Evolution of TAM

The chapter traces the evolution of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and underscores its consistent efficacy in predicting user acceptance across diverse technologies over more than three decades. Exploring beyond TAM research, alternative approaches aim to enrich our understanding of primary dependent constructs, specifically behavioural intentions and the actual behaviour (i.e. adoption) of technology. The chapter investigates the proliferation of selected TAM-related behavioural intention models and presents several integrated theoretical approaches. Additionally, it provides a chronological account of the era, illustrating interconnected relationships among the most influential theories and models in the field. Building on three dimensions of influence, this work systematically categorizes additional determinants of behavioural intention derived from various TAM extensions (“TAM++”). Notably, these new variables manifest and align with trends in the evolving landscape of emerging technologies, emphasizing TAM as a powerful and extensively validated theory. Its versatility is apparent across a broad spectrum of technological solutions, systems, environments, tools, applications, services and devices, as exemplified by numerous real-world applications explored in the chapter. TAM establishes itself as a simple and practical tool for delineating the determinants of technology adoption, proving effective even when integrated with well-established theories from related disciplines, thus spanning diverse multidisciplinary domains.