Investigating Cultural Dimensions and Technological Acceptance: The Adoption of Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems in Qatar's Football Sector
Abdulaziz Al Mannai
TL;DR
The study addresses how cultural and technological factors influence the adoption of Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS) in Qatar's football sector. It integrates Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and tests an expanded dataset (N=30) using ordinary least squares regression to predict adoption, finding that perceived usefulness ($PU$), innovation receptiveness ($IR$), and lower power distance ($PD$) significantly drive adoption, while perceived ease of use ($PEU$) is marginal and integration complexity ($IC$) is non-significant, with $R^2=0.62$ and $p<0.001$. The results provide practical guidance for aligning cultural readiness with technological readiness to enable EPTS integration in sports, particularly by emphasizing tangible performance benefits and reducing hierarchical barriers. The work informs policymakers and practitioners in Qatar and the GCC about leveraging culture and innovation to maximize the impact of sports analytics technologies, and it suggests avenues for broader cross-country comparisons and additional organizational factors in future research.
Abstract
Qatar's football sector has undergone a substantial technological transformation with the implementation of Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS). This study examines the impact of cultural and technological factors on EPTS adoption, using Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as theoretical frameworks. An initial exploratory study involved ten participants, followed by an expanded dataset comprising thirty stakeholders, including players, coaches, and staff from Qatari football organizations. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, power distance, innovation receptiveness, integration complexity, and overall adoption. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, innovation receptiveness, and lower power distance significantly drive EPTS adoption, while ease of use is marginally significant and integration complexity is non-significant in this sample. These findings provide practical insights for sports technology stakeholders in Qatar and emphasize the importance of aligning cultural considerations with technological readiness for successful EPTS integration.