Exploring the adoption and use of the smartphone technology in emerging regions: A literature review and hypotheses development

Users' acceptance of a new information technology (IT) is a determining factor of its market success. A solid understanding of the users' adoption process and use behavior enables a more robust definition of user requirements and better market alignment. This is especially important in markets characterized by rapid technological change such as smartphones. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is often used to assess the factors affecting adoption of new technologies. However, TAM models often omit the role of important variables such as human and social factors in the adoption process. In developing markets such as China, cultural and social influences significantly impact the adoption and use of smartphones and related technologies. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has unique cultural and social contexts that may influence the adoption and use of smartphone technology, but as yet have not been studied in a comprehensive manner. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to develop the foundation for a theoretical research model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). The case of smartphone adoption and use in Saudi Arabia will be its focus.