• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.93-109
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• 2014

This study aims to develop a rich understanding of user goals in user-empowering information technologies which have been dominating part in the information systems environment. A particular focus is on users' goals in a social network site (SNS) which is a typical example of user-empowering technologies. Users conduct various activities in order to achieve diverse goals in SNS. Thus, investigating what goals users pursue in SNS will give insights into understanding the users. We employed the laddering interview technique and means-end chain approach. Interviews of 50 Facebook users were analyzed to produce a hierarchical goal map showing users' goal structure. The map contains 18 goals, including self-reflection, psychological stability, belongingness, improving productivity, and amusement as ultimate goals in SNS. In the map, there are varied routes from activities to ultimate goals in SNS; that is, a complex assembly consisting of activities and goals. The findings call the information systems research community to have more interests in diverse goals and values users seek with technologies.