Theories and Models of Technology Acceptance Behaviour: A Critical Review of Literature

Abstract

The inception of various theoretical models to increase the explanatory and predictive power with a parsimonious structure within technology acceptance has lasted more than 20 years. In this vein, researchers have attempted to constitute new models or derivatives from already existing models (e.g., TAM, TRA, and TPB). At the beginning, each of the models was doing well on approaching the problem with a specific theoretical stance; however, they were criticised at a later stage with some common features and limitations. Therefore, for IS researchers selecting an appropriate model has always remained a critical task. To overcome the problem, this study aims to critically examine the most prominent models (i.e. TAM, TRA and TPB) that are widely accepted as predicting and explaining human behaviour towards acceptance of various technologies. The critical evaluation of the previous theories and models would help future researchers in selecting appropriate single/multiple theoretical models/constructs based on their strength(s) and weaknesses in terms of explanatory power and path significance.