The Potential of E-Commerce for Remotely Located SMEs

Abstract

This is a report on research carried out to identify the barriers to adoption, and opportunities that e-commerce offers for SMEs in the small island country of Samoa. The issues faced by SMEs in Samoa are relevant for all remotely located SMEs in both the developing and the developed world. The chapter will improve knowledge of the issues faced by SMEs wanting to adopt e-commerce, the driving forces that impact on the adoption of e-commerce, and the factors that are currently inhibiting the adoption of e-commerce. Diffusion of Innovation theory was used to understand the behavior of SMEs that led to their decision to adopt e-commerce.