A Study on User Acceptance of Cloud Computing: A Multi-Theoretical Perspective

Extant literature on the adoption of cloud computing has focused on organizational users, but little is known about how individual users accept cloud computing to fulfill individual needs. To fill the gap, this study draws upon multiple theories to examine factors that influence individuals’ intention to use cloud applications. It shows that a person’s attitude toward cloud applications, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control have direct impacts on the person’s behavioral intention to use the applications. Meanwhile, personal beliefs about the risks and benefits of cloud applications, including privacy and security concerns, concerns about vendor lock-in, perceived vendor reputation, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived transferability of previously learned computer skills, have indirect impacts on behavioral intention. The study is the first to examine individual acceptance of cloud computing from a multi-theoretical perspective. Its implications for research and practice are discussed.