Entrepreneurial success, using online social networking: evaluation

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of online social networking by entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf. Design/methodology/approach -A descriptive research is conducted by interviewing a number of entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf who use online social networks as a method of promoting their products. Findings -It is found that social networking is a cheap and easy method of advertising and gives all entrepreneurs a better chance of reaching their target market and, thereby, in succeeding in their ventures. Social implications -With the rise in the use of social networking, entrepreneurs can now target their markets using online social networks. Social networking web sites allow businesses to introduce their products to specific market segments, with low expense, and with a low chance of failure. This rising phenomenon of web-based social interaction can change the way businesses operate in future. Originality/value -The paper explores the possibilities of entrepreneurial success with this new element, in electronic media, within integrated marketing communications.

A Conceptual Review of Social Media Adoption in SMEs

“…Mainly within this decade, such change is happening continually and rapidly, thus urging the need for updated studies and research to help organizations understand and effectively react to these changes and challenges [9]. One of the most important global changes is the use of SM to achieve the business goals and objectives of maintaining sustainable productivity and competitive advantage [10][11][12].…”

“…political or social) [15]. to the rapid diffusion of SM globally [11,16] as well as the continuing rise in penetration and access rate of social media [17,18]. SM is a widely spread phenomena, however the adoption of SM as part of businesses is still surprisingly slow [19].…”

“…A clear understanding of how SMEs in particular can gain SM advantages and benefits and avoid and overcome SM disadvantages and barriers is important [17,18]. This study therefore focuses on SM adoption in SMEs and perceives its use as a powerful source and significant factor in improving SMEs performance and productivity [10][11][12][20][21][22].…”

SMEs' adoption of e-commerce using social media in a Saudi Arabian context: a systematic literature review

“…The existing literature can be divided in to six main themes ( see figure 2): studies which identified factors that affect consumer adoption of e-commerce (29%)(Al-Maghrabi and Dennis, 2012; AlGhamdi and Drew, 2012; ALMowalad and Putit, 2013), studies identifying factors that affect organizations to adopt e-commerce (26%) (Al-Somali and Sabah, 2012; AlGamdi et al, 2013), Studies identified ICT adoption (26%) (Al-Harby et al, 2008;Al-Shohaib et al, 2009;Alshehri and Drew, 2010), Studies Identifying factors that affect SMEs to adopt e-commerce (17%) ( Merdah and Sadi, 2011;Almoawi et al, 2011;Adaileh, 2012;Bahaddad et al, 2012;Bahaddad et al, 2013), and only two academic studies Identifying factors that affect the use of social media to adopt e-commerce. Indrupati and Henari (2012) evaluated the effectiveness of online social networking by entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf, and Al-Mowalad and Putit (2012) presented research designed to propose a conceptual framework extended from the advanced Theory of Acceptance Model (TAM). The framework made it possible to examine social media effects, and perceived risk and the moderating effects between intention and actual online purchase.…”

Consumers’ Perceptions of Social Commerce Adoption in Saudi Arabia

“…The framework aims to examine social media effects and perceived risk as the moderating effects between purchasing intention and an actual online purchase in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, [17] evaluated the effectiveness of online social networking by entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf including Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. The research used a qualitative approach by interviewing a sample size of 50 business entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf who used online social networks as a method of promoting their products.…”