Research note: factors influencing employee use of company mobile applications in the food and beverage industry

Abstract

Since the development of mobile technology, many companies have been implementing mobile applications to disseminate and collect work-related information. These applications are being used by many service organizations to train their employees without need for face-to-face contact. This study focuses on the effects of a mobile application’s attributes on employee intention to regularly use the mobile application. Drawing on the self-determination theory, this study examines the behavioral impact of employees’ perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness regarding their company’s mobile application. Based on questionnaire responses from 203 food service employees, the results suggest that perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness increased employees’ reuse and word-of-mouth (WOM) intentions by enhancing positive attitudes toward the mobile application. Specifically, perceived autonomy had the greatest impact, followed by perceived relatedness and competence. This study provides useful guidance on improving employees’ positive behavioral intentions toward a company’s mobile application in the food service industry.