End-user effectiveness: A cross-cultural examination

This study tests the proposed effect of national environments on end-user computing (EUC). Data were collected from seven American and ten Israeli companies. The participants were 138 Israeli end-users and 156 US end-users, all holding managerial positions. The results indicate some major differences between the two samples; Israeli managers had more computer experience and training than US managers, while US managers reported a much higher level of information center support and showed more favorable attitudes toward EUC than did their Israeli counterparts. Significant differences were also found between the two cultures in end-user satisfaction and overall system usage; US managers were found to be less satisfied with their information systems and used them less frequently than Israeli managers. On the other hand, Israeli managers reported using the system for fewer tasks and features. These findings are discussed and conclusions are drawn concerning the need for cross-cultural studies in the information systems field in general and in end-user computing in particular.