Title: A theory grounded framework of information behaviour of SMEs on emerging information communication technology adoption decision-making

Authors: Sunday Chinedu Eze; Sulaimon Olatunji; Vera C. Chinedu-Eze; Henry Inegbedion; Adenike Bello

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria ' Business Graduate School, University of Befordshire, Luton, UK ' Department of Agribusiness, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria ' Department of Business Administration, Landmark University, PMB 1001, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria ' Department of Business Administration, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Nigeria

Abstract: Although studies have made significant efforts to study information behaviour using numerous model and extended ones, many have extrapolated the findings of others as if small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operate in the same way other sectors do. This has slowed down the development of an integrated framework aimed at understanding the information behaviour of SMEs. The paper, examines information behaviour of SMEs by explicitly exploring the determinants of perceived information need for EICT adoption by SMEs, information source selection for EICT adoption by SMEs and factors influencing information sources selection for new ICT adoption by SMEs. Qualitative approach was adopted with the use of unstructured and semi-structured interviews with 20 participants drawn purposeful from Luton directories. The study developed an integrated framework underpinned by the TOE framework and helped identify the critical determinants of perceived information need, information sources selection when the need for EICT arises and factors influencing SMEs information source selection for EICT adoption decision-making.

Keywords: emerging information communication technology; EICT; technology; organisation and environment; TOE; information behaviour; SMEs; ICT adoption; decision-making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2022.122339

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2022 Vol.39 No.3, pp.299 - 327

Received: 13 Mar 2019
Accepted: 06 Jul 2019
Published online: 21 Apr 2022 *

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