Abstract

Cloud computing is a novel trend in the sphere of information technology. This research sought to identify the factors that could influence the adoption of cloud computing in Saudi Arabian universities, and to comprehend the theories of technology adoption that apply to the uptake of cloud computing in organisations or for individuals, and how they pertained to the study reported here. Four categories of possible influencers were investigated: technological, organisational, environmental, and cultural. This mixed-methods study was based in extended TOE theory (technology, organisation, and environment) and the Hofstede model, which includes cultural factors. To accomplish the goals of the research, an exploratory study consisting of two phases, including qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (survey) was initiated to determine the importance of each of these influencers and the degree of influence. The results revealed that the factors of relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, readiness, competitive pressure, regulatory support, high masculinity, and high individualism have positive impacts on the adoption of cloud computing in this particular context. They also showed that security concerns, high uncertainty avoidance, and high power distance have negative impacts on cloud computing adoption. Unexpectedly, the results indicated that complexity, language and religion do not influence the adoption process.

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