Influence of LOC and Ethnicity on Adoption Decisions in the Use of Safety Technologies and Training in the Roofing Industry

Abstract

The construction industry has been slow to adopt new technologies; therefore, this pilot study found it beneficial to evaluate the relationship between Locus of Control (LOC), ethnicity, and technology and training adoption decisions. The following research questions were proposed: 1) To what extent do Hispanic and non-Hispanic workers differ in LOC? 2) In adoption decisions? 3) How confidently can LOC be used to predict adoption decisions? 4) How confidently can adoption decisions be used to predict LOC? The study utilized secondary data collection. The quantitative data (103 participants; 79 non-Hispanic and 24 Hispanic) was analyzed with JMP 8. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in both LOC and adoptions decisions. The qualitative data (29 participants; 13 non-Hispanic and 16 Hispanic) underwent content analysis using Atlas.ti. This study serves as a starting point for other research interested in developing technology adoption programs for this and possibly other populations.

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