Information Technology Infrastructure: A Source of Entrepreneurs’ Economic Challenges

Abstract

This qualitative study involved exploring the meaning of the experiences of entrepreneurs in New York State who faced economic challenges due to rapid changes in the information technology infrastructure. The basis of this research was Laudon and Laudon’s management information theory. The first research question related to the experiences and dynamics of entrepreneurs whose businesses require adequate technological infrastructure, and the second question related to the ways entrepreneurs experience economic challenges due to rapid changes in business technology. Data collection took place through unstructured face-to-face interviews with 20 entrepreneurs in New York State using a purposive sampling method. Analyzing the data helped to develop participants’ experiences into themes. Forty-five percent of participants did not have updated business technology. This study may serve as a catalyst to bring awareness to the effect of technological change on nascent entrepreneurs and may lead to a strategy to provide resources to affected entrepreneurs.