| Saudi society has undergone a technological, economical, and social revolution driven by the development and use of computers in the work environment. Saudi Arabia was the largest market place for computers in the Middle East during the eighties, however, importing such a large quantity of computers does not necessarily mean that computer technology has been fully accepted and utilized. As indicated by other studies in developing countries, the introduction and adoption of computer technology may be hindered by many technical, socio-cultural, organizational, and human obstacles. As a result, benefits of computerization may not be fully realized and under-utilization of computer technology may be expected.;The main objective of this study is to contribute to a better theoretical understanding of personal computer technology utilized by Saudi bank managers, and its impact on management functions, as well as, identifying factors which may contribute to under-utilization of personal computers in the Saudi banking industry.;Survey responses from 210 Saudi bank managers, both Saudi and non-Saudi, working within the twelve commercial Saudi banks were analyzed to determine how personal, organizational, and system characteristics affect personal computer technology adoption and utilization in the Saudi banking industry.;Several of the fourteen research hypotheses were supported by one or more statistical tests. Personal computer utilization was found to be associated with personal characteristics of the manager, characteristics of the bank itself, and characteristics of the computer system in general as indicated in Chapter Four of the dissertation.;Even though personal computer technology is being used on a day-to-day basis by responding managers, the Saudi banking industry is still facing under-utilization of personal computer technology. Findings show that responding managers spend most of their computer time performing basic applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and graphics. It could be said that personal computer technology has not reached the mature stage where it could be used as a strategic management tool.;The results of this research are very important to the bank officials who are involved in developing, implementing, and supporting personal computer systems; to bank officials who are involved with the Saudization process; to the people who are in charge of recruiting for management positions; and, most importantly, to those managers who want to be more challenging and competitive in the marketplace. |
