COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE SUCCESS FACTORS IN SAUDI ARABIA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Said S. Al-Gahtani, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

IT acceptance is a necessary condition for effectiveness and competency in the information age. However, there is a recognized rejection of these technologies in advanced societies let alone in less developed societies. As most technology is designed in developed societies, we expect there would be some social and cultural gap with less developed societies. Failing to consider the proper social context of economic, sociopolitical, and cultural dimensions can inhibit the success of the process and increase the risks of failure. This study, based on data from fifty six private and public organizations in Saudi Arabia, examines individual, technological, and organizational factors affecting computer acceptance as reflected in computer usage and user satisfaction. We contend that social and cultural influences could bridge the gap towards a better understanding of IT acceptance if certain "rational factors" are taken into account.