The Role of Institutional Pressures in the Adoption of e-Procurement in Public Institutions in Developing Countries: The Case of Lesotho

Benefits of E-Procurement are now well documented as experienced by both public and private organizations. Yet, in developing countries, and more so in Africa, few organizations have reported benefits of E-Procurement. Whilst institutional pressures are instrumental in shaping organization’s actions and outcomes with regard to technology adoption, few studies have examined their role in E-Procurement adoption in African public sector organizations. This study situated in Lesotho, seeks to examine the rational for E-procurement adoption in the public sector and identifies institutional pressures that affect successful adoption. Following an interpritivist approach, this study identifies (1) perceived benefits of efficiency and transparency from the use of E-Procurement in the public sector; and (2) coercive and normative pressure as being instrumental in the adoption of E-Procurement. Contextual barriers are reported which are as a result of institutional pressures. Recommendations are provided to organizations in developing countries on how they should respond to institutional pressure