The construct of information systems use benefits: Theoretical explication of its underlying dimensions and the development of a measurement scale

As a key construct for the IS success model (DeLone & McLean (1992, 2003), information systems benefits for individuals (ISBI) has received considerable attention from researchers over the years. However, much remains to be explored to develop and validate the underlying theoretical dimensions for this crucial construct. Further, a major weakness of the extant research in this area is that most reported studies have been conducted in the context of individual IS application instead of the overall IS in the organization. To fill these gaps in research, we will first present a theoretical conceptualization of the ISBI construct, and then develop and validate a measurement scale for the construct. Drawing from the ERG theory (Alderfer, 1972), Job Characteristic Theory (Hackman & Oldham, 1975, 1976) and other theoretical perspectives, we developed a theory-based TJW framework which consists of three levels: Task performance, Job interaction, and Work enrichment. The nomological validity of the scale was then successfully demonstrated by a partial test of the IS success model using the ISBI measure and a measure of the overall IS use. Finally, we demonstrated the diagnostic power of the construct through an exploratory research model which showed that, while task performance benefits have insignificant effect on satisfaction, both job interaction benefits and work enrichment effects have substantial effects on satisfaction. These study results have thus deepened our understanding on the underpinnings of IS usage behaviors and contributed to the cumulated research on IS success.