Factors influencing symbolic adoption of ERP systems in the Middle-East

Prior quantitative studies on factors that influence IT adoption in the Middle East have mostly been conducted in a voluntary situation (where the population has the choice of accepting or rejecting the use of IT). In a mandatory context of IS adoption, however, the study population (for example, employees of an organization) does not have a choice to reject the system. ERP adoption is a good example of a mandatory context. In this paper, we study the relationship between cultural and behavioural dimensions and symbolic adoption of ERP in Saudi Arabia. Based on a sample of 230 employees, our analysis shows that effect of cultural dimensions is not significant, however, effort expectancy and perceived compatibility have a statistically significant influence on symbolic adoption.