BYOD-related innovations and organizational change for entrepreneurs and their employees in SMEs

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits and potential dangers of “bring your own device” (BYOD)-related practices. The paper aims to highlight new risks stemming from BYOD adoption and identifies different security paradoxes arising for entrepreneurs and their employees in the context of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach A theoretical approach is proposed in this paper. As technology is an important driver of organizational change, technological innovations entail new work practices and in turn lead to a twofold “security paradox.” Findings This paper introduces the stakes and issues associated with BYOD-related mobile technologies. Evidence is provided that this phenomenon must be cautiously addressed to not only seize related benefits but also reduce related risks. Avenues for future research are offered to complement this work. Practical implications The main practical interest is to make entrepreneurs of SMEs and their employees aware of the BYOD phenomenon and its related risks and benefits. Originality/value From a theoretical perspective, very little work has been published in the field of management sciences about the benefits and dangers associated with the introduction of BYOD among entrepreneurs and employees in SMEs. Moreover, this study identifies a twofold “security paradox” related to information security that has never been studied in work settings.