Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in Rural Small Businesses: Antecedents and Consequences of Technology Adoption

• In Event: Breakfast with Roundtable Forum
  In Paper Session: Table 2 Field Study and Case

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is a dynamic way to increase business functions and can help drive businesses to new operating levels. Although ICTs are most commonly used by large and medium enterprises there are great advantages for small businesses as well. The cost and implementation of ICTs can be difficult for small businesses especially new businesses that have only been operational for less than two years, but with correct implementation this can dramatically change the outcome of the business and its future goals. There are obvious advantages and benefits of ICTs and this is evident through the successful implementation exhibited by large corporations and also through the findings in literature review throughout Canada and the world. There is an obvious lag from small businesses especially in rural areas to adopt ICTs for some reason and this is evident through many studies. This paper presents the findings of the use of ICTs by rural SMEs. The objectives of this paper are to identify needs and opportunities of the deployment of ICTs and to determine attitudes towards developing an effective means of communication between local businesses. The results indicate that usage of ICT by rural SMEs is limited deployment of internet to gather information. It also found that the ICT usage can be positively predicted by company size, ownership and age.

Author

• Kalinga Jagoda, University of Guelph