Factors Affecting Internet and e-Commerce Adoption among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Non-Traditional Exporters: Case Studies of Ghanaian Handicraft Exporters

Abstract

This paper examines the factors that affect Internet and E-commerce adoption among small exporting handicraft firms in Ghana.  Using interviewing, the study presents an in-depth analysis of the cases of two major Ghanaian Handicraft Exporters that have been using the internet in their business operations.  The findings indicate that the internal factors that affected internet and e-commerce adoption of the firms were perceived benefits of the technology from owner/manager characteristics, lack of qualified staff to develop and support e-commerce website from firm characteristics, and limited resources from cost and return on investment. The key external factors affecting the adoption included limited Internet Service Providers (ISP), lack of online payment process, pricing structures, and limited availability of online banking services, power failure, and low competition in the industry. Implications for theory and management have been discussed. The paper contributes to knowledge in internet and e-commerce adoption in developing countries.

Keywords: firm adoption, non-traditional exporters, e-commerce, internet, small and medium-sized enterprise.