The individual IT infusion process occurs within a setting of social structures. These studies have focused on how various social structures either directly or indirectly impact some aspect of individual IT usage. What is missing from this prior work is a thorough investigation of how social structures impact individual IT usage. This study introduces a theoretical perspective to be used in investigating how social structures impact individual IT infusion behaviors. Compliance occurs as individuals respond to the social IT norms of their work group.
Imitation occurs as individuals model the IT usage behavior of coworkers.
Mutual discovery occurs when two or more individuals collectively search for and develop innovative ways of integrating IT and work processes. Finally, three separate pathways are proposed through which social structures impact individual IT infusion. Each pathway is dominated by one of the three proposed appropriation moves. A compliance appropriation move has direct impact on IT infusion. An imitation appropriation move has primary influence on individual IT belief structures.