Computer Self-Efficacy: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction

Because the computer self-efficacy (CSE) construct plays a central explanatory role in several information technology theories/frameworks, CSE has become an important construct for information systems researchers (Compeau, Gravill, Haggerty, & Kelley, 2006; Marakas, Johnson, & Clay, 2007). CSE is defined as “an individual’s perception of efficacy in performing specific computer-related tasks within the domain of general computing” (Marakas, Yi, & Johnson, 1998, p. 128). CSE is based in the broader construct of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1986, 1997), a key concept in social cognitive theory that is relevant in many research settings (Multon, Brown, & Lent, 1991; Stajkovic & Luthans, 1998). Like self-efficacy, CSE reflects individuals’ beliefs in their abilities to organize and execute the courses of action needed to complete specific tasks successfully in given contexts, such as in tasks involving computers (Compeau et al., 2006).

Consistent with self-efficacy research findings in other organizational settings (Stajkovic & Luthans, 1998), research in the information systems (IS) context has regularly found CSE to be significantly associated with a wide range of cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral outcomes of interest to researchers, educators, trainers, and employers (Compeau et al., 2006; Marakas et al., 1998). For instance, researchers have consistently reported that CSE is significantly correlated with perceptions about computers: whether individuals see computers as being useful (e.g., Thompson, Compeau, & Higgins, 2006) and easy to use (e.g., Hasan, 2006a). CSE also is related to users’ attitudes toward computers (e.g., Compeau, Higgins, & Huff, 1999), intentions to use computers (e.g., Klein, 2007), actual computer use (e.g., Ball & Levy, 2008), computer skills (e.g., Marakas et al., 2007), and computer anxiety (e.g., Johnson & Marakas, 2000; Thatcher, Zimmer, Gundlach, & McKnight, 2008).

Accordingly, Marakas et al. (1998) and Compeau et al. (2006) performed thorough qualitative reviews of the existing CSE literature and documented CSE’s influence on the acceptance and use of information technology across a wide range of settings and technologies. However, the growing body of empirical evidence on the relationship between CSE and various constructs has been ambiguous. In their qualitative reviews, those authors expressed concerns about construct definition, construct measurement, and several other study characteristics and potential moderators. Noting the lack of consistency across various studies and the emerging importance of the CSE construct, both reviewers called for additional investigation into CSE’s role in human-computer interactions.

Although those reviews of the literature on CSE are extensive and informative, they are qualitative. In their initial review, Marakas et al. (1998) proposed that although a number of IS studies have investigated the CSE construct, the research had not yet approached the depth of investigation into self-efficacy found in other domains. They observed that the existing body of research did not “lend itself to any meaningful quantitative, meta-analytic approach based upon combining results and effect sizes from multiple studies” (1998, p. 141).

Our more recent review of the CSE literature suggests that empirical work on the relevance of the CSE construct has been growing. Numerous studies have used a wide variety of settings, participants, and measures to explore the construct. Inspired by Marakas et al.’s (1998) and Compeau et al.’s (2006) excellent qualitative reviews and the growing volume of CSE research, we believe the current body of research is now sufficient for a meta-analysis.