A supply chain study of technology trust and antecedents to technology internalization consequences

Purpose – User uncertainty and risk are inherent in any technology adoption due to the perceived long‐term consequences (LTC) associated with the internalization process. This study seeks to investigate antecedents of technology trust (TT) and perceived LTC associated with using a technology in order to understand the underlying attitudes and beliefs influencing supply chain members' trust in a specific information technology (IT). Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical model was tested through a survey of 449 supply chain members using an IT innovation for part‐level visibility along the entire first‐tier of a major US automotive supply chain. Findings – Empirical results confirm the basic structure of the model, including the role of TT impacting users' perceptions of LTC relative to internalizing the technology. Results also identify several uncertainty reducing antecedents of TT and perceived LTC including satisfaction with the existing system, task‐technology fit, and prior similar experiences. Research limitations/implications – The study, although significant in terms of its power and the industry from which it is drawn, focuses on one‐tier of a US automotive supply chain. It would be useful for future research in this area to include multi‐tier supply chain members. Originality/value – This study represents an important first step in examining the relationship between uncertainty reduction relating to incorporating technology in the supply chain context.