A new direction to better understand post-adoption behavior: The theory of need for information systems

ABSTRACT A comprehensive review of the information systems literature suggests that the traditional perception–intention–usage framework may be deficient in explaining post-adoption behaviors. As an effort to fill this gap, the current paper presents a new theory – the theory of need for information systems (TNIS) – and introduces two new constructs – need for technology and need for information. Drawing on the needs-based perspective on behaviors, TNIS conceptualizes these two need constructs as the key predictors of continuance intention and usage. The current paper also discusses useful insights, important implications, and an appropriate instrument for measuring the two new constructs. This study thus contributes to a novel framework to advance theoretical understanding of post-adoption behaviors and to direct future research toward new avenues.