Factors affecting the adoption of geographic information systems in the public sector of Saudi Arabia and their impact on organizational performance

Abstract

The ability of Geographic Information System (GIS) to organize, analyze, visualize and integrate spatial data has been at the top of its primary uses among professional industries such as business, agriculture, geology, urban planning, and healthcare. Considering the extensive adoption of Information System (IS) throughout history for the government organizations/citizens' disaster response, it is brought forward that government agencies are not as up-to-date with their GIS adoption. Previous studies on GIS models/frameworks, particularly in developing countries, were devoid of pandemic pressure, competitiveness pressure, change management, and security factors. This study seeks to analyze the applicability of the existing factors associated with GIS adoption that might enhance the performance of Public Sector Organizations (PSO). A new conceptual framework to examine the effects of factors on GIS adoption which impact performance among PSOs in Saudi Arabia is then necessary to be proposed. The framework needs to be comprehensive, including critical factors, and be based on solid theories. Hence, this study aims to present a model for the adoption of GIS to support the performance in PSOs of Saudi Arabia using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and De Lone and Mc Lean Information Success Model. Quantitative methods were used to collect data through a questionnaire that was distributed to 350 respondents from PSO, and only 272 were found to be valid. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Smart Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling SEM-PLS 3.8 software was used to propose the framework. Quantitative data reveals that all the fit indices satisfy the recommended range of values, assuming the developed framework is acceptable. The finding revealed that system quality, service quality, change management, competitiveness pressure, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and security factors were significant and positively affected GIS adoption. The study also showed that GIS adoption was substantial and positively affected PSO performance. This study could help shape the direction of both theoretical and empirical studies on GIS, specifically on adoption, to support the PSO performance through the proposed model. The proposed model provides insight into how GIS adoption can eventually lead to enhancing performance among PSOs. In essence, the study practically contributes to the running of PSO and the decisions taken by policymakers.