An Examination of Small Businesses' Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation

An Examination of Small Businesses’ Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation by Steven E. Powelson MBA, Grand Canyon University, 2009 BS, Arizona State University, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2011 Abstract The problem researched was small business leaders’ early and limited adoption of cloud computing. Business leaders that do not use cloud computing may forfeit the benefits of its lower capital costs and ubiquitous accessibility. Anchored in a diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional survey study was to examine if there is a relationship between small business leaders’ view of cloud-computing attributes of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, results demonstrable, trialability, and voluntariness and intent to use cloud computing. The central research question involved understanding the extent to which each cloud-computing attribute relate to small business leaders’ intent to use cloud computing. A sample of 3,897 small business leaders were selected from a commerce authority e-mail list yielding 151 completed surveys that were analyzed using regression. Significant correlations were found for the relationships between the independent variables of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, and results demonstrable and the dependent variable intent to use cloud computing. However, no significant correlation was found between the independent variable voluntariness and intent to use. The findings mightThe problem researched was small business leaders’ early and limited adoption of cloud computing. Business leaders that do not use cloud computing may forfeit the benefits of its lower capital costs and ubiquitous accessibility. Anchored in a diffusion of innovation theory, the purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional survey study was to examine if there is a relationship between small business leaders’ view of cloud-computing attributes of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, results demonstrable, trialability, and voluntariness and intent to use cloud computing. The central research question involved understanding the extent to which each cloud-computing attribute relate to small business leaders’ intent to use cloud computing. A sample of 3,897 small business leaders were selected from a commerce authority e-mail list yielding 151 completed surveys that were analyzed using regression. Significant correlations were found for the relationships between the independent variables of compatibility, complexity, observability, relative advantage, and results demonstrable and the dependent variable intent to use cloud computing. However, no significant correlation was found between the independent variable voluntariness and intent to use. The findings might provide new insights relating to cloud-computing deployment and commercialization strategies for small business leaders. Implications for positive social change include the need to prepare for new skills for workers affected by cloud computing adoption and cloud-computing ecosystem’s reduced environmental consequences and policies. An Examination of Small Businesses’ Propensity to Adopt Cloud-Computing Innovation by Steven E. Powelson MBA, Grand Canyon University, 2009 BS, Arizona State University, 1992 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University March 2011 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent on the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. All rights reserved. This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3502302 Copyright 2012 by ProQuest LLC. UMI Number: 3502302 Dedication I wish to thank Jesus Christ for the privilege of being able to pursue my dreams. I dedicate this work to give honor and glory to God in pursuit of those dreams. Acknowledgments I wish to express my great appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Sandi, for her encouragement and assistance throughout my DBA study journey. With much gratitude, I thank Dr. Lawrence Ness, my DBA committee chairperson, for his insightful guidance, steadfast encouragement, and kindred spirit. I thank Dr. Russell Strickland, DBA committee member, for his consistently insightful critique and advice. I thank Dr. Gayle Grant for her perspectives as the URR for this study. Additionally, I am grateful to Mr. Brian Sherman and the Arizona Commerce Authority for cooperating in this study by inviting survey participants.