A Comparison of Web Site Adoption in Small and Large Portuguese Firms

Abstract

This study compares the impact of different Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) factors on the web site adoption decision in small and large firms. A survey that was undertaken by the National Institute of Statistics on the use of Information Technologies (IT) by firms in Portugal was used as the empirical basis for this study. We found significantly differences in the factors that determined web site adoption decision in small and large firms. While large firms are mainly influenced by organizational and environmental factors, small firms are also concerned about the technological context. Moreover, the results of our study suggested that, for Portuguese firms, the only factor that is equally important as web site facilitator is competitive pressure.