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E-Commerce Diffusion in Small Island Countries: The Influence of Institutions in Barbados
Abstract
This paper concerns the role of institutions in promoting the diffusion of e-commerce. Using institutional theory as a framework of analysis, the paper evaluates institutional interventions over a six-year period in Barbados and how that impacted on the national environment for e-commerce. The paper explicates the institutional powers of influence and regulation in the context of the ideologies of market supply and demand for e-commerce. It concludes that at the early stage of e-commerce diffusion both public and external institutions play key roles in creating conducive conditions and in providing the impetus necessary for the spread of e-commerce respectively. However, the sustainability of e-commerce depends on "bottom-up" entrepreneurial mobilization to maintain the momentum for growth "top-down" interventions create.
... Unfortunately adoption of this platform among other technology platforms is affected by readiness of such markets to utilize them. For instance Molla et al. (2006) have advised that in third world countries on a developing scale, effective implementation of E-logistics strategy in a company is largely depended on e-readiness at strategic, environmental and organizational contexts of such companies [16]. Reduced level of technology distribution in an economy can also inhibit the level of E-logistics knowledge, an attribute often taken by policy makers in developed countries. ...
... Traditional Logistics is the goods storage, transport and its subsidiary formed by the logistics business activity patterns. Modern logistics is the basis of modern information technology, integrated transport, storage, handling, packaging, distribution, circulation, processing, reverse logistics, customer service and logistics functions, such as information processing and formation of integrated logistics activity patterns [17]. Figure 1 shows the framework of e-logistics with its components systematically. ...
... In the second step of implementation phase the adoption starts and can reach various levels of maturity. According to Molla et al. (2006), the levels of e-commerce adoption maturity are as follows [16]: No e-commerce (no email, no internet) Connected e-commerce (email, internet) ...
E-logistics is relatively a new industry has been gained momentum since the emergence of computerized global market and internet in particular E-Commerce. The integration of IT with logistics management is becoming a prerequisite for good logistic management hence the development of E-logistics. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of E-logistics on logistics performance in order to improve automotive service industry by taking up this technology. The problems have been observed in automotive service was traditional way of service, longer lead times and low customer service level, which highly affects the customer; results major economic impact on the company. So these existing problems can be rectified by using E-logistics that can serve to increase integration of operation and customer service level.In order to meet the key objectives of the research, qualitative and quantitative methods and combination of primary and secondary sources of data have been used. Primary data was collected using observation, interview and questionnaires. A majority of the respondents were being selected from the departments who were directly involved in administering of E-logistics within the company. After the fieldwork, the data was coded and tabulated by use of tables and charts. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0). The results provided support for the conceptual frame work, the E-logistics has a positive influence on the performance of the company and adopt it in order to be more competitive in the service business.
... E-Commerce accelerates global commercial trend by removing the boundaries facing international trade. It benefits from economic advantages such as market expansion, reduction of product source prices, promotion of productivity, reduction of transaction costs and inflation, lowering uncertainty, sharing market information, and aiding in distribution channel efficiency and plays a vital role in an endogenous economic growth [1]. E-Commerce can be a source that improves domestic economic and rapid globalization of production, and development of available technology [2]. ...
... E-Commerce can be a source that improves domestic economic and rapid globalization of production, and development of available technology [2]. Africa and the Middle East suffer from very specific issues that need to be integrated into world agenda and agreements taking place where, the barriers are very well understood and have been researched by many [1,3,4]. In the literatures published on E-Commerce in developing countries the assumption is that Internet access will enhance E-Commerce in these countries [1,2], however in most developing countries there are several barriers in expanding E-Commerce including basic resources, lack of infrastructure, environmental factors, education and cultural problems [3,4,5,6]. ...
... Africa and the Middle East suffer from very specific issues that need to be integrated into world agenda and agreements taking place where, the barriers are very well understood and have been researched by many [1,3,4]. In the literatures published on E-Commerce in developing countries the assumption is that Internet access will enhance E-Commerce in these countries [1,2], however in most developing countries there are several barriers in expanding E-Commerce including basic resources, lack of infrastructure, environmental factors, education and cultural problems [3,4,5,6]. ...
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) is well-accepted in the developed world and is playing a vital role in economic development. The less-developed and developing nations are far behind in this regard, despite of the fact that the governments have had attempted to encourage E-Commerce. This paper explores the factors which can act as constraints to the development of E-Commerce in Iran. A qualitative and quantitative study was conducted in Sistan Baluchestan province of Iran. In the procedure, the professionals were interviewed while the responses of the business experts were elicited by questionnaire. According to our findings, technical infrastructure, managerial-organizational factors have supported the E-Commerce in Iran. However, social-cultural backgrounds were identified as the main barriers to E-Commerce implementation in the country. The results show that, low IT literacy rates, insignificant demand for on-line business and e-trust among the traditional traders are the major limitation aspects. In order to improve the state of E-Commerce in the country, the cultural barriers will need to be overcome. This can be achieved through mass education people to understand and accept the new technologies including IT and E-Commerce.
... Online shopping can be considered as an exchange of money, time and effort for getting products and services. e-Commerce is beginning to gain traction in the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) [3][4][5] as the affordability and availability of Internet connectivity becomes better. Many businesses in sales and retail are trying to take advantage of e-Commerce's many capabilities, flexibilities for service provision, convenience, and cost savings [6,7]. ...
... Many businesses in sales and retail are trying to take advantage of e-Commerce's many capabilities, flexibilities for service provision, convenience, and cost savings [6,7]. A few researches [3][4][5] have looked into the availability, provision, and challenges of e-Commerce in the region from the business owner's perspective. Consumers perception of e-Commerce is lacking or non-existent for Pacific Island Countries. ...
The rapid growth in internet technology and the innovations in smart devices has had its impact on how businesses used to operate a decade ago to how consumers followed traditional shopping behavior when goods or services was required. The rise in internet users presents the opportunity of Electronic Commerce, the idea of providing and accessing goods and services using internet, such as selling goods and services, performing financial transactions and even booking an appointment. The two leading theories-perceived ease of use and usefulness have been employed in numerous information systems research studies to help understand consumer behavior in e-commerce environments. As the acceptance of e-commerce in Fiji is relatively low, this paper integrates the findings of previous researches with the perceived trust and perceived risk of consumers to provide a comprehensive framework of online shopping behavior based on the Technology Acceptance Model. To gain an in-depth understanding of consumers' acceptance of e-commerce an online questionnaire was used with questions which focused on these disciplines. The outcome of which verified that there were correlations between trust, perceived risk, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and usage of e-commerce. Through the use of this research, businesses in Fiji may incorporate features as per user expectations and have a good background before venturing into e-commerce.
... Without competitive offerings, even the near geographical proximity of North America will continue to work against firms in the region. Thus the imagery envisaged of burgeoning global commodity supply chains of e-commerce for these states seems illusory because of their firms' high start-up costs, the factor conditions, product selection, and the institutional norms of behavior of firms that significantly reduce their ability to compete at a global scale and expand their market reach (Allen Consulting Group, 2003;ECLAC, 2013;Fraser & Vuylsteke, 2011;Molla et al., 2006, p. 3; see also, Wresch & Fraser, 2005) while further increasing the dominance by firms of developed countries. Regardless of appropriately written regulations and well-designed infrastructure, this harsh reality reinforces a healthy skepticism about the relevance of e-commerce and its benefits to developing countries (Straub, 2003). ...
