DO YOU FEEL IN CONTROL?: A study on the relationship between perceived agent autonomy and behavioral intention to use recruitment technologies among managers at the Municipality of Rotterdam.

This study uses quantitative and qualitative methodologies to investigate the relationship between perceived agent autonomy and behavioral intention regarding a novel recruitment system among 67 managers at the Municipality of Rotterdam. The research also incorporates three qualitative interviews. By extending the UTAUT-model by Venkatesh et al. (2003), this study examines performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, perceived agent autonomy and facilitating conditions in order to predict behavioral intention and use behavior. Results indicate a significant positive relationship between perceived agent autonomy and behavioral intention. Increased perceived autonomy during system use increase the likelihood of adoption, aligning with theories such as the self-determination theory by Ryan & Deci (2000). This study confirms previous research’s relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention. The quantitative analysis shows that effort expectancy has a significant effect on behavioral intention while qualitative analysis shows a less important relationship. Internal social influence on system usage appears limited. This emphasizes the importance of positive managerial support and the utilization of change agents to promote system adoption. A final factor explaining the acceptance of the new system and associated with positive attitudes towards adoption is facilitating conditions. Moderation analyses in this research show no significant moderating effects. In conclusion, perceived agent autonomy significantly influences the intention to adopt and use new recruitment technologies among managers at the Municipality of Rotterdam. Social influence and facilitating conditions are factors as well. These findings provide insights into technology adoption among public sector managers and can be used in future digital transformations.