Assessment of Complexity in Cloud Computing Adoption: a Case Study of Local Governments in Australia

Abstract

This research paper assesses complexity in cloud computing adoption, using the context of the local government sector in Australia. The research utilized both cloud computing adoption literature and an Information Systems Complexity Framework to propose a complexity assessment model for cloud computing adoption. A mixed method approach was used in this research. Firstly, we conducted 21 indepth interviews with IT managers in the local governments in Australia to obtain their insights into the complexity of cloud computing adoption. Secondly, a quantitative method is used in which 480 IT staff from 47 local governments responded to an online survey to validate the proposed assessment model. The findings indicate that structural complexity of an organization (i.e., knowledge management), structural complexity of technology (i.e., technology interoperability, and data processing capability), dynamic complexity of an organization (i.e., business operations), and dynamic complexity of technology (i.e., systems integration, IT infrastructure update, and customization resources) are critical complexity aspects to be considered during cloud computing adoption. These findings provide important implications for both researchers and managers that are trying to understand the complexities involved in cloud computing adoption.