Tablet device as a business management tool. Case: fit in a retail company.

Abstract

Objectives of the Study:

There is research done in mobile device fit to organization, but it is missing a closer examination of a tablet device fit to organization, as of a business tool. The aim of this study is to extrapolate existing studies of smart device fit to organization in the context of tablet devices. Tasks that can be completed with a smartphone or a laptop differ from tasks that are more efficiently completed with a tablet device. Companies are currently seeking best uses of tablet devices to capture efficiency benefits. This study discusses theory on technology fit to tasks in the context of tablet devices and portrays a case company from retail and its tasks' fit to using tablet devices in its business. The study is beneficial especially for companies thinking about whether they should adopt tablet devices for their business.

Academic background and methodology:

The academic literature is analyzed from the perspective of mobile devices, their features, and benefits that have been gained by using mobile information systems (IS). A definition of a tablet device is presented. The main theories and research are centered on technology fit with tasks, and utilization effects on performance impacts. A case company and its use of tablet devices in three different managerial levels is researched by analyzing the results of interviews on the subject, and case company tablet device use fit with tasks.

Findings and conclusions:

Technology affects performance positively only if it fits the task of the technology user. Fit between tasks and technologies, user skills, abilities and opinions affect the performance of the individual. Performance impacts cannot be gained without utilizing a technology. Beliefs, social norms and habits affect IS utilization. Mobile IS brings benefits through flexibility and improved productivity. Tablet devices bring efficiency in business managerial work, when there is a recognized fit between the tasks and the tablet device. Tablets fit best managerial positions that include mobile work. Tablet devices' strengths are in efficient information management and search, time management, communication, and making jobs more interesting to managers. Most benefits can be reached if a tablet device is in a manager's personal use, while having a mobile access to the Internet, company resources and email. Still, the need of producing a large amount of information content is more efficiently made with a PC and its business productivity software.