... Another prohibitive factor has been the interconnecting fees (i.e. the charges operators pay for using another operator's wire network to complete calls (Allen Consulting Group, 2003, p. 31;UNCTAD, 2015). While e-commerce diffusion is not totally dependent on the cost of telecommunications, local businesses, and consumers lament the exorbitant fees charged for broadband connections, which make it unfeasible to establish a viable e-commerce presence (McClean, 2004in Molla et al., 2006; see also Barbados Advocate, 2012, 2014b. A reasonable discussion on e-commerce must therefore [re]image some of its analysis of how technological connectivity is constantly changing and how ICTs are being used by individuals from different backgrounds. ...
Although there has been much to boast about in advanced countries regarding e-commerce as a viable business strategy, many doubt its application to developing countries. Several papers examine individual case studies from advanced developing countries but few have presented a systemic focus on the ecosystem of an e-commerce sector, and even fewer on small island developing states (SIDS) such as the Caribbean, and those often lack a comprehensive awareness of the sector, and/or are dated. The central aim of this conceptual paper therefore is to address this lacuna by discussing the importance of understanding the broader political, social, cognitive, and economic issues and their implications and applications inherent in the development of an e-commerce sector. From this, the main objective will be to conceptualize an e-commerce strategy for their development. To realize this main aim, the article leverages a historical comparative perspective that critically examines causal analysis, experiences, and iterative processes gleaned over time from a structured analytical comparison of several national and regional case studies to conceptualize the factors and conditions under which e-commerce may contribute to, and can be adopted for development. As its main objective, the paper then presents a policy framework of recommendations guided by mutually reinforcing macro processes of change that converge at the intersection of business, policy, and information technology to inform development advocates, policy planners, and citizens within the region of what such a strategy should entail.
... Institutional theory has been used in a number of studies in developing countries, discussing different problems using different dimensions of the theory. For example, Molla et al. (2006) examined the role of institutions in promoting and influencing the diffusion of eCommerce in Barbados and found it relevant for the macro level analysis of interventions and their impact in shaping the behaviours of firms and consumers. Silva and Figueroa (2002) examined ICTs in Chile and the role of institutional players, both private and government sector. ...
... The literature provides rich insights into contextual issues such as the culture, environment and typical characteristics of developing countries. Although, according to Molla et al. (2006), "Much of the research on developing countries tends to be anecdotal and narrative, relying less on shared understanding of the underlying phenomena than intuitive and culture bound explanation and story telling" (p. 2). ...
Adoption of ICT in the public sector of the least developed countries (LDCs) is still far from satisfactory, despite many initiatives at international and national levels. In addition to perceived barriers associated with LDCs, such as lack of political will and commitment, leadership, infrastructure, human capacity etc, this empirical study has found new evidence of a deep rooted underlying cause, a lack of proper knowledge and awareness as the major barrier to ICT adoption, in the context of Bangladesh. The study also attempts to uncover the relative effect of different barriers and their inter relationships based on focus group data which gives important direction for further study.
... Institutional theory has been used in a number of studies in developing countries, discussing different problems using different dimensions of the theory. For example, Molla et al. (2006) examined the role of institutions in promoting and influencing the diffusion of eCommerce in Barbados and found it relevant for the macro level analysis of interventions and their impact in shaping the behaviours of firms and consumers. Silva and Figueroa (2002) examined ICTs in Chile and the role of institutional players, both private and government sector. ...
... The literature provides rich insights into contextual issues such as the culture, environment and typical characteristics of developing countries. Although, according to Molla et al. (2006), "Much of the research on developing countries tends to be anecdotal and narrative, relying less on shared understanding of the underlying phenomena than intuitive and culture bound explanation and story telling" (p. 2). ...
Bangladesh, in common with many least developed countries, has been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in its public sector organizations. There has been no satisfactory progress in this area despite a number of high-level initiatives. As a result, the country is failing to keep pace in e-government advances compared with other developing countries. This paper reports a study that involved focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders in Bangladesh. A process model is developed to show the interrelationships amongst the major barriers in the adoption of ICT in Bangladesh public sector. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The paper introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the Bangladesh public sector and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
... When users perceive online course as possessing high knowledgeability and authority, with teachers demonstrating a serious and well-prepared approach to teaching, their intrinsic motivation to continue studying is fully stimulated. Course quality has been shown to significantly impact users' use of information systems, particularly in the context of e-learning systems [52]. Bhattacherjee, Perols [51] argued that course quality positively influences users' online behaviors, and Liu and Pu [48] found that it enhances the behavioral intention to reuse e-learning systems. ...
Purpose
This paper seeks to explore the influence of success factors, specifically motivation and course quality, on MOOC retention intention. Going beyond a mere examination of these motivational and quality factors, the study investigates students’ motivation, considering needs, interests, course system, content, and service quality. Methodologically, a questionnaire survey was conducted, collecting data from 311 students enrolled in online courses. To ascertain the impact of interest or need-based motivation on students’ retention rates, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed. Subsequently, Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) was utilized to identify the essential factors and components in each area. SEM results revealed a positive influence of motivational factors and quality issues on students’ behavior. Retention behavior was notably affected by academic and professional needs, along with personal interests. Furthermore, course content and service quality demonstrated a significant effect on students’ perseverance behavior. NCA results identified academic motivation and system quality as having a substantial impact on retention behavior, while personal motivation and technological motivation had a comparatively smaller effect. Practically, the findings suggest that course developers should consider students’ academic and personal requirements when designing online courses. Additionally, providing students with the ability to customize course and system content according to their needs is crucial. Timely problem-solving attitudes from service providers are essential for ensuring student retention.
... Electronic Commerce presents developing countries an opportunity that can potentially enhance economic growth and development (A. Molla, R. Taylor and S. Licker, 2006). The adoption of e-commerce in developing countries differs greatly from developed countries. ...
In these case studies of international companies their development / orientation are presented. Subsequently, the market situation, as well as the strengths and weaknesses are presented. In conclusion, the main points are summarized and some working questions can be used for further work.
... Likewise, the amount of education, the supply of IT skills, the amount of penetration of private computers and phone among the society influence the expansion of e-Commerce. The bulk of the content of the globe wide net is made within English, making a barrier for several potential users in developing countries, particularly those in Asian states whose first or second language isn't English (Molla et al, 2006). ...
This study aims to empirically analyse the critical success factors
affecting e-Commerce adoption by SMEs in Bangladesh. It
identifies the benefits of e-Commerce adoption realized by these
SMEs and investigates the relationships among those factors. In
developing countries, previous studies were consulted to formulate
the adoption in their parent countries, but the observations
regarding e-Commerce remain on upstream. They focused on major issues rather than minor ones. This study examines the four
main critical success factors (technological, organizational,
environmental and strategical) in Bangladesh. 500 Respondents of
210 SMEs were given questionnaires. The Results were analyzed
using the SPSS version 25. The analysis result will be helpful for
future researchers and policy makers to promote the B2C eCommerce adoption as predictors of SMEs.
