Using information technology: engagement modes, flow experience, and personality orientations

The engagement mode (EM) model describes how an IT user (subject) engages in an activity with an object in a certain mode. The model specifies five engagement modes (Enjoying/Acceptance, Ambition/Curiosity, Avoidance/Hesitation, Frustration/Anxiety, and Efficiency/Productivity), which are characterized on three dimensions (evaluation of object, locus of control between subject and object, and intrinsic or extrinsic focus of motivation). Using questionnaire data from 290 participants, we extended previous empirical support for the model as well as described the model’s relationship to flow experience. In addition, it was found that autonomy, controlled and impersonal orientation in conjunction with socio-demographic variables differentiated among specific engagement modes and flow experience. We conclude that the EM-model, flow experience, and causality orientation theories provide a uniform framework for understanding how people adapt to information technology.