Why one e‐business adoption model won't fit all firm sizes: The case of Lebanon's e‐service industry

Abstract

This study aims to determine the influential factors for e‐readiness among enterprises in developing countries based on their size. Given the well‐recognized value of e‐readiness in promoting e‐business in developing economies, and based on the Perceived e‐Readiness Model that was previously suggested in the literature, the study considered the impact of internal and external factors by firm size on the adoption of e‐business. Survey data were collected from 276 Lebanese senior managers operating in the e‐service industry, and a multiple discriminant function analysis was used to determine whether a set of variables is effective in predicting the e‐readiness of enterprises in two size categories, that is, large and small to medium enterprises. The study observed that the factors that influence enterprises' e‐business adoption vary depending on the firm's size and that one adoption model does not fit “e‐service firms” of different sizes. Large enterprises are more influenced by managers' commitment and the e‐readiness of supporting industries than their smaller counterparts. The research findings will be of interest to managers, policymakers, and academics in the e‐services industry.

Barriers to e‐commerce adoption: evidence from the retail and food and beverage sectors in Malaysia

“…The Organisational dimension examines firm‐level resources in affecting the adoption process. SMEs take into account their size, comparative advantage in terms of digital knowledge, and readiness in terms of financial, human resources, and digital knowledge before making decisions to adopt e‐commerce (Kurnia et al 2015; Safari et al 2015; Seng et al 2016; El Rassi 2019; Abed 2020). Past studies have also shown that one of the major barriers to e‐commerce adoption in Malaysia is the lack of human resources and institutional readiness in operating e‐commerce (Syed et al 2008).…”

Digital development for a progressive networked society

“…The final paper in this issue entitled “Why one e‐business adoption model won't fit all firm sizes: The case of Lebanon's e‐service industry” is authored by Mary Ann Barbour El‐Rassi (2020). ICT adoption and e‐readiness are critical challenges that the developing world must address for them to become competitive in an increasingly globalised world.…”

“…As if the country‐specific challenges are not enough, each domain presents its own peculiar challenges. For instance, at the organisational level, these challenges will vary by sector, organisational culture and by firm size as El‐Rassi (2020) discusses in this issue using a Lebanese case study.…”

Virtualization Process of Learning in a Developing Country

“…Lebanon is considered as a role model in business and has a high level of education (Gordon, 2016). Therefore, the Lebanese case in this domain could offer an inspiring example for the e-learning diffusion in other developing countries, especially that it had encountered many difficulties recently after the 2019 revolution that was a result of a deterioration in its economy, infrastructure facilities (electricity which is a must for online use, internet availability etc…) the difficulties which makes it a practical choice for evaluating e-learning in developing countries and particularly in the Middle East ( El Rassi, 2018;El Rassi, 2019;El Rassi ,2020).…”