Determinants of the Behavioral Intention to Adopt Tablet Computers in an Arabian Milieu

Abstract

Typified by the multi-touch interface in tablet, the paradigm for the human-computer interface of information technology (IT) devices has recently changed. Although many studies investigate determinants of adopting IT in the workplace, only a few of these studies acknowledge the motives behind IT adoption for personal use, particularly in an Arabian culture. Based on Theory of Reasoned Actions, this research model evaluates the influences of social norms and attitudes on the behavioral intention to adopt tablet computer by sample of college students in Kuwait. The model also examines three external determinants: attachment motivation, personal innovativeness, and perceived enjoyment. Further, we use structural equation modeling that provides a satisfactory explanation for 56% of the variance in the behavioral intentions to adopt tablets. The perceived enjoyment emerges as the strongest determinant followed by attitude, attachment motivation, and personal innovation. Unexpectedly, social norms have little influence on the behavioral intentions to adopt tablets.