Learning technology adoption: Navy barriers and resistance

Abstract

Technological developments offer opportunities to enhance training effectiveness, in support of achieving high-velocity learning. However, resistance to change can be an immense barrier to technology adoption. This study was established to answer the following primary research questions: (1) How are Navy processes likely to influence the adoption and use of new learning technologies? (2) What unique organizational and individual barriers must be addressed to mitigate friction between new learning technologies and Navy processes, structure and culture? In addition, the following secondary research question was addressed: What behaviors, job performance and learning outcomes are enabled by new learning technologies? Interviews and surveys of Navy students and faculty at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) were conducted, and we surveyed enlisted students at Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes to support a quantitative and qualitative analysis. Our study revealed an organizational, generationally culture-dependent trend toward resistance to change and exposed barriers unique to the Navy. Our findings suggested that the hierarchical nature of the Navy restrains innovation and technology adoption. Furthermore, resistance caused by a limited perception of usefulness stems from inadequate communication, technology development, and end-user buy-in. Based on these results, we recommended measures to foster an innovative culture and support implementation efforts.