers’ findings in identifying the relationship between technology readiness (and its proposed dimensions) with technology usage is included in this review. For example, technology readiness was found to have a significant influence on behavioural intention in using mobile commerce to purchase travel-related service. Additionally, technology readiness motivator (optimism and innovativeness) and inhibitor (discomfort and insecurity) were identified to be related to intention to use technology. Based on the review, this study proposes a model to help explain the user’s intention to purchase online situation. In the proposed model, both technology readiness motivators and inhibitors are suggested to show positive and negative influences respectively on the user’s intention to purchase online. This review is thought to be beneficial to many. For instance, researchers would find insights on the usefulness of technology readiness and on how it has been and can be applied for further investigation. As for marketing practitioners, the review would help guide them understand the influence technology readiness has on consumers behaviour intention in adopting online shopping which they could apply for future marketing strategy.