Adoption of ChatGPT in Organizations: Technology Affordance and Constraints Theory Perspective

We investigate the factors influencing knowledge workers’ intention to adopt ChatGPT in the workplace. Using technology affordance and constraints theory, along with focus group discussions, we identify three ChatGPT affordances (i.e., automatability, information quality, and productivity) and two constraints (i.e., perceived risk and lack of regulation) for early-stage users. We examine how these affordances and constraints influence the psychological perceptions of ChatGPT, which in turn affect adoption intention. We also explore the role of personal innovativeness and organizational innovation culture in moderating the effects on adoption intention. Our findings indicate that the three ChatGPT affordances positively influence perceptions of ChatGPT’s effectiveness, whereas the lack of regulation is a constraint that increases discomfort with using ChatGPT. Furthermore, personal innovativeness enhances the positive effect of perceived ChatGPT’s effectiveness on adoption intention and mitigates the negative impact of discomfort with using ChatGPT. This study provides valuable insights and implications for generative AI researchers and managers seeking to effectively leverage ChatGPT in the workplace.