Identification and Evaluation of the Factors Influencing the Adoption of the Metaverse in Employee Training

Subject Areas : human resource management

Mersedeh Adabi ^{1 *} , Hormat Asghari ² , Mahdi Davari ³

1 - .Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management and Economics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2025-05-27 Accepted : 2025-07-15 Published : 2025-11-06

Keywords: Metaverse, employee training, technology adoption,

Abstract :

Background and purpose: Prior to the design and implementation of Metaverse infrastructures within organizational training programs, it is essential to conduct a thorough examination of the acceptance of this emerging technology. The objective of the present study is to identify and assess the factors that influence the acceptance of the Metaverse in employee training.

Research method: This study was undertaken with an applied focus, characterized by an exploratory approach, and employed a mixed-methods design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In the qualitative component, the thematic analysis technique was utilized, while the quantitative component involved the application of the Delphi method and the interpretive structural modeling approach. Fourteen human resource management experts were purposively sampled until theoretical saturation was achieved. In the interpretive structural modeling section, a hierarchical model was developed based on a structured matrix.

Findings: The results indicated that the 10 identified components are: perceived usefulness, technological infrastructure and accessibility, technology acceptance, organizational culture and readiness for change, user engagement and interaction, evaluation, perceived ease of use, and ... Based on the interpretive structural model, five hierarchical levels pertaining to the adoption of the Metaverse in employee training were delineated.

Conclusion: Although this emerging technology possesses distinctive capabilities to improve the effectiveness, interactivity, and simulation within learning environments, its successful implementation within organizations is contingent upon a combination of structural, cultural, technical, and behavioral factors. The needs assessment, serving as a fundamental component of infrastructure, is instrumental in initiating the adoption process; failure to accurately identify the needs of employees may result in unsuccessful investment in the Metaverse.

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