A theory-driven framework for consumers to adopt M-commerce devices

M-commerce (mobile commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld electronic devices such as portable personal computers, mobile phones and personal digital assistants. This paper proposes a theory-driven examination of the adoption of M-commerce devices (MCD) by consumers in their on-line purchase processes. By integrating the concepts of the options model with the major ideas of the technology acceptance model (TAM), we identify four M's (merits, maturity, maneuverability and mentality) as the influencing factors of the adoption of MCD. Based on the generic attributes of mcommerce, we further identify two M's, matching and mobility, as the antecedents of these influencing factors. We then propose a conceptual model of the adoption of MCD by consumers. Because of the ubiquitous nature of m-commerce, the proposed framework would have universal implications and would make significant contributions to a more in-depth understanding of the spread and acceptability of m-commerce.