Computers in Human Behavior; Vol. 8, pp. 291-311.1992 Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved. 0747-5632/92 $5.00 + .OO Copyright 0 1992 Pergamon Press Ltd. Factors Affecting Electronic Mail Use Peggy A. Golden Florida zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihgfedcbaZYXWVUTSRQPONM Atlantic University Renee Beauclair Price W aterhouse Technology Center Lyle Sussman University of Louisville Abstract - This study tests several assumptions about the circumstances under which an individual will elect to use an electronic mail system (EMS) in an organization. Based on earlier work in EMS, three sets of hypotheses w ere formulated. Data were obtained by surveying a total of 200 EMS account holders at an urban midwestern university The survey instrument assessed self-reported use of the system, perceived managerial roles enacted by each user, and their perceptions of formal and informal pressure. Results show that (a) user perceptions of the medium’s usefulness will affect use, (b) EMSs are used by “liaisons” in organizations, and (c)formal and informal pressure can be used effectively to help induce nonusers to adopt. Implications for managers andfilture research are discussed. INTRODUCTION Significant changes in organizational communication have occurred recently in terms of the media or channels of communication employed by the organization: Requests for reprints should be addressed to Peggy A. Golden, Florida Atlantic University, 220 SE 2nd Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33433. 297