Investigating the factors that lead to mobile government application acceptance: Extending UTAUT2 with technology readiness

Abstract

Purpose: This research intends to measure the main factors that lead to mobile government acceptance. The research intends to study the consumers’ perspectives of mobile government application before and after usage. In this study, two theories are assessed the extended theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and technology readiness index (TRI).Research Design/Methodology: This study is considered deductive research as is seeks to examine the theories in a logical approach; from general ideas of technology acceptance towards a specific conclusions made for mobile government (m-government). The population of focus is Egyptian citizens as Egypt seeks to become completely digitalized in its public services by 2030. The sampling used is convenience sampling. 800 administrated questionnaires were used in the analysis. The questionnaires are analyzed through SEM path analysis. Findings: This study shows that before the citizens’ usage of mobile applications, the factors that encouraged consumer’s usage towards government services are: Perceived enjoyment and optimism towards technology in a significant and positive manner; whereas personal innovativeness and behavioural intentions impacted their m-government usage behaviour in a significant and positive manner. Once the consumers used the mobile service, their behaviour intentions towards the application were due to the following significant factors: Perceived enjoyment, personal resource cost, and optimism towards technology; whereas facilitating conditions, personal innovativeness and behavioural intention impacted their m-government usage behaviour in a significant and positive manner. Originality and Value: Many studies that have existed in the literature to assess the technology theories focus on digitalization and innovative products; few studies focused on services, such as those found through the mobile applications. In addition, studies that focus on mobile applications examine commercial and entertainment application. This study contributes insights that show consumers’ usage to government services applications, which help practitioners in the public sector to create an application that is deemed attractive to the citizens, encouraging its usage.