E-leadership and virtual communication adoption by educators: an UTAUT3 model perspective

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the various determinants of virtual communication technology (VCT) adoption among higher educational leaders by applying Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 3 (UTAUT3) model. Further, this study ascertains the relationship among the various determinants and measure the effects of these determinants in adoption of VCT by educational leaders. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted by using online survey method for data collection from 380 educational leaders of India through a convenience sampling procedure. The structural equation modelling technique was adopted to assess the dimensions of VCT adoption and test the proposed model and hypotheses. Findings The findings revealed that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC) and personal innovativeness (PI) have positive and significant effects on intention to use VCT (ITUVCT) and actual use of VCT (AUVCT), i.e. e-leadership communication adoption. Besides this, there is also a significant and positive effect of ITUVCT on actual usage of VCT by the educational leaders. Research limitations/implications This study makes its contribution to the literature related to technology adoption recommended in previous research for expanding the contexts through new studies and generalizing the UTAUT3 model, specifically in the teaching–learning and administrative perspectives. The results of the study will be further helpful for the researchers and practitioners to better understand the factors that influence higher educational leaders to adopt VCT. Originality/value The authors applied the UTAUT3 model and explored the factors determining the adoption intention of VCT among educational leaders. This study is the first study that adopts UTAUT3 model in Indian educational leaders’ context.