Title: An empirical investigation of a usage model of e-commerce technologies in small businesses in New Zealand: theory extension and implications

Authors: Nabeel Al-Qirim

Addresses: College of Information Technology (CIT), United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17555 – Al Ain, UAE

Abstract: This research developed a usage model of Electronic Commerce (EC) technologies. The model hypothesised ten factors as influencing EC usage in Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand (NZ). The research findings indicated that relative advantage, cost, compatibility, size, information intensity of product, competition, pressure from suppliers/buyers and CEO|s involvement play an important role on EC usage. However, support from technology vendors and CEO|s innovativeness did not appear to influence the extent of EC usage in NZ SMEs. The research addresses implications arising from the different factors in relation to theory and to practice.

Keywords: electronic business; e-commerce usage models; small businesses; New Zealand; NZ; survey research; e-business; electronic commerce; SMEs; small and medium size enterprises.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2007.012290

International Journal of Electronic Business, 2007 Vol.5 No.1, pp.42 - 64

Published online: 02 Feb 2007 *

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