Explaining contextual factors affecting e-commerce adoption progression in selected SMEs: Evidence from Botswana

Shemi, AP; Procter, CT

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.

Citation

Shemi, A., & Procter, C. (2013). Explaining contextual factors affecting e-commerce adoption progression in selected SMEs: Evidence from Botswana. International Journal of Management Practice, 6(1), 94-109. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMP.2013.052319

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Feb 28, 2013
• Journal: International Journal of Management Practice (IJMP)
• Print ISSN: 1477-9064
• Publisher: Inderscience
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 94-109
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJMP.2013.052319
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJMP.2013.052319
• Related Public URLs: http://www.inderscience.com/jhome.php?jcode=IJMP#issue