Electronic Learning Systems in Hong Kong Business Organizations: A Study of Early and Late Adopters

Based on the diffusion of innovation theory (E. M. Rogers, 1983, 1995), the authors examined the antecedents of the adoption of electronic learning (e-learning) systems by using a time-based assessment model (R. C. Beatty, J. P. Shim, & M. C. Jones, 2001), which classified adopters into categories upon point in time when adopting e-learning systems. Based on a structured questionnaire survey from 143 business organizations, results indicated significant differences in the reasons why adopters decided to adopt e-learning systems. Technical compatibility, top management support, and social pressures had a greater influence on the adoption of the e-learning systems by the early adopters than on the late adopters.