Factors Affecting the Adoption of GIS Systems in the Public Sector in Saudi Arabia and Their Impact on Organizational Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption of the new phenomenon of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in an organizational context in an emerging economy, namely Saudi Arabia. It explores the determinants of employees’ perceptions of GIS, their actual usage and expected outcomes when they use it. A model was developed for this study based on relevant theories and existing literature. In total 221 responses were collected from the Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE) in Saudi Arabia using a structured survey questionnaire. Several statistical techniques were applied to the data collected. Results show that factors having the most significant impact on employees’ perceptions of GIS are managerial support, IT expertise and exposure to GIS. However, some factors did not have any significant impact on employees’ perceptions, these being GIS training and incentives. It also emerges that attitude to GIS has an impact on and relationship with the actual usage of GIS. In the outcomes of GIS adoption, results indicate that its usage influences enhanced risk management and better customer relationships. However, no significant relationship was found that led to more efficient decision-making and saving of costs. This paper also highlights implications and discusses the limitations and suggestions for future research.