Technology-induced anxiety: Manifestations, cultural influences, and its effect on the adoption of sensor-based technology in German and Australian hospitals

- We explore the effect of different technology-induced anxieties on user acceptance.
- We further explore root causes of anxieties within the national culture.
- Data from German and Australian hospitals is used to test the research model.
- Work and relational anxieties reduce acceptance.
- Anxieties can partially be attributed to national culture.

Sensor-based systems have healthcare transformation potential but acceptance problems jeopardize their diffusion. We theorize that perceived technology threats induce anxiety and diminish usage intentions. We use data from the pre-implementation phase in German and Australian hospitals to explore the formation of three types of anxieties, their impact on usage intentions, and the relationships between them and national culture. We find negative effects of relational and work-related anxieties on usage intentions while surveillance anxieties show no association. The anxieties can be partially linked to national culture characteristics. Our findings support implementation initiatives and offer a deeper understanding of technology-induced anxieties.