Explaining contextual factors affecting e-commerce adoption progression in selected SMEs: evidence from Botswana. (2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shemi, Alice P.; Procter, Chris
• Is Part Of: International journal of management practice. Volume 6:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2013
• Subjects: SMEs -- small and medium enterprises -- e-commerce adoption progression -- contextual factors -- interpretive -- multiple case studies; Management -- Periodicals; 658.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9064

Abstract

This paper provides an interpretive account of contextual factors that affect the progression of e-commerce in six Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in a developing country context of Botswana. The methodology followed multiple in-depth case studies, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews, website analysis, observation and document analysis. Results show that contextual factors peculiar to each SME provide better explanations on how SMEs progress in e-commerce adoption. At the high level of adoption, managerial innovativeness and the nature of the external e-commerce market has contributed to success in two SMEs, whereas the local business environment in combination with some organisational factors can explain the low-level and non-adoption in the other four SMEs. Future implications indicate that managers need to pay particular detail to the unique and idiosyncratic nature of SMEs in guiding decisions for e-commerce adoption in their firms.