Digital transitions at the port: human capital, technology adoption and operational efficiency among independent truckers

Purpose In this study we seek to understand the relationship between a trucker’s level of human capital, their ease of use of new technology innovations and how this translates into overall port efficiency at the Port of Tema. Design/methodology/approach To perform this inquiry, we develop a five-construct framework with trucker’s self-efficacy and mentorship moderating relationship between human capital, perceived ease of use (PEOU) of new technology innovations and port efficiency. We utilize a structural equation model (SEM) to analyze data retrieved from 174 independent truckers at the Tema Port. Findings We find significant relationships between a trucker’s human capital variables such as education, skills and training and PEOU, which in turn had effects on efficiency. We also interestingly found that truckers with a higher self-efficacy did not necessarily transition faster with use of the new technologies and those that received mentoring support had varying effects on ease of use of new technology. Originality/value We present new and interesting evidence on the new technology innovations at the port, their perceived assimilation into the relatively lowly-educated workforce and how these antecedents affect perceived operational efficiency in a unique African and port context.