Evaluating the TOE Framework for Technology Adoption: A Systematic Review of Its Strengths and Limitations

Abstract

The adoption and decision-making of information technology (IT) remains the cornerstone of organizational innovation and market competitiveness. Various frameworks, such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the diffusion of innovations (DoI), and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, have been utilized to explain IT adoption decision-making. Among these, the TOE framework stands out for its holistic approach. The TOE framework has demonstrated adaptability across industries and technologies and has been used to examine technological capabilities, organizational readiness, and environmental influences on technology adoption. However, there remains a persistent debate about the TOE framework’s theoretical rigor and contextual applicability to address decision-making about technology adoption. This systematic review critically analyzes the strengths and limitations of the TOE framework while comparing and contrasting it with the DoI and TAM frameworks for technology adoption. This paper identified the gaps, such as the limited consideration of dynamic adoption processes and post-adoption outcomes in the TOE framework. This research synthesizes existing knowledge and critiques the current utility of the framework. It also offers a foundation for its evolution, addressing a significant scholarly need for critical evaluation and innovation in technology adoption studies.