An empirical analysis to assess the determinants of SaaS diffusion in firms. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martins, Ricardo; Oliveira, Tiago; Thomas, Manoj A.
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 62(2016)
• Page Start: 19
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Software-as-a-service (SaaS) -- Technology adoption -- Technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework -- Diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory -- Institutional (INT) theory; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.03.049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: We propose a conceptual model for assessing the determinants of SaaS diffusion process (i.e. intention, adoption, and routinization). The conceptual model is based on three important theories of adoption at the firm level (i.e., technology-organization-environment [TOE] framework, diffusion of innovation [DOI] theory, and institutional [INT] theory). Data collected from 265 firms are used to test the conceptual model. Nine determinants are found to be statistically significant. By examining direct and total (direct and indirect) effects of the determinants, the study offers rich insight into the firm's decision to adopt and routinize SaaS. Highlights: An evaluation of factors influencing the diffusion of SaaS. Research model based on TOE framework, INT theory, and DOI theory. Direct effects, as well as total (direct and indirect) effects are evaluated. The study provides insights to decision makers considering SaaS strategies.