Resistance to ICT and Robotic Technologies Among Care Workers in Japanese Nursing Homes: Influencing Factors and Workplace Impacts

Background and Purpose. Japan’s long-term care sector is facing a chronic labor shortage. In response, the government has been promoting the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and robotic technologies to ensure the continuity of services and improve operational efficiency. However, insights from frontline settings suggest that many care workers harbor hesitation or negative feelings toward the use of these technologies. Such psychological resistance is increasingly recognized as a potential barrier to the effective introduction and integration of ICT and robotic tools into daily care practices. While prior research has primarily focused on the effectiveness and adoption patterns of ICT and robotics, comparatively less attention has been devoted to the resistance expressed by frontline care workers toward these technologies. This study aims to identify the factors that influence resistance to the use of ICT and robotic technologies among care workers in Japan and to examine how such resistance impacts their work life.

Methods. A postal questionnaire survey was administered in January 2023 to nursing care workers across 500 nursing homes in the Kansai region of Japan. Each facility received three copies of the questionnaire, yielding a total of 548 responses and an overall response rate of 36.5%. The survey assessed negative perceptions (i.e., resistance) toward the use of ICT and robotic technologies as the primary dependent variable, and examined the personal and organizational factors influencing this resistance using validated scales. Personal-level variables included analog orientation, ICT literacy, and innovation orientation, while organizational-level variables encompassed psychological safety and anxiety regarding organizational change. In addition, Quality of Working Life (QWL) and intention to leave were assessed as outcome variables representing workplace impacts. SPSS was used to perform simple tabulation and multivariate regression analysis.

Findings. Approximately 18% of respondents exhibited some degree of resistance toward the use of ICT, and more than half expressed apprehension about their ability to effectively operate such technologies. Results from multiple regression analyses, controlling for demographic characteristics, indicated that both personal and organizational factors significantly contributed to this resistance (p < .05). Among the personal factors, stronger analog orientation, lower levels of ICT literacy, and higher innovation orientation were positively associated with resistance. At the organizational level, greater psychological safety and increased anxiety about organizational change were also significantly associated with heightened resistance. Moreover, individuals with stronger resistance reported lower levels of Quality of Working Life (QWL) and a higher intention to leave their jobs.

Conclusion and Implications. To effectively integrate ICT and robotic technologies into long-term care settings, it is essential to address the emotional and psychological barriers faced by frontline care workers. Enhancing ICT literacy and fostering adaptability to change require the implementation of structured education and training programs. Moreover, cultivating a supportive organizational culture that encourages open communication and promotes sustained organizational learning can further reduce resistance. While this study is grounded in the Japanese context, the findings may offer valuable insights for other countries considering the adoption of new technologies and organizational strategies in long-term care environments.