Towards A Unified Understanding of Technology Resistance and Avoidance: A Holistic View on Extant Literature and Agenda for Future Research

The phenomenon of resistance to and avoidance of technology represents intricate behaviors often perceived as significant impediments to the successful implementation of information technology. These behaviors manifest in diverse ways, ranging from passive to active, and are observable at various organizational levels. While these behaviors could potentially offer valuable guidance for mitigating challenges associated with organizational change, organizations frequently view them with apprehension rather than as opportunities for learning and tools for effectively managing present and future technological difficulties. Existing research has extensively explored technology resistance and avoidance, along with their associated factors, yet lacks a comprehensive overview or a unified theoretical model encompassing these constructs. This thorough literature review enhances comprehension of the current landscape of technology resistance and avoidance literature. Drawing from the findings, this monograph identifies areas of concern and examines the impact of these behaviors on the advancement of new information technology, proposing strategies for overcoming resistance and avoidance. Additionally, the monograph offers guidance for reconceptualizing technology resistance and avoidance beyond the conventional frameworks shaped by adoption theories and resistance-to-change paradigms. The overarching aim is to inspire future research to conceptualize these phenomena more expansively, moving beyond conventional perspectives found in the existing literature and providing deeper insights in line with the presented arguments and suggestions.