Assessing the impact of knowledge management factors on digital resources acceptance: a survey of postgraduate students of public sector universities of Punjab

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to measure the acceptance of digital resources by integrating knowledge management (KM) factors (i.e. acquisition, sharing, application and protection) into the factors of the technology acceptance model (TAM) (i.e. perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness) and their impact on actual system use through behavioural intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the quantitative research method, a survey was conducted of the public sector universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from postgraduate students and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings showed that the factors of KM with the integration of TAM significantly impact the acceptance of digital resources. The study’s hypotheses are all supported, and the findings demonstrated that knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing, knowledge application and knowledge protection significantly influenced perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and that these factors are positively correlated with behavioural intentions to use digital resources.

Originality/value

This study has considerable significant implications for policymakers, developers and practitioners in designing digital resources. This study will also assist librarians to discover areas for development that may enhance the use of digital resources among users

Citation

Ahmad, M., Ahmad, K. and Bhatti, R. (2023), "Assessing the impact of knowledge management factors on digital resources acceptance: a survey of postgraduate students of public sector universities of Punjab", The Electronic Library, Vol. 41 No. 5, pp. 617-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2023-0013