Personal Cloud Computing Adoption: Integrating IT Mindfulness with TAM

Abstract

While extant literature is replete with studies on cloud computing adoption by organizations, there is a dearth of empirical literature on personal cloud computing adoption. This study aims at understanding how individuals adopt cloud computing within the Kenyan context. Specifically, the study integrates IT Mindfulness (ITM) with TAM in order to understand Intention to Adopt (ITA) personal cloud storage services. A priori model consisting of ITM, TAM and ITA variables was constructed. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used with a convenient sample of 98 students drawn from two public universities to test and validate the model. The results indicate significant positive relationships amongst 1) ITM and ITA, 2) ITM and Perceived Usefulness (PU) and 3) PU and Perceived Ease of Use(PEU). The study, by introducing IT Mindfulness, enriches the theoretical repertoire of IT innovation adoption literature. The cloud services vendors will find the results useful in understanding how personal traits determine adoption.