An integrated TOE–DoI framework for cloud computing adoption in the higher education sector: case study of Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia

This research paper describes an integrated framework based on both the ‘Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework’ and ‘Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) theory’. The study explores the noteworthy factors and sub-factors which are pertinent for the adoption of cloud computing in the Ethiopian Higher Education (EHE) sector. The technology literature herein was based on technology adoption frameworks and theories which were studied in order to identify a set of factors and subfactors relevant to cloud computing adoption. It resulted in conceptualizing an integrated TOE–DoI framework for cloud computing adoption in higher education at the university in Ethiopia and in developing its reliable measures. Accordingly, a quantitative study was done with a questionnaire survey comprising 500 respondents in connection with 4 factors (technological, organizational, environmental and socio-cultural). Consequently, the cloud computing adoption in Ethiopia was established using factors and concepts adopted from the study. It confirmed that the TOE–DoI approach to higher education in Ethiopia is authenticated. Thus, the four factors’ reliability statistics validated with a Cronbach’s alpha a = 0.739, 0.712, 0.761, 0.841, and Cronbach’s alpha ‘a’ based on standard items a = 0.740, 0.713, 0.762 and 0.842 for technology, organizational, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. This indicates that scaling the four aspects therein suggests profound evidence to determine a cloud computing adoption in EHE with TOE–DoI integration