Extending the UTAUT model to understand the barriers towards SME digitalization

Digitalization has been identified as a core growth driver for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this digital era. This study investigates the drivers barriers aligned with tendency of owner-managers SMEs to adopt digitalization. A conceptual framework is developed that extends unified theory acceptance technology (UTAUT) an anxiety-digitalized environment moderating factor SME owner-managers' intention quantitative methodology used gauge responses from 89 respondents (owner-managers). Additionally, variance-based structural equation modelling approach (PLS-SEM) analyse validate proposed model. Results show attitude positively mediates relationship between performance expectancy However, effort facilitating conditions were found negatively influence On contrary, results obtained did not confirm significance moderation analyses. Consequently, overall model accounted 51.1% variance digitalization among SMEs. theoretically practically contributed understanding intent Czech Republic.