Determinants of the intention to adopt social media to manage crime: the case of police officers at Zwelitsha provincial office
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Date
2023-09
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University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Orientation: The use and adoption of social media by public organisations facing characterised by numerous challenges, particularly in engaging and communicating with the public. The emergence and integration of new technological innovation and services has compelled the South African Police Service to identify the appropriate technology and facilities that can be applied to improve their professional practice but also their services and relationship with the Community Policing Forums. Social media has not only become a disruptor in government organisations but a valuable technological tool that the South African Police Service can use to manage crime. Research purpose: The study aims to investigate the determinants that influence the adoption of social media to manage crime among police officers at the Zwelitsha Provincial Office. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative research approach was used to gather information through a self-administered questionnaire. A sample of 206 SAPS employees in the Zwelitsha Provincial Office participated in this study. The Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique was used. Main findings: The findings of this study showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had a positive effect on the intention of social media adoption by police to manage crime. Facilitating conditions were significant when considering the actual use behaviour of South African Police Service employees when using social media to manage crime. Practical implications: The study results practically contribute to social media adoption by South African Police Service employees to manage crime. Secondly, the study may assist the management of the South African Police Service in developing a policy around social media use and improving the employees' adoption of social media to manage crime.