Assessing the Decision Process towards Bring Your Own Device

Information technology continues to evolve to the point where mobile technologies--such as smart phones, tablets, and ultra-mobile computers have the embedded flexibility and power to be a ubiquitous platform to fulfill the entire user's computing needs. Mobile technology users view these platforms as adaptable enough to be the single solution for both personal and professional. These mobile technology users have a desire to bring their personal devices into the organization as a replacement for corporate owned computer resources. This shift from corporate owned resources to personally owned computer technologies presents an ongoing challenge to organizational decision makers on whether or not allow personal mobile technologies within the organization. A qualitative study using a Delphi methodology was deployed to assess input from subject matter experts about the critical factors and issues that may influence or contribute to their adoption of personal mobile technologies within their organization. Using the Delphi method, the open-ended textual data were consolidated and evaluated, then represented back to the panel members in the next round of questions. The panel members participated in the study via online electronic surveys over the three rounds of data gathering and analysis. The sampling for this study included senior executives and leaders that are responsible for the IT decisions within their organization. Panel members were solicited from the Association of Information Systems and LinkedIn. The study focused on five domains of the Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers, 2003) identified in the literature as significant to understanding how innovations are communicated and adopted. These five factors included relative advantage, compatibility with existing values and practices, simplicity and ease of use, trialability, and observable results. The data were analyzed for themes for consensus opinions provided by the panel members included Process, Cost/Financial, Technology, Operations, Business Need and Security. Business Need (BN) refers to internal needs and goals of the organization. Cost/Financial (FN) refers to any factor associated with expenses, budgets, profitability, and return on investment. Operations (OP) refers to factors that describe how the organization operates on a daily basis. Process (PR) refers to any factors that refer to documented and regimented organizational processes. Security (SR) refers to any factors related to perceived or actual information technology security risks. Technology (TH) refers to any reference to information technology, hardware, or devices currently being used or being considered within the organization. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]