... More importantly, the plan also recommends that the government become a model user of ICTs in order to promote greater adoption and use within the population (Ministry Of Economic Affairs, Empowerment, Innovation, Trade, Industry and Commerce, and Government of Barbados 2010). However, some observers have found limited evidence that the government is a major user of ICT related services (Molla et al. 2006). ...
There have been sustained calls related to the need for countries to improve public service delivery as well as the methods by which governments interface with citizens. E-government strategies have been proposed and developed with the aim of transforming the operations and effectiveness of public bodies. As a grouping of small island states, the Caribbean region is faced with unique institutional and structural challenges to the adoption and implementation of these measures. The results of various e-government strategies have been varied across the board. It is recognized that a key component in the implementation and further development of e-government initiatives entails the supporting IT governance framework. This paper offers a critical assessment of e-government strategies across the Caribbean focusing on the challenges, success factors and opportunities for implementation. The study explores the challenges and opportunities for advancing in and beyond e-government to c-government and more generally, in utilising emerging technologies and innovations, facilitated by IT governance mechanisms, towards improved public governance.
... marketing, ordering, payment, delivery, and searching for suppliers[1]. From economic advantages eCommerce has a several benefits such as increasing market expansion, reduction of product source prices, promotion of productivity, reducing of operation costs and inflation, reducing uncertainty, sharing market information, and aiding in distribution channel efficiency and plays a fundamental role in an endogenous economic growth[2]. It can also be sources that develop domestic economic and fast globalization of production, and development of available technology[3]. ...
Most of the businesses all over the world have appeared on the Internet to offer everything possible. Some of these businesses have succeeded and some have failed spectacularly. The only thing that the successful organizations have in common is the reality that they understand that they are doing eCommerce to make money. Businesses who prefer to perform eCommerce are taking a risk. They are investing in new knowledge and latest ways of providing goods and services in expecting of generating a profit from the activity. The jeopardy to the organization come from numerous areas: the public may not accept the service, the new clients may not appear, or existing clients may not prefer the new service. Therefore these organizations which are performing eCommerce, a whole new set of threats and vulnerabilities must be considered. These new threats and vulnerabilities generate new risks that must be managed. Thus Security in eCommerce grow to be inevitable and hence this paper has investigate, identify, classify and present a different type of security challenges facing eCommerce transactions.
... Although, EPS have been employed all around the world, the present research uses North Cyprus for the empirical investigation for two main reasons. First, electronic commerce and EPS provide opportunities to developing countries that can potentially enhance their economic growth (Molla, Taylor, & Licker, 2006). Second, consumers in small economies as in North Cyprus cannot benefit from the advantages of economies of scale and competitive market opportunities of traditional market places. ...
Electronic Payment Systems (EPS) have been improving individuals’ quality of life through providing ease of payment for online transactions. The effects of trust and security on the use of EPS have long been recognised in e-commerce literature. However, very few studies have examined these two concepts from the viewpoint of users. This study has developed a conceptual model to examine the determinants of perceived security and trust as well as the impact of perceived security and trust on the use of EPS. A sample of 299 respondents was analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM); the findings indicate that both perceived security and trust have a significant influence on EPS use. Technical protection and past experience have been found to be the common determinants of perceived security and trust. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed in light of the study’s limitations and suggestions for further research indicated.
... The findings from this study show that besides innovation factors other factors such as environment (competitive pressure) and management (relative advantage) are also important to help understand the adoption of e-commerce in South Africa. Molla et al. (2006) argued that in developing countries successful adoption of e-commerce strategy depends on the perceived e-readiness in e-commerce, managerial, organisational and environmental contexts. Researchers need to keep this in mind when considering any study on factors influencing the adoption of an innovation (Looi, 2005). ...
The objectives of this study were to determine the current level of e-commerce adoption and factors that motivates the adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pretoria East. A structured questionnaire survey was distributed to 200 randomly selected small and medium enterprises and 48 valid responses were obtained. The results indicate that 67 percentage of SMEs in the sample in Pretoria East have somewhat embraced the adoption of e-commerce. Retail is the largest industry sector in the sample followed by Service industry with 45.8percentage and 35.4 percentage respectively. The results also indicates that Service sector was at adoption level 2 followed by Retail and others. The results show that only three independent factors namely (relative advantage, competitive pressure, IT knowledge) were statistically significant. Relative advantage emerged as the most important factor influencing the adoption of e-commerce among SMEs in terms of relative importance. The Chi-square test indicates that the type of business, occupation level, numbers of employees in the company and academic qualification did influence the adoption levels amongst SMEs whilst how long as owner/manager and gender did not influence the adoption level.
... Institutional theory has been widely used to understand both technological and administrative innovations [25,26,77]. According to [24, p48], "Institutions are comprised of regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive elements that, together with associated activities and resources, provide stability and meaning to social life". ...
... Size and development are two major factors that affect the accessibility and use of new ICT in small developing states. Molla, Taylor and Licker (2006) also had similar findings in their research in Barbados, and more recently Wresch and Fraser (2011), examining the barriers to e-commerce in the Caribbean region also affirm the salient characteristics of SIDS. They show that competition in the international market, limitations in expertise, legislation, and a number of services such as software, e-payment, and delivery hinder e-commerce use due to telecommunication and traffic (safe traffic routes) infrastructure. ...
Tourism is the leading economic activity in many small island developing states, such as the Maldives. Increasing reliance on information and communication technology in the tourism industry has become one of the major challenges facing developing countries, especially the small island developing states. Though the use of information and communication technology can potentially overcome barriers of distance and open up new markets, exploiting the full potential of information and communication technology can be problematic for small island developing states due to limited resources in terms of finance and human capital. This research uses a combination of grounded theory and multi-grounded theory to investigate this issue. This process generated a set of factors and institutional influences affecting the adoption and integration of information and communication technology in the tourism organizations of small island developing states like the Maldives. These factors and institutional influences formed the basis of a new theoretical framework organized around three themes: country, sector, and information systems. Many of the issues in using information and communication technology in the Maldives tourism industry are similar to those faced by other developing countries; however, two factors were found to be unique to small island developing states: the issues of vulnerability and technology dependency. These issues were found to have a major impact on the way the tourism industry operates in the Maldives, because of the industry's dependence on information and communication technology.
... (2000) identify differences in language and work habits as one of the barriers to people using E-Commerce. The majority of the content of the World Wide Web is produced in the English language, creating a barrier for many potential users in LDCs, especially those in African states whose first and second languages are not English (Molla et al., 2006). Molony (2008) found that despite the huge uptake of ICT-related technologies such as mobile phones in particular, some traditional pre-ICT aspects of the African business culture are set to remain for some time. ...
