The adoption of cloud computing in small and medium enterprises: a developing country perspective
VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems
ISSN: 2059-5891
Article publication date: 20 February 2020
Issue publication date: 13 February 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of cloud computing adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), further, to measure the effect of cloud computing adoption on cloud-supported firm performance through enhancing organisational agility.
Design/methodology/approach
The research model is developed by combining two popular theoretical models, namely, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework. Data are collected from 372 SMEs to test the model. The strengths of widely used structural equation modelling (SEM) are applied to analyse the data.
Findings
This study reveals that the significant predictors of cloud computing adoption are performance expectancy; effort expectancy; absorptive capacity; data security and privacy; and perceived trust. Also, cloud computing adoption positively influences firm performance directly and through organisational agility. The results of importance–performance map analysis indicate that effort expectancy falls in the critical zone, which needs to be improved.
Originality/value
This research is one of few that blends the strengths of UTAUT and TOE framework. The research outcomes yield noteworthy suggestions to cloud providers, managers and government policymakers on ways of motivating the spread of cloud computing in developing countries.
Keywords
Citation
Khayer, A., Jahan, N., Hossain, M.N. and Hossain, M.Y. (2021), "The adoption of cloud computing in small and medium enterprises: a developing country perspective", VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, Vol. 51 No. 1, pp. 64-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-05-2019-0064
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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