Analysis of Explanatory and Predictive Architectures and the Relevance in Explaining the Adoption of IT in SMEs

摘要: Introduction Irrespective of size, contemporary firms' survival and growth amidst stiff global competition depends largely on their ability to exploit the ample advantages Information Technology (IT). (IT) has revolutionized brought exponential changes in every sphere life (Mancini, 2009); thus firms must remain strategic entrepreneurial quest achieve objectives. The competitive environment constantly provides business opportunities, perhaps challenges, that apparently unexploited by SMEs (Ramdani, Kawalek, & Lorenzo, 2009). turns world flat (Israel, 2007), describes interactions between technical social systems (Lee, 2001), offers a wide range functions can be exploited both large corporations SMEs. Essentially, adopting IT infrastructures have potential build enduring customer relationships advantage. Often, exploitation opportunities is hampered or encouraged some social, organizational, economic factors (Chuang, Nakatani, Zhou, 2009; Esteves, Federici, Shiau, Hsu, Wang, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are known highly idiosyncratic complex formation evidenced interpersonal with owner families, friends, other businesses influence corporate behaviors (Beckinsale, Levy, Powell, 2006; Parker Castleman, These explain why bigger organizations differ significantly from information-seeking practices (Ramdani et al., 2009) research findings adoption yet find fruitful applications among (Thong, 1999). This low level diffusion worrisome as it affects development healthy economies. Literature specific theoretical frameworks offer explanatory predictive insights into acceptance organizations. Most them concentrate motivating and/or inhibiting affecting (e.g.; Brown Knewkitipond, Quaddus Hofmeyer, 2007; Roberts Toleman, 2007). Perceived benefits, organizational size readiness, external pressure (Mehrtens, Cragg, Mills, 2001); location, operational supports, cost reduction approval (Holsapple Sena, 2005; Shiau application complexity provider perspective (Grandon Pearson, 2004) major models. Further, new micro-organizational emphasis top management team (TMT) owner-families adoption. Unfortunately, there no one theory does complete justice explaining predicting extent all Recognizing studies terms underlying theories technologies investigated (Chuang 2009), been improved even integrated provide stronger values. Perhaps because researchers' customary inclination technology model (TAM), most existing focused primarily upon reviewing literature instead providing comprehensive review broader issues (Williams, Dwivedi, Lal, Schwarz, Review meta-analysis this nature unravels under-explored issues, selects methods appropriate for investigation (Williams identifies strengths weaknesses pertinent streams, promote discussion critical alternative methodological perspectives. suitability any assessed which they help theorizing artifact. …