Abstract
This study examines the influence of the external environment on the adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Drawing on Theory of Isomorphic Changes and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we propose a multifaceted model to evaluate how the external environment, top management support, and IT competencies drive SaaS adoption decisions. The model was empirically validated through a survey among 271 Polish IT practitioners, with data analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that external pressures play a relatively modest role in the SaaS-enabled digital transformation process. In particular, vendor pressure had a negligible direct and indirect impact on the transition to cloud-based solutions. These findings suggest that internal perceptions of technological utility are primary drivers, necessitating a deeper exploration of intra-organizational beliefs. Furthermore, our research highlights the pivotal role of vendor trust in mitigating perceived risks, fostering employee SaaS competencies, and securing executive-level commitment to cloud integration.
Paper Type
Short Paper
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2026.130
Examining the Role of External Environment in the Decision to Adopt Software-as-a-Service
This study examines the influence of the external environment on the adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Drawing on Theory of Isomorphic Changes and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), we propose a multifaceted model to evaluate how the external environment, top management support, and IT competencies drive SaaS adoption decisions. The model was empirically validated through a survey among 271 Polish IT practitioners, with data analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that external pressures play a relatively modest role in the SaaS-enabled digital transformation process. In particular, vendor pressure had a negligible direct and indirect impact on the transition to cloud-based solutions. These findings suggest that internal perceptions of technological utility are primary drivers, necessitating a deeper exploration of intra-organizational beliefs. Furthermore, our research highlights the pivotal role of vendor trust in mitigating perceived risks, fostering employee SaaS competencies, and securing executive-level commitment to cloud integration.
Recommended Citation
Lustofin, P., Kuciapski, M. & Soja, P.(2026). Examining the Role of External Environment in the Decision to Adopt Software-as-a-Service. In M. Valenta, B. Mannová, R. Pergl, A. Przybylek, M. Lang, H. Linger, C. Schneider, N. Iivari, & E. Insfran (Eds.), Making ISD Sustainable: Reloaded with AI and Automation (ISD2026 Proceedings). Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Technical University in Prague. ISBN: 978-80-01-07585-2. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2026.130