Microcomputer Playfulness: Development of a Measure With Workplace Implications

Jane Webster; Joseph J. Martocchio

doi:10.2307/249576

journal article Jun 01, 1992

Microcomputer Playfulness: Development of a Measure With Workplace Implications

Jane Webster Joseph J. Martocchio

MIS Quarterly Vol. 16 No. 2 pp. 201-226 · MIS Quarterly

View at Publisher Save 10.2307/249576

Abstract

Microcomputer playfulness represents the degree of cognitive spontaneity in microcomputer interactions. Research on the general characteristic of playfulness has demonstrated relationships with measures such as creativity and exploration. Thus, with the widespread diffusion of computers in organizations, research in micro-computer playfulness can have significant practical implications for organizations. Five independent studies involving more than 400 participants provided initial evidence for the construct validity of a microcomputer playfulness measure with respect to its factor structure, internal consistency reliability, concurrent validity, discriminant validity, predictive validity, predictive efficacy, and test-retest reliability. As hypothesized, the measure related positively to computer attitudes, anxiety, competence, and efficacy, and did not relate to gender or age. In addition, the measure related positively to training outcomes of learning, mood, involvement, and satisfaction. Further, the evidence suggests the predictive efficacy of microcomputer playfulness as compared to other variables, such as computer anxiety and attitudes. Consequently, the findings indicate that researchers should focus more attention on positive influences on human-computer interaction, such as microcomputer playfulness, rather than on negative influences, such as computer anxiety.

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References

Details

Published: Jun 01, 1992
Vol/Issue: 16(2)
Pages: 201-226

Authors

J

Jane Webster

Smeal College of Business Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802 U.S.A.

J

Joseph J. Martocchio

Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of Illinois, 504 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, Illinois 61820 U.S.A.

Cite This Article

Jane Webster, Joseph J. Martocchio (1992). Microcomputer Playfulness: Development of a Measure With Workplace Implications. MIS Quarterly, 16(2), 201-226. https://doi.org/10.2307/249576

Microcomputer Playfulness: Development of a Measure With Workplace Implications

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