Authors : Jano Zanariah, Mohd Shamsuri, Md Saad and Hawati Janor
Abstract: A consideration of cultural issues in the design of web-based system can improve its usability. This study analyzed web features which were applicable to cultural dimension namely Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) which contributed to cultural understanding and assisted web designers in customizing the websites to a specific culture. Quantitative content analysis was utilized through a t-test and discriminant analysis. About 60 samples of university websites were selected from Malaysia and Australia. The findings yielded that cultural dimension in terms of UAI play significant roles in web design. However, unexpectedly, Australian university websites depicted a higher index and scored highly in most elements. This finding is contradictory to the selected cultural theoretical framework. This study is beneficial for web policy makers and web designers of universities in providing a guide in terms of integrating cultural values for specific cultures. Future research should examine other cultural dimensions in universities of other countries to gain more insights into the relationship of culture and university web usability.
Jano Zanariah, Mohd Shamsuri, Md Saad and Hawati Janor, 2017. Analyzing a Reflection of Uncertainty Avoidance Index Between Malaysian and Australian University Websites. Asian Journal of Information Technology, 16: 88-94.