The purpose of this study is to identify enablers of and barriers to E-Commerce in Tanzanian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Tanzania is classified as a least developed country (LDC) and has received relatively little research attention with respect to E-Commerce in the SME sector. The study is qualitative in nature and a set of semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. 32 SMEs were interviewed. A thematic analysis approach was used for reporting SME's experiences, perspectives, and meanings, whilst examining the ways in which events, realities, meanings, and experiences come about. The study unearthed contextual understanding of E-Commerce and the challenges faced by Tanzanian SMEs. Factors perceived to be conducive for E-Commerce, include the availability of business resources, specifically business relationships with ICT foreign companies; top management support; the use of mobile technology for interactive and transactive purposes with consumers and suppliers; and the strategic use of mobile phones to avoid ICT-related challenges such as those associated with fixed line telephone and Internet-enabled desktop computing.
... Apart from these internal constraints, engaging in international trade brings on other challenges for DE firms. These include the inelasticities of supply and demand within the world commodity markets, meeting diverse export and product standards of export destinations, the unfair trading practices from the subsidization of products in some developed economies, and the likely increase in accessibility to local markets in DEs by firms in developed economies brought on by e-commerce (Todaro & Smith, 2003, p. 575;Molla & Taylor, 2006). All these issues make it much harder for DE firms to achieve benefits from e-commerce; in particular because they face challenges that lie well beyond their own individual sphere of action. ...
AbstRAct This chapter undertakes a meta-analysis of the published literature on e-commerce in developing econo-mies (DEs). The aim is to take stock of the literature, identify enduring research themes, classify the existing work based on such themes and review the theoretical and conceptual approaches used. The analysis covers 245 articles published between 1993 and 2006 in 76 different journals on electronic commerce, information systems, global information technology, development and developing countries. The findings indicate that the research area is rapidly growing and relatively well-spread across the as-sessment of e-commerce potential and its adoption and implementation issues in DEs. We make a case for future research to focus on developing a broad development perspective of e-commerce benefits and a strategic understanding of how to achieve and sustain these benefits. The chapter thus serves both as a synthesis of current research, and as a road map providing future directions for both academics and practitioners.
... E-commerce is an objective consequence of ICT enjoying such advantages as globalization of commerce, elimination of time and space limits, increase in purchase rate, easy access to information, significant reduction of transaction costs and reduction of duration of transaction. Electronic commerce presents developing countries an opportunity that can potentially enhance economic growth and development [9]. The adoption of e-commerce in developing countries differs greatly from developed countries. ...
National culture is an important factor in any study of global information system attitudes, recent studies [1,2] also indicate that gender and previous behavior may also play roles in attitude towards technology. Thus, with the advent of the Internet and the importance of electronic commerce and the previous studies indicating the relevance of the dimensions of culture, gender and previous experience to information technology, it becomes imperative to also understand the role of these dimensions to electronic commerce. This paper examined each of these by using electronic commerce as the common technology. This paper provides significant data on identifying the areas and issues important to the success of e-commerce, and shows the impact of culture, gender and previous behavior upon those issues. To determine if there are differences in attitude about technology in general and e-commerce in particular, among the independent variables of culture groups, genders and those having experienced an e-commerce activity, 136 people from Iran and the United Arab Emirates were given surveys allowing them to express their opinions on several important issues. These issues included national control, privacy cost, property rights, access rights, internet infrastructure and consumer preferences. The findings resulted in support for two of the hypothesis. Further, it was clear that culture groups differ in attitudes about national control, property rights, access rights, and internet infrastructure. More importantly, this paper found no statistically significant differences among culture groups or gender in attitudes about privacy cost and consumer preferences.
... Thus, there are and would be, first, e-commerce losers, unsuccessful e-commerce adopters, DC firms who fail to achieve e-commerce benefits and the intended impact on development, and secondly, development losers, members of society such as employees, local groups, societies, entrepreneurs and other DC firms, who lose through unintended outcomes of e-commerce impact on development -thus losing from the e-commerce gains of others. For example, Molla et al. (2006) argue that DC firms may face new competition and challenges from the likely increase in accessibility to their local markets by firms in developed countries brought on by e-commerce. Addressing the issue of development losers would require having a wider perspective on the impacts of e-commerce on development. ...
Purpose
E‐commerce is diffusing into developing countries (DCs), and is assumed to help deliver the international development agenda. But how can the connection between e‐commerce and socio‐economic development be conceptualised? The aim of this paper is to analyse that connection by drawing from the development studies discipline to take a broader perspective on e‐commerce than that so far provided by firm‐level research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopt a literature survey approach, drawing their conceptual foundations from development studies, and supplementing this from the e‐commerce literature.
Findings
The paper develops a new, integrated model that explains the way in which e‐commerce can contribute to socio‐economic development.
Research limitations/implications
This new model can help provide a foundation for future research on e‐commerce in DCs; research on e‐commerce policy as well as impact assessment research.
Practical implications
The discussion and model provide development agencies, governments, consultants and business people working in DCs with a clearer sense of the contribution e‐commerce can make; assisting them in prioritization, planning, and evaluation of e‐commerce projects.
Originality/value
The paper provides the first integrated perspective on the broader contribution of e‐commerce to the growth and development of DCs.
Many countries responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing stay-at-home orders, curfews, and lockdowns which severely stifled economic activity. Retailers, in developed countries, used e-commerce to work around public health mandates, such as physical distancing; however, in developing countries, financial constraints and inadequate payment ecosystems slowed the transition to e-commerce. This chapter investigates whether COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for e-commerce in the food and beverage service industry (FBSI) in Barbados. A secondary data analysis research design was employed to determine the payment methods, technology platforms, order fulfilment methods, challenges, and workarounds used by new e-commerce start-ups and existing food service businesses (FSBs). There was significant uptake of e-commerce in the FBSI. This growth was achieved through flexibility in technologies employed; the order placing, payment and fulfilment methods adopted; the collaboration among FSBs; and government support. Recommendations are presented to help practitioners, policy makers, and local government further foster e-commerce development.Keywordse-commerceOnline food ordering and delivery servicesCOVID-19 pandemicPayment and order fulfilment methodse-commerce technologyBarbados
Sistem Pembayaran Elektronik (SPE) telah meningkatkan kualitas hidup individu dengan memberikan kemudahan bertransaksi online. Kami membahas sistem pembayaran OVO sebagai aplikasi selular yang paling banyak digunakan di Jakarta pada khususnya. Penelitian ini menguji dampak sistem pengamanan data pada layanan OVO terhadap peningkatan penggunanya. Dari 262 sampel responden yang dianalisa; hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa baik persepsi keamanan dan kepercayaan memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap penggunaan OVO. Perlindungan teknis dan pengalaman masa lalu menjadi penentu umum dari rasa aman dan kepercayaan yang dirasakan. Implikasi manajerial dari temuan dibahas secara ringan dalam keterbatasan penelitian dan saran untuk penelitian lebih lanjut.
E-Commerce is an emerging technology for purchasing and selling of products through electronically. It is the commercial transaction which involves transfer of information over the internet. It changes the way to do business. With advancements in technology, there may be a chance to change. Customer Relationship Management and Consumer Relationship management play an essential role with E-Business. The focusing scenarios are facing many pros and cons by E-Business. This Paper makes an attempt to highlight the benefits and drawbacks in these scenarios.
