Adoption of Wi-Fi technologies and creation of virtual workplaces

This chapter introduces adoption theory and applies it to examine the use of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), which has the potential to expand virtual workplaces significantly. Research shows that the use of Wi-Fi to access the Internet is surprisingly low. As understanding users and their needs is a prerequisite for the success of any new information technology, this chapter identifies factors accounting for the low usage of Wi-Fi in organizations and seeks to build a model to increase Wi-Fi usage. Empirical research reported in this chapter shows that motivations of Wi-Fi use, mass media use, and technology cluster have impacted on the awareness of, interest in, and likelihood to use Wi-Fi. More important, a chain-effect process in the adoption of Wi-Fi was presented: the awareness of Wi-Fi, which was influenced mostly by reading newspapers, had a direct effect on interest in Wi-Fi, which directly affected the likelihood to use Wi-Fi. Thus, to increase Wi-Fi usage, the awareness of and interest in this newer Internet technology must be in place. The chapter also discusses future trends in Wi-Fi technology and how increased adoption of Wi-Fi enhances the virtual workplace.