Title: Electronic data interchange adoption from technological, organisational and environmental perspectives

Authors: Sai Leong Lee; Sulaiman Ainin; Shahin Dezdar; Hisham Mallasi

Addresses: Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Department of Operations and Management Information Systems, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: This study empirically examines determinants of electronic data interchange (EDI) adoption. The research model for this study was developed based on factors that influence EDI adoption including technological factors (benefits, costs, risks, security, complexity), organisational factors (size, top management support, IT capability, internal championship, compatibility), and environmental factors (external pressure, inter-organisational trust, critical mass, legal/policy framework). This study is the first to conceptualise an integrated relationship between EDI) adoption, technological factors, organisational factors, and environmental factors in one model. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to EDI adopters in Malaysia and in total, 284 responses were collected and analysed. The findings show that inter-organisational trust, external pressure, costs, and size of adopting companies have significant impact on EDI adoption. The study provides a clear understanding of manager's perception about EDI adoption in their businesses. EDI adopting firms and managers could gain an understanding of the complexities inherent in EDI adoption to avoid barriers and increase the likelihood of achieving desired benefits. Besides, this study is important in a global context, as companies in Malaysia are going for exporting their product in the global marketplace.

Keywords: electronic data interchange; EDI adoption; technological factors; organisational factors; environmental factors; Malaysia; benefits; costs; risks; security; complexity; firm size; top management support; IT capability; internal champions; compatibility; external pressure; inter-organisational trust; critical mass; legal framework; policy framework; information technology; managerial perceptions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2015.068166

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2015 Vol.18 No.3, pp.299 - 320

Published online: 28 Mar 2015 *

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