Abstract:  Based on institutional theory, this paper examines the links among institutional pressures, top management support and assimilation of cloud computing. Survey data from the 376 firms of China show that: Mimetic pressures positively affect top management support, which then positively affects top management support the assimilation of cloud computing, while does not have direct significant impact on cloud computing assimilation. Coercive pressures do not have direct or indirect significant impact on cloud computing assimilation. Normative pressures not only positively affect cloud computing assimilation without the mediation of top management support but also positively affect cloud computing assimilation with the mediation of top management support. We conclude by highlighting the managerial implications and suggestions.

Key words:  institutional pressures, top management support, cloud computing assimilation