This study aims to analyze the applicability of the technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) framework features in the decision to adopt cloud computing (CC) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in disruptive contexts.
A mixed-methods approach was used. Initially, 94 questionnaires were collected in 2021–2022 through a survey based on the TOE framework, with the first section involving six filter questions and the second one including 45 Likert scale questions. Subsequently, a qualitative study was carried out in 2023 based on semistructured interviews held with 10 information technology experts.
The outcomes of the quantitative study revealed a significant association between CC adoption and technological features, but no association with the organizational and environmental features. The results of the qualitative study pointed to five major barriers to CC adoption, including economic barriers, brain drain, poor technical infrastructure, survival mode of existence and cultural barriers.
This empirical investigation uncovered specific TOE features that influence CC adoption in SMEs operating in disruptive contexts. By integrating qualitative insights, this research unveiled new context-dependent barriers to CC adoption that were previously overlooked by traditional quantitative techniques.
