User engagement in the development, implementation, and use of information technologies

The roles of users in information system development and implementation has received a great deal of research attention. Yet the empirical evidence regarding the value of such user roles is mixed. Moreover, it is difficult to make comparisons and generalizations. This is a result of the varied definitions for the constructs utilized, the somewhat ambiguous use of terminology, and the scarcity of common models and measurements. Based upon recent information systems studies, as well as the consumer and organizational behavior, and psychological literature, a taxonomy is presented to describe the various ways in which users can be engaged in the processes of information technology development, implementation, and use. This framework accounts for distinctions among the psychological and behavioral components of user engagement, as well as the process and product objects of such engagements. Evidence suggests that such distinctions can improve research that is undertaken in this important area.<>