Understanding the Formation of General Computer Self-Efficacy

Abstract

This study investigates the information sources of general computer self-efficacy suggested by its origin in Social Cognitive Theory. These antecedents are rarely explored in the literature, and much of the focus has been on personal experiences or environmental factors. A re-examination of the theoretical foundation of self-efficacy suggests a broader set of antecedents. Selecting business students as the research subject, we propose and test a comprehensive nomological network of computer self-efficacy with seven antecedents and two consequences—computer attitudes and MIS intention (defined as one’s intention to select MIS for his/her future study and career). The results support that computer knowledge, current computing experiences, computer anxiety, and age affected the formation and development of computer self-efficacy among the sampled students; computer self-efficacy and social norms had strong effects on computer attitudes and MIS intention. Implications for both research and MIS education are discussed.