An integrated framework for theories of individual attitudes toward technology

•Makes a meta-theoretical contribution to integrating attitudinal theories which supports disciplinary progress.•Demonstrates how attitudinal leading theories fit into the framework.•Distinguishes between construct operationalization; theory specialization and construct specialization.•Demonstrates use of the framework for developing new mid-range theories.•Responds to calls-to-action within the discipline for more relevant mid-range theories.

Theories of individual attitudes toward IT include task technology fit (TTF), technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), cognitive fit, expectation disconfirmation, and computer self-efficacy. Examination of these theories reveals three main concerns. First, the theories mostly “black box” (or omit) the IT artifact. Second, appropriate mid-range theory is not developed to contribute to disciplinary progress and to serve the needs of our practitioner community. Third, theories are overlapping but incommensurable. We propose a theoretical framework that harmonizes these attitudinal theories and shows how they can be specialized to include relevant IS phenomenon.