Gratifications and Credibility Judgment of Online Information for Task Completion – A Comparison of Students and Workers

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of U&G determinants on intention to search online information and to investigate the effect of the intention to intention to evaluate quality of information and its corresponding behaviour between two user groups: students and workers who use the Internet information to complete their tasks. Structural equation modeling is utilized to assess the research model. Findings reveal U&G factors that are important to full-time students and full-time employees. The results also show the differences between the two groups in terms of the effect of a U&G factor and intention to search on its tentative dependent factor. The comparison between students and employees, the exploration of nascent dimensions of U&G theory, and the focus of the task-fulfillment purpose provide insights to educators, managers, and policy makers on how to enhance the credibility of information used in school or office works.