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Examining emerging ICT's adoption in SMEs from a dynamic process approach

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to advance information and communication technologies (ICT) adoption research and practice by examining and understanding the emerging ICT adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from a dynamic process perspective using actor-network theory (ANT). Design/methodology/approach - This study employs a qualitative approach to investigate how services SMEs are constantly engaging in ICT adoption for improving business performance. Two rounds of interviews were conducted with 26 interviewees. Data collected from the unstructured and semi-structured interviews were analysed to understand the dynamic adoption process, actors involved and their interactions. Findings - The findings reveal the recursive and dynamic nature of the emerging ICT adoption process and the constant interactions and negotiations of various actors. Underpinned by the key concepts of ANTand validated by the empirical data, a framework is developed to depict the stages of dynamic process of emerging ICT adoption, the actors involved and the associated key activities. Research limitations/implications - Qualitative research is interpretive in nature and the size of the sample used is limited. These limitations require caution for the generalization of the findings. The framework can be further validated across a wider population using mixed methods combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Practical implications - Emerging ICT adoption has moved from a simple adopters' participation process to involving various actors that constantly interact and influence the process. SMEs manager can be influenced by and influence the technology advancement. As a result, SMEs need constantly interact with various human and non-human actors to keep up with the new ICT development and benefit from the emerging opportunities. Originality/value - The research focuses on the emerging ICT adoption in SMEs from the dynamic process perspective using ANT. It advances ICT adoption research and practice by developing a framework to depict the dynamic and interactive nature of ICT adoption process, and the actors involved and their interactions in the adoption process. Keywords Adoption, Technology adoption, Actor-network theory, Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Paper type Research paper

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 64

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Information Technology and People (Volume 27, Issue 1)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/01/2014

Publication status

Published - 01/01/2014

ISSN

0959-3845

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/332856
  • Scopus: 84893456642

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