Institutional and Noninstitutional Influences on Information and Communication Technology Adoption and Use Among Nonprofit Organizations

Abstract

In this study, nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in New Zealand were surveyed to explore influences on adoption and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). We sought to extend existing research by considering ''institutional'' influences alongside organizational and environmental features and by examining how institutional forces affect optimal use of ICTs. Findings suggest that NPOs adopting and using ICTs tended to be self-perceived leaders or those who scanned the environment and emulated leaders and tended to have organizational decisionmakers with the expertise to enable adoption and use.Furthermore, optimal fit of ICTs tended to be spurred by institutional forces if accompanied by self-perceived leadership and appropriate organizational resources. Implications for practice and theory are explored.

Integrated performance management using information technology: a study of UK charities

“…Whereas some charities make good use of IT and there is some evidence of IT positively impacting on charity performance (Kobelsky et al 2014), its strategic application is generally under-exploited (Hackler and Saxton, 2007;Zorn et al, 2011). There are also many barriers and constraints for effective use of IT in charities (Clerkin and Grønbjerg, 2007;Cortés and Rafter, 2007;Wolpert and Seley, 2007;Manzo and Pitkin, 2007).…”

The Diffusion of Social Media in Nonprofit Organizations

“…Using institutional theory to investigate the forces that influence the adoption and use of IT in nonprofits, Zorn, Flanagin and Shoham (2011) found that leadership support and professional IT staff engagement were significant factors. In a similar study, Jaskyte (2011) also found that transformational leadership contributed significantly to technological innovation in nonprofit organizations.…”

“…The diffusion of social media among nonprofits is important to study since the widespread growth of social media has fundamentally influenced nonprofit organizations' communication and management practices. Nonprofits use social media platforms to promote and maintain their programs and services by reaching out to new constituents through cyberspace (Krestalude, 2011;Zorn, Flanagin, and Shoham, 2011). The social media use can enhance the nonprofit organizations' service delivery and the mobilization of their clients and supporters.…”

“…Institutional theory is useful in exploring how nonprofit organizations adopt information technology to survive in a competitive environment characterized by fierce competition from other nonprofits (Haveman, 1993;Zorn, Flanagin, and Shoham, 2011).…”

“…Social media has become the mainstay for networking in nonprofit organizations (Saxton et al, 2015;Zorn et al, 2011).…”