Women business owners’ adoption of information and communication technology

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the uptake and usage patterns of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by women small business owners (SBOs). Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 women SBOs who were recruited through purposeful sampling methods. Interview data on communication technologies participants used were broken down into six main categories: internet search, internet advertising, online transactions, telephone, email and fax. Participants were also asked questions regarding proximity between them and different business contacts, and whether technology influenced how they communicated with these individuals. Findings All participants had moved up from having a basic website to transacting goods and services online. ICTs were used to acquire tangible and intangible resources as well as for informal learning. Geographical distance between SBOs and individuals within their business and convenience of ICT failed to affect participants’ preference for face-to-face communication with key business contacts. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations that tend to be commonly found in exploratory studies, such as a small sample size. However, the findings lay the groundwork for future quantitative studies that examine the potential influence of other factors, such as gender and culture, on adoption of ICT by SBOs. Originality/value This study responds to a call for research that develops a more nuanced understanding of how women SBOs use ICTs in their business. The findings can be used by policymakers and development agencies in their teaching and training interventions.

Keeping up the pace of digitalization in small businesses–Women entrepreneurs' knowledge and use of social media

“…Overview of theoretical framework IJEBR 27,2 focus on issues related to women entrepreneurs in future studies (cf. Ahl, 2006;Henry et al, 2016;Minniti, 2010;Pettersson, 2012;Sharafizad, 2016;Sharma, 2018). Issues of stereotyping and prejudice appear in existing research such as: Marlow and McAdam (2013) who argue that "women-owned businesses often are described as under-performing because there is a general expectation that they will be so" (p. 119) and the need for increased reflexive criticism on assumptions on gender and small businesses.…”

“…This is also stated in Duran-Sanchez et al's (2019) study of trends and changes of entrepreneurship research stating that the field of women entrepreneurship has fluctuated over time and now undergone a renaissance (p. 1510). Research on women entrepreneurs hence need to address and add contemporary issues and new dimensions (Duran-Sanchez et al, 2019), such as women entrepreneurs' use and adoption of ICTs and social media to establish and develop businesses (Kaplan and Malach-Pines, 2010;Rajahonka and Villman, 2019;Sharafizad, 2016). Dy et al (2017) and Duffy and Pruchniewska (2017) highlight aspects of digital gender inequalities and criticize the idea of the Internet as a neutral platform for entrepreneurs, since gender structures tend to persist in a digitalized context.…”

“…Accordingly, businesses face new competitive dynamics, as digital technology needs to be an integral part of business strategies (Yoo et al 2010;Rajahonka and Villman, 2019). Digitalization is thus a mechanism both for innovation and for entrepreneurship (Nambisan et al, 2019;Sharafizad, 2016) that is of vital importance for local and regional growth (e.g. Audretsch et al, 2006;Minniti, 2010;Minniti and Naud e, 2010).…”

Modelling the strengthening factors for competitive position of apparel retailing in India

“…Information and communication technology (ICT) facilitates the firm to establish communication between interacting parties (Hutt, 1995). It can enhance shoppers’ satisfaction and provide the competitive advantage (Singh et al , 2006), and its tools are used to get tangible and intangible resources (Sharafizad, 2016). The tangible resources are sales and transactions, whereas the intangible resources are information and advice.…”

Exploring Gender Gaps: How Nigerian Micro Business Owners Use Mobile Apps for Business

“…For example, Weber & Geneste [30] focused on the understanding of the perception of business success by men and women. Sharafizad [31] investigated the uptake of ICTs by women who run small businesses. The outcome of the qualitative research affirms knowledge progressions from static webpages to dynamic online transactions, which lays groundwork for examining how women use other ICTs like mobile apps.…”