An Integrative Model of Mobile Phone Appropriation

Werner Wirth ^a Thilo von Pape ^b Veronika Karnowski ^c

^a Institut für Publizistikwissenschaft und Medienforschung (IPMZ)
Universität Zürich,
Zürich Switzerland
^b Département d'information et communication,
UFR sciences humaines et arts, Université Paul Verlaine,
France
^c Institut für Kommunikationswissenschaft und Medienforschung (IfKW),
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität,
München Germany

Copyright © 2008 International Communication Association

ABSTRACT

The evolution of mobile communication devices and services has taken up a dynamic that makes any prognosis in the field almost impossible. Whereas part of this dynamic may remain inscrutable, we believe that a much higher degree of explanation can be achieved by systematically paying closer attention to the process of appropriation. To seize upon this potential, we present an integrative model to analyze mobile phone appropriation (the "MPA model").

The model is based on existing theoretical approaches of the quantitative "adoption" paradigm (namely, Innovation Diffusion Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior) as well as the mostly qualitative research paradigm devoted to "appropriation" (Cultural studies and Frame Analysis), with the Uses-and-Gratifications approach playing a role on both sides. The model has been developed, operationalized and empirically applied in the context of mobile phone appropriation; however, with certain modifications it can be adapted to other information and communications technology (ICT) innovations.

ABSTRACT

An Integrative Model of Mobile Phone Appropriation

The evolution of mobile communication devices and services has taken up a dynamic that makes any prognosis in the field almost impossible. Whereas part of this dynamic may remain inscrutable, we believe that a much higher degree of explanation can be achieved by systematically paying closer attention to the process of appropriation. To seize upon this potential, we present an integrative model to analyze mobile phone appropriation (the "MPA model").

The model is based on existing theoretical approaches of the quantitative "adoption" paradigm (namely, Innovation Diffusion Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior) as well as the mostly qualitative research paradigm devoted to "appropriation" (Cultural studies and Frame Analysis), with the Uses-and-Gratifications approach playing a role on both sides. The model has been developed, operationalized and empirically applied in the context of mobile phone appropriation; however, with certain modifications it can be adapted to other information and communications technology (ICT) innovations.

ABSTRACT