| Summary: | This item is not the definitive copy. Please use the following citation when referencing this material: Morris, M. and Dillon, A. (1996) The role of usability in the organizational standards setting process. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 45(2), 243-258.
ABSTRACT: The rapid introduction of microcomputers into organizations throughout the last decade
gave new importance to the analysis of how technology impacts organizations. In
particular, research on usability has sought to become central to the design and selection
of technology for large organizations. However, definitions and methods are not yet
standardized. Data gathered from semi-structured interviews of three MIS managers and
125 end-users in three organizations suggest that differences in emphasis on, and
definition of usability can exist between these two groups. Usability was not a central
concern to managers when evaluating end-user software packages considered for
adoption as the organizational standard, though it appeared to be so for end-users.
Moreover, managers tended to consider and evaluate usability based only on features
contained in the user interface, whereas end-users often cited contextual factors such as
task and environmental considerations. Implications for technology assessment and future
research into organizational impact of I.T. are presented.
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