Computing for social good: Supporting microfinance institutions in Zambia. Issue 3 (10th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wakunuma, Kutoma; Siwale, Juliana; Beck, Robert
• Other Names: Seetharaman Priya guestEditor.; Cunha Maria Alexandra guestEditor.; Effah John guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Electronic journal on information systems in developing countries. Volume 85:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-05-10
• Subjects: financial inclusion -- information communication technologies -- microfinance -- microfinance institutions -- social good -- Zambia; Management information systems -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Economic aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; High technology industries -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions; Economic history; High technology industries; Information technology -- Economic aspects; Information technology -- Social aspects; Management information systems; Developing countries; Periodicals; 658.4
• DOI: 10.1002/isd2.12090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1681-4835

Abstract

Abstract: We investigate whether information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to achieve social good as they are implemented in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Zambia. We find through information gathered from interviews with MFI officials that their organizations are focused primarily on survival in a competitive financial climate. Additionally, our findings reveal that most MFI business within the context of ICTs only promotes social good by default and not by design. This means that social good is not a primary mover or something that MFIs plan to achieve when they integrate ICTs into their business models but that it happens because of the assumed mission of primarily serving the informal sector small business and microbusiness and the low‐income clients.