Adoption of Robotic Process Automation in Micro Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

The study developed a technology adoption model to assess the intent of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) across several industries to use robotic process automation (RPA). The model captured the impact of individual, social, and system characteristics on the ease of use and usability perception of RPA among MSMEs. Technology acceptance model (TAM3), validated primary responses collected from managers and owners of MSMEs operating in the industrial zones of the Pune industrial region (N=279). The results based on a structural equation model analysis indicate that perceived external control did not influence the ease-of-use perception (PEOU), and results demonstrability did not influence the perceived usefulness (PU) of RPA among the MSME respondents. The significant influencing factors for PEOU are perceived motivation, self-eff$\iota$cacy, technophobia, and perceived obstacles. Subjective norms, Job relevance, and output quality significantly determined PU. PEOU and PU significantly impacted the MSME’s intention to adopt RPA. The study will help MSMEs establish plans for implementing RPA and give MSME decisionmakers more confidence.