The Role of Organizing Vision in Cloud Computing Adoption by Organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Cloud computing as an emerging IT innovation has attracted a growing number of studies in recent years. Key amongst these studies is the adoption of cloud computing. Most studies investigating cloud computing adoption have proceeded along the contours of rationalistic perspectives. While significant progress has been achieved in enhancing the understanding of cloud computing adoption through the rationalistic lenses, this study, steps out to adopt an organizing vision perspective. Given that cloud computing adoption has been steadily increasing in Kenya, the current study aims at investigating the determinants of cloud computing adoption from an organizing vision perspective. The relationships amongst interpretation, legitimation and mobilization as functions of the organizing vision and cloud computing adoption was conceptualized through a priori research model. The research model was tested using structural equation modelling (PLS SEM). A firm level cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 93 firms in the financial, manufacturing and the ICT sectors. A section of the results indicates that there is no significant relationship between the organizing vision functions and cloud computing adoption. The results further indicate that there is a significant relationship between interpretation and legitimization; and legitimation and mobilization. A major implication of this study is that adequate interpretation of cloud computing plays a role in its legitimation as an innovation of value. The study also underscores the important role that needs to be played by professional bodies, industry organizations, standards bodies and the government in the development of an organizing vision for emerging technologies.