An Examination of Factors Influencing Government Employees to Adopt and Use Social Media

Abstract

AbstractThe growing importance of information and communication technologies in public sectors drove this study. Many governments have recognized social media as a valuable information and communication tool worldwide. This study aimed to understand what factors may influence government employees’ intentions to use social media for their agencies. This study used the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) as the theoretical framework, explaining a user’s intention to adopt and use information technology. Employees’ attitudes and intentions toward adopting and using social media platforms in Saudi government agencies were assessed using an online survey. Data collected from 236 respondents were tested against the research model using the structural equation modeling approach. The results indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and top management support were significant behavioral intention determinants to use social media. Facilitating conditions and behavioral intention were not found to be significant predictor variables of the actual use of social media.KeywordsSocial mediaTwitterTechnology acceptanceSaudi Arabia