E-commerce adoption in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asia: a study of the early stages of e-commerce uptake

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E-commerce diffusion has had tremendous success stories in large businesses; however, organisational theories that are applicable to large businesses may not necessarily fit with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the same way. This study identifies major factors at macro and micro levels that hindered SMEs' participation in e-commerce adoption in Asia during the early stages of e-commerce uptake over the period 1999–2001. Although, the study is limited to Asia, and is therefore limited in size and scope, the results could contribute to better understanding of the hindering factors in e-commerce adoption as they relate specifically to the business environment of SMEs.