A holistic framework to examine the impact of user, organizational and data factors on the use of big data analytics systems

Abstract

Introduction. More than 80% of big data projects have failed to meet project sponsors' expectations. This study adopts the technology-organization-environment model to provide a holistic framework to examine the key factors contributing to the success of business analytics projects. Method. The paper develops a survey questionnaire consisting of thirty items on eight constructs, based on previous studies from cognitive-experiential self-efficacy, information technology mindfulness, technology-organization-environment, and information systems success theories. A total of 236 actual users in twenty organizations participated in the study. Analysis. We employed structural equation modelling with partial least squares to test the proposed hypotheses. Results. Our analysis shows that openness to novelty, the rational cognitive thinking style, organizational compatibility, organizational readiness, and data connectivity have a positive effect on the active use of big data analytics systems. Data compatibility does not emerge as a strong antecedent for frequency or duration. The active use of these types of applications is a mediating factor that can significantly improve individual job performance. Our findings provide insights into the user’s relative value, as well as organizational and data factors that can be used to promote big data analytics systems in an organization. Conclusions. Our findings strongly suggest that such an integrative approach can help an organization understand the challenges of promoting big data analytics to use and improve employees' job performance.