Use and acceptance of technologies in the German measure supported employment

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The measure Supported Employment (SE) and digitalization offer people with disabilities increased opportunities for participation in working life. Different technology acceptance models such as the TAM or UTAUT indicate that whether a technology is used or not crucially depends on various factors such as the perceived usefulness or perceived ease of use of a technology. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate factors influencing the acceptance of digital technologies in the measure SE. Risks and opportunities for people with disabilities are examined. METHODS: The data basis consists of 16 qualitative guided interviews with job coaches and clients. The data evaluation is carried out by means of qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: In line with the TAM and the UTAUT, six main factors could be identified as relevant for the acceptance of digital technologies in the measure SE: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitudes toward using, social influence, facilitating conditions, and individual factors seem to influence the actual use of technologies. The interviews show opportunities such as increased participation of people with disabilities in working life through technologies, but also risks such as the exclusion of older or less experienced people. CONCLUSION: Factors from technology acceptance research also apply in SE and must be recognized before introducing new technologies.