Least developed countries (LDCs), have been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in their public sector organizations. Despite a number of high-level initiatives at national and international levels, the progress is still unsatisfactory in this area. Consequently, the countries are failing to keep pace in the global e-government race, further increasing the digital divide. This chapter reports on an exploratory study in a least developed country, Bangladesh, involving a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The analysis of the relationships among the major barriers to progress led to a process model, which suggests a pathway for e-government adoption in an LDC such as Bangladesh. The chapter introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the public sector of LDCs and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
In this paper, the authors examine the process of diffusion of innovation ICT within agrarian business enterprises operating in developing countries. There is substantial research in the area of Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoI) and its application to Information Systems (IS) research within organisations. However, in recognition of the conceptual limitations of DoI, researchers have called for the incorporation of aspects of Social Network Theory (SNT) into DoI frameworks. The findings of this research suggest that an understanding of the conceptual basis of innovation is a major driver of successful innovation adoption.
Least developed countries (LDCs), have been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in their public sector organizations. Despite a number of high-level initiatives at national and international levels, the progress is still unsatisfactory in this area. Consequently, the countries are failing to keep pace in the global e-government race, further increasing the digital divide. This chapter reports on an exploratory study in a least developed country, Bangladesh, involving a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The analysis of the relationships among the major barriers to progress led to a process model, which suggests a pathway for e-government adoption in an LDC such as Bangladesh. The chapter introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the public sector of LDCs and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
Least developed countries (LDCs), have been struggling to find a workable strategy to adopt information and communication technology (ICT) and e-government in their public sector organizations. Despite a number of high-level initiatives at national and international levels, the progress is still unsatisfactory in this area. Consequently, the countries are failing to keep pace in the global e-government race, further increasing the digital divide. This chapter reports on an exploratory study in a least developed country, Bangladesh, involving a series of focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders. A lack of knowledge and entrenched attitudes and mindsets are seen as the key underlying contributors to the lack of progress. The analysis of the relationships among the major barriers to progress led to a process model, which suggests a pathway for e-government adoption in an LDC such as Bangladesh. The chapter introduces important directions for the formulation of long-term strategies for the successful adoption of ICT in the public sector of LDCs and provides a basis for further theoretical development.
This paper identifies factors affecting the assimilation of electronic commerce in Ghana and the solutions that Ghanaian firms have developed. Drawing from the elements of two electronic commerce readiness frameworks, the study analyzes the readiness of Ghana to support the conduct of electronic commerce at the firm-level. The study covers the government, technology, market and culture readiness factors. Findings suggest that social networks, managerial capabilities and government commitment have an attendant effect on adoption and use of tangible resources like electronic commerce applications. The findings imply that future research and practitioner efforts should focus on developing a broader perspective to address electronic commerce challenges encompassing issues like how firms can advance to more complex forms of e-commerce after initial e-commerce adoption.
Post-conflict developing regions are special cases of developing countries which have received little attention in information systems research. They are emergency situations which attract significant aid designed to help create economic stability through, for example, the use of IT. This study compared the experiences of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) adoption in the extreme environment of a post-conflict region to other developing regions. Presenting data gathered from 68 companies in Kosovo, this paper provides an in-depth examination of EDI technology adoption in a post-conflict region. The findings suggest that EDI adoption in Kosovo comprises different features when compared with other developing countries, indicating that current theories of technology adoption have not fully accounted for EDI adoption in post-conflict regions. From this finding, implications for interventions in post-conflict regions are drawn. This paper contributes to the understanding of technology adoption processes and offers new insight into the process of technology adoption in this context. This paper provides a starting point for further work which creates a basis for more effective interventions in post-conflict zones, contributing to economic development and stabilisation.
One of the objectives of this article is to investigate the extent to which several factors that might affect electronic commerce (EC) usage are implemented and EC is used in a developing country. The article also aims to identify the factors that actually influence the use of EC in a developing country context. The author used annual survey data obtained over a 5-year period from 2009 to 2013 to test several hypotheses. This is probably the first article to assess the changes in these factors' effects on firms' usage of EC over several years. Findings suggest that there are major gaps in the implementation of these factors. There were no major changes or developments in technology availability and EC infrastructure over the five-year period. In fact, there was a general deterioration in the other factors that could facilitate EC usage. In addition, there were no changes in the extent to which EC was used over the same period. Implications of these findings for managers and researchers are discussed.
This is a sociological study focusing on social networks, to understand what formal and
informal links and associations mean to the poor in rural communities in India, and how these
links help them in improving themselves and their communities at large. Understanding
when, why, and how social networks function best is important. Mixed methods approach for
data collection and analysis is adopted in this study i.e., qualitative and quantitative
approaches are used and is based on the experiences of men and women from two villages –
Kanzara in Maharashtra state and Aurepalle in Andhra Pradesh - located in the heartland of
semi-arid tropics (SAT) of India. These villages form a part of the larger longitudinal
Village-level Studies (VLS) which the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-
Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is undertaking since 1975.
A number of studies have acknowledged that technological change in the SAT is slow and
less dynamic compared to the regions with better soils, water and irrigation facilities. The
harsh environment of the SAT necessitates collective action as a coping mechanism to
overcome the challenges of extreme weather events, and poor resource endowments to bring
about significant economic changes.
An important conclusion from this study is that both the study villages exhibited good levels
of social capital in terms of social networks inspite of differences in resource endowments
between the villages. Differences apart, the non-availability of (or difficulty in obtaining)
formal insurance, and, inadequate financial, agricultural information delivery and extension
systems in the study villages has prompted the development of kinship networks in one
village and self-help groups in another. The analysis also leads to the conclusion that
compared to Kanzara, Aurepalle which is endowed with a diverse stock of social networks
and civic associations is in a stronger position to deal with changes in the external
environment, resolve conflicts, and take advantage of new opportunities.
From the documentation and mapping of network architectures in the two study locations it
can be concluded that the rural communities demonstrate social connectedness to a large
extent. The degree of social connectedness however varies across villages, across different
interactions and transactions, and across groups and individuals. The density of the networks
v
also varies depending on the characteristics of the region as a result of which people develop
interactions and relationships with other individuals, groups and organizations differently. In
Aurepalle the economic transactions are more dense and reciprocal because of the profit
making motivation of the individuals and the community, as a result of better access to
information, knowledge and infrastructure. Formal networks are fostered and developed as
they are treated as important for empowerment – economic as well as social in this village. In
contrast, Kanzara - where caste plays an important role in the functioning of society and
where the pathway of development is through intensification of agriculture - shows a high
degree of networking in terms of socio-cultural and technological transactions. Another
interesting finding is that while out migration has broken down the network structure to some
extent (Kanzara), it has created new opportunities and linkages with the external environment
in Aurepalle. From a broader development perspective, based on the findings from the study,
I argue that policy interventions and government support must target areas where the linkages
are weak or missing or lacking keeping in view the differences by gender and caste.
