External factors and adoption of new technology in education support organisations in Kenya: a case of Cemastea

Abstract

Information technology is being used in each and every organisation. It plays a very crucial part in the day-to-day operations of businesses. It is therefore important for organisations to introduce new technologies to their organisation once in a while to cope with technological changes. The main objective of this study was to establish the relationship external factors and the adoption of new technology in education support organisations in Kenya as a case studied at CEMASTEA. The literature review examined other researches that may have been conducted on this subject. It also gives us a broad review of the conceptual framework. The study was carried out using descriptive research. The researcher used a 30% sample size that was collected by a stratified method. Open and closed questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Piloting of the questionnaires was done prior to administering them so as to make sure that they were acceptable, reliable, and valid. A Likert scale of 5 was used where a mean score of 5 indicated that the respondents strongly agreed, a score of 4 indicated agreement, a score of 3 indicated don’t know, a score of 2 indicated disagreed, and a score of 1 indicated strongly disagreed. The data collected was then analysed using descriptive statistical procedures and regression analysis. Descriptive analysis for the objectives gave an average mean of 4.0 for organisational factors; personal factors with an average mean of 3.9; and technological factors with an average mean of 4.0 Findings from the combined effect indicate an Rsquare of 0.93 with a standard error of 0.127. This implies that the three objectives considered in this study (that is technological factors, organizational factors, personal factors) explain 93 percent of changes in adoption of new technology. The formula for adoption of New technology in CEMASTEA = 0.872 + 0.310 Organisation Factors + 0.554 Personal Factors + 0.598 technological Factors + e was used. The organisations will also have a clear view of external factors that need to be managed during the adoption of new technology. From the findings, it can be concluded that, indeed there is joint effects of external factors on the adoption of new technology at CEMASTEA. In this respect, it has highly enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of organisation. Comparatively, these objectives (organisational factors and technological factors) have exerted the greatest influence as compared to personal factors. Therefore, organisations should be keen in communicating, good leadership, and employee participation in the process of new technology adoption and manage cost of technology. Government and all relevant authorities should also formulate and implement policies that will assist organisations adopt and adapt to new technologies in favourable and user-friendly environment.