A technology, organisation and environment framework analysis of information and communication technology adoption by small and medium enterprises in Pietermaritzburg

摘要

Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) has been a majorcontributor to world economic growth. Information and communication technology hasplayed a vital role when it comes to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).In developed countries, SMEs are making use of ICT to support their business functions,although this has not been the case in most developing countries. The GlobalEntrepreneurship Monitor argues that the survival rate of newly established businessesis generally poor, with SMEs in developing countries performing even worse than thestandard survival rates.Objectives: This study aims to investigate the determinants that influence the intention toadopt ICT by SMEs in developing countries using Pietermaritzburg in South Africa as anexample to understand this phenomenon.Method: The study made use of quantitative methods as its fundamental research approach.A total of 227 SMEs in Pietermaritzburg were surveyed using a close-ended questionnaire.The technology, organisation and environment framework was used as a lens to understandthe study, and a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was applied to analysethe data from respondents.Results: The study revealed that the technology context is the most influentialdeterminant with a regression weight of 0.975 and that both technology and organisationcontexts (-0.221) are significant determinants that influence the intention to adopt ICTamongst SMEs in developing countries.Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it is evident that SMEs need to payparticular attention to ICTs that are relevant to them, including the characteristics andresources of the organisation to successfully adopt these technologies.