April 2012 Volume 15 Number 2 - Educational Technology & Society

Even though the result does not confirm earlier studies, there was an explanation to this phenomenon. Based on the
respondent profile, the average hours spent on e-training per month was 4.23 hours. As the users gained experience
in using the e-training system, the concern on the level of computer self-efficacy may no longer be an issue, as such;
it did not impact the user satisfaction level significantly.
Hypothesis 2 which conjectured that there is a positive relationship between motivation to learn and user satisfaction
was supported. This result was consistent with a few findings discovered in prior research by scholars. For example,
Long et al. (2008) claimed that trainees’ motivation to learn was linked to their intentions regarding the amount of
attention effort they intend to expend during the course. When the employees have high motivation to learn, they will
exhibit greater interest in the e-training courses, and therefore, experience higher satisfaction.
Hypotheses 3 and 4 which stated that there is a positive relationship between ease of use with user satisfaction and
also continuance intention showed mixed results. Surprisingly, ease of use was found to have a non-significant effect
on user satisfaction, which contradicts earlier study by Shee and Wang (2008). On the other hand, ease of use was
found to have a positive effect on continuance intention. A well-designed and user-friendly e-training system is
therefore an important factor in increasing the intention to continue using the system. Employees will enjoy the
learning process and continue to utilize the system when they can navigate through the e-training system easily to get
the information they need, and when their interaction with the e-training system is clear and understandable.
As for hypothesis 5 which posited that there is a positive relationship between content of training and user
satisfaction, it was not supported. There were a few possible reasons causing the insignificant relationship in this
study. A plausible explanation for this perhaps lies on the respondents’ profile. From the profile, more than half of
the respondents worked in American-based MNCs. These firms have implemented e-training for many years in
providing technical, legal, and ergonomics trainings as well as company policies to their employees. The contents of
training therefore were partially directly related to their work whereas the others were general trainings that were
made compulsory but did not have direct applications to their real work.
Hypothesis 6 which stated that there is a positive relationship between management support and user satisfaction was
supported. In today’s business environment, companies realize the importance of continuous learning of their
employees to have a competitive edge over their rivals. Top management therefore has to provide support to their
employees to keep on improving their knowledge and skills in the form of matching their staff’s needs for
professional development via e-training, as well as provide recognition to employees who apply the knowledge and
skills acquired in their jobs.
Hypothesis 7 which predicted that there is a positive relationship between organizational support and user
satisfaction was also supported. As mentioned above, organizations today place great emphasis on continuous
learning and improvement in order to compete successfully in the fast paced industry. With appropriate
organizational support, employees will be motivated to exert greater effort in learning process, and also feel more
satisfied with the e-training system.
Hypothesis 8 which conjectured that there is a positive relationship between user satisfaction and continuance
intention was also supported indicating that the higher the level of user satisfaction in using e-training, higher level
of effectiveness was observed. The finding attested previous research which found that individuals who are more
satisfied with their experiences are more likely to enroll in future e-learning courses (Hayashi et al., 2004; Wang,
2003).
Hypothesis 9 which posited that there is a positive relationship between user satisfaction and net benefits however,
was not supported. This is somewhat surprising given that perceived user satisfaction was found to be a strong
predictor of individual impact (net benefits to individuals) (Igbaria and Tan, 1997; Iivari, 2005). Presumably, in the
case of this study, even though the e-training courses were found satisfactory, employees may need some time to get
accustomed to the new knowledge and skills acquired.
Finally, hypothesis 10 which predicted that there is a positive relationship between continuance intention and net
benefits was supported. Generally, when employees’ expectations are met, they will exhibit more positive attitude
towards the e-training system, and leads to continuance intention. Those who continue to use e-training system often
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