Assessing the Factors Underlying the Adoption of E-Commerce Among B2B SMEs

Abstract

This research examines the key factors of e-commerce adoption by South African and Nigerian B2B SMEs using a multi-perspective model that combines elements in the technological, organisational, and environmental contexts of the firms. Survey data for the research model were randomly collected; 700 were B2B SMEs in South Africa and Nigeria. A partial least squares structural equation model technique using the SmartPLS was applied to validate the measurement model and to assess the theorized relations. Results of the analysis showed that while some factors robustly predict the adoption of e-ecommerce by Nigerian and South African SMEs, other factors exclusively influenced either Nigerian B2B firms' adoption of e-commerce or South African B2B firms adoption of e-commerce. The findings highlight the importance of context-specific understanding of the drivers of e-commerce adoption among B2B firms in emerging African economies. It also outlines practical implications for promoting the adoption of e-commerce among B2B firms.