Effectiveness of Computer Training: The Role of Multilevel Computer Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This study builds on recent findings in information systems (IS) research and training literature to develop and test a model of the impact of multilevel computer self-efficacy (CSE) on effectiveness of computer training. The proposed research model makes a clear distinction between general and application-specific CSE and hypothesizes that the two levels of CSE will have positive effects on perceived ease of use, near-transfer learning, and far-transfer learning, and a negative effect on computer anxiety. The results of a field experiment conducted to empirically test the hypothesized relationships revealed that general CSE had positive effects on far-transfer learning and perceived ease of use, whereas application-specific CSE demonstrated positive effects on near-transfer learning and perceived ease of use. The results also showed that general and application-specific CSE had negative effects on computer anxiety. This study provides better insights into the relationships between the two levels of CSE and computer training outcomes and offers valuable research and practical implications.