Factors Affecting Entry-Level Internet Technology Adoption by Small Business in Australia: An Empirical Study

Abstract

The adoption of Internet technologies by the small business sector is important to their on- going survival. Yet, given the opportunities and benefits that Internet technologies can provide it has been shown that Australian small businesses are relatively slow in adopting them. This paper develops a model from recent literature on the facilitators and inhibitors to the adoption of Internet technologies by small business. Cross-case analysis of findings from three case studies are presented which indicate that perceived lack of business benefit, mistrust of the IT industry and lack of time are the main inhibitors to Internet adoption