An Empirical Investigation of Factors Affecting Electronic Commerce Adoption among SME's in Greece

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the drivers and barriers faced by small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) in Greece in the adoption of electronic commerce (EC).  The study adopts the case study method of analysis documenting the adoption experiences of four SME owner managers from different companies operating in different industries.  A research model is proposed suggesting innovation, technological, organizational and environmental issues which have been found in previous research to affect the adoption process.  Implications from the analysis and recommendations for the improvement of EC development are presented as well as a path for future research.  The study is important since it provides empirical evidence and a theoretically grounded understanding of EC level of adoption, it documents and analyses the important adoption drivers and barriers, and offers recommendations on the implementation of EC development to the SME manager owner.