COVID-19 IMPACT ON E-COMMERCE USAGE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIAN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to investigate the COVID-19 impact on e-commerce usage in the Malaysian healthcare industry through the Technological, Organizational, and Environmental (TOE) model. Methodology: This is a quantitative online survey-based research. The questionnaires are distributed among 100 samples from a healthcare provider, namely doctors, hospital management, medical assistant nurses, and medical supplier, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia. The sample comprised 45% male and 55% female. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 25 and PLS-SEM 3.0 to examine the relationship between variables and to test the hypotheses. Main Findings: The finding reveals that organization readiness, e-commerce knowledge, and supply chain integration have a significant positive impact. In contrast, IT infrastructure and external pressure have an insignificant effect on e-commerce usage. Applications of the Study: The benefits obtained from this study can be used to empower e-commerce usage in the healthcare industry of Malaysia. Also, it will enhance the quality of services hence advancing the healthcare services and operations. Novelty/Originality of the Study: The combined effect of the TOE and DOI theory on e-commerce usage for the healthcare industry to contribute to the literature.