Factors influencing the acceptance of web‐based training in Malaysia: applying the technology acceptance model

Companies in Malaysia are beginning to use web‐based training to reduce the cost of training and to provide employees with greater access to instruction. However, some people are uncomfortable with technology and prefer person‐to‐person methods of training. This study examines the acceptance of web‐based training among a convenience sample of 261 employees in Malaysia using the technology acceptance model. The research uses a self‐developed questionnaire with a five‐point Likert scale. The findings reveal that Malaysian employees accept web‐based training to some extent, despite their weak use of the Internet. Perceived ease‐of‐use, perceived comfortableness and perceived usefulness are found to be positively related to the respondents’ attitude towards adopting web‐based training. These findings mirror Western studies and suggest that the technology acceptance model, developed in the West, is also applicable in Malaysia. The implications of the study and future research directions are discussed.