The influence of goal clarity, curiosity, and enjoyment on intention to code. Issue 12 (1st December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pratt, Jean A.; Chen, Liqiang; Cole, Carey
• Is Part Of: Behaviour & information technology. Volume 35:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1091
• Page End: 1101
• Publication Date: 2016-12-01
• Subjects: Flow -- behavioural intention -- programming -- information systems -- coding; Electronic data processing -- Periodicals; Human engineering -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Periodicals; 303.4833
• DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2016.1171399
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-929X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of goal clarity, curiosity, and enjoyment – dimensions of flow theory – on the intention to write programming code. This research refines and extends previous information systems (IS) research in two significant ways: first, this research is focused specifically on systems development behaviour; second; this is the first research that isolates specific flow theory constructs associated with systems development behaviour. We used SmartPLS to test our model, as partial least squares is the appropriate statistical methodology for theory building and model testing. Findings are based on survey data from computer IS classes at two different universities. Goal clarity and curiosity independently and significantly contributed to enjoyment when programming, which significantly and positively influenced a future intention to code. Recommendations for practitioners and faculty include testing for curiosity characteristics, providing clear goals, and providing stimuli to pique curiosity.