Examining the impact of cultural values on the adoption of big data analytics in healthcare organizations

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of cultural values [power distance (PD), uncertainty avoidance (UC), individualism vs collectivism (IC) and time orientation] and users’ perceptions on the adoption of big data analytics (BDA) within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) health-care sector. It uses the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model as its theoretical foundation. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey involving 256 health-care organization users in major hospitals across the UAE was conducted. Smart partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was used to assess users’ behavioral intentions (BI) to use BDA in the health-care context. Findings Results indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and perceived trust significantly predicted respondents’ BI to use BDA. However, effort expectancy, perceived security and time orientation were found to have insignificant impacts on BI. Interestingly, the remaining cultural values (PD, UC and IC) did not significantly affect the relationship between social influence and BI in the context of BDA adoption in health care. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by examining the role of cultural dimensions in BDA adoption within health-care organizations, particularly in the underrepresented UAE health-care context. Moreover, it extends the application of the UTAUT model to the BDA adoption in health care, providing insights into the factors affecting users’ BIs to use the technology.