Analyzing the Institutionalization of Free and Open Source Software Adoption in Tanzanian Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Free and open-source software (FOSS) are viable alternatives to pricey proprietary software due to their low total cost of ownership (TCO). They are predicted to have a bright future because of their advanced technologies in service delivery. Despite the availability of FOSS adoption studies, public discourse as well as information and communication technology (ICT) policies, FOSS applications are inadequately adopted in Tanzanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to lack of institutionalization. This finding poses a need for examining the institutionalization status. Institutionalization occurs when FOSS adoption and use becomes a standard practice. This study analyses the institutionalization of FOSS adoption by examining the national and selected universities’ ICT policies and observing the evolution of public discourse towards FOSS by examining multiple articles. The study adopted a systematic literature review and was guided by an analytical framework that triangulated new institutional theory, the underlying concept of organizing vision, and rhetorical diffusion theory. The findings show that, although there are sporadic use of FOSS in some Tanzanian HEIs, FOSS adoption is generally not institutionalized. As a result, the study recommends adjustments in preparation of ICT policies, making adoption of FOSS part of organizational strategic plans for them to enjoy decision-makers’ support.