Post-conflict zones need to rapidly create sustainable economic activity to ensure their stability. International agencies bring significant knowledge and influence into these regions. Institutional theory has demonstrated that institutions can have a significant positive influence on economic development, not least by stimulating the adoption of advanced technologies to support improved local business processes. This paper presents findings of a case study of the influence of international agencies in Kosova during a critical period six years after the 1999 war. It uses neo-institutional theory to draw up theoretical propositions for testing. Data was gathered from 68 companies, findings are presented and interpreted. From this conclusions are drawn about international agency policy in Kosova. Few empirical studies have appeared which assess the extent and effectiveness of the positive influence of International Agencies on the diffusion of important automation and control systems technologies throughout the societies in which they operate.
Advanced control and automation systems adoption into industrial supply chains significantly improve the management of information and provide a basic industrial IT infrastructure. Post-conflict societies are an extreme situation which has not previously appeared in the literature on technology adoption. This paper presents findings of a post-conflict country case study of technology adoption during a critical period five to six years after a major war. Data was gathered from 68 companies, findings are presented and interpreted. From this conclusions are drawn about the neo-institutional theory of technology adoption and technology adoption policy Kosova.
ICT innovation is known to significantly elevate a country’s growth and to enhance productivity. It is now well-acknowledged that emerging economies are beginning to innovate at a rapid rate despite some of the challenges they face. Given that these countries with such economies now comprise a third of the world’s largest 25 economies, and that they are likely to be critical for the success of a global economy, it is important to understand how these economies innovate, what factors affect innovation in such nations, and what are the impacts. However, to the best of our knowledge, little research till date has been conducted on this topic, and the few existing studies have failed to catch the attention of the mainstream IS research community. We believe that the absence of studies is primarily due to a lack of understanding of what has been found with respect to ICT innovation in emerging economies, what needs to be studied, and how they should be studied. We attempt to contribute in this area by: (1) providing a comprehensive framework of existing research on ICT innovation in emerging economies, (2) highlighting the gaps that have been left behind, and (3) providing specific guidelines to future researchers, including a research model summarizing the salient issues that need examination. We believe that our study makes an important contribution to research on ICT innovation in emerging economies, and can be a useful resource for future researchers interested in this topic.
E-commerce is a complete process that consists of information flow, capital flow, business flow, and logistics. With the development of network and electronic technology, the information flow, capital flow, and business flow can be momentarily available through computer and network communication equipment. The logistics that must be achieved in reality become a key part in influencing the efficiency of E-commerce. Therefore, for portals, manufacturers, retailers, and logistics companies in E-commerce, the primary problem is the choice of a logistics mode. They must choose the most appropriate logistics mode according to practical situation in different environments. To B2C, this paper uses the logistics mode decision of Jingdong to find a solution for the choice of logistics mode in E-commerce and verifies the feasibility of AHP on such solution. To C2C, this paper introduces Taobao Logistics Po and other logistics modes.
An earlier study [1] examined the sophistication of e-tourism websites in Barbados and determined that although these websites were easy to use and provided some product/service information, they generally lacked company information, innovation in services, transaction processing and customer services. The earlier study assumed that since tourism was the largest foreign exchange earner these websites would generally be better than the websites for the other service industries. This paper expands on the earlier study by evaluating websites for the real-estate, online shops, banking and insurance service industries. This new study concludes that although e-tourism websites were generally more sophisticated than insurance and real-estate websites, they were less sophisticated than banking and online shops. The factors contributing to these results included the need for banking websites to have high security and privacy, as well as a high level of customization. Using the results of these two studies a clear picture of the level of sophistication of Barbadian websites is presented. In addition, a set of guidelines are detailed, which could promote the growth of e-commerce in Barbados.
This paper presents a review of research in the field of information and communication technologies for development (ICTD) in the Caribbean. Specifically, I look at the extent to which ICTs can and have supported development in the region. In so doing, I examine the literature at three levels, in terms of development interventions, market-led interventions and policy responses, while drawing on research from a wide range of sectors such as education, commerce, etc. Most research focus on the benefits that accrue from ICTs. However, at all three levels debates have emerged with regard to the efficacy of ICTs in enabling development, the most critical of which occur at the policy level. Furthermore, there are several areas in the literature that remain unexplored and present significant opportunities to increase our understanding of the impact of ICTs on development in the Caribbean.
One of the freedoms that Sen says promotes development is economic freedom – access to markets. ICTs can facilitate that access to markets by breaking down barriers of distance. But for all the promise that ICTs create, much research has found that small businesses in developing countries are not finding as much success through e-commerce as had been hoped. A longitudinal study of 23 Caribbean companies helps illustrate the specific experiences of small business people in developing countries. While they have found some success in reaching out to additional markets, they have also encountered many of the frustrations found by others: difficulty with shipping, inadequate local banks, and invisibility amongst a sea of web sites. Additionally, Caribbean businesses are encountering growing competition from the Amazon.coms of the world, companies that can now target small pockets of demand via their web sites. This study describes some of the responses these companies are taking, and proposes responses their governments might also take to increase their chances of success.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the diffusion of information and communication technology (ICT) among small indigenous agribusinesses operating in southeast Nigeria. The study emphasises the role played by social networks in the process of innovation and technology diffusion.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted utilising a qualitative approach. The authors conducted semi‐structured interviews with agribusiness proprietors and data were subsequently analysed using template analysis.
Findings
Based on interviews of 27 small indigenous agribusinesses proprietors, the major findings from the interviews appear to point to four major social imperatives that impact on ICT diffusion in developing countries.
Research limitations/implications
The main objective of the authors is to show how interaction between different actors and their engagement in the social process plays a major role in ICT diffusion. In particular, the authors highlight the role played by cultural imperatives in sustaining the diffusion of innovation process.
Originality/value
The incorporation of social network theory in innovation and technology diffusion scholarship is recent and very much at the developmental stage. Its contribution has however been accentuated by the role enterprises play during the diffusion process.
Purpose
In the literature, technology has been shown to perform two major roles, one functionalist and the second symbolic. The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultural expressions in the form of symbols impact on technology diffusion.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained primarily through qualitative research (semi‐structured interviews, document analysis and field notes/observation). Data analysis and coding was conducted using template analysis (Atlas.ti).
Findings
The findings of the research suggest that an understanding of the symbolic role of technology in the form of “space”, physical structures, communication facilitators and a status symbol may enhance the success of its adoption among indigenous agribusinesses.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited by its focus on a select set of symbolic dimensions of culture. Emphasising a limited set of cultural dimensions assumes that other imperatives may not have a high impact on technology diffusion.
Originality/value
The focus in this case is on small‐scale indigenous agribusinesses operating in the Southeast of Nigeria. The authors employ broader social anthropological and sociological theories which lie outside the parameters of standard technology adoption and diffusion of innovation theories to support the study.
According to studies and surveys conducted worldwide, government incentives and current legal frameworks, technology available at a reasonable price, and public acceptance of the Internet as an efficient medium for buying goods and services are driving e-commerce growth. Academics, information technology experts and even politicians are aware of these essential requirements. Government of Iran determined to research at formulating policy recommendations on the removal of bottlenecks and problems preventing or slowing down the growth use of new technology in this country. E-commerce has always been an attentive issue to governments and Iran made some policies to develop and enhance it such as training this concept as courses in academic institutes and some seminars for industries, regulating the laws, improvements of IT infrastructure, developing e-finance and e-government and also stimulating activities This paper attempts to show the role of government in e-commerce development in Iran.
