Empowering women micro-entrepreneurs in emerging economies: The role of information communications technology

Abstract

Drawing upon the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigated the impact of information communications technology (ICT) on self-efficacy, social capital, and empowerment in the overlooked context of women micro-entrepreneurs. In addition to testing the original TAM constructs of usefulness and perceived ease of use, this research extended TAM to ICT use outcomes. Data were collected from 199 women micro-entrepreneurs in South Africa using an online survey and were analyzed via structural equation modeling. The results suggested that ICT usage decisions were influenced by women's perceptions of ICT ease of use and usefulness. Additionally, ICT usage influence on social capital bridging was moderated by self-efficacy, while ICT usage had a strong direct influence on self-efficacy and social capital bonding. Social capital bridging and bonding and self-efficacy had varying influence on women empowerment measured as goal internalization, perceived control, competence, and impact. These findings were robust even after controlling for potentially confounding variables identified in the literature. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.