Abstract:

Cloud computing has brought a paradigm shift to the computing world by turning computing to a utility and repackaging how computer software, data, applications and infrastructure are utilized by business. It has also brought about notable change in the relationship between business and technology and the way in which business delivers IT services. However, the opportunities that cloud computing presents to organizations are accompanied by challenges with potential negative impacts on the progress of cloud computing adoption. The negative impact can result in resistance to cloud computing solutions by individuals within organizations. This study focuses on understanding resistance to adopting cloud computing solutions by South African organizations. The review of literature focused on unearthing organizational factors influencing cloud computing adoption and technology adoption resistance. A motivation for the use of status quo bias theory is also justified as the underlying theoretical underpinning. A case study of respondents from South African organizations was undertaken. The responses from the interviewees was thematically analyzed using the three themes of psychological commitment, cognitive misperception and rational decision making.  The study has shown the different reasons that South African organizations are resistant to cloud solutions. One of the main reasons is previous investment in infrastructure and the need for organizations to “sweat” their assets to justify the cloud computing expenditure. Previous investment in infrastructure is multi-faceted and is influenced by people who want to hold on to the old way of doing things. Based on the findings, people hold on to previous ways of doing things either because they are uncomfortable with change, they do not want to relearn how to do their jobs, they are scared that the new process or system might make their work redundant and thereby put them as risk of losing their jobs.