As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and social enterprises become drivers of economic growth, the nexus provides opportunities for new models of business to bring benefits to communities in developing countries. Recognising the complex dynamics and range of actors in this diverse and emerging sector, this study chooses to document the external influences, use and impact of ICT on social enterprises (SEs) -enterprises that have both a business and social development goal. The problem investigated is the potential gag between the rhetoric of the promise of e-business versus the dynamics of enactment and impacts of ICT in practice in the social enterprise sector. The main contribution of the research is to identify the real development impact of ICT use by social enterprises by assessing the role of ICTs in achieving their goals. Its major finding is that SEs social and business missions are inextricably linked .and their use of ICTs and benefits from it can be used as a proxy to assess ICTD. Thus SEs provide a new paradigm in the study of ICTD.
Post-conflict developing regions are special cases of developing countries which have received little attention in information systems research. They are emergency situations which attract significant aid designed to help create economic stability through, for example, the use of IT. This study compared the experiences of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) adoption in the extreme environment of a post-conflict region to other developing regions. Presenting data gathered from 68 companies in Kosovo, this paper provides an in-depth examination of EDI technology adoption in a post-conflict region. The findings suggest that EDI adoption in Kosovo comprises different features when compared with other developing countries, indicating that current theories of technology adoption have not fully accounted for EDI adoption in post-conflict regions. From this finding, implications for interventions in post-conflict regions are drawn. This paper contributes to the understanding of technology adoption processes and offers new insight into the process of technology adoption in this context. This paper provides a starting point for further work which creates a basis for more effective interventions in post-conflict zones, contributing to economic development and stabilisation.
In this paper, the authors examine the process of diffusion of innovation ICT within agrarian business enterprises operating in developing countries. There is substantial research in the area of Diffusion of Innovation Theory DoI and its application to Information Systems IS research within organisations. However, in recognition of the conceptual limitations of DoI, researchers have called for the incorporation of aspects of Social Network Theory SNT into DoI frameworks. The findings of this research suggest that an understanding of the conceptual basis of innovation is a major driver of successful innovation adoption.
This study addresses factors commonly examined in the research concerning adoption and use of e-business and e-commerce information technology (EEIT) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The primary objectives are to determine: 1) what barriers and incentives SMEs perceive in adopting EEIT; 2) how the level of adoption of EEIT influences perceptions of incentives and barriers; and 3) whether results vary depending on demographic characteristics of size, geographic market scope, or industry sector. This paper also examines how homogenous SMEs’ perceptions are in their consideration of EEIT adoption factors. Data were collected from 290 U.S. SMEs. The findings revealed that among 25 factors identified in the research literature as incentives or barriers to adoption of EEIT by SMEs, only 16 factors were significant in the population studied, 12 as incentives and four as barriers. Factors were perceived differently as incentives or barriers by adopters, intended adopters, and non-adopters of EEIT. A number of differences were found among SMEs based on demographic characteristics, particularly size and industry-sector.
This paper identifies factors affecting the assimilation of electronic commerce in Ghana and the solutions that Ghanaian firms have developed. Drawing from the elements of two electronic commerce readiness frameworks, the study analyzes the readiness of Ghana to support the conduct of electronic commerce at the firm-level. The study covers the government, technology, market and culture readiness factors. Findings suggest that social networks, managerial capabilities and government commitment have an attendant effect on adoption and use of tangible resources like electronic commerce applications. The findings imply that future research and practitioner efforts should focus on developing a broader perspective to address electronic commerce challenges encompassing issues like how firms can advance to more complex forms of e-commerce after initial e-commerce adoption.
The main purpose of the paper is to place the Iran information society in a global context. According to studies and surveys conducted world-wide, government incentives and current legal frameworks, technology available at a reasonable price, and public acceptance of the internet as an efficient medium for buying goods and services are driving e-commerce growth. Academics, information technology experts and even politicians are aware of these essential requirements. The paper gives an overview about the recent decisions, plans and project by the Iranian government to facilitate development of e-commerce in Iran. Unlike developed countries, in developing countries like Iran, governments have monopoly on ICT infrastructure and trading procedures. As a result, the main steps toward e-commerce must be taken by the governments. Government of Iran determined to research at formulating policy recommendations on the removal of bottlenecks and problems preventing or slowing down the growth use of new technology in this country. E-commerce has always been an attentive issue to governments and Iran made some policies to develop and enhance it such as training this concept as courses in academic institutes and some seminars for industries, regulating the laws, improvements of ICT infrastructure, developing e-finance and e-government and also stimulating activities.
Based on research on e-marketplaces in the garments and horticulture sectors and on the experiences of firms in Bangladesh, Kenya and South Africa, this study examines the expectations and assumptions behind the drive to invest in B2B e-commerce. It investigates what actually happens in Internet-based e-marketplaces and how developing country firms use the Internet for business. The overall finding is that the main effect of B2B e-commerce is to enhance the relationships between existing trading partners. It does little to help forge ongoing relationships with new firms. There is a clear message for policy makers and practitioners - understanding how international trade is organised and how inter-firm relationships are developed is essential if the use of some types of B2B e-commerce is to assist producer firms in gaining more equitable access to international markets. The report summarises the results of research led jointly by The London School of Economics and the Institute of Development Studies at Sussex, and funded by the UK Department for International Development under its Globalisation and Poverty research programme .
International development agencies claim that commercial applications of information and communication technology (ICT) have great potential to accelerate economic growth in developing nations. This paper investigates this idea and proposes that the Internet expands the potential of marketing activities to help developing countries pursue development goals along a dual path, one that includes activities that are “top-down” in nature (e.g. infrastructure development), and another that involves “bottom-up” activities (e.g. entrepreneurship). Both paths involve the expansion of marketing efforts and represent significant opportunities for business development and investment. Attention is given to the Asia-Pacific region and to the processes and outcomes of development springing from bottom-up or “grassroots” approaches, and how enhanced marketing activities can help nations reach key development goals. Finally, an interdisciplinary conceptual model is advanced regarding how a blend of top-down and bottom-up approaches may be used to encourage the diffusion of online marketing activities and to help foster economic and social development in the emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
What makes organizations so similar? We contend that the engine of rationalization
and bureaucratization has moved from the competitive marketplace to the state and
the professions. Once a set of organizations emerges as a field, a paradox arises:
rational actors make their organizations increasingly similar as they try to
change them. We describe three isomorphic processes--coercive, mimetic, and
normative-leading to this outcome. We then specib hypotheses about the impact of
resource centralization and dependency, goal ambiguity and technical uncertainty,
and professionalization and structuration on isomorphic change. Finally, we suggest
implications for theories of organizations and social change.
