End-user computing by top executives

Abstract

This paper examines the activities and perspectives of top executives towards end-user computing. End-user computing (EUC) is defined as "an information processing activity in which the person has direct personal control over all stage of the activity." Hence, the end user directly uses personal computers and related technology and does not necesarily have technical experience and training in the management information systems (MIS) area.The key issue is whether top executives from a unique group of users or whether they can be considered similar to other users in terms of support and control policies.A field study was conducted resulting in 239 respondents from a variety of organizations. Using the executive level of each respondent as the independent variable, eight other variables were examined such as: the extent of PC usage, exchange of data with others, use of programs developed by others, development of programs for use by others, access to corporate data remotely, etc.The data analysis show that, for the most part, executives do act and feel similar to others relative to end-user computing, which is a significant result. In other words, executives are active adopters of EUC technology and probably have a strong influence on EUC activities in their organizations. They frequently exchange PC data with others and develop programs or models for others. Therefore, considerations about executives as end users should be an important part of EUC policies, both for support and control.