The dual roles of the government in cloud computing assimilation: an empirical study in China
Information Technology & People
ISSN: 0959-3845
Article publication date: 14 December 2018
Issue publication date: 30 January 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the government roles in cloud computing assimilation along two dimensions: government regulation and government support.
Design/methodology/approach
A research model was developed to depict the dual roles of government regulation and government support in cloud computing assimilation as well as the mediating effect of top management support (TMS). Using survey data collected from 376 Chinese firms that have already adopted cloud services, the authors tested the research model.
Findings
The impacts of both government regulation and government support on cloud computing assimilation are partially mediated by TMS. Government support exerts stronger impacts on TMS than government regulation.
Research limitations/implications
This study extends the current information systems literature by highlighting the specific mechanisms through which governments influence firms’ assimilation of cloud computing.
Practical implications
Governments in developing countries could actively allocate funds or enact policies to effectively encourage cloud computing assimilation.
Originality/value
This study would complement previous findings about government regulation, and develop a more holistic understanding about the dual roles of governments in information technology innovation assimilation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is partly supported by the Key Program of National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 71331003) and the General Program of National Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos 71471079, 71471080, 71302140 and 71371013).
Citation
Wang, N., Xue, Y., Liang, H., Wang, Z. and Ge, S. (2019), "The dual roles of the government in cloud computing assimilation: an empirical study in China", Information Technology & People, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 147-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-01-2018-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited