Assessing public administration readiness to adopt cloud computing in Eswatini

Abstract

Most governments' strategic orientation to utilize information technology as a vehicle to offer products and services is being influenced by the promise of cloud computing as a pillar for economic growth. As a result, it is critical for businesses to examine their readiness to utilize cloud computing. Technological, organizational, and environmental factors have all proven to be effective in determining readiness levels, and these parameters were utilized in the research to assess the Kingdom of Eswatini's readiness to use cloud computing in the public sector. The purpose of this research was to identify and analyse the essential aspects to consider when considering cloud computing adoption. Based on the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) paradigm, the research takes into consideration the experiences and knowledge of senior government officials to give a theoretical and practical understanding of the Kingdom of Eswatini's level of readiness. The data was gathered using a qualitative approach, with structured and semi-structured interviews conducted at all levels of the Eswatini government. The qualitative data from the Kingdom of Eswatini's technological, organizational, and environmental setting was collected and analysed using grounded theory. The findings of the study contribute to a better knowledge of the elements that the Kingdom of Eswatini should consider in its efforts to use cloud computing to improve the efficient and cost-effective delivery of electronic services. The findings of the research combine the characteristics discovered by the TOE frameworks to build numerous constructs or themes that are determinants of the state of preparedness to inspire government adoption of cloud computing. The research used the TOE framework as a theoretical foundation, and it highlighted the constructs/themes as facilitators or impediments to cloud computing adoption. The findings of the study also serve as a foundation for future research into the issue in the Kingdom of Eswatini and other developing countries. The constructs/themes that emerged were enablers and barriers answering the main research question. The presentation of the results provides a broad perspective that can be used by the Government of Eswatini or any entity to measure the state of readiness to adopt cloud computing to deliver electronic services.