The Impact of Adoption and Usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Selected Manufacturing and Business Firms in Zambia

摘要

This study was aimed at investigating the impact of adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on selected manufacturing and business firms in Zambia.This study was exploratory innature, hence, a cross sectional approach was undertaken to measure firms’ responses regarding adoption of ICTs. The diffusion theory of innovation was used as a theoretical framework to understand the phenomenon of ICT adoption. A packet of 70 questionnaires, was sent to randomly selected organisations from mining, banking and finance, manufacturing and processing, education, professional management, IT related service and advertising sector using stratified random sampling method. The research findings reveal that common ICTs such as computers and internet have high usage among firms. However, the use of high-technology ICTs is still moderate and there is need for more effort from all stake holders to focus on stimulating accelerated ICT adoption. The results also shows that Zambia’s manufacturing industries could rebrand and increase productivity, improve their profit margins and contribute effectively to the economy if they adopt more ICTs in their businesses. In this regard ICTs serve as a means of increasing productivity and efficiency. The study therefore, recommends that awareness be increased on the importance of ICTs amongst firms. In addition, company owners should be encouraged to train their employees in ICTs usage. Innovators should develop specific ICT systems that benefit firms in their areas of expertise. Firms must be encouraged to adopt and use ICTs in carrying out their businesses.