Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 29, Number 1
Winter 1998
Development and Measurement Validity of a Task-Technology Fit Instrument
for User Evaluations of Information Systems
Dale L. Goodhue
Terry College of Business, Management Department, Brooks Hall, University
of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, email: dgoodhue@cbacc.cba.uga.edu
Abstract: Although many researchers have raised concerns about the
lack of theoretical underpinnings for the user evaluation construct and
the lack of measurement validity for specific instruments measuring it,
the construct is still widely used in IS research. This paper reports on
the development and measurement validity of a diagnostic tool used in recently
published research to evaluate an organization’s overall information
systems and services. A distinctive feature of this instrument is that it
is conceptually based on the task-technology fit theory in which the correspondence
between information systems functionality and task requirements leads to
positive user evaluations, and positive performance impacts. Specifically,
the instrument development was guided by a task model of managerial decision
making using recorded organizational information. This model suggested the
different information systems functionalities required by users for that
task, which then serve as the basis for a “task-technology fit”
(TTF) instrument. The instrument thus measures the degree to which an organization’s
information systems and services meet the information needs of its managers.
An extensive test of the measurement validity of the instrument is conducted
using a sample of 357 users in 10 companies. It is found to have excellent
reliability and discriminant validity for 12 dimensions of TTF, and also
exhibits strong predictive validity. Finally, the instrument is compared
to two other well-known user evaluation instruments. Though no single instrument
can meet all needs, the instrument presented here should be considered an
attractive option for researchers and practitioners seeking to measure the
effectiveness of organizational information systems.
Subject Areas: User Evaluations of IS Success, Management Information
Systems, and Survey Research/Design.
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