Intention to use artificial intelligence among SME account executives.

Area of Science:

• Business and Management
• Information Systems
• Technology Adoption

Background:

• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial economic drivers, yet often lag in adopting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
• Understanding the factors influencing AI adoption among SME account executives is vital for bridging this technological gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the intention of SME account executives in Malaysia to adopt AI in their workplace.
• To examine the influence of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), technological characteristics, and personal attributes on AI adoption.
• To address knowledge gaps regarding AI understanding among SME account executives.

Main Methods:

• An online questionnaire was distributed to 273 account executives in Malaysian SMEs.
• Data analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN).
• Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• Positive and significant relationships were found between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, system quality, employee awareness, and personal innovativeness with AI adoption intention.
• Time-saving features and technological self-efficacy showed insignificant relationships with AI adoption.
• Internet technology (IT) features exhibited a negative, significant relationship with AI adoption intention.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the adoption of AI in SMEs, particularly within accounting departments, by highlighting key drivers and barriers.
• Collaborative efforts among organizations can enhance employee motivation and intention to use AI.
• The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and businesses aiming to promote AI integration in SMEs.