A Modified of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) from Users' Perspective of Telecentre in Nigeria

Telecentres are physical space that provides public access to information and communication technology to some members of underserved communities. Recent studies have shown that the initiative is spreading among developing countries. A telecentre offers cost-effective means of bridging access to Computer and Internet. Identifying the factors that influence its acceptance represents a fundamental challenge to its successful implementation. Primarily, among numerous benefits of telecentres include digital literacy and employment generation. However, despite these benefits limited studies have been conducted to examine its acceptance in Nigeria. Moreover, it is doubtful whether prior information technology acceptance models can be effectively used to examine its acceptance. Questions also arise if there are other factors that influence its acceptance. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence the acceptance of telecentres based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and the Use of Technology (UTAUT). The proposed model of telecentre acceptance consists of nine latent variables, namely, seven exogenous variables and two endogenous variables. A total of 375 questionnaires were distributed through a survey to respondents in six telecentres located in the three zones in Nigeria, out of which 203 questionnaires were returned, representing 54% response rate. A Structural Equation Modelling was used to investigate the causal and moderating relationships between the latent variables. The results showed four core determinants of Performance Expectancy, Social Influence, Management Effectiveness and Program Effectiveness significantly influence intention towards telecentre acceptance. Two core determinants, Behavioural Intention and Facilitating Conditions, were found to significantly determine User Acceptance. Gender, age and ethnicity were found to moderate the relationships between the latent variables. Based on the result obtained, a model of acceptance known as a modified UTAUT based telecentre model is proposed. The findings have implications both for future research and practice of telecentre development and implementation.