Analysing the role of perceived self-efficacy in information processing for Web-based information systems

From the perspective of individuals´ beliefs about their cognitive abilities to process information, understanding the use of Web-based information systems is a big challenge. Ensuring then the competent processing of information, on the basis of users´ mental processes and states, guarantees successful use of Web-based information systems. However, this issue becomes critical when users interact with familiar and unfamiliar information systems with varying perceptions of their abilities to use them. These perceptions are translated as users´ perceptions of self-efficacy. This paper addresses this issue by proposing an information processing model based on user perceived self-efficacy. The proposed theoretical information processing model is tested and validated in a three-phase empirical study. Useful insights are obtained into individuals´ varying perceptions of self-efficacy that account for information processing from the perspective of using familiar and unfamiliar systems separately.