Rejuvinating motivations and renewing technology: a quest for electronic endeavor among Malaysian SMEs

Abstract

This paper examines whether Malaysian SMEs are more motivated to renew their existing technologies due to internal proclivity (technological opportunism) or after being pushed by their external environment (institutional pressures). The analysis involved two phases of both qualitative and quantitative techniques. It aims to better understand a much realistic track for management of new technologies among SMEs in Malaysia, compared to their counterparts in matured economies. Malaysian SMEs’ ability to manage and utilize technology which in this case is electronic endeavor determines their survival in creating and sustaining wealth. The results of the interview strengthen the survey’s findings. Unlike SMEs in developed nations which solely have internal motivations to sense and try new technologies, Malaysian SMEs are driven by their external environment.