Psychological barriers to technology acceptance in South African workplaces: Investigating socio-economic status as a moderator

Abstract

Orientation: Digital transformation in South African organisations hinges on employee acceptance, yet psychological barriers may inhibit technology uptake. Socio-economic inequalities may further shape engagement with cloud-based technology. Research purpose: To determine whether socio-economic status (SES) moderates the relationship between psychological barriers and technology acceptance. Motivation for the study: Given South Africa’s socio-economic disparities, psychological and socio-economic factors were examined to better understand workplace technology resistance. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 436 South African employees who regularly used cloud-based technologies at work. Measures included the Psychological Barriers to Technology Acceptance Tool (PBTAT). Descriptive, correlational and moderation analyses were conducted. Main findings: Psychological barriers reduced technology acceptance (β < 0, p < 0.05), while SES was non-significant. L