Technology Adoption in Material Procurement: An Empirical Study Applying the UTAUT Model Among Construction Companies in India

Abstract

The Indian construction industry faces many challenges, such as low productivity, project delays and a lack of professionalism. To remain competitive, construction companies must adopt innovative technologies to make their operations more efficient. In this context, the management of companies needs to understand employee attitudes and perceptions of technology adoption to make investment decisions for adopting new technologies. This study aims to assess the employees’ perceptions of e-procurement as part of technology adoption in the construction sector. The popular Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework was adapted to develop a study model with employee attitude added as a mediating variable. Data collected from 305 employees working in the materials departments of different private construction companies are analyzed using SPSS Amos, a covariance-based structural equation modelling (CBSEM) tool. The study results revealed the strength of the predictor variables in determining the predicted variable and the significant role of the mediating variable in shaping employee perceptions. The results can provide valuable information to the management of the construction companies about which factors promote the adoption and acceptance of digital technologies. This awareness is greatly helpful in changing or adjusting the situation to improve employee perceptions of accepting new technologies.