ICTs in the Micro-Enterprise: An Examination of Usage, Benefits and Firm Growth in Hawaii’s Agricultural Sector

Though there is an extensive body of research regarding information and communication technology (ICT) use in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), relatively few studies have examined ICT use specifically in the subset of SMEs known as micro-enterprises. This study compares ICT use among micro-enterprises (MEs) in the agricultural sector. Factors expected to influence IC adoption include firm size, CEO education, and the type of crop produced. Results indicate extensive use of computers and the Internet, especially for functions like email, online purchasing, and online business-related research, while website ownership is less widespread. Larger MEs are more likely than smaller ones to use a computer. Among those MEs owning computers, larger ones are more likely than smaller ones to have a website and to conduct financial activities online. However, most other ICTs (email, online purchasing, etc.) are used similarly by both smaller and larger MEs. Thus, for most internet ICTs micro-enterprise growth does not result in differing adoption rates. The study also investigates micro-enterprise use of emerging social technologies like instant messaging, chat, blogging, etc. Micro-entrepreneurs’ perceptions of ICT benefits and implications for development are also discussed.