Title: A snapshot of the Portuguese e-banking activity: insights and a conceptual framework to allocate strategic hindrances

Authors: Fernando A.F. Ferreira; Jose M. Monteiro Barata

Addresses: School of Management and Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Santarem, Complexo Andaluz, Apartado 295, 2001-904 Santarem, Portugal; Fogelman College of Business and Economics, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152-3120, USA. ' Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestao, Technical University of Lisbon (ISEG/UTL), Rua Miguel Lupi, 20, 1249-078 Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: It is widely known that the emergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) presents a challenge to financial institutions in terms of providing alternative means of services. However, this progression has its own shortcomings. This paper aims to offer a snapshot of the electronic banking activity in Portugal by highlighting some of the major strategic hindrances faced by the sector|s evolution. Our study also aims to provide a conceptual framework where barriers to the e-banking evolution are allocated into four major categories of strategic hindrances. To determine the practical relevance of our framework, a panel study has been conducted, and the framework|s strengths and weaknesses have also been discussed.

Keywords: banking services; electronic banking; e-banking; strategic hindrances; Portugal; banks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2011.042544

International Journal of Electronic Business, 2011 Vol.9 No.3, pp.238 - 254

Published online: 16 Sep 2011 *

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