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Internet Retailing Adoption by Small-to-Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Multiple-Case Study

Author

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  • Matthew K.O. Lee

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Christy M.K. Cheung

    (City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of Internet retailing and the relative novelty and complexity of this phenomenon, very little theory-guided qualitative research has been conducted to improve our understanding of the adoption of Internet retailing project by SMEs. This study presents a theoretical framework for analyzing the adoption of Internet retailing for SMEs. Organizational readiness (IT sophistication, financial resources, and customer readiness), perceived benefits of Internet retailing, and environmental factors are proposed to be the key drivers of adoption of Internet retailing. This research was designed using a qualitative approach through in-depth case studies selected from firms in Hong Kong where there is a proliferation of SMEs. The contextual meaning and practical manifestation of the key adoption factors were captured through the case studies. Our findings provide preliminary support for the proposed research framework, and contribute towards a better conceptual and practical understanding of the main factors driving SMEs to adopt Internet retailing. Contrary to popular belief, customer readiness for Internet shopping was not found to be a significant factor influencing SMEs' decision to adopt Internet retailing.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew K.O. Lee & Christy M.K. Cheung, 2004. "Internet Retailing Adoption by Small-to-Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Multiple-Case Study," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 6(4), pages 385-397, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:6:y:2004:i:4:d:10.1023_b:isfi.0000046379.58029.54
    DOI: 10.1023/B:ISFI.0000046379.58029.54
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Probir Kumar Banerjee & Louis C. Ma, 2012. "Routinisation of B2B E-commerce by small firms: A process perspective," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 14(5), pages 1033-1046, December.
    2. Haneem, Faizura & Kama, Nazri & Taskin, Nazim & Pauleen, David & Abu Bakar, Nur Azaliah, 2019. "Determinants of master data management adoption by local government organizations: An empirical study," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 25-43.
    3. Ghazi A. Al-Weshah & Khalid Al-Zubi, 2012. "E-Business Enablers And Barriers: Empirical Study Of Smes In Jordanian Communication Sector," Global Journal of Business Research, The Institute for Business and Finance Research, vol. 6(3), pages 1-15.
    4. Ma, Darren & Fisher, Richard & Nesbit, Trevor, 2021. "Cloud-based client accounting and small and medium accounting practices: Adoption and impact," International Journal of Accounting Information Systems, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    5. Jafari, Hamid & Nyberg, Anna & Osnes, Tone-Lise & Schmitz, Annika, 2015. "Customization in bicycle retailing," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 23(C), pages 77-90.
    6. Evripidis Lampadarios, 2016. "Critical Success Factors for SMEs: An Empirical Study in the UK Chemical Distribution Industry," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(7), pages 1-67, June.

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