Computer Technology Acceptance Success Factors in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The advent of computers and information technologies (IT) has been perhaps the single biggest drive impacting organizations during the past decades. IT acceptance that leads to adoption and use in the workplace is a necessary condition for effectiveness and competency in the information age. However, the literature suggests that there is a recognized rejection of these technologies in technologically advanced societies let alone in less technologically developed societies. As most technology is designed and produced in developed societies with their cultural values in mind, we would expect that there would be some social and cultural gap with less technologically developed societies. Failing to put the IT implementation process into the proper social context of economic, sociopolitical, and cultural dimensions can inhibit the success of the process and increase the risks of failure. This study, based on data from 1190 computer users in fifty six private and public organizations in Saudi Arabia, examines individual, technological, and organizational factors affecting computer acceptance as reflected in computer usage and user satisfaction. We contend that social and cultural influences could bridge the gap towards a better understanding of IT acceptance if certain "rational factors " are taken into account. The implications of findings for research and practice are discussed.