Academics’ use of cloud computing in higher education: reconceptualizing UTAUT via structural equation modelling

Cloud computing apps have become increasingly widely used in recent years, including in higher education settings. However, despite the important role of academics in deploying this technology (e.g., Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace), the voices of academics remain underrepresented across university contexts. This inquiry sought to determine and understand the factors that influence academics’ behavioural intention to deploy cloud apps. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2 (UTAUT2) model was reconceptualized, adding three additional variables to better understand academics’ behaviour and use of cloud technology. Results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation and perceived security were all statistically significant predictors of faculty members’ behavioural intentions to use cloud apps in higher education.