Technological Readiness as Mediator to Adoption of E-Governemnt Services in Zanzibar SMEs

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to explore e-government services technological readiness as a mediating factor impacting the development of Zanzibar SMEs. The ultimate objective is to provide actionable insights and recommendations that could inform future strategies and policies to enhance Zanzibar SMEs on the successful implementation and acceptance of e-government services in Zanzibar. The study involves SMEs which are Small and Medium Industries Development Agency (SMIDA), Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) and Zanzibar National Chambers of Commerce (ZNCC). Quantitative research design holds significant merit for this study, whereby primary data was in this study ensures that all variables are accurately and comprehensively captured. The study involved 384 respondents. Survey questionnaire used to collect the required information. Generally, the results displayed that, while Technological Readiness does not exhibit a mediating effect between either Human Resource Capital or Financial Source Capital and E-government Services Adoption, it does play a significant mediating role in the relationships of both Government Policies and Information Communication Technology with E-government Services Adoption. This highlights the importance of considering intermediary factors like Technological Readiness when understanding the influences on E-government service adoption to Zanzibar SMEs.