Plateaus in long-term appropriation of an Information System

This paper examines the process of technology appropriation and the triggers that encourage and discourage longer term use of an Information System (IS). In a longitudinal study over 14 months, we examine use of a Learning Management System in an educational setting. Our findings suggest that the process of appropriation is incremental over time. Multiple plateaus of temporary stabilization occur during longer term use of a technology. In addition, findings from the study reveal that rejection of a technology may take place long after adoption. Localized IT support, peer-support and availability of ongoing training in the form of one-on-one contact with the trainer, at critical time periods, may be key factors in encouraging productive use and avoiding rejection of the technology in the long term.