Investigation of the Influence of Organisational Internal Factors on e-Business Diffusion in the Small-to-Medium Enterprise (SME) Sector in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of ten selected organisational factors on e-business diffusion. A survey design was engaged, using a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Data was collected electronically through survey monkey platform to reach firms recorded in the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s (ZIMRA) Small and Medium Enterprises  register which was taken as the sampling frame.  A quantitative research design was adopted, using probability random sampling method. Seven hundred (700) questionnaires were e-mailed to owners and managers of the firms and 590 of the 603 returned were usable. The data analysis was based on the demographic information which depicted organisational factors. ANOVA tests were carried out to determine the factors that were significant in influencing the respective firms’ ability to adopt e-business. These were further tested through structural equation modelling (SEM) (AMOS SPSS v26) and goodness of fit tests to reaffirm their significance. Overall, the study concluded that SME characteristics have a significant influence on e-business diffusion in the SME sector in Zimbabwe. The researcher recommended that Government should develop a fully equipped modern national ICT infrastructural network to anchor the internal systems of the SMEs.  They should also provide adequate financial support to enable the SMEs develop the requisite internal ICT systems and training of personnel. The SMEs, on their part, should modernise their operational systems to be in line with the current wave of virtual business models necessitated by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.