Perception of Botswana lawyers about the use of leTs in law firms in Botswana

Abstract

The study was carried out at the University of Botswana to establish the perceptions held by lawyers of ICT and whether these had any bearing on the adoption and use levels of information and communication technology (ICT) by lawyers in Botswana. The objectives of this study were to identify the range of ICT used in the law firms; determine how they were being used and establish their level of usage. The study also investigated the factors that promote or inhibit the adoption and use of ICT. The survey research design was used for the study. All the 114 partners in the 59 law firms in Gaborone, the capital city, were included in the survey. Semi structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study revealed that law firms are still at early stages of adoption and use of ICT. The lawyers appear to be positively inclined towards Rogers (1991) attributes of an innovation though they remain low adopters. However, lawyers' perception towards ICT was not the overriding factor that determined the adoption and use of ICT in the law firms. The lack of in-house expertise, high cost of ICT consultants, the lack of interest and skills in ICT, lack of information about appropriate software, and limited financial resources were other major factors that determined the adoption and use of ICT. The firm size, high cost of legal systems, dissatisfaction with ICT consultants, and lack of time for training also determined the adoption and use pattern of ICT.