The relationships between computer use and Canterbury dairy farmers' goals, personality traits and learning styles

Abstract

To help explain dairy farmers' use of software in managing farm information, farmers' goals, personality traits and Kolb's learning styles were included as independent variables in a model. The relationships were tested against on-farm computerised information system (CIS) use and other related variables. Relationships were in fact identified, using both direct and indirect correlation, between farmer's psychological characteristics and their computer related behaviour. Furthermore, cluster analysis was used to find a complex relationship indicating computerised information system use seems to be related to abstract conceptualisation, two psychological profiles, introspection and extroversion, and a preference to follow management principles. On the other hand, a high scoring in "concrete experience" may be related to a delay in CIS adoption. These findings will help in assisting farmers, especially those who want to improve their information systems, decide on their personal computer aptitude.