Framework for adoption of information communication technology by small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies

Abstract

Technological evolution has greatly impacted the manner in which businesses are operated. Prominent among the trending forms of technologies is the information and communication technologies (ICTs) that have shaped competitiveness of both large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, some SMEs in developing nations do not appreciate the paybacks of ICT due to lack of knowledge and constraints that follow its investments. This paper offers a conceptual framework for the evaluation of ICT adoption in SMEs. A literature review was undertaken to advance a framework for ICT adoption by SMEs. A number of technology models that include the technology acceptance model (TAM), technology, organisation and environment (TOE), and agent network theory (ANT) models were integrated to develop a framework with SMEs contextual view. The paper incorporates the interactive perspective of organisations and objects (human and events) with technology, organisation, and environment.