Understanding the adoption and acceptance of RPA bots in modern workplaces

: a mixed methods study

Abstract

As automation technologies become more prevalent in workplaces, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing productivity. However, the successful adoption of RPA bots extends beyond their technical capabilities. This thesis employs a mixed methods approach to explore the adoption and acceptance of RPA bots in modern workplaces. The quantitative analysis, guided by Wewerka's User Acceptance Model for RPA, reveals participants' consensus on the positive social influence, job relevance, and perceived usefulness of RPA bots. Trust and hedonic motivation variations highlight the importance of addressing concerns and enhancing enjoyment for widespread acceptance. The qualitative analysis uncovers diverse motivations for adopting RPA bots, emphasizing task automation, efficiency improvement, and positive impacts on work processes. Participants express overall satisfaction with training and support, minimal barriers to adoption, and recognition of the value of human skills. Looking ahead, participants envision increased automation and emphasize the need for ongoing training and skills development. This research provides insights into the acceptance, benefits, challenges, and future outlook of RPA bots in the modern workplace.

Date of Award	26 Oct 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Andrade (Supervisor)