Introspective reflections: organisational dimensions affecting the adoption and diffusion of e-commerce in SMEs

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for studying internal barriers hindering the adoption of e-commerce in Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It starts by conceptually defining e-business and e-commerce and their relationship to SMEs. Factors motivating SMEs to adopt e-commerce are reviewed, along with barriers to such adoption. The barriers are then divided into external and internal. A conceptual framework for studying internal barriers is suggested where internal barriers are considered from a four dimensional perspective depending on whether they relate to Structural, Cultural, Political or Resource barriers facing SMEs.