Several studies of eCommerce in developing countries have emphasized the influence of contextual impediments related to economic, technological, legal, and financial infrastructure as major determinants of eCommerce adoption. Despite operating under such constraints, some organizations in developing countries are pursuing the eCommerce agenda while others are not. However, our understanding of what drives eCommerce among businesses in developing countries is limited by the absence of rigorous research that covers issues beyond contextual imperatives. This paper discusses a holistic and theoretically constructed model that identifies the relevant contextual and organizational factors that might affect eCommerce adoption in developing countries. It provides a research-ready instrument whose properties were validated in a survey of 150 businesses from South Africa. The instrument can be used as a decision tool to locate, measure, and manage some of the risk of adopting eCommerce. Implications of the study are outlined; they indicate a need to consider eCommerce, micro, meso, and macro issues in understanding the adoption of eCommerce in developing countries.
This empirical study of Internet adoption in four Latin American countries delineates a gradual but progressive course of institutional actions and suggests a temporal ordering of the actions--including knowledge building, subsidy, knowledge deployment, innovation directive, and standard setting. The temporal model reveals how each country sustained the momentum of its evolving strategy, grew in competence to forge technological solutions, and gained access to the Internet. The four countries' original goals changed, but through experience they perceived new opportunities and established evolving Internet strategies that form the bases of new technological services provided at the national level.
The potential of public Internet-based B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce applications to facilitate access to global markets and to reduce market entry barriers is a dominant theme in the burgeoning literature on e-commerce and international development. It is often assumed that these applications will enable producer firms in developing countries to benefit from reductions in the transaction costs they must incur to participate in international trade. Drawing on data from a detailed analysis of 117 B2B e-hubs in the garments/apparel and agriculture/horticulture sectors, it is argued in this article that the kinds of transaction-related support services available at these online trading platforms are more limited in their scope and functionality than is often assumed in the literature on B2B e-commerce development. The findings suggest that the mere application of, and access to, technologies such as the public Internet and the World Wide Web is not likely to enable a reduction in overall transaction costs that is sufficient to facilitate entry into new global markets by developing country producer firms.
There is a paucity of empirical data on the level of diffusion of eCommerce technologies and business activities enabled by these technologies in businesses in developing countries. This study investigates the implementation and plans of a range of e-enabling hard and soft technologies: electronically performed business functions and the overall maturity of eCommerce usage. The authors surveyed 150 South African businesses. The findings reveal the dominance of communication aspects, but not the transaction aspects, of eCommerce. The implementation of integrated eCommerce solutions and security-enabling applications is very limited. Implementation plans of eCommerce revolve around extending communication technologies and enabling upward movement along the value chain, particularly marketing and procurement activities. By establishing benchmarks, the study contributes to our understanding of developments of eCommerce in developing countries. Copyright (c) 2005 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
This study explores the factors that affect e-commerce adoption in a developing country. It proposes a research model, based on perceived organizational e-readiness (POER) and perceived environmental e-readiness (PEER), that encompasses innovational, managerial, organizational, and environmental characteristics as determinants of e-commerce adoption and institutionalization. Based on survey data from 150 businesses in South Africa, it finds that initial e-commerce adoption is explained more by POER than by PEER, but PEER factors and POER commitment and governance variables explain the extent of institutionalization of e-commerce. The model links e-readiness to e-commerce adoption and suggests that a combination of PEER and POER factors affect e-commerce adoption. By implication, a multilevel model is essential to explicate the diffusion of e-commerce in developing countries. The results indicate that firms in developing countries should pay attention to both organizational and environmental considerations when making e-commerce adoption decisions. They also imply that investment in infrastructure development by governments and other agencies should go hand-in-hand with schemes for business development and managerial improvement at the organizational level.
During July and August 2004 the principal investigators visited business executives in five Caribbean nations. Thirty-six businesses and government agencies were interviewed. General results showed significant e-commerce efforts underway in these countries. Leading companies interviewed were experiencing modest to significant successes in this business approach, but all were experiencing impacts from national characteristics. Characteristics examined in detail were factor conditions, demand conditions, support industries, firm strategy, and government policy. Results showed generally supportive business conditions but problems existed in government agencies, niche markets, the banking sector, and industry sector. The results of this study will suggest improved strategies for SMEs in developing countries and for national governments seeking to use e-commerce to expand business activities.
The increasing trend toward field theory in psychology (i.e. in variations of psychoanalysis and in theory of the conditioned reflex) makes the clarification of the meaning of field theory especially important at this time. The field theory cannot be called a theory in the usual sense for it can hardly be called correct or incorrect. "
Field theory is probably best characterized as a method: namely, a method
of analyzing causal relations and of building scientific constructs." In discussing the principle of contemporaneity and the effect of past and future, it is emphasized that any behavior or any change in a psychological field depends only upon the psychological field at that time. To determine the properties of a field at a given time, one may base one's statement on conclusions from history, or one may use diagnostic tests of the present. The latter has been employed extensively in psychology. Nevertheless, psychologists need to take into account a certain time period which depends upon the scope of the situation. The psychological past and the psychological future are simultaneous parts of the psychological field existing at a given time. The author concludes with an evaluation of Brunswik's treatment of the role of statistics (see
17: 2543). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Business-to-business electronic commerce has become a priority area for many international development organisa-tions, particularly since concerns about the 'digital divide' have put the policymaking spotlight on the connection between ICTs and industrial development policies. This paper aims to explore the current state and likely future direction of B2B e-commerce in the South African manufacturing sector. The empirical research is based on 120 firm-level interviews, and 31 personal interviews with industry experts. The results suggest that B2B e-commerce is in an embryonic stage in the South African manufacturing sector, and technology and market dynamics are still casting its basic shape. The ability to realise efficiency gains in the B2B electronic marketplace will largely hinge on the climate of confidence and trust that businesses are able to create in their relations with their suppliers and customers. We argue that policy decisions will have a major impact on the kind of environment in which e-commerce will develop and should therefore be crafted with due recognition of its fragile and evolving nature.
This paper identifies factors affecting the implementation of electronic commerce in Mexico and the solutions that companies have developed. Using theories of institutional economics and the resource-based theory of the firm as a framework of analysis, this paper focuses on the rules of behavior that have prevailed in Mexican business transactions and are likely to affect the adoption of electronic commerce. The paper covers infrastructure, supply, and demand factors. It concludes that even though the economic conditions are improving it will be some time before people change their behavior to embrace electronic commerce more widely.
Innovation in information technology is well established in developed nations; newly industrializing and developing nations have been creating governmental interventions to accelerate IT innovation within their borders. The lack of coherent policy advice for creating government policy for IT innovation signals a shortfall in research understanding of the role of government institutions, and institutions more broadly, in IT innovation. This paper makes three points. First, long-established intellectual perspectives on innovation from neoclassical economics and organization theory are inadequate to explain the dynamics of actual innovative change in the IT domain. A broader view adopted from economic history and the new institutionalism in sociology provides a stronger base for understanding the role of institutions in IT innovation. Second, institutional intervention in IT innovation can be constructed at the intersection of the influence and regulatory powers of institutions and the ideologies of supply-push and demand-pull models of innovation. Examples of such analysis are provided. Third, institutional policy formation regarding IT innovation is facilitated by an understanding of the multifaceted role of institutions in the innovative process, and on the contingencies governing any given institution/innovation mix.
Navigating the domains of e-commerce for development Proceedings of the 5th Annual Global IT Management World Conference San Diego
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The Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries
http://www.ejisdc.org
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