Wireless Business And The Impact On Firm Performance: The Strategic Move To Adopt A New Technology

Abstract

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is receiving increased attention due to the vast potential it presents for rural and underserved settings. Successful adoption of new technology, in particular mobile commerce, can serve as a catalyst for improving quality of life and reducing the digital divide. Adoption of new technology is dependent upon variables such as: organizational culture, business strategy, as well as their surrounding environment. Hypotheses that investigate the relationships between the above variables and business performance in the context of the new technology adoption process are formulated. A sample of small and medium-sized businesses from the American Midwest that adopted, or are in the process of adopting, wireless technology is used to test these hypotheses. The methodology, results, and managerial implications are discussed.