Determinants of the Individuals' Intention to Use the IoT Smart Home Technology in Qatar

Abstract

This study develops a research model for the main determinants that affect the potential customers’ intention to use the Internet of Things (IoT) - Smart Home Technology in Qatar. This study proposes and validates a research model that can explain the behavioral intention of individuals and emphasize the factors that have the strongest impact. Our theoretical model extends the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 [UTAUT2] by including the factors of Mobility, Trust, Perceived Security and the espoused national cultural values of Collectivism, Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance. Regression analysis was used to validate the proposed research model and corresponding hypotheses on data collected using a convenience sample of random individuals from Qatar. Findings: performance expectancy, mobility, price value, trust in smart home technology and its providers have a significant positive impact on the potential customers’ behavioral intention to use the smart home technology. The cultural dimensions moderate some of the hypothesized relationships in the proposed model. Perceived security and social influence are strongly related to the perceived trust in smart home technology providers. Effort expectancy and hedonic motivation positively related to the performance expectancy. Originality/value: This study is the first attempt to study the acceptance of the smart home technology in Qatar.