Internet-based ICT adoption among SMEs: Demographic versus benefits, barriers, and adoption intention

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the demographic characteristics of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with regards to their patterns of internet-based information and communications technology (ICT) adoption, taking into account the dimensions of ICT benefits, barriers, and subsequently adoption intention. Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire-based survey is used to collect data from 406 managers or owners of SMEs in Malaysia. Findings - The results reveal that the SMEs would adopt internet-based ICT regardless of years of business start-up and internet experience. Some significant differences are spotted between manufacturing and service SMEs in terms of their demographic characteristics and internet-based ICT benefits, barriers, and adoption intention. Both the industry types express intention to adopt internet-based ICT, with the service-based SMEs demonstrating greater intention. Research limitations/implications - The paper focuses only on the SMEs in the southern region of Malaysia. Practical implications - The findings offer valuable insights to the SMEs - in particular promoting internet-based ICT adoption for future business success. Originality/value - This paper is perhaps one of the first to comprehensively investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics of SMEs and the various variables affecting their internet-based ICT adoption intention. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited 1741-0398.