An Exploratory Study of Chinese Textile and Apparel Firm Managers' Perceived Cost of New Technology

This study aimed at developing a scale for measuring Chinese textile and apparel firm managers' perceived cost of new technology, using the psychometric method of item response theory. Following the item generation, item bank development, and the psychometric evaluation tested by 599 Chinese textile and apparel firm managers, the 8-item scale of perceived cost was created. The effect cost together with the opportunity cost and psychological cost were addressed, and time, workload, money, and mental pressure were denoted. The scale provides for an opportunity to measure Chinese textile and apparel firm managers' perceived cost of new technology, thus offering tools for additional technology adoption research. In addition, this study also further explores the industry's readiness for the new technology era.