Barriers to E-Commerce Adoption in Syria: An Empirical Detection

Abstract

The number of Internet users in the world has been mounted over the years. By the end of 2011, more than one-third of the population was online, i.e., 2.3 billion people, and this growth has provided the impetus and the opportunities for global and regional e-commerce. However, all countries are not likely to benefit equally from the virtuous circle of Internet diffusion created by globalization and multiple revolutions in information and communication technologies. The e-commerce can reduce the economic disparity between the developing and developed countries. Despite the promises made by various international organizations, the developing countries are encountering difficulties in realizing the benefits of e-commerce. It is argued that many factors are still confound and challenging the adoption of e-commerce. In order to derive the benefits of e-commerce, region specific /country specific diagnosis of the associated factors and barriers leading to the problem is an immense necessity. Keeping in view the various initiatives undertaken by the Syrian government viz., E-Signature Legislation Project, Intellectual Property Protection Project and the National Programme for Promoting Information Technology Initiatives etc.; and considering the multifaceted issues relating to e-commerce in Syria viz., formation of contracts, cyber contracts, validity of e-transactions, dichotomy of offer and invitation to treat, mutual mistake, identity of parties etc, a study on e-commerce adoption in Syria is fascinating academic focus. Hence, the paper is an attempt to detect the main barriers to e-commerce in Syria.

Analysis of Factor Affecting e-Commerce Potential of any Country using Multiple Regression

“…These characteristics and practices act as cognitive barriers to adoption of online business (Kshetri, 2007). For example, the difficulties encountered in returning of sold goods (Ahmed and Hasan, 2016) create distrust among buyers. In addition, there is a severe lack of brand awareness of online firms.…”

“…Education and literacy level of entrepreneur of SMEs interested in conducting their business through internet also effect the growth of e-commerce (Kyobe, 2008). Taiwan government has managed to become leaders of B2C through the used technical oriented literature and scholarships which have equipped their citizen for better diffusion of e-commerce in the country (Ahmed and Hasan, 2016). On the contrary, low level of education of entrepreneurs can affect their ability to handle technology and make them more prone to cyber-attacks (Kyobe, 2008).…”

“…However, the role of a stable political and economic system; and an effective legal system is essential for growth of e-business. Ahmed and Hasan (2016) noted that many countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand etc have used tax reliefs to encourage entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to start business. Contrary to this, various policies and red tapes regarding starting e-commerce have badly hurt Arab countries in online ventures.…”

“…In spite of its importance, incorporation of e-commerce in a country is gradual, evolutionary process and this process is affected by economic, socio-cultural, political and legal factors of that country (Hariharaputhiran, 2012;Rogers, 1995). However, a review of the extant literature in the field of e-commerce suggests that most of the studies have been limited to a single country (Ahmed and Hasan, 2016;Jalava and Pohjola, 2008;Jehangir et al, 2011;Kutlu andÖzturan, 2008;Quayle, 2002;Samadi et al, 2015;Wong, 2003;Zafar et al, 2014) and individual factors have been considered in it (Blythe, 2008;Fianyi, 2016;Kyobe, 2008;Litondo and Ntale, 2013;Toraskar and Lee, 2006). Most of the studies have focused on technical factors such as information system, cyber security, marketing and business models (Jehangir et al, 2011).…”

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“…In spite of its importance, incorporation of e-commerce in a country is gradual, evolutionary process and this process is affected by economic, socio-cultural, political and legal factors of that country (Hariharaputhiran, 2012;Rogers, 1995). However, a review of the extant literature in the field of e-commerce suggests that most of the studies have been limited to a single country (Ahmed and Hasan, 2016;Jalava and Pohjola, 2008;Jehangir et al, 2011;Kutlu andÖzturan, 2008;Quayle, 2002;Samadi et al, 2015;Wong, 2003;Zafar et al, 2014) and individual factors have been considered in it (Blythe, 2008;Fianyi, 2016;Kyobe, 2008;Litondo and Ntale, 2013;Toraskar and Lee, 2006). Most of the studies have focused on technical factors such as information system, cyber security, marketing and business models (Jehangir et al, 2011).…”