The Role of Trust in the Acceptance of Government Cloud

Abstract

This study proposes and empirically examines a revised and extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, while acknowledging the role of trust on government cloud (G-Cloud) acceptance. The study utilized a quantitative research approach to examine the research model with data collected from a survey administered to IT professionals at government agencies in Saudi Arabia. The model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results show that trust is a major predictor of behavioral intentions to use G-Cloud that reduces uncertainty associated with the cloud and mitigates risk perceptions on the one hand, and significantly increases the perceptions of usefulness on the other hand. Furthermore, results indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions are all significant determinants of G-Cloud acceptance. Based on the findings, the study highlights several implications for practice and suggests opportunities for future research in the field of government cloud.