Security perceptions as a key driver of organizational adoption of mobile ICTs: an extension of innovation diffusion theory

Purpose Mobile information communication technologies (ICTs) have become integral to organizational operations, yet security concerns continue to shape adoption decisions. This study investigates the determinants of organizational adoption of mobile ICTs in Canada’s private sector. Design/methodology/approach The study extends Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) by incorporating perceived security as a critical antecedent. Data were collected from 141 middle and senior managers and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings The results show that relative advantage, compatibility, observability, and complexity significantly influence adoption. Perceived security emerges as the strongest predictor, highlighting the strategic importance of data protection and secure information exchange in organizational contexts. Originality/value The study contributes to the adoption literature by demonstrating the central role of security perceptions in organizational decision-making and by extending IDT to better reflect contemporary digital risk environments.