Does Attitude Matter in Enhancing Use Behavior of the e-Procurement System in Developing Countries? Perceptions of Buyers and Suppliers from Tanzania

Despite prevalent application of e-procurement systems in developing countries, their sustained and effective use remains limited, particularly due to behavioral resistance among procurement stakeholders and low user engagement. While prior studies have mainly emphasized organizational and technical factors, the attitudinal dimension influencing post-adoption use behavior is still under considered, especially in e-procurement contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining the determinants of use behavior of e-procurement systems in developing countries, focusing on Tanzania from the perspectives of both buyers and suppliers. Grounded in the modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study emphasizes the mediating role of Attitude in shaping user behavior following e-procurement system adoption. The study collected data from 384 respondents comprising buyers and suppliers selected using stratified sampling and by adopting a deductive research approach and an explanatory cross-sectional survey design. Data were gathered through documentary review and a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of SmartPLS 4 software. The findings reveal that Performance Expectancy, Social Influence, and Attitude all exert statistically significant effects on Use Behavior (p < 0.05). Notably, Performance Expectancy influences Use Behavior both directly and indirectly through Attitude, while Social Influence affects Use Behavior only indirectly, mediated fully by Attitude. These findings highlight the role of user attitude as a cognitive-affective screen through which perceived usefulness and social influence translate into actual system usage. The study offers a novel theoretical contribution by validating Attitude as a central mediating construct in the extended UTAUT model, moving beyond traditional intention-based models to emphasize real-world use behavior. This insight provides a more complete and Behaviourally grounded understanding of digital technology adoption. Practically, the results inform policymakers and system designers about the importance of nurturing positive user attitudes through ongoing change management and targeted capacity-building in e-procurement adoption contexts. Such efforts are vital to refining the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of e-procurement initiatives in developing countries, Tanzania in particular.