Silent Adoption of Bring-Your-Own-Device in Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions - Adoption Policies

Tanzania Higher Learning institutions (HLIs) have not fully deployed the ICT infrastructure to facilitate smooth performance of their business functions. They have inadequate computers, insufficient network infrastructure, low bandwidth; their computers are ageing and have limited ICT investment. The research examined usage of employees' personal ICT devices for performing office work and the policies, guidelines and practices that can be implemented by HLIs while adopting usage of employees' personal devices in the work environment. As an interpretive research, data were collected through interviews and observations during the survey at HLI, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). Results confirmed inadequate computers, low bandwidth at HLIs and revealed usage of employees' personal ICT devices for office work and for communicating issues related to employers' work. Further, HLIs are not concerned if employees use their ICT devices for office work. It is like HLIs have silently adopted the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) concept and thus allowed employees to use personal devices to perform office work. The BYOD phenomenon helps to improve the availability of ICT devices at the institution while improving communications and work efficiency and productivity. The research has explored the BYOD concept in Tanzania HLIs and contributed by proposing policies and procedures that can guide in its adoption. Due to its potential benefits, the study recommends HLIs explore how best they can adopt and practise the concept. Further research can explore on the organizational and user characteristics that can facilitate adoption of BYOD.