Differences in ICT use by entrepreneurial micro-firms: evidence from Zambia

Tang, Y. K. and Konde, V. (2020) Differences in ICT use by entrepreneurial micro-firms: evidence from Zambia. Information Technology for Development, 26(2), pp. 268-291. (doi: 10.1080/02681102.2019.1684871)

Abstract

Micro-firms are important for creating jobs and income in developing economies, but these firms face significant constraints, some of which could be ameliorated through ICT. However, it remains unclear which specific ICT uses are intensively employed by different entrepreneurial micro-firms. Notwithstanding external constraints, we examined differences in ICT use by comparably sized micro-firms operating in the same environment that exhibit different entrepreneurial attributes (proactiveness, innovativeness, risk-taking, and growth orientation). Using data from Zambian micro-firms, our findings demonstrate that the four entrepreneurial attributes have a positive yet different influence on three individual categories of ICT use: information and network access; online transaction and interaction; and in-house operations. Indirectly, we pinpoint which ICT applications will likely benefit entrepreneurial firms. Our findings could help researchers and policy-makers to target specific categories of ICT use that drive firm growth and nurture the desirable business behavioral orientations for deploying technology in business.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The survey for this work was partially funded by the British Academy Small Reserch Grant [grant number SG121373] and Adam Smith Research Foundation (ASRF) Seedcorn Fund.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tang, Dr Yee Kwan
• Authors: Tang, Y. K., and Konde, V.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Journal Name: Information Technology for Development
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0268-1102
• ISSN (Online): 1554-0170
• Published Online: 01 November 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Informa UK Limited
• First Published: First published in Information Technology for Development 26(2):268-291
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
168180		Facilitating Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Study of the Effectiveness of Electronic Business Platforms.	Yee Kwan Tang	British Academy (BRITACAD)	SG121373	BS - Management