Factors Affecting The Adoption And Usage Of Electronic Procurement In Councils: A Case Study Of Some Councils In Southern Province, Zambia

Abstract

The government has been slow to adopt e-procurement and reap the benefits of this new technology for the public sector as a result of the lack of extensive and extended research and conclusions on the topic in the Zambian context. For the majority of Zambia, especially public institutions that play a big role in providing social services to Zambian citizens, addressing the adoption of this new technology has become another problem for the TOE (Technological, Organizational and Environmental) framework. In this study, the variables influencing the adoption and application of electronic procurement in council were evaluated. The descriptive survey research design was used for this investigation and the study had a sample size of 45. A few councils in Zambia's southern province, including Choma Municipal Council, Monze Town Council, and Livingstone City Council, were the target population and the study was a mixed research approach. Questionnaires were the main data collection tools. The study found that the council's readiness to adopt and use e-procurement was low because of limited financial and human resources, a lack of adequate IT infrastructure and a reliable internet connection, the lack of support from relevant stakeholders, and staff members' lack of technical knowledge and skills for e-procurement adoption. Since the study identified a lack of funding as one of the obstacles to implementing e-procurement, it is advised that organizations that intend to do so make appropriate financial resources accessible. In order to support organizations implementing the e-procurement system, the government must also give enough resources. Institutions must also create and maintain a strong IT infrastructure.