A study of the Maltese propensity for Internet of things (IoT) adoption, and its effects on the local context

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the impact of IoT, explicitly wearables, smart appliances, and connected cars, on the Maltese population and the local business context. The e ffect is examined to demonstrate whether there is a relationship between demographics and the propensity of the Maltese towards the adoption of IoT. Additionally, it probes into this relationship to determine whether there is an e ffect on the local business context. Design/Methodology/Approach - The model is based on robust models and theories, such as the Uni ed Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by Venkatesh et al. (2003), Concern for Information Privacy by Hsu and Lin (2016), and Schwaig et al. (2013), Network Externalities and Economics by Katz and Shapiro (1985), and Innovation Diff usion by Rogers (1983). A psychometric quantitative research via a self-administered, Internet-mediated questionnaire was used to gather the data required. The data from a sample of 88 Maltese individuals was used to determine which underlying constructs a ffect behaviour intention in purchasing and making use of IoT and whether this propensity for the adoption of IoT e ffects the local business context. Findings - The results support the theories that perceived performance expectancy, e ffort expectancy, social influence (UTAUT), and compatibility (network economics), effect the behaviour intention. The results also support the theories on innovation di ffusion that suggest that perceived performance gains, e ffort, and compatibility of wearables, smart appliances and connected cars, diff er between innovators and laggards. Furthermore, the results do not support the theory that concern for information privacy has an adverse e ffect on behaviour intentions, or that the perceived size of the userbase of the technology (network economics) has an e ffect on behaviour intention for wearables, smart appliances, and connected cars. Originality/Value - By combining individual models and theories into an integrated approach, more insight into inter-model relationships is delivered. Additionally, by investigating three IoT technologies (wearables, smart appliances, and connected cars), comparative analysis of the results leads to a better understanding of the underlying forces influencing